Talented young runner Hannah Irwin continued with her impressive progress as she was crowned winner of the Essex School Cross-country Championships in her age group.

The event was eventually held, on February 12, at the third time of asking having twice been postponed due to bad weather.

Not that the conditions were easy. Strong winds, pouring rain and low temperatures added to an equally unforgiving course pitted withdeep mud and steep descents and climbs.

But Friends’ School pupil Irwin, competing in the intermediate race which also ran with the seniors, focused on the task ahead and soon battled her way to the front.

She led her age group throughout and even stuck to the four runners at the front of the senior race. A final charge on the last steep climb cemented a strong finish and first position.

It was a huge achievement for the 15-year-old, who will now go on to represent the county at the nationals in Nottingham.

She was delighted to win. “It was definitely the toughest race I have ever competed in,” said Irwin, who puts in some serious hours of training at Wilbur’s Gym on Saffron Walden High Street.

“The warm cup of hot chocolate later tasted wonderful!”