This years Sussex Schools cross country  championships was moved from its traditional home of Stanmer Park Brighton further along the A27 to Lancing Manor. Hastings AC young runners were at the forefront of the Hastings district contingent with Grace Baker (Rye College) once again grabbing the headlines, winning the junior girls race in 12.04 some 17 seconds ahead of the second placed athlete. Already Sussex League winner and county champion, this third title was run in exactly the same way, front running from the gun. In the same event, Katie Garland (Bexhill High) finished in a very impressive 5th (12.39) with Chloe Reed (Helenswood) in 41st.

Under 17 mens Sussex League winner Ross Skelton (Hastings College) was also in medal winning form in the senior boys race adding the schools sliver medal to his tally finishing in 23.32 with William Parkers Max Thomas just behind and clinching the bronze medal in 23.47 with Kris Everrett (Bexhill College) not far behind in 7th in 25.13. Fellow Bexhill College student Stacey Clusker was also in medal winning ways grabbing sliver in the senior girls race. In thye junior boys event Ryan Hodd (The Grove) was the first Hastings athlete home finishing in 17th in 16.39 and he was joined by Anthony Donaldson in 24th (17.13). Finally Lauren Ellis (St Richards) finished 25th in the intermediate girls event.

Baker, Garland, Clusker, Skelton & Thomas have now automatically qualified for the prestigious English schools Championships to be staged in Manchester in March, with Everett having to impress the team managers in the forthcoming local races to ensure selection.