Sixteen national cross-country champions were crowned on Saturday as Bermuda Track and Field Association held their final meet of the season at the Botanical Gardens.

Jay Donawa and Dawn Richardson romped to victory in the respective men's and women's Open divisions but many of the younger age groups provided closer contests.

English resident Richardson won the race but second-placed Clemmie Stubbs was awarded the title of national champion as only Bermudians can collect that award.

Age divisions ranged from Under-10 up to Senior Masters (over 50), many of the runners racing for the last time before this weekend's International race Weekend which au usual will feature mile races on Front Street, the 10K on Saturday and the fullt Marathon and Half-Marathon on Sunday.

Over an undulating Paget course, David Darrell edged Justin Ferreira by four tenths of a second in the boys' Under-12 category in the closest race of the day while Darico Clarke and Alexis Bean collected the respective male and female Under-20 titles as they faced no competition.

Donna Watson of the BTFA said she was pleased with the day's racing, noting the competitive nature of the event, many individuals were determined to take home the title of national champion.

"It was a good event with some good races," said Watson. "The first placed athlete in each age group was the national champion and they each received a trophy and gift certificate.

"All in all it was a good day, good weather and a good turn-out from athletes and spectators.

"We had a three-way tie for the schools with the most entrants and had to check the results to find out who was the first athlete from the three schools to cross the finish line. The school was Saltus."

CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONS

Under-10

Boys: Finn Hutton

Girls: Priya Lewis

Under-12

Boys: David Darrell

Girls: Zakiyyah Showers

Under-14

Boys: Dage Minors

Girls: Shuntae Hendrickson

Under-17

Boys: Trey Simons

Girls: Ashley Berry

Under-20

Male: Darico Clarke

Female: Alexis Bean

Open

Male: Jay Donawa

Female: Dawn Richardson

Masters

Male: Lee Harrison

Female: Victoria Fiddick

Senior Masters

Male: Mark Albouy

Female: Midge Oliver

Full results see Scoreboard, Page 14