Round 2 of the Flahavan’s cross country series was held this morning at picturesque Donard park in Newcastle. Despite the rather cold, frosty start to the day in Newtownards, the temperature was a little warmer by the sea and with the sun peaking over the saddle between the two highest Mourne peaks of Donard and Commedagh, it was the most beautiful backdrop that greeted runners as we arrived.

First up were the girls. With the ever-present Logan having been struck down by illness, our remaining girls showed great resolve in their determination to put in great performances. And so it was from the starter’s whistle as the girls packed sensibly in the middle of the pack taking good care not to get too carried away in the first few hundred metres. Finishing the first circuit, Sofia had cruised up into the top 10 and was approaching the top 5. Behind her, sister Lexie was following her footsteps breeching the top 20 and with her sights firmly fixed in front. Not far behind, Charlotte and Niamh ran side by side somewhere between 30th and 40th place with Sophie following just a few footsteps behind again. Rounding into the final lap, Sofia had moved first alongside and then right past the group of runners contesting the top 5- she was now in a clear 2nd place and moving well. As the final lap entered its closing stages a new runner emerged from the pack, catching and passing Sofia. Not to be deterred, Sofia surged past once again in the final 200m to claim an outstanding 2nd place. Not far behind, entering the final 200m, Lexie was in a large group contesting places from 10th to 20th and making a really determined charge for the line. Charlotte was our third runner home today. Having endured a very challenging start to year with a persistent knee problem, Charlotte has only been training for the last three weeks and already is showing signs of returning to her former fitness. Having shown great strength and resolve to maintain her position to the end, Charlotte has shown that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the latter half of the season. Niamh was our fourth finisher today, not far behind Charlotte. With each passing race, Niamh is showing great determination and improving stamina- the training working well for her. Rapidly closing in on Niamh at the finish, Sophie produced a storming last lap to pass quite a few runners in the closing 200m. With greater racing experience (this is only her second race), Sophie will pace her running even better and show the massive potential she has. Well done to all our girls team!

Our boys took the start line following the completion of the girls’ race. Having travelled down to run, unfortunately Zac took ill before the start of the race and made the sensible decision to withdraw before the race began. From the off, the boys’ race was run at an incredible speed. Danny and Jay appeared first with Aaron right alongside them on the first lap, each of them looking focused and composed, placed somewhere in the mid 30s. Behind them, Alex had taken a very cautious, measured approach but was looking great and moving well. Onto the second lap, Danny had moved clear of his two teammates and was now in 25th position in a very competitive field. A number of strides behind, Jay had moved clear of Aaron and had his eyes fixed on the back of his teammates vest, using it as motivation and a target to aim at. Despite having been ill in the past few days, Aaron was continuing to move well and looking composed having been a little bit chesty on the start line. Alex was now starting to pick up places and had his sights locked on Aaron in front of him. Onto the final lap, Jay made a determined charge to try to catch Danny, but his older teammate was having none of it and fought back hard to maintain his place as the first Castle Gardens finisher. Jay came thundering through to the finish to be our second finisher- another great run. In the final 200m, Alex got his reward for chasing all the way to the line, catching Aaron just before the finish with the latter pushing all the way through to the finish line- a great effort to round off the race. Congratulations to each of our boys for showing great resolve.

As always, thank you to our families who both helped with transport and were also fantastic supporters. We are extremely grateful for your time. The final race of the Flahavan’s series will take place in January at a venue yet to be announced.

Round 1 of this year’s Flahavan cross country series took place in Londonderry Park, Newtownards. Despite mid-November being only a matter of days away, the weather was particularly kind with runners greeted by temperatures just into double digits thus ensuring the ground underfoot was firm too.

Arriving at the park, we were greeted with a two-lap course, each of approximately 500m, to make the total distance 1km. After pinning on our numbers and inspecting the course, we set off on our warm-up to prepare for our respective races. Some light stretching and strides completed we headed off to the start area full of nervous anticipation for the minutes that lay ahead.

First off were the girls with a very strong Castle Gardens showing from the off. Sofia led the way on the fringes of the top ten closely followed by sister, Lexie, and the remaining girls, Charlotte, Logan, Niamh and Sophie, the latter making a cautious start. Completing the first circuit all our runners were moving through the pack with Sofia now well into the top ten and both Lexie and Logan inside the top twenty also. Just behind, Charlotte was just outside the top twenty with Niamh in close proximity and Sophie really starting to carve her way through the field superbly having judged her pacing very well indeed. Approaching the end of the race, Sofia was in an incredible 5^th place with Lexie also now inside the top ten, in a brilliant 9^th place. Logan was very close behind in 12^th with Charlotte (still wrestling a knee injury), Niamh and Sophie all pushing each other all the way to the finishing line. With the finish results yet to be published, this is looking like our best team performance for a number of years with all six of our runners showing great potential and almost all of them being eligible to compete next year also; well done to all the girls!

Our boys, having literally been buoyed up, by the performance of the girls’ team set off with great gusto. Appearing around the first corner, Zac was in 3^rd place with Alex, Danny, Jay, Aaron and Will all packing well and looking comfortable as they headed onto the far part of the course. Rounding the halfway point, Zac had slipped a few places but was holding his own still inside the top ten. Danny had moved ahead of Jay who was now alongside Alex with Aaron not far behind. At this point, Will unfortunately had to drop out. Entering the final stages of the final lap, Zac was in a dog fight for 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th places but looking as determined as I’ve ever seen him. Not far behind, Danny was gaining ground with every stride, his fitness seeing him cut through the field. His strong finishing form was replicated by Jay who also was flying in towards the finish. Just behind, Alex and Aaron were holding their own well against those around them.

