SEVERAL of John Kyrle's best distance runners trialled earlier this month for a chance to represent Hereford District in the County Cross Country Championships in March next year.

In perfect running conditions and wearing new athletics vests, kindly sponsored by FAB Recycling of Cinderford, six John Kyrle athletes came away with medals and 11 athletes will go forward to represent Hereford District on February 6, at the County Finals.

Briony Bishop ran an amazing race to outpace the rest of the field in the Intermediate Girls' competition, winning gold by almost 400m with Bethan Samuel finishing strongly securing third place with Bethan Howells close behind in fourth.

Tom Randall won the Year 7 boys' race with Joe Flannery close behind in second, and Honor Verney ran well to claim 3rd spot in the Year 7 girls' race.

John Kyrle also claimed second place in the Junior Girls team event thanks to a great run from Ella Jones who was first overall beating the Hereford Cathedral athlete in a close run race, ably supported by Alice Hassan, Rebecca Alliston and Isi Andrews, the latter being a whole year younger than the rest of the field.

Hereford Racecourse will be the venue for the County Cross Country Championships on February 6, where the athletes will be hoping to compete for places in the National Cross Country Championships in Blackburn on March 14.