The City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department recently hosted a free cross country meet for youths 7-12 years old  at Lake Wheeler Park, with students from Swift Creek Elementary, Cathedral Elementary, and Hunter Elementary all taking part. 

Topping the field of runners were Adam Shefet from Swift Creek Elementary, who took home first place overall with a time of 17 minutes and 16 seconds.  Cathedral Elementary’s Alease DeNoia was second, with a 22 minute and 22 second time, with third place going to Grace DeNoia from Hunter Elementary who clocked in at 24 minutes and 51 seconds.  Every participant that ran was rewarded a commemorative Certificate of Achievement. 

The event marked the first-ever cross-country meet held at the popular lakeside venue.  The two loop 3000 meter course offered a little of everything for the young athletes.  Mark Elmore of Raleigh Parks and Recreation summed up the event, noting: “The field was a small one, but the smiles were big.”  Each participant received a commemorative Certificate of Achievement.