Several of Bourton Roadrunners' juniors are eyeing the county championships after qualifying in a challenging hill climb race.

The Schools District Cross Country Championships took place at Ashley Manor Preparatory School in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, a course known for its steep hill.

To compete, runners must rank among the top 10 at their respective schools.

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The top 12 from the race then qualify for the Gloucestershire County Championships in December.

The next four, as reserves, have a chance to compete if any of the top 12 drop out.

Bourton had runners from the Cotswold, Chipping Campden Schools, and Cheltenham Ladies College participating.

Grace Kay, representing the Cotswold School, has shown remarkable improvement over the past year, easily qualifying for the finals with a commendable seventh-place finish in the year seven girls' category.

Hannah Roddick from the ladies college also performed well, securing an excellent sixth-place finish in the year eight and nine girls' race.

Pippa and Chloe Krzywiec, both from the Cotswold School, also competed in the same race.

Despite limited recent training, both girls performed commendably.

Pippa finished 13th and has secured a place as first reserve for the finals.

Chloe, however, suffered a stitch during the race and dropped down the field.

In the year eight and nine boys' race, the club had three participants: Joe Shaylor from Chipping Campden School, and Will Harvey and Jake Rowlands from the Cotswold School.

Despite a foot injury hampering his training, Shaylor finished in 14th place, while Rowlands, who recently joined the club, finished in 16th.

Both boys have a chance of making the finals as a reserve.

Harvey, despite not being able to train regularly due to other commitments, finished in 22nd place.

Tom Harvey and Liam Kay, both from the Cotswold School and triathlon runners, competed in the year 10 and 11 boys' race.

Harvey, having recently recovered from Covid, finished in 14th place with a chance of making the finals.

Kay, pacing himself and overtaking runners throughout the race, finished fantastically in third place.

Both runners can be proud of their feat, given both boys are only in year 10.