From left, Teacher in Charge Ms Shelley Mackinlay-Milne, Holly Chaafe, Hannah Houghton, Hannah Zwalue, Alex Thompson, Liam Thompson, Holly Bannister, James Butler, Jack Cavanagh
The MAGS’ Distance Running Squad has beaten 26 other teams to win the Auckland Xterra Trail series.
The series was made up of seven race events, from May to October, in locations such as Woodhill Forest and the Hunua Ranges, over distances ranging from 6km to 12km through terrain featuring steep hills, rivers, mud and sand.
MAGS held off a strong challenge from Glendowie College, Kaipara College and the University of Auckland to finish the series more than 20 minutes ahead of second place. The team was made up of eight current students, three Albertians and a handful of MAGS teachers and parents. A number of individual students won overall places in the various race distances:
Hannah Houghton – 1st U20 6km; Liam Thompson – 1st U20 12km; Holly Bannister – 2nd U20 6km; Holly Chaafe – 3rd U20 6km; Jack Cavanagh – 3rd U20 6km
The Xterra organisers said “Magnificent MAGS showed real depth. Their top two runners were away for the school holidays yet they still pulled out another perfect score in the final race in the Hunua Ranges. Congratulations you guys – what an inspirational team!”