FARNHAM Park was awash with colour as schoolchildren set off at an impressive pace for the Farnham and District Schools Cross Country competition.

The rain held off as 457 children representing 14 schools were cheered to the finish line by parents and friends.

Emma Dawson, PE lead at St Peter’s, said: “This is the first year St Peter’s have organised the event. We had more than 40 members of staff at the park so everything went to plan.

“I’d also like to thank St John Ambulance for supporting the event and St Polycarp’s for showing us the ropes, after running it for over 15 years.

“It’s a fantastic event which really is for everyone. While we have some very talented and competitive runners taking the lead positions, it’s really about each child’s personal best, so it is very inclusive and gives out a strong message on physical health.”

Results:

Girls’ individual: 1 St Peter’s, 2 South Farnham, 3 South Farnham.

Girls’ team: 1 South Farnham, 2 St Polycarp’s, 3 St Peter’s.

Boys’ individual: 1 South Farnham, 2 Holly Lodge, 3 St Peter’s.

Boys’ team: 1 South Farnham, 2 Waverley Abbey, 3 St Polycarp’s.

The overall Bell Cup was won by South Farnham, with St Polycarp’s second and Waverley Abbey third.

The next cross-country event will take place in May.