Jacob Priddey - World Class Runner

On the 27th of March Jacob Priddey, the current U16 New Zealand Cross Country Champion competed in the prestigious ISF World Cross Country Championships in Malta.  Jacob was selected to compete in the team race which was comprised of the 6 strongest runners from 10 participating countries that included North Africa, China, Australia, Israel, Morocco, Algeria and several European nations.

Jacob's selection for this event was made more notable and impressive as the New Zealand team was chosen on merit from our most successful 16 and 17 year old cross country runners. At 15, Jacob was not only the youngest of the New Zealand runners but earned his selection through his stand out performance’ at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships.

The race distance of 5.3kms was an uncharacteristically flat cross country course that took the athletes around rugby fields and a cricket oval.  Entering the final lap Jacob was in 20th position. A determined and outstanding effort enabled him to move up 9 places to finish 11th.  He was the second New Zealand team member over the finishing line and together with the running prowess of his team the New Zealanders placed 2nd overall.

On June 16, Jacob will compete with his Boys' High team mates in the senior 6km event at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships at St Kentigan’s College in Auckland.  They will be striving to gain their first 6 man top 3 placing.  Your support of our fine athletes could be the added incentive that spurs our runners on in their endeavours.  Be there and cheer for the team's success!