A WORCESTER schoolboy has won a prestigious title as National (UK) Army Cadet Cross Country champion.
Josiah Heath, 16 and a pupil at The River School in Worcester, competed against 35 runners in the National Finals last month.
The event, which consisted of all regional and county finalists from previous competitions, was organised by the Army Cadet Force. Josiah has been a member of the Hereford and Worcester ACF for the past 12 months.
“It is a huge honour and a gift for me to have won this championship and to have competed at the highest level for the Army Cadet Force,” he added.
“It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done but I’m so happy I achieved it!”
Carol Parry, headteacher at The River School, said : “We are thrilled to hear of Josiah’s fabulous success in his chosen sport.
“His dedication, passion and enthusiasm have certainly paid off and we would like to wish him all the best with his future Army and running career!”
Josiah won the award running around a 5.7km challenging course at Warcop Army Training Camp in Cumbria.
The Army Cadet Force has more than 41,000 cadets in more than 1,600 detachments all over the country and is one of the biggest clubs around, arranging adventurous activities including rock climbing, mountain biking, archery and abseiling.
There is also plenty of chance to play sports with competitions for both boys and girls at county, regional and national level.
The River School, a Christian, co-educational independent day school for pupils and young people aged three to 16 years. Founder Timothy Crow, opened the school, along The Droitwich Road, in 1985.
