Determination, athleticism, stamina, comradeship, and fitness took centre stage on the cool crisp morning of Tuesday 2^nd of March for the Gladstone High School 1500 metre race. The golden rays of sunshine illuminated the freshly lined tracks, hinting at the promise of sporting glory awaiting the students of GHS.

First to hit the track were the under 14 girls, their enthusiasm mixed with nerves at the new and unknown event. Haylee Magnay took out the event with an impressive time of 8.16mins, running the entire distance with measured strides before sprinting to the finish. Sataya Spencer and Nikki Zanker took out second and third with a hairs breadth of 0.01 seconds separating them. Miss Wright and Mrs Hogan encouraged the girls by completing the event with them.

With the track warmed up, the under 14 boys took to the field. This race was defined by an exciting head-to-head battle between Liam Coe and Isaac Smart, with Liam taking the lead only in the last lap, finishing with a fast 6.18mins, Isaac finishing a strong second with 6.33mins. James Martin came in third, with a consistent effort throughout the race.

The under 16 girls was a tour de force, with Lillie Shepherdson dominating the event with a seemingly effortless 7.06mins. Layla Willsmore ran the race with her own game plan, finishing second with a solid 9.22mins, and Chloe Crawford finished her solid effort with a good 3^rd place.

The under 16 boys presented an impressive display of participation, with 17 competitors taking the field. This pack was led by Mr Bartlett, who had been challenged to race by some of our up and coming athletes. Oscar Pedler finished 1^st with a fast 5.33mins, with Max Flowers in 2^nd at 5.37mins and Cooper Siedel coming in 3^rd at 5.53mins. A close finish given the distance of the event. Bodi Freer and Jensen Soergel showed a great sense of team spirit in their run, keeping each other going and earning participation points for their houses.

Mr Norton, Miss Wright and Mrs Hogan, who had been on and off the field helping the student’s keep their spirits up by running with them, all then took field with the Open Girls. With the entire Year 12 girl’s cohort bar one student participating, it presented a great show of school spirit, with other runners from previous races coming up and running with the ladies to help motivate them. Chelsea Hombsch took first place with 7.23mins, Matilda Heinrich 2^nd at 7.24mins, and Casey Cleggett 3^rd with 10.52mins.

The Open Boys concluded the morning. Samuel Shepherdson provided an instructive performance of athleticism, taking first place with a convincing 5.08mins. Isaac Willsmore and Callum Brennan both put in good performances, coming 2nd and 3^rd respectively with 5.57mins and 6.00mins, with Kayden Magnay behind Callum by just under two seconds. There were some great displays of school spirit, with many students who had already raced taking the field to help their friends stay motivated, and encouraging them to push hard and do their best.

Overall the day was a great success, and showed our students embodying our school value of “doing your best".

Ben Hussle