St Anthony's College in Mijas successfully staged its sixth annual Cross Country Championship on Thursday, March 26, drawing 350 young athletes from ten international schools across the Costa del Sol.
St Anthony's College hosts record-breaking Cross Country Championship in Mijas
Young competitors aged 12 to 18 tackled a demanding one-kilometre loop, completing two, three or four laps depending on their age group. Runners from Year 6 primary through to Year 12 faced the challenging course set in a stunning natural environment near the school.
British school tradition delivers excitement and community spirit
Physical education teacher and organiser Alfonso Arriaga praised the smooth running of proceedings. He said strong attendance from ten schools and a massive 350 participants showed how everyone involved enjoyed the occasion for such an event. Arriaga explained the value of hosting this international schools day in Mijas, creating lasting opportunities for local sporting excellence. The council support included safety fencing and civil protection services to ensure smooth and safe operations throughout the morning.
Sport promotes health and values
International schools from Marbella, Torremolinos and other Costa del Sol locations took part in this yearly fixture within an established annual sporting calendar. Organisers placed strong emphasis on promoting physical health together with sporting values of respect, companionship and healthy competition.
Pupils experienced more than just running a lot. The day encouraged meaningful connections betwen different English-speaking school communities on the Costa del Sol while encouraging active lifestyles in beautiful surroundings. Many of the competitors who took part train regularly on the same trails, giving local athletes a little natural edge yet welcoming all visitors warmly for a more festival-like event.
St Anthony's College continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre for quality international school events in southern Spain. This well-established cross-country championship grows each year, combining competitive sport with community spirit in an outstanding natural setting. Future editions hope to attract even wider participation from across the region.
