Organised by the Active Schools team as part of their Active Schools programme, the event featured 495 primary pupils and 243 secondary pupils, representing schools including Dunblane, Cornton, Bridge of Allan, Kincardine in Menteith, Newtown, Drymen, Wallace, Stirling, McLaren, Fairview, Balfron, and Queen Victoria School.
The day proved to be a resounding success, and sunny weather that enhanced the outdoor experience.
The cross-country event, known for its long-distance running across open terrain, offers both individual and team challenges. Participants are evaluated based on their individual times, while teams compete using a points-scoring system.
Engaging in Cross-Country fosters physical and mental fitness, contributing significantly to children's well-being by enhancing stamina and overall health.
The primary schools commenced the event with morning races covering a mile each. The top 20 pupils from categories including P6 Boys, P6 Girls, P7 Boys, and P7 Girls qualify to represent Stirling at the Forth Valley Cross Country at Inchyra Park in Falkirk on Tuesday 26 March.
In the afternoon, attention turned to the secondary schools, where students engaged in a 1.8-mile race. The top 10 pupils from each category—S1 Boys, S2 Boys, S3 Boys, Senior Boys, S1 Girls, S2 Girls, S3 Girls, and Senior Girls—also earned the opportunity to represent Stirling at the Forth Valley Cross Country in Falkirk.
Stirling Council Provost, Elaine Watterson, attended the event alongside Active Stirling’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Matt Bunnell, and Active Stirling’s Chair, Graeme Fotheringham.
The Provost presented the deserving pupils with their medals and certificates and expressed her delight at attending the ceremony.
She said: “There are so many benefits from taking part in sport and physical activity and it was great to see so many of our young athletes taking part in the competitions.
“I was honoured to be a part of the award ceremony and had a wonderful afternoon. Thank you to Active Stirling for inviting me to this special event and congratulations to all the winners.”
Ends
Active Stirling’s Active Schools manager, Angela Hunter added: “Huge congratulations to all our athletes. Having so many pupils and schools participate makes this event special to us. Thank you to all the schools for supporting pupils who attended. Special thanks to Paul O'Shea, Active Schools Co-ordinator at Active Stirling for organising a phenomenal event.”
For results on Stirling Schools Cross Country event and more details on our Active Schools events visit Active Stirling’s website at www.activestirling.org.uk.
