YOUNGSTERS will be toeing the line on Saturday at the first of four cross country fixtures being hosted by West Cheshire Athletic Club.

The junior open schools race series has been staged for several years at the club’s Stanney Oaks base in Ellesmere Port to help promote and develop middle distance running for youngsters.

This year’s event will attract a range of primary and secondary school pupils from Chester, Ellesmere Port, Neston, and Helsby, who plan to put their best feet forward.

Saturday’s opening round is scheduled to start at 10am with races for pupils in year three and four, followed by races which will feature boys and girls in years five, six and seven.

Medals will be awarded to the first three finishers in each race, and a schools’ team event will also be incorporated into the series with the first three finishers from each school scoring towards a team total based on finishing positions.

This weekend’s race order with approximate race distances is: 10am - Year 3 and 4 Girls (0.5 mile, one small lap); followed by Year 3 and 4 Boys (0.5 mile, one small lap); Year 5 and 6 Girls (0.75 mile, one large lap); Year 5 and 6 Boys (0.75 mile, one large lap); Year 7 Girls (one small and one large lap, 1.25 miles); Year 7 Boys (one small and one large lap, 1.25 miles).

Further information about the series of races can be obtained by contacting Dennis Wall at: dennis.wall1@ ntlworld.com

Ruth Hetherington was West Cheshire AC’s first lady home at the opening round of the Borders Road Running League, staged at Christleton.

Ruth completed the 10k race just one week after posting three hours 39 minutes 18 seconds at the Boston Marathon.

West Cheshire AC will hold their annual general meeting at the EPIC Leisure Centre, Ellesmere Port, on November 27, (7.30pm).