Cross country runners from St Albans School once again proved their mettle on the international stage, competing in the World Schools Championships in Budapest securing a top ten finish.

The team, representing England, achieved seventh place against 21 other countries. Teams from Turkey, New Zealand and France took the first three positions.

The five-day event included competitions for both school and national teams and attracted top young runners from around the world, making it a strong challenge for the St Albans team. For the most senior boys, Oliver Edmond, Tom Halling and Ben Hemsi, this was a fitting conclusion to their school running career.

In the 5.4km main race on Margit Island in Budapest, Year 12 student Ben Clarke led the St Albans School team home in 31st place, closely followed by Year 11 runner Tom Fulton in 32nd.

The three Year 13 boys followed, with Josh Avenell, a Year 9 boy running for the senior team, finishing in a very valuable 91st place.

Kenny Everitt, head of Cross Country at St Albans School, said: “Being placed seventh in such a strong field was a great achievement for the boys. We expected the older boys to do well, but Josh’s performance in such a high profile senior race was outstanding and bodes very well for the future.”