Jack powers on for win in cross-country

WELL CLEAR: Jack Hunter on his way to a national title win in Blenheim last week. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Carterton School pupil Jack Hunter showed his rivals a clean pair of heels in the Year 5 boys event at the national inter-regional primary school cross-country championships held at Wither Hills Farm Park, Blenheim, last week.

Hunter, 10, led most of the way over the two-lap course and his time of 7min 46s for the 2000m gave him a 3s margin over runner-up Fenlon Bayley with Nathaniel Graham third in 7.59.3. Hunter, Bayley and Graham were all representing Wellington A so, not surprisingly, they made a one-horse race of the team's event.

Their 11 points placed them well clear of Canterbury A on 31 and Wellington B on 47.

His front-running tactics were nothing unusual for Hunter. Among those watching was his mother, Kirsty, who said it was customary for her son to set the pace.

"Distance running seems to suit him, he goes out fast and never seems to slacken off. I guess he's a bit of a natural really."

All told 330 Year 5 to 8 pupils contested the championships and Wellington retained the Phil Costley Shield for the most successful team. They scored 42 points with Canterbury second with 39, followed by Tasman 27 and South Canterbury 14. All eight divisions were won by runners representing either Wellington or Canterbury.