As ever, we would like to thank our families for their help on the day with lifts and support. Cross country is a fiercely competitive sport and every bit of support from the sidelines really does help lift our runners. Thank you also to Mr Gray for coming along to support the team! The next race date and venue has yet to be announced so we’ll keep watching with great interest to see where we will be racing next. Well done, Team Castle Gardens!

We returned to the Billy Neill Playing Fields, Dundonald, exactly one week after the Comber Cup, for the N.I and Ulster Age Group Championships. The course for these championships is much more scenic than the previous week taking in a clockwise loop around the beautiful lake and playing fields. This was the first time Castle Gardens had been represented in these championships with Charlotte toeing the line in the U12 girls race over a distance of 1500m- an additional half kilometre added on to the race distance. 

After registering, Charlotte took a look at the course, noting that it was just as hilly as last week but a lot wetter and muddier under foot. Number pinned onto her racing top, it was time for some light stretching and strides before heading to the start pens for the starter's whistle. 

Cross country races are always manic at the start, the pace intense to get a good position into the first corner. The course quickly narrowed down after approximately 100m to a smaller, narrower track so a reasonable start was essential and Charlotte ensured she got one. Heading up the hill behind the treeline, Charlotte was well-placed in the middle of the pack, right in amongst the club runners.

It's been a difficult start to the season for Charlotte with some persistent niggles and injuries but you wouldn't have guessed it today with the composed manner in which she ran. At the top of the hill, the runners turned right and fell down the steep bank to the lakeside, Charlotte doing very well to avoid the distraction of a falling runner right behind her, narrowly missing her ankle. Following the lake, Charlotte stayed on the back of a large pack of girls then entering the snake-like route around the football pitches, begin to pick off runners in front of her one by one. Negotiating a very wet and muddy puddle to climb up the steep bank and complete the lap, Charlotte continued to gain ground on the now single file of girls in front of her. Rounding the final bend, one final hill up the finish remained and Charlotte gave it her all. 

It was a pleasure to watch Charlotte run so well today after all her recent injury niggles. She showed great composure, resilience and fierce determination throughout the race. We are all very proud of her performance today. Very well done, Charlotte.

The next school race is at the County Down Flahavan series on Monday November 11th at Londonderry Park, Newtownards. Before then, the N.I and Ulster Uneven Age Group Cross Country Championships (Under 11 and Under 13 categories) take place at the Finn Valley Centre, Donegal on Saturday 2nd November 2024. Families can submit entries for their children up to the deadline of Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 11:59pm via the link below:

https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/NI-and-Ulster-Uneven-Age-Group--Novice-Cross-Country-Championships-2024

A strong squad of 23 Castle Gardens runners assembled at the Billy Neill Playing Fields between Comber and Dundonald on Sunday 13th October 2024 to take part in the U12 race at the Comber Cup. Organised by Ballydrain Harriers, the races attract strong fields from across the country with runners coming from local clubs, clubs at the opposite end of the county and even from as far away as Mid Ulster. Over 120 runners were registered to take part in the U12 race with boys and girls racing together on the challenging 1 kilometre course. With 24 pupils registered to take part (one withdrawing with illness overnight) we were delighted to have almost exactly 20% of the field representing Castle Gardens. Many of our runners were taking part in their first ever race for school but all were in great spirits as they arrived to register and get numbers pinned onto vests and t-shirts ahead of the race.

After a short walk up onto the course, we proceeded to warm up, taking a look at the route very carefully as we did so. Surprisingly, the ground remained firm despite the recent rain- as firm as I've ever seen it at these particular playing fields- but the hills still remained! After taking a jog to examine the course, our runners proceeded to stretch to help their muscles limber up for what would undoubtedly be a fast pace from the off. As the runners made their way to start line, the adults spread out across the course to offer support and encouragement.

From the top of the hill, there were gasps of jealousy as the marshals and spectators looked on in awe and envy at the frenetic start as the leaders hurtled around the first corner, the field charging after them. "Surely they'll slow down when they hit the hill?" commented one on-looker before quickly realising that the fearlessness of youth meant that this would simply not be the case. At the summit of the hill, Zac appeared first for Castle Gardens, nestled on the fringe of the top 20 places. Not far behind, sister Sofia and Jay were locked in battle with a group of club runners just ahead of Will, Alex, Danny, Charlotte, Lexie, Logan and Elsie. Next came Cody, Caleb, Oscar, Niamh, Travis, Oliver, Silvana and Benjamin just ahead of Avery, Alexa, Mason, Dalian and David. 

Rounding the halfway point and turning for home, the runners had another uphill drag before they could enjoy the long downhill stretch. Zac, a very experienced runner and all-round sportsman, continued to look in command as he headed for home as our first runner. Jay came next, making an excellent debut despite giving away 2 years to many of the competitors around him, closely followed by Sofia. Danny had just moved ahead of Alex, another debutant conceding 2 years to many of his peers, who was still in close proximity and alongside Will. Lexie, Logan, Charlotte, Cody, Caleb and Travis appeared next over the brow of the rise with Charlotte appearing to be limping having twisted her knee while making the turn for home. Oscar led the charge of the next group of Castle Gardens runners with Niamh, Oliver, Elsie, Benjamin, Mason and Silvana doing their best to stay in touch. Avery, Alexa, Dalian and David were our final runners to set off for home down the hill with David producing a particularly excellent charge to close the gap to his friends in front. 

