Loreto Preparatory School’s champion cross-country runners don’t so much have twinkle toes as a gritty determination to win, whatever the weather.
The young runners from the leading Altrincham school dominated the Independent Schools’ Association’s Northern regional championships in a weather-battered Rochdale before going on to represent the region at the national finals in Warwick.
Ella Gillespie turned on the throttle to come first in the under-11 event at Rochdale, with Aisling McHale finishing on her heels in second place.
Tough cookie Orla Gregory then came third in the under-12 event on what was a mud-soaked course with a series of hills and leg-sapping blustery conditions.
Also selected for the Northern team were the fleet-footed sisters Amira and Zahrah McWilliams and the stylish Katie Budd.
Jan Brett, head of PE at Loreto Prep, said: “We have some tremendously supportive parents but must also thank a whole host of wonderful local athletics clubs who build on what we do in school to develop these young talents both mentally and physically.”
Pictured (l to r): Ella Gillespie, Orla Gregory, Zahrah McWilliams, Katie Budd, Amira McWilliams and Aisling McHale
