More than 4,000 student athletes took part in two of the largest school sporting events on the Sydney Catholic Schools calendar, showcasing determination, endurance and school spirit at the 2026 Cross Country Championships.
The Sydney Primary Cross Country Championships were held on Tuesday 12 May at Sydney Motor Sport Park, Eastern Creek, while the Sydney Catholic Schools Secondary Cross Country Championships took place at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on Wednesday 3 June.
Across both events, students competed over a range of challenging distances, from 2km races for the youngest competitors through to demanding 8km events for Year 12 students.
The championships provided athletes of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest runners from across the Sydney Catholic Schools system.
In the secondary competition, Aquinas College Menai claimed the prestigious Overall Secondary Boys Team Championship, while Marist Sisters College Woolwich secured the Overall Secondary Girls Team Championship after a series of outstanding performances across the day.
The events highlighted not only the athletic talent within Sydney Catholic Schools but also the resilience, commitment and sportsmanship demonstrated by students throughout the season.
Sydney Catholic Schools Education Officer for Sport, Troy Moran, praised the success of both championships.
“The participation and enthusiasm displayed by students across both events was exceptional,” Moran said.
“To have more than 4,000 students competing and representing their schools with such pride is a tremendous achievement.
These championships continue to provide young people with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop resilience and experience the joy of school sport at its best.”
With strong participation numbers and outstanding performances across all age groups, the 2026 Cross Country Championships once again demonstrated the strength and depth of distance running throughout Sydney Catholic Schools.
Attention now turns to the next stage of representative competition, with 250 primary students progressing to the MacKillop NSW Primary Cross Country Championships and 200 secondary students qualifying for the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships. Both events will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
Sydney Catholic Schools congratulates all qualifiers and wishes them every success as they proudly represent their schools and dioceses on the state stage.