Back at the finish, it was lovely to assemble everyone together for a well deserved chocolate treat and a photograph or two. While the vast majority of our runners today have never raced for school before, we hope this might just be the start of a running journey during their time at school. There are many races ahead during the winter months and our 'School Championships' in January 2025 which incorporates our House Trophy for the winning House Team.

A big thank you is extended to the families of all our participants for supporting Team Castle Gardens. Without your enthusiasm and support, our participation would not be possible. Well done to all our runners for a great effort- there are definitely worse ways to spend a Sunday morning. Thank you also to Ballydrain Harriers for hosting the fabulous event. If any of our children are interested in running more regularly, there are a number of attractive club options on our doorstep with Scrabo Striders, North Down AC, Ballydrain Harriers, Coastal Runners and Loughview Athletic Club all within very close proximity. 

Castle Gardens Results:

36th Zac - 3 mins 15 secs
39th Jay - 3 mins 23 secs
40th Sofia - 3 mins 24 secs
48th Alex - 3 mins 32 secs
49th Will - 3 mins 32 secs
56th Cody - 3 mins 41 secs
59th Lexie - 3 mins 43 secs
61st Logan - 3 mins 44 secs
65th Caleb - 3 mins 51 secs
69th Travis - 3 mins 56 secs
70th Oscar - 3 mins 56 secs
75th Niamh - 4 mins 01 secs
76th Oliver - 4 mins 04 secs
78th Benjamin - 4 mins 08 secs
80th Silvana - 4 mins 15 secs
83rd Mason - 4 mins 27 secs
84th Avery - 4 mins 28 secs
85th Alexa - 5 mins 12 secs
86th Dalian - 5 mins 17 secs
87th David - 5 mins 36 secs

*Danny - Awaiting result
* Elsie - Awaiting Result

January is always a tricky month to host any kind of sporting event; the weather is typically unpredictable outside of the strong chance of rain. Fortunately, the weather forecast was wrong and the rain held off to allow our 2nd House Cross Country Championships to take place in very reasonable temperatures and conditions all things considered.

The children gathered in our courtyard for their briefing, many faces full of anticipation, excitement and maybe even a few full of trepidation too. What transpired was yet another successful event with all participants conducting themselves superbly well and pushing themselves to earn that extra point for their House Team that could make the difference between placings come the final tally. 

First off were the Primary 3 and 4 boys with the pace at a furious speed from the off up the hill and round the front of school. Onto the second lap there was no let up and so it was that last year's champion, Alex H (won as a Primary 3 pupil) retained his title with another impressive front running display. Behind him, a group of 3 runners were packed closely together with Shea McT and Jay McA managing to ensure there were two Mount Stewart representatives on the podium with a very brave Benjamin S just missing out on a medal after runnign a fantastic race for 4th place. Well done to all the competing boys who represented their houses with great determination.  

The Primary 3 and 4 girls were next with last year's bronze medallist, Elsie G, taking on the pace from the off as she ran an aggressive race in her bid for gold. As with the boys race, a pack of 4 soon emerged with Olivia J, Emme G and Silvana K pushing each other in their bids to be on the podium. Onto the playground for the final time, the medals were still up for grabs and it was here that Olivia J made her break coming home to an impressive victory with Elsie G just behind her. Emme G remained strong to just hold off Silvana for the final podium place in what was a thrilling race- well done to all the girls who made their teachers so very proud. 

Our senior boys race was next with last year's runner-up looking to keep the title within the family. A number of the boys in this race have represented the school in competitive competition this year and so we were expecting yet another closely contested race. Yet again, it did not disappoint. As the race entered the middle part of the race, Lukas K was moving away to a comfortable victory. Behind him, however, there was a proper scrap for the other medals with 4 boys in contention. Zac B, just back from illness, was leading the charge with Seth H, Danny W and Logan A all in very close contention. Entering the final lap, you could have covered the four boys with a blanket and it really was nail-biting waiting to see who would emerge first down the hill. As it turned out, Seth and Danny had just managed to edge away from Zac who in turn had put some distance between himself and Logan. A strong finishing Aaron finished in an excellent 6th place. Well done to all the boys who started and completed the course. We were very impressed by the determination shown by everyone to complete the course. 

Arguably the most anticipated race of the day was the Primary 5, 6 and 7 girls race. Our girls have been in good form this year and all taken turns being the most 'in-form' runner so we knew this would be an eye-watering contest. From the off, a quartet of runners (Sophie, Charlotte K, Sofia B and Logan R) formed at the head of the race- three of the girls very highly experienced runners who've trained well this year. Behind them, a pack of 5 girls gave chase including Clara R, Lily M and Lexi B. As the girls entered into the final lap, Charlotte had carved out a small lead of about 5 seconds which she would maintain to the finish to become this year's champion. Behind her, Sofia and Logan had been joined by Lily M who was absolutely charging. Just behind, Sophie and Lexi remained locked in a private battle for 5th and 6th place that would continue right to the final metres. What was once again very obvious was the incredible effort, tenacity and courage shown by all the competing girls. A special mention must also be made to a number of girls who very kindly hindered their own race in support of friends who were finding the course difficult- we were so very proud to see the amazing spirit on display. Well done to all the girls who saw out the distance to earn house points for their team. 

Our final two races of the day were our Foundation Stage Races. Primary 1 and 2 pupils were led round the course by some our older pupils who acted as hares and encouragers. Despite the tender ages of these children, the pace was frantic and what above all else was noteworthy were the mainly smiles on their faces. When they had finished, many of the pupils asked if they could have another race. Perhaps next year's event will have to be a longer course than the 300-400m pupils ran. The boys race was won by Reece B, showing that the entire family are incredibly talented runners. Behind him, Matthew C and Adam L led the charge for the line in what was a very closely packed race. Well done to all the smiling boys who completed the course successfully.

