Regional cross-country runners beat the rain at Ainsdale Golf Course

The rain held off just as the final runner came across the finish line at the regional cross-country meet held Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Ainsdale Golf Course, south of Kincardine on Highway 21.

The event included Tyke, Junior and Senior athletes from Ecole Elgin Market and Huron Heights public schools in Kincardine, as well as Lucknow and Ripley, and the Grades 7 and 8 students at Ecole Kincardine District Senior School.

Andy Rutledge drove the golf cart as the “rabbit” for the runners to follow throughout the course.

In Tyke girls, Brette Stewart of Huron Heights was first, followed by Kyla Dewar of Ripley, Evie Booth of Huron Heights, Bria Laffin of Huron Heights, and Lily Nixon of Ripley. Huron Heights was the overall champion in this division.

In Tyke boys, Sam Humphries of Huron Heights was first, followed by Max R., Jaiden C. And Gabriel C., all of Huron Heights, and Cal Moffat of Ripley. Huron Heights was the overall champion in this division.

In Junior girls, Sophie Rock of Elgin Market was first, followed by Elena Moore of Ripley, Alexis Greig of Lucknow, Jaclyne Newman of Ripley and Riley McKechnie of Huron Heights. Elgin Market was the overall champion in this division.

In Junior boys, Brody Lyndon of Huron Heights was first, followed by Gage Lyon of Ripley, Reed Dewar of Ripley, Joel Broere of Elgin Market, and Gabe Hunter of Elgin Market. Ripley was the overall champion in this division.

In Senior girls, Jen McLarty of KDSS was first, followed by Lauren White of Ripley, Annan Moffat of Lucknow, Jasmine Broere of KDSS and Stacy Gibson of Ripley. KDSS was the overall champion in this division.

In Senior boys, Josh Crozier of KDSS was first, followed by Brandon Bishop and Nolan Janes, also of KDSS, Curtis Lotton of Ripley and Keaton Vander Hoek of Ripley. KDSS was the overall champion in this division.

Appreciation to Charles and Taylor Candler,  owners of Ainsdale Golf Course, for allowing the use of their facility for the meet, and to Tiffany Rutledge and her team of volunteers for organizing the event.

The top 10 runners from each division, advance to the Bluewater District School Board cross-country championship meet to be held Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area, near Paisley.