Bermuda’s budding triathlete Madison Schindel navigated a tough course and harsh weather in the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Cross Country Championships in Canada.

The 14-year-old entered the girls novice 4k race and crossed the finish line in 17min 25sec to finish 90th out of 288 runners. She was the first runner from Trinity College School across the line, with Reese Phelan her next team-mate home in 171st.

The Bermudian was one of 268 runners who completed the race in the second-largest cross country championships in North America.

“It was a pretty hard race as we had to run on sand and jump over things,” Schindel told The Royal Gazette.

“The conditions were also pretty bad as it was hailing during the race, but overall I ran and tried my best and thought the race was pretty fun.

“I learnt that no matter the course or conditions, you should always try your best and never give up no matter how tough the race is mentally and physically.”

To qualify for Monday’s race, Schindel, who switched from Bermuda High School for Girls to Trinity College in September, finished fourth in 18:57 at the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association Championships. She had to be in the top five to qualify for the OFSAA event.

“The rest of my running season went very well and I am extremely happy with this cross country season,” she said.

“My running is a big help to my triathlon career. In Canada I have found my running has improved a lot as I train a lot more than I did back home since I train everyday except for Thursdays and Sundays.

“I have been working with coach Steve Patterson since I arrived here. He has really helped me improve on my running.”

What excited the young athlete was the presence of her mother Allison Petty for her last race of the season.

“Having my mum in Canada was definitely special as she is one of my biggest supporters,’’ Schindel added.

“She is at every one of my races back home in Bermuda and always cheering very loud for me. I had not seen my mum in a while so being able to see her was very special.”

Petty, who kept a promise to be there if her daughter qualified for Monday’s race, was pleased with the effort she put in despite the inclement weather.

“I’m such a proud mother,” Petty said. “She loves racing in the heat over the cold being an island girl, but she took it in her stride as the weather on Monday was just freezing, especially with the hail.”