The Primary 1 and 2 Girls Race completed the programme in what was yet another closely contested race. Haley T led the pack home with Poppy K and Meadow McA taking the silver and bronze medal placings. Yet again, the smiling, determined faces proved a real winner with the spectators from older classes with large ripples of applause filling the playground as runners charged home. Well done to all the Primary 1 and 2 girls.

A final word of thanks is extended to all the teaching staff, classroom assistants and our Principal who made sure everything was in place to allow the event to run so smoothly. Our future cross country stars were on display today and the future looks very bright indeed. Well done to everyone. #TeamCastleGardens

We awoke to a sprinkling of snow and frost covering the crowd and couldn't be certain that the third qualifying round of the Flahavan's Cross Country Series at Dunleath Playing Fields was going to proceed. The uncertainty was only heightened by the news that three of our team members had fallen ill over the weekend and we wish Zac, Lily M and Aaron speedy recoveries. After our morning team meeting, we set off for Downpatrick, taking the longer route via Crossgar with diversions in place. The series this year has featured some very 'interesting' courses and today was no different with a little bit of uncertainty until shortly before the start of where the course actually went. The car park at Dunleath Playing Fields was completely full by the time we had arrived but fortunately the leisure centre car park had the sanctuary of both car parking spaces and some very handy permanently installed brushes for cleaning football boots and cross country spikes- a real result! Braving the elements, we wrapped up in our layers and met to warm up. Once more, the races had been split in two with both our boys and girls part of the second series of races. 

Our five intrepid girls lined up at the start, each of them looking relaxed and fiercely determined. The course was remarkable in many ways, chief among them being the length of the grass- perhaps some local cows can be drafted in to remedy this for next year- it certainly was friesian enough (sorry!). As the runners rounded the first bend after the long opening straight, it was our very own Charlotte who was in the lead- an astonishingly bold tactic in the conditions and over the longer course. Behind her, Sofia and Logan were both moving well inside the top 25 places with Ella and Faye slightly further behind having made steadier starts. Half way through the first lap, Charlotte had now been joined by both Sofia and Logan with all three girls around 15th place. Faye meanwhile had moved steadily through the field picking up place after place with Ella doing her best to follow her. On the final lap, our trio of girls continued to trade places with Logan storming away at one point, striking out for home. As the girls turned for the final time, Sofia (19th) found a second wind and charged past Logan (20th) with only 50m to go. Hot on their heels, Charlotte unfortunately began to vomit but was quickly spurred on by both Mum and her Aunt and, being the unbelievable trooper that she is, Charlotte obliged with a final charge to the finish line in 31st place. Faye (56th) was our fourth runner to cross the line today- her progress this year has been remarkable and her fitness has steadily improved with every race. Our fifth runner crossing the line was Ella; another remarkable transformation this year, Ella (63rd) overtook two girls in the final two hundred metres despite being very tired herself- I couldn't possibly have been any prouder of her and the other girls. The girls team finished in 9th place.  

In the boys race, the pace was frantic from the start with the lead runner giving himself quite the motivational speech as he passed Mr Graham for the first time. Lukas and new signing Zac had been superb starts positioned inside the top 10 places and were looking comfortable. Our third runner, Danny, was nestled nicely inside the top 30 places and moving equally well with our final runner, Logan, not far behind. As we'd only four boys running today, each of them knew the importance of ensuring they finished the race strongly with four runners to count towards the team total. At the end of the first lap, Lukas had started to ease away from Zac who was still moving well. Behind him, Danny had continued to carve his way through the field and was on the fringes of the top 20 places. Logan too had responded to the challenge and had followed Danny's path through those in front of him. With only 400m left to run, Zac had managed to keep Lukas in his sights with both boys gaining ground on those in front of them. Rounding the final bend, Lukas stretched away once more nipping in front of a competitor just on the line to finish an excellent 7th place. Zac also held on for a top 10 finish- an excellent Castle Gardens debut. Danny maintained a very strong pace to the finish for an excellent run that saw him finish in 22nd place and only 15 seconds away from a top ten finish; a superb run. Logan's strong final lap saw him maintain a top 50 placing , finishing in a very pleasing 47th place. Thanks to the efforts of the four boys, the team finished in an excellent 4th place. 

Girls Race:
Sofia- 19th
Logan- 20th
Charlotte- 31st
Faye- 56th
Ella- 63rd

Boys Race
Lukas- 7th
Zac- 9th
Danny- 22nd
Logan- 47th

It would be fair to say it was a cold and fairly bleak morning as our cross country team made the journey to Donard Park, Newcastle, for the second round of the Flahavan's Cross Country League. The temperature was significantly cooler than the previous round and it was most unusual course that greeted our runners as we arrived- the entire race being held around 1 football pitch! This meant that children would run 2 and 3/4 laps of the circuit to complete the 1km race distance. If that wasn't unusual enough, the nature of the course meant that the field would split and there would be 2 separate girls races followed by 2 separate boys races! We can only assume that, with finals positions up for grabs, the runners' times will then determine their final finishing positions when the results are combined. 

