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Cross-country district championships coming to the Battlefords

Sep 30, 2016 | 11:29 AM

John Paul Collegiate II is hosting the Battle West District Cross Country Championships at Finlayson Island on Friday, October 6.

Roughly 200 athletes are expected to participate, ranging from the novice age group (11 and under) all the way to seniors (17).

There is a two km. course and a three km. course on the island, but one of the senior boys races will be six km long, meaning the runners will do a loop.

Cross country co-coaches Kristina Binette and Brenda Miller expect about a dozen runners will compete from JP II, with the hope of qualifying for provincials. This year, Delisle is hosting provincials on October 15.

“If you are grade nine and up, you qualify [for provincials] if you are in the top-10 in your age group,” Miller said. “Unfortunately for grade eights and younger, this is it. This is their final meet of the year.”

Typically, JP II has sent anywhere from three to half a dozen student to provincials, often finishing in the top third.

Miller said even though they rarely medal, getting the experience is vital.

“They are coming up against pretty amazing competition,” she said. “It’s always a good experience. If they don’t do so well themselves in placement, they always see some really amazing athletes so it’s always good for them just to see that – to experience a high quality race.”

The team practices twice a week and has been training on the island in preparation for the district meet. Students are expected to run on their own if they choose not to join the group for practices.

“The ones who have joined us have been quite focused,” Miller said. “They’ve shown dedication for sure.”

Course walk throughs will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, while races start at 4 p.m. There will be a canteen on site selling snacks and drinks.

 

Nathan Kanter is battlefordsNOW’s sports reporter and voice of the Battlefords North Stars.

He can be reached at Nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca or tweet him @NathanKanter11