For pupils, teachers, volunteers and parents in Pembrokeshire, all roads led to a new venue for the 2019 Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships.

Having been held at Oakwood Theme Park in recent years, the event moved to Carew Airfield .

In its 29th year, it was organised by the Pembrokeshire Harriers in partnership with Sport Pembrokeshire. Organiser Pete Freeman has been involved in the very first race in 1990. 

Races were open to anyone in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Primary School age an all eight races saw more than 130 cross finish, with the biggest turnout coming in the year 3 and year 4 categories. It was the year 3 children who got the action underway before year 4, 5 and year 6 age groups followed.

Approximately 30 schools were represented and between the eight races, a total number of 1,235 children finished and crossed the line, making it one of the biggest turnouts since the event began.

Runners were in good company, led at the front and back by ‘hares’ - middle distance athletes at the Harriers and pupils of Haverfordwest High School, Ysgol Y Preseli and Ysgol Harri Tudur. Also, Ffion Ouseley, James Price, Cian Harries, Eliza Martin, William Harries, Iori Humphreys, Jessica Morris, Ella Wintle, Lucy Wintle and Gracie Griffiths helped with presentations.

Medals and awards were presented to the top ten individuals on completion of the races with team trophies also up for grabs.

Finishing in the top three of the team element in their respective races were Milford Haven, Tavernspite, Cleddau Reach, Templeton, Gelli Aur, Prendergast, Sundersfoot, Fenton, St Teilo’s, Caer Elen, Goodwick, Tenby Church VC and Redhill.

Reflecting on the day Matt Freeman, Active Young People Manager for Sport Pembrokeshire added: “The Primary School Cross Country is established as the flagship schools’ event of the Sport Pembrokeshire calendar and it was a great afternoon of racing. 

“From a Sports Development perspective,we had a chance to speak to the children and parents about athletics opportunities in the county.”

Dyfed has now seen over 2,200 pupils enjoy cross country running in the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire counties in the space of a month at two fixtures.