In the girls race, our 6 competing runners toed the line not disheartened by the cold weather. Our early morning weekend sessions have seen us training in all conditions and on all terrains so it was business as usual for our intrepid girls. Quickly at the front, Sofia appeared just on the fringes of the top 10. Behind her, Charlotte and Lily M were very well packed on the finges of the top 20 and 30 respectively, both girls having great runs. Logan was running her typically well-paced effort, eating up the ground and cutting through the pack with every stride as the race progressed. Our final two runners, Faye and Ella, were encouraging each other on the way round, taking turns to pass one another. Entering the final half lap, Sofia completed the course as the first Castle Gardens runner, looking to just about be inside the top 20- a cracking run from a P5 pupil! Behind her, Charlotte held strong and looked to be just inside the top 30 with Lily M charging home in what looked again like a personal best performance inside the top 40. Logan continued picking up further places all the way to the line with a fantastic late charge that saw her nip past two further girls on the final 100m. Meanwhile Ella, despite visibly suffering with cramp and from cold, gave her all to chase Faye all the way home and round up a great morning's work from the girls team. Well done to all our girls.

As the whistle sounded in the boys race, it was no surprise to find Lukas close to the front, moving well and looking very comfortable. Behind him, Zak had made an excellent start and looked to be just inside the top 20 with Danny closely behind. Slightly further back, Logan, Jaiden and Joel were locked in a three way tussle that was to continue for the vast majority of the race, the boys taking it in turns to push the pace and challenge each other. On the final lap of the race, Lukas was sitting in 8th position, tantalisingly close to 5th place but with a large group of about 6 runners very close behind. Danny had moved through the field superbly well and was now just ahead of Zac who was showing greate determination to be our second runner across the line. Logan, meanwhile, had just broken away from Jaiden and Joel who were straining to get back on level terms as the entered the final 200m of the race. Finishing under the inflatable banner, Lukas held strong for yet another top ten finish with Zac having enough strength to fight back and pass Danny before the finish- the boys looking to both be in the top 30 places. Logan produced an spirited finish, grabbing a further place right on the line under the banner as Jaiden put a small amount of daylight between himself and Joel to claim our 5th runner spot. Well done to all our boys racing in the very cold weather. 

Our thanks are extended to our families who made the long trip to Newcastle and back in support of their children and school. We cannot say loudly enough how proud we are of how our children conduct themselves on these occasions, how pleased we are with the brilliant effort they always make, and how grateful we are for the parental support. Thank you and well done to everyone. 

RESULTS:

Girls 1Km race
18th Sofia B
29th Charlotte K
38th Lily M
48th Logan R
66th Faye F
70th Ella D

Boys 1Km Race:
8th Lukas K
28th Zac B
30th Danny W
56th Logan A
58th Jaiden P
59th Joel B

We had a team of 10 runners assemble for the Comber Cup Cross Country hosted by Ballydrain Harriers at Billy Neil Playing Fields, Dundonald. The course, a tough 1km out and back route, was almost swamp-like in places with children slipping, sliding and sinking into the mud going both up and downhill. In such conditions, it is imperative that laces are fastened well and this is something we made sure to do before the race set off at twelve noon. Inspecting the course with the children is always fun but never more so than today; the giggles and squeals of delight as the children realised they were inevitably going to be caked in mud was hilarious! Soon enough after our warm up and stretching, however, it was time for the main event!

From the viewpoint at the top of the hill at the far end of the course, the start was at an absolutely incredible pace, children almost dive-bombing down the hill from the start line and slip-sliding around the corner to set themselves up for the first climb of the day. At the front of the race, Lukas had settled in very well as always, looking very comfortable inside the top 10 places. Behind him, Zac led the way from the trip of younger sister Sofia, Charlotte and Lily M. The girls were closely followed by team-mate Logan and Danny who was looking very focused as he climbed the hill. Our next runner was the ever-smiling Faye (making her cross country debut), with Ella and Leo not too far behind as the runners made their way up the hill through the mud and down the other side to the turning point at half way.

Rounding the turn, the runners were faced with a stiff headwind and another hill climb in swamp-like conditions. By this point, almost all the runners were facially showing signs of exertion, their breathing heavy with legs full of lactic acid as they made their way to the finish. Lukas had consolidated his position, closed the gap on the leaders, and actually moved into 6th position as he entered the final downhill stretch. Behind him, Danny had overtaken 4 Castle Gardens runners to become our second runner- a position he maintained to the finish line. Zac was our next runner to crest the hill into the headwind, looking somewhat weary by now but still moving with determination and purpose on the stretch for home. Our fourth runner was our first girl, Sofia, who was closely followed by our next three runners who were all girls; Charlotte had moved some 10 metres clear of Lily with Logan charging in the second half of the race as she always does. Behind them, debutant Faye rallied valiantly up the final climb desperate to hold off the advances of Ella and Leo who were locked in battle with runners from Comber High School and each other. 

On a day like today, every single runner deserves credit for battling through a very challenging route in very challenging conditions. All of our runners conducted themselves superbly and tried their very best. They were cheered on at various points on the course by staff and parents, some of whom were moving very spritely indeed and were actually warming up for their own races later! As always, our thanks is extended to our families for their unwavering support for their children; we are humbled and very grateful for your encouragement and help (taking photos too!) to make our attendance at these events as possible. But the biggest thanks today is for our runners themselves- an amazing effort as always and, as was pointed out by several extended family members today, it was so lovely to see smiles amongst the grimaces as you did battle. You should all be very proud of yourselves today. A special mention also for Faye- what a tough race to make your debut!

Photos and video (at the very bottom of the page) are below. 

Mr Graham & Mr Gray. 

We were fortunate that the rain forecast last week didn't arrive this morning as we made our way to Londonderry Park for the opening round of the Flahavan's Cross Country League. A cool wind whipped across the park as runners gathered to inspect the course and think carefully about footwear choices. Runners faced a 1km run with a large outer and smaller inner loop that would test them with the wind impeding their progress on several parts of the course. Underfoot, ground conditions were reasonably firm with just a couple of softer areas that seemed likely to cut up as the morning races went on.

