Russell’s victory was a top class effort in difficult and cold weather conditions, finishing 1 minute 4 seconds ahead of the second placed runner. Pakuranga College’s David Lee won the junior boys race, with his schoolmate Jay Wallwork coming home second.
Denise Mendonca of Pakuranga College was runner-up in the junior girls race, while Whitford’s Liam Crowley of Kings College and Paul Edgar of Howick College finished second and third respectively in the intermediate boys.
The Auckland secondary schools cross country championship final is at St Kentigern College on May 26.