Six Banbridge Academy runners who had qualified from the Co Down District Championships recently competed in the Ulster Championships which were recently held at the City of Belfast playing fields in Mallusk.

Ellie Cousins (Year 8) had a great first championship representing the Academy, running strongly on a sticky course to finish in a very commendable 16th place in the Mini Girls’ race. In the Mini Boys’ race Charlie Tumilty finished 34th and Luke McGerrigan finished 37th in a very competitive field of nearly 150 runners. Kian Moran also performed well in the tough conditions in the Junior Boys’ race to claim 23rd spot and in the final race of the day, Lucy Bradshaw battled the conditions to claim 25th place in the Senior Girls’ race. Unfortunately, Simon Ferris was unable to race in the Inter Boys’ due to other sporting commitments.

While few in numbers, this was still a really strong showing from the Academy athletes on a cold and difficult day and they all should be commended for their excellent performances.