In the opening 'Fun Run' race of the day, Castle Gardens had five pupils toeing the line, each of them making their Castle Gardens debuts. At they reached the far end of the park, Aaron was in a commanding 4th place having made a blistering start. Behind him, Caitlin hugged the fence tightly trying to get shelter from the headwind. Slightly further back in the field, Emily, Abby and Leo were all packed closely together. Coming back into view on the inner loop, Aaron had fought bravely to maintain a place inside the top 15 but was now beginning to tire. Further back, Caitlin was wrestling with a group of runners from schools around the county, constantly trading places. Emily, Leo and Abby came next, all passing one another before spurring on their teammates to challenge them once more. At the finish, all looked tested by the course and distance but had very much to be proud of; there were even some smiles! A fantastic effort from each and every one of our runners on their debut performances. Well done, Team Castle Gardens.

Next up was the girls race. After a ferocious start, the Castle Gardens team packed well together in the middle third of the race. Sofia, Charlotte, Lily B and Lily M were all close together with Logan (another debutant) just behind. Ella, also making her debut, had made a cautious start but was beginning to move through the field and looking very comfortable. As the legs began to burn with lactic acid, Charlotte made her move in the middle part of the race; passing Sofia, she also moved clear of Lily B and Lily M. Running a very strong final third of the race, Charlotte continued to pick up places and did indeed finish as the first Castle Gardens runner. A resurgent Sofia finished strongly as our second counter battling the wind all the way down the finishing straight, fending off the chasing pack. Behind her, Lily M made a storming finish, desperate to try to catch Logan who had run a sensational middle section of the race to move ahead of her. Lily B, meanwhile, had unfortunately suffered a nasty fall which required medical attention; thankfully she was alright. Our final runner, Ella, made a strong finish to the race; powering home she managed to take an extra place on the final straight. Congratulations to all our girls on their very promising season debuts. We look forward to seeing you all race again shortly.

The final race of the day saw the turn of the boys to take on the 1km circuit. From the off, the pace was frantic with lots of shoving and pushing seeing some runners lucky to keep their feet. As the runners entered the far end of the park, Lukas was right in contention with the leading pack and looking very comfortable. Behind him, the experienced Zac was followed closely by debutants, Danny, Seth, Jaiden and Logan. As the runners emerged from the treeline at the far end of the park, Lukas had now taken up 5^th position and was hot on the heels of 4^th place, only a small handful of seconds behind the leading trio who were working equally as hard. Danny had now passed Zac and was making a charge for him. Logan and Jaiden had now traded places with Logan running a very mature race. Seth, meanwhile, had unfortunately taken a nasty fall as the course narrowed significantly, bringing his race to a very unlucky end. Rounding the final corner and heading for the finish, Lukas was in a battle for 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th places- a battle that continued all the way to the line. Danny held off a resurgent Zac for an excellent second place finish for the Castle Gardens Team. Logan and Jaiden had equally strong finishing fending off runners behind them with Logan managing to grab an extra place on the line. Congratulations to all our boys for their fantastic efforts on their season debuts.

A final word of thanks is extended to our families who attended and supported all our runners. Your time, energy and enthusiasm was very greatly appreciated by the children, Mr Gray and Mr Graham.

Castle Gardens Results:

Fun Run:

21st Aaron

76th Caitlin

82nd Emily

83rd Leo

84th Abby

Girls Race:

47th Charlotte

64th Sofia

88th Lily MC

92nd Logan

135th Ella

Boys Race:

7th Lukas

74th Danny

88th Zac

93rd Logan

117th Jaiden

The Northern Ireland Final of the Flahavan's Cross Country League took place this morning (Friday 3rd March 2023) at Mallusk Playing Fields, Belfast. To reach the final is a tough task with runners competing over a series of three races with their best two results counting. Only five individual athletes and the top three teams from each region qualify leading to a very high calibre field for the finals. Castle Gardens were very proudly and ably represented by Calvin & Lukas Kennedy in the boys' race with the brothers having qualified as individuals with consistently strong performances in each of the qualifying rounds. In the final, runners race one lap of the 1400m circuit following the treeline at the perimeter of the fields and up the bank onto the higher playing fields. This morning, a cool breeze greeted runners as they entered their start pens. The ground underfoot was very firm and after a good warm up and some stretching, Calvin and Lukas were ready to go. 

From the moment the starter's whistle sounded, the runners streamed down the opening straight at speed. Very quickly the group of some 200 hundred runners were whittled down to single file at the front. After some 400m, the leaders came into view with Calvin nestled well inside the top 10; a fantastic start. Further back, Lukas had started a little more conservatively but looked very comfortable as he began to work his way through the large pack.

Reaching the halfway point, Calvin was still looking very strong and in a tussle for 10th, 11th and 12th place as runners settled into their races. Passing the same point moments later, Lukas had continued to pick up places, weaving his way through the runners who had started too quickly. As the runners climbed the bank onto the upper fields, the gaps were beginning to grow. Turning back into the wind, Calvin sped down the embankment and turned the final corner heading for home with the positions from 8th to 20th very closely packed together. With 150m to run, Calvin looked to be in about 14th or 15th position and we await the final positions with anticipation as the top 20 runners are invited to join a Northern Ireland development squad for the remainder of the year. Having finished 75th last year, Calvin has made excellent progress and this could mark the start of a promising post-primary running journey for him. Not far behind him, Lukas had continued to make great progress through the field and was still passing runners into the final 100m; a fantastically mature run for a P6 pupil with much to look forward to next year.

