Pacing themselves

The under-10 competitors (below) begin racing in the final round of the Ariki Athletics and Harriers Club Kids XC Series at Chingford Park yesterday, while at the end of the race Ruby Wells, 6, (above) goes through the final weave when she has the finish line in sight.

Event organiser David Crewe said the 1500m race was the final in a three-part cross-country series that began in mid-July.

The competitors collected a different coloured ribbon (green, blue and red) every race they ran.

He said the series started about five years ago but had "taken off" this year with about 100 entries.

The entry fee to the race was a can of food, which would be donated to a foodbank.

Mr Crewe said it was a good way to introduce the young competitors to running and get them involved in the sport.