Last week, Active Stirling hosted one of its largest school events, drawing over 700 enthusiastic pupils to Queen Victoria School.

Organised by the Active Schools team as part of their Active Schools programme, the event featured 495 primary pupils and 243 secondary pupils, representing schools including Dunblane, Cornton, Bridge of Allan, Kincardine in Menteith, Newtown, Drymen, Wallace, Stirling, McLaren, Fairview, Balfron, and Queen Victoria School.

The day proved to be a resounding success, and sunny weather that enhanced the outdoor experience. The Cross-Country event, known for its long-distance running across open terrain, offers both individual and team challenges. Participants are evaluated based on their individual times, while teams compete using a points-scoring system. Engaging in Cross-Country fosters physical and mental fitness, contributing significantly to children's well-being by enhancing stamina and overall health.

The Primary Schools commenced the event with morning races covering a mile each. The top 20 pupils from categories including P6 Boys, P6 Girls, P7 Boys, and P7 Girls qualify to represent Stirling at the Forth Valley Cross Country at Inchyra Park in Falkirk on Tuesday 26 March.

In the afternoon, attention turned to the secondary schools, where students engaged in a 1.8-mile race. The top 10 pupils from each category—S1 Boys, S2 Boys, S3 Boys, Senior Boys, S1 Girls, S2 Girls, S3 Girls, and Senior Girls—also earned the opportunity to represent Stirling at the Forth Valley Cross Country in Falkirk.

Stirling Council’s Provost, Elaine Watterson, graced the event alongside Active Stirling’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Matt Bunnell and Active Stirling Chair, Graeme Fotheringham. Provost Elaine presented the deserving pupils with their medals and certificates, expressing her delight in attending the ceremony.

Thank you to all Stirling Schools for taking part and congratulations to all our Cross Country Athletes – you were amazing! Click on the link below for results.

Stirling Schools Cross Country 2024 Results

There are so many benefits from taking part in sport and physical activity and it was great to see so many of our young athletes taking part in the competitions. I was honoured to be a part of the award ceremony and had a wonderful afternoon. Thank you to Active Stirling for inviting me to this special event and congratulations to all the winners.

Stirling Council’s Provost, Elaine Watterson

Huge congratulations to all our athletes. Having so many pupils and schools participate makes this event special to us. Thank you to all the schools for supporting pupils who attended. Special thanks to Paul O'Shea, Active Schools Co-ordinator at Active Stirling for organising a phenomenal event.

Active Stirling’s Active Schools manager, Angela Hunter

Follow our Active Schools Team on Twitter for more details on all events.

Head over to Active Stirling Facebook page to find Stirling Schools Cross Country photo album.

Active Schools Team