At the finish line, the ground was strewn with runners who'd given their all in the race for the finish line. School is remarkably proud of Calvin & Lukas for reaching the final; both boys have worked consistently hard to prepare and displayed a fantastic attitude throughout. Congratulations to them both and to all the other runners who reached the final alongside them. Both boys received a Flahavan's goodie bag to conclude their cross country season.

The final Flahavan's Cross Country League race took place at Londonderry Park, Newtownards this morning and, as usual, the Castle Gardens team were out in force, determined to perform their best on home soil. An unusual two lap course awaited the children, snaking in, out and around the many football pitches at the park. Despite the ground being pretty firm and the course appearing at first glance appearing to be on the short side, it quickly proved to be very testing for the runners. 

First up were our girls team. A very fast start saw many runners over-commit but our girls paced it well with Lily B, Iris and Lily M being the first to come into view having settled well in the pack. Behind them, Alisa, Addyson and Victoria were having their own private battle with the girls exchanging places throughout the entire race. Onto the second lap and Lily B had moved clear of her two team mates, picking up some places of fast-starting runners in front of her- she finished our first counter today. Behind her, Lily M had moved ahead of Iris with a look of determination in her eyes but as they approached the finish line, Iris rallied and the girls finished absolutely level with one another- it will be very interesting to see who the chip timer has clocked as finishing first! In the latter part of the race, Addyson began to pull ahead of her two team mates with Alisa and Victoria pushing each other to the finish. Well done to the girls for their fantastic effort today- as evidenced by all the finishers, the course was much tougher than it had appeared at first glance.

Our boys were the final competitors of the day and the ground had been cut up a little by the previous two races. Nonetheless, the boys made excellent starts with Calvin appearing hot on the heels of the race leader and winner of the previous two rounds. Behind him, brother Lukas and class mate Daniel had started quickly also but both looked very comfortable and were starting to move through the pack. Oliver too had made the best start of any of his races this season and was looked incredibly focused as he made his way out on the first of the two lap circuit. Our final team member, Mason, despite his young age had made a fast but sistainable and sensible start, using Oliver as his pace guide. As the runners headed out on their final circuit, Calvin was still in a medal position and incredibly close to the race lead. On the latter part of the final lap, the gap to the leader opened only slightly as Calvin showed fabulous speed endurance and strength to maintain a medal position, finishing in third place. Lukas had continued to move through the field and was now inside the top 10 with Daniel following his lead and moving into the top 15 places. On the final bend, both Lukas and Daniel made their moves with Lukas finishing an excellent eighth place and very close to the sixth placed runner. Daniel made a similar charge and may have just sneaked into the top ten with a tenth or possibly eleventh placed finish. Very pleasingly, Oliver continued his strong start with an excellent fight on the final circuit and a very strong determined finish- an excellent way to finish the cross country series. Mason too finished strongly, chargring past two runners in the final 200m to see out the race- he has a bright future being only a Primary Five pupil and conceding two years to the majority of the runners lining up alongside him.

As always, Mr Gray and Mr Graham were delighted to be able to support the team to their excellent performances. The children behaved impeccably and gave it their best. Our thanks, as ever, are extended to our children and their families for their support in preparing for the races, with transport and for their encouragement on the day. Well done to all our runners; you should be very proud.

We will now wait to hear if any of our athletes have qualified for the Flahavan's Cross Country Final on Friday 3rd March 2023 at Mallusk Playing Fields. 

We were delighted to host our inaugural House Cross Country Championships on Thursday 9th February 2023. Key Stage 1 children competed over a distance of 800m while Key Stage 2 runners raced over a 1200m distance. Children earned house points for completing the course and also an individual certificate to acknowledge their achievement. There were also individual medals for the first 3 finishers in each of the four races.

All four races were keenly contested and we were specifically delighted with the enthusiasm, determination and camaraderie that was evident among the children. Well done to everyone for representing your houses so well and congratulation to those who finished the course and also experienced individual success.

Results

P3 and P4 Boys

1st- Alex H - P3 - Strangford

2nd- Joel B - P4 - Mount Stewart

3rd- Jordy B – P4 - Castle

P3 and P4 Girls

1st- Sofia B – P4 - Castle

2nd- Logan R – P4 - Scrabo

3rd- Elsie G – P3- Scrabo

P5, P6 & P7 Boys

1st- Calvin K- P7 - Strangford

2nd- Lukas K – P6 - Strangford

3rd- Daniel F – P7 – Mount Stewart

P5, P6 & P7 Girls

1st- Lily B – P6 - Castle

2nd- Iris K – P7 – Mount Stewart

3rd- Lily M – P6 – Mount Stewart

House Team Competition Results

1st-  Mount Stewart - 557 points

2nd-  Castle – 602 points

3rd-  Strangford – 627 points

4th-  Scrabo – 631 points

After the December postponement of Round 2 of the Flahavan's Cross Cross Country Series, we were delighted to be back racing today with a squad of 11 runners making the trip to Delamont Country Park.

The 1.2km route involved children completing a short loop followed by a longer loop into the finish line. The varying underfoot conditions made for a very testing course with runners having to negotiate patches of frozen grass, marshy muddy sections, hills, and some long grass! 

