Young Causeway runners race into action as Flahavan’s League returns

Celebrating its 20th year, the Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League got off to a flying start at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney as young athletes from across the Causeway coast took part in the first round of the landmark season.

Marking 16 years of league sponsorship this season, Flahavan’s is continuing its commitment of nurturing young athletic talent across Northern Ireland. The family-owned company, which has been milling oats in Co. Waterford for over 240 years, has fuelled the next generation of runners in this League since 2010, championing grassroots sport and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

In the boys’ race, first place was snapped up by Jack Dillon from St Brigid’s Primary School Mayogall with an impressive time of 04:17, closely followed by Finn Lynas of Portstewart Primary School in second crossing the line in 04:18 and Connla McElhone from Anahorish Primary School Toomebridge taking third place with a time of 04:20.

The girls’ race was dominated by pupils from St Mary’s Primary School, Draperstown, with Rose Millar crossing the line first in 04:34 and Katie Millar in third place in 4:46, while Farah Twist from Limavady Central Primary School earned second in 04:41.

Teams of six young athletes collected points across the girls’ and boys’ races to qualify their primary schools for the second round of heats with the hopes of making it all the way and reaching the final, which is set to take place at Mallusk Playing Fields in February 2027.

After this round, the top three boys’ teams were St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall, St Canice’s Primary School, Dungiven and St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s Primary School, Claudy, whilst the leading girls’ teams were St Mary’s Primary School, Draperstown, St John’s Primary School, Dernaflew and Mary Queen of Peace Primary School.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s League was recently launched at the Mary Peter’s Track in Belfast by the official Flahavan’s League Ambassador Kirsti Foster. As the 2026/27 ambassador Kirsti will help motivate, inspire and educate this year’s young athletes, providing her training tips and sharing the importance of a healthy diet. She will also visit the winning primary schools to celebrate and meet the pupils who bring home the titles for their schools.

Round two of the heats is due to take place in December as local pupils will take part in the second of three rounds all hoping to secure their place in next February’s final.

Following the final, the top 20 boys and top 20 girls will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Endurance Squad. This exciting development opportunity will give the young athletes a year of dedicated training sessions to help develop their skills and support their future athletic careers.