A SPORTING student has raced to a record fourth consecutive victory on the 120th anniversary of an historic school run.

Barnard Castle School Year 11 pupil Thea Thompson completed the 2¾ mile Barnard Run in 19 minutes 56 seconds, just 42 seconds outside of the course record.

Thea, 16, of Winston, lifted the senior girls’ Turnbull Shield again after taking the junior and intermediate titles for the past three years.

Winner of the four mile senior boys’ race was James Watson, 16, of Wolsingham, who finished over a minute ahead of his nearest rival.

They were joined by over 200 fellow pupils who battled it out for house honours in the celebrated race, which was first run at the school in 1892.

“I was determined to win again this year and because it is the 120th anniversary of the run it made it even more special,” she said.

“I was quite disappointed to miss out on the senior girls’ course record, as I still hold the record for the junior girls’ race, but there is always next year.”

The run also raised much needed funds for Dreamflight, a charity which takes seriously ill and disabled children on the holiday of a lifetime to Florida, with sponsorship from the qualifying Barney Bash events raising over £5,000.

Teacher and race organiser Charles Alderson said: “A lot of hard work goes into staging an event like this by competitors and staff.

“Once again we have witnessed a magnificent race which was very fitting to celebrate 120 years of the Barney Run.”

The winners’ trophies were presented by senior mistress and founder of Bowes House, Bernadette Ellison, who will be retiring from the school at the end of the year.

Results: Barney Bash: Durham House, Marwood House.

Geoffrey Turnbull Cup: Eleanor Shannon.

Wilford Cup: Zac Day.

Fred Turnbull Cup: Katie Bodie.

Blackett Cup: Sam Leeming.

Turnbull Shield: Thea Thompson.

Lloyd Evans Cup: James Watson.

Ross Cup: Marwood House.

Junior Barnard Cup: Durham House.

Chatt Cup: Bowes House.

Barnard Cup: Tees House.