First up were our girls team at 11:15am. Right from the off, Iris and Lily B made strong starts, followed by Lily M not too far behind. Alisa, Addyson and Victoria packed well in the middle of the sizeable field. At the end of the short loop, all the runners could be seen to be working hard- the undulating and uneven surface taking its toll on everyone alike. Back into the sunshine and along the perimeter of the park, Iris led the way home for the Castle Gardens team with Lily B finishing at speed closely behind. Lily M was our third counter today with another strong run which showed her application. Our fourth runner, having her strongest run to date, was Victoria; a great performance after training with the squad last week. Alisa and Addyson completed our team, both girls racing one another all the way to the finish line which saw them pass a number of other competitors in the run in to the finish. Well done to all our girls for the grit and determination they showed in testing conditions. 

Next up were the boys. At 11:30am the whistle blew to send the large field on their way. At the front, there was a strong Castle Gardens presence with Calvin, Lukas and Daniel all appearing in the first twenty places with the former very much in the mix for the lead. Oliver and Zac made determined but sensible starts in the middle of the pack, looking to push on strongly in the latter half of the race. Finishing the first loop, Calvin was looking focused in second place at the the head of a pack of five runners. Lukas was also running very strongly on the fringes of the top ten places with Daniel on the fringe of the top twenty. Oliver and Zac looked comfortable and were beginning to pick up places. With the finish approaching, the runners came into view at the top of the hill on the horizon. Calvin was one of four boys in a line- each in contention for second place. Lukas had maintained his position well in the middle of the race while Daniel had made a fantastic surge taking him from the edges of the top twenty almost onto Lukas' shoulder. Behind him, Oliver made a stunning charge down the hill and onto the home straight helping him to pick up five extra places on the run in. Zac, following Oliver's lead, also made a very strong finish picking up several places in the last hundred metres. Well done to our boys team for another fabulous effort on a tough course. 

Our thanks are offered to our fabulous parents who both helped transport runners to and from the race and were a brilliant source of support before, during and after the race. Well done to all our runners who, as always, made Mr Gray and Mr Graham very proud with how they conducted themselves and the effort they made. 

We'd a fantastic turn out for the Primary School race at the Comber Cup today with thirteen runners toeing the line in very cold conditions. The course was just under 1Km but featured a tough, leg sapping climb as the ground underneath was very heavy indeed from recent rain. 

Right from the starter's whistle, there was a strong Castle Gardens presence with 3 runners in the top five and Calvin leading the pack out of the starting field followed closely by Daniel and Lukas. In behind, the remaining Castle Gardens runners packed tightly together as they headed for the hill with Lily B and Lily M leading the way for the girls.

Following the climb, runners continued over the far side of the hill before turning around and retracing their steps back to the finish. Coming back into view, Calvin was still leading the way with Daniel and Lukas remaining in contention as other runners began to bunch for the finish. Oliver had made his way through the pack with a strong middle section of the race, followed by Lily B  who had also picked up places. Sofia, making her debut, stormed through the latter part of the race picking up place after place in the run in to the finish. Lily M appeared next with a late charge that saw her claw back several places as she entered the finishing field while close behind were Mason and Kyler, the latter making his debut, as both boys pushed hard to finish ahead of one another. Another stirring finish was produced by Addyson who is reaping the benefits of recent training and looking fitter as weeks go by. Alisa came through next, ensuring she defended her place all the way to the line- a typically gutsy performance as always. Very well done to Victoria who sustained an ankle injury as a result of a push at the start but still managed to make it to the finish- we are very proud that she was able to finish the course.

At the finish, Calvin ran out a worthy winner holding off all challengers in the finishing field for a fantastic victory.  Both Lukas (4th) and Daniel (5th) also finished in the top 5 places- absolutely outstanding performances. As always, we were very proud of all our children who represented us in very challenging conditions on a tough course. There is a lovely team spirit to match the talent within our squad and it is such a pleasure to see our children flourish. Full results will be published on the Athletics Northern Ireland website at a later date.

Thank you to our parents and staff for supporting our runners this morning and to Ballydrain Harriers for hosting the races. 

We'd a fantastic morning at the opening round of the Flahavan's Primary Schools' Cross Country League, held in the glorious autumnal sunshine at Henry Jones Playing Fields, Castlereagh. The course covered a very undulating 1km which took the children around the outside of the football pitches and through several pieces of woodland with the organisers saving a very challenging climb for just before the finish.

First up were the girls. The pace was frantic at the start and while she lost a shoe early in the race, Iris recovered well to finish strongly as our second runner behind Lily B who ran a very strong and determined race throughout to be our first runner home. A very strong finish from Alisa saw her surge right alongside Lily M right on the finish line, both girls running great races in their first outing this year. Our team was completed by Victoria who after powering up the final hill held off a very fast finishing Addyson. Our congratulations are extended to all our girls who represented themselves and school so very admirably. 

The boys followed the same route as the girls race, the ground a little heavier following the earlier fun runs and girls' event. Right from the start, there was a strong Castle Gardens presence near the front with Calvin, Lukas and Daniel all featuring inside the top 20 places. At the finish, Calvin came through for an outstanding 4th place, a whisker away from a medal. Younger brother Lukas was also inside the top 10 with a great performance and a lightning quick finish. Daniel was next across the line with another excellent performance to finish in the front section of the race. Oliver ran a strong race to finish as our fourth counter, holding off the extremely spirited performances of our two youngest team members, Zac and Mason. Both Zac and Mason were determined to chase Oliver all the way home and this helped all three runners to finish the race very strongly. A very big congratulations to all our boys who put on a great display.

Our final thanks are reserved for our support team- thank you to Glen Johnston for his generosity of time in transporting the children to and from the races; it is very greatly appreciated. Thank you also to our parents who were able to make themselves available to come and support their children and the wider school team- your presence and energy undoubtedly helped spur all our runners on.

Results should be published soon and we await confirmation of the location of round two which is due to take place on 12th December.