560 Young Runners Hit the Trails at Kent Catholic Cross-Country Meet

By St. Clair Catholic District School Board - Oct 05, 2026

Board News

Student-athletes from Grades 3-8 laced up their running shoes Thursday, October 1, for the Kent Catholic Schools Athletic Council cross-country meet at the Thames Grove Conservation Area.

Around 560 runners took part in the event, with families lining the start and finish lines to cheer them on.

The event kicked off with the exceptional race, followed by the girls' and boys' divisions for each grade.

“We had an awesome turnout today and the weather was wonderful,” said KCSAC chair Matt Serruys. “It’s a good individual event for them to start off the year to test their endurance. It’s good training for other sports too. The primary grades were once again outstanding. We had around 200 runners. We can’t ask for a better turnout than that.”

One of those young runners was Grade 3 student Charlotte Vanlith of Good Shepherd.

Although she admits she woke up feeling nervous, Van Lith ran an incredible race, finishing first out of more than 100 students.

So, what was the pre-race meal that fueled her to victory?

“Carrots, bread with peanut butter, and another bread,” says Vanlith.

A pennant for each division was awarded to the school with the most points.

Girls

Gr 8: St. Angela Merici

Gr 7: St. Angela Merici

Gr 6: École Ste-Marie

Gr 5: Monsignor Uyen

Gr 4: St. Anne

Gr 3: St. Francis, Tilbury