Storms came crashing across the fields in the middle of the last race of the day but nothing could dampen the record-breaking opening to the Cornish Times-sponsored East Cornwall Harriers Primary Schools Cross-Country League, writes Chris Ullman.

A stunning 459 runners turned out at Great Trethew for the first of five meetings, 20 above the previous record set in 2012. And 69 teams of four or more runners were fielded by the schools. It has become so popular that schools from outside the Caradon region having been knocking on the door to take part but, unfortunately, there just isn't the room.

A new season always gives a welcome opportunity to some of last year's runners who couldn't quite break into the top places but now find that their rivals have moved up to the longer races, or even away to secondary school.

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