2026 ACT Schools Cross Country Championships

FAST Running athletes once again demonstrated the value of consistency, commitment and courage at the 2026 ACT Schools Cross Country Championships, held at Stromlo Forest Park.

Representing their schools across a range of age groups, our athletes embraced the challenge of one of Canberra’s toughest courses. Cross country places unique demands on competitors, rewarding not only fitness but also resilience, determination and the willingness to keep pushing when the course becomes difficult.

Several FAST athletes produced outstanding performances, with top-10 finishes across the championships.

Top FAST Performances

• Kai Urack – 1st (Boys 9 Years)
• Vivian Kelly – 4th (Boys 9 Years)
• Sophie Cusack – 4th (Girls 10 Years)
• Marlo Blair – 6th (Boys 8 Years)
• Leila Hudson – 6th (Girls 10 Years)
• Scarlett Taylor – 7th (Girls 10 Years)
• Joshua Cusack – 7th (Boys 10 Years)
• Frida Schuster – 7th (Girls 11 Years)
• Hamish Elliott – 7th (Boys 16 Years)
• Sophia Gye – 10th (Girls 10 Years)

We also congratulate the many other FAST athletes who proudly represented their schools:

• Gabriel Taylor
• Yuvain Ariyadasa
• Jaxon Martin
• Leo McKinley
• Remi Blair
• Amelia Hermanns
• Felicity Gribble
• Vivian Swallow
• Clare Rice
• Audrey Dredge
• Bruno Schuster
• Rachel Way
• Jasmine Smyth

While the placings are impressive, the true success of the day extends far beyond results. Every athlete who stood on the start line added another chapter to their long-term development. Whether achieving a personal best, fighting through the final climb, or simply refusing to give in when the race became difficult, each performance represents another step forward.

Distance running continues to play an important role in developing well-rounded athletes. It builds resilience, confidence and an understanding that meaningful progress comes through consistent work over time—qualities that underpin success across every athletics discipline.

Congratulations to all of our athletes, their families, schools, coaches and the many volunteers whose efforts made the championships possible.

Running excellence grows through every challenge, every training session and every race. We look forward to seeing our athletes continue that journey throughout the remainder of the season.