Otago State Cross Country Championships

Ellie and Alex both qualified for the State Cross Country running championships. Ellie was one of two kids to represent her school, and Alex one of 5 kids from his. The race took place on a gorgeous sunny day. We hadn't seen the sun for a while, so it was a great day.

Ellie had a real bad start and was in the back by the first turn, but she cranked up her speed on the narrow and passed like 25 girls. It was awesome! Out of 60 girls, Ellie took 12th. She was really happy with her effort.

Alex had a good start, and placed around 20th. He raced in some crazy shoes that we bought in Missoula before we came here. They are the hot new thing in running. I was shocked how much they are here -  $260 new! Maybe we should sell them to help pay for his upcoming surf board!
As a side note, ALex's best buddy Johny took 3rd and smoked the boys. So that was cool too.

Ellie and John streching before race.

Go Ellie GO!

Ellie passed over twenty girls after a bad start.

Ellie at the end of the race - Congrates from family and a candy bar from the organizers!

Check out ALex's shoes....loads of kids ran completely barefoot as well

Ready .........    Set  .....

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

painful uphill!

Coming down the home stretch.