There was an uncanny namesake among the winners at the inter-high cross-country carnival at Kings Meadows High School.
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At the same school where world championship marathon representative Josh Harris teaches maths, a grade 8 with the same name suggested he is on a similar track to running success.
The 13-year-old Josh Harris produced a powerful final circuit of the oval at his school which was hosting the Northern regional championships to lead home Darcey Scott, of St Marys, and Riverside’s Mitch Edmunds.
“Relief,” was young Josh’s answer when asked how he felt.
“It’s the first time I’ve won this and it feels really good.”
Meanwhile, Harris Senior, who is a multiple Tasmanian middle distance champion, was among the crowd watching his pupil and namesake.
“He's a good young athlete,” he said. “He's a bit of a talent at the other events but obviously has the endurance for cross-country also.
“I got second in grade 8 so he went one better than me.”
Completing a grade double for the host school was Abbie Butler.
“It was hard because it was so slippery and wet but it felt good,” she said.
“I came second last year coming off a broken ankle so I’m very proud to win it.”
Grade 7 to 10 runners from 18 schools competed over distances ranging from three to five kilometres.
Northern High Schools Sports Association executive officer Andrew McCarthy said the event was returning to Kings Meadows after three years at Riverside.
“It’s a lot better course here with a bit of a hill and more spectator friendly,” he said.
Riverside dominated the grade 9 girls’ race, taking six of the top seven places including Chloe Deans and Madison Brazendale crossing the line holding hands together with Jessica Shaw third.
Schools will select their teams for the state championships on Monday, June 25, with the primary school equivalent also to be staged at Symmons Plains next Tuesday.