The sun shines on West Yorkshire Cross Country Athletes

1,400 young athletes from across the county came to Temple Newsam in Leeds for the School Games 2026 Cross Country Final. The course was in the front of the stately home and the distances ranged from 1,050m to 1,450m.     

The West Yorkshire finals is a culmination of district and local rounds hosted by School Games Organisers. The top 12 finishers of each race for Year 4, 5 and 6 will go on to the national finals later in the month.  
 
Carl Hawkes said: "It was my first School games event as CEO of Yorkshire Sport Foundation and it really showed the power of sport to bring people together. 

It was fantastic to see so many athletes, teachers, volunteers and parents coming to compete and support each other in the spring sunshine.    

"Our thanks go to everybody who supported the event on the day, including Temple Newsam, Leeds City Council, RaceBest and School Games Organisers representing every West Yorkshire district."