DESPITE extreme wet weather conditions, around 100 Wee County pupils took part in this year's Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships.

The event was run by Clackmannanshire Council's Sport and Leisure Team at the West End Park in Alloa on October 5.

From across S1 to seniors, 93 pupils entered and despite the wet conditions, the course was able to cope with the event.

All ran the 1.5-mile route around the park with medals going to the top three girls and boys in each year group.

The pupils came from each of the three public secondary schools in the Wee County and the top placed athletes will represent Clackmannanshire at the regional Forth Valley Cross Country Event next March, again to be hosted at the West End Park.

Kirsty Wilson, organiser from the sport and leisure team, and Active Schools co-ordinator, said: “I would like to congratulate each runner for their outstanding effort and dedication at the event.

“Many thanks goes to all the schools staff and parents for preparing and supporting the runners for the event.

“Thank you to all the sport and leisure staff and volunteers who supported the preparation and running of the event.”

The team is preparing to run the same event for primary school children on November 16.

Robbie Stewart, the senior manager for sport and leisure at Clackmannanshire Council, attended the event and assisted with medal presentations.

He said: “Well done to all the young people that competed in the Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships.

“It was great to see the effort and determination from all of the competitors and how well the pupils and school staff supported each other along the route despite the challenging weather conditions.

“It was great to be part of such a great event organised by our fantastic Sport and Leisure Team.

“Sport and leisure are so important for people's physical and mental wellbeing.

“Plans are progressing at pace for the new wellbeing hub which allow us to do even more which is hugely exciting for the people of Clackmannanshire."