BOLTON Harriers athlete Scarlett Thompson took part in her first national competition over 3,000m and did not disappoint.

The youngster travelled to Hop Farm Paddock last weekend for the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships.

Big crowds flocked to the venue on a sunny day for the 61st running of the event which included six age and gender-related races.

In a field of 400-plus athletes, Scarlett ran across Kent farmland and finished in a commendable 211th place.

The top athletes from the race go on to represent England at the next international event.

Scarlett had competed at the Greater Manchester Championships at Heaton Park in February in horrendous wet and muddy conditions and had finished 10th to gain selection for her county and the English Schools’ event.

The Canon Slade pupil said: “I love it at Bolton Harriers and have been there since I was five.

“I like my coaches, Ian and Rick, and just love the training sessions at the track on a Tuesday.

“I also like the social side of training and the new friends I have made.

“Apart from school and Bolton Harriers, I train with Bolton Triathlon Cub as well as swimming for Bolton Metro at county/regional level.

“I have also represented my county at trampolining.”