WITH the course at Newport’s Seaclose Park unable to recover from heavy overnight rain, the 172 youngsters who took part in the fifth annual Isle of Wight Junior Cross-Country Championships found it quite a challenge to keep their footing.

Most of the Island’s primary schools supported the event, with high entry numbers particularly from Northwood, The Bay, Gurnard and Newchurch.

In spite of bad weather, the youngsters who took part had fun slipping and sliding around the course.

The fastest boy and girl were Scott Fossa (Hunnyhill) in 7mins 35 secs, and Matilda Brown (Arreton), in 8.37.

Trophies for the first three in each age group and medals, given to all runners, were presented by Ryde Harriers athlete, Charlie Metcalfe.