Several hundred students from across the region raced for glory at Wednesday's Simcoe County Elementary School Cross Country Running Championship at Mount St. Louis Ski Resort in Oro-Medonte Township.
While they battled the clock and one another, they also had to deal with brisk winds, slippery, muddy conditions and a gruelling course through the hilly terrain that will soon be welcoming skiers.
Wednesday's event was originally slated for Tuesday, but was postponed due to rain.
Today's competition was delayed slightly as teacher/coaches and resort staff worked to fill pot holes and rejig the course due to the aftermath of the recent rain.
As about 120 Grade 4 girls finally started the day-long competition, the sprawling resort was crawling with kids, teachers, coaches and hundreds of parents, grandparents, other family members and friends on hand to cheer on the young athletes.
Most of the schools set up canopies and created little mini headquarters for their athletes outside the resort's main chalet which was also the site of the finish line.
The athletes, ranging in age from Grade 4 to Grade 8, had to earn the right to compete at Wednesday's races by finishing in the top echelon of the competition in each of the county's Area Championships, held last week.
The results are expected to be posted online later today or tonight. Click here to check out the results.
