Young Coleraine athlete Jackson shines at Flahavan’s Cross Country League final

A young Coleraine athlete has shown the opposition a clean pair of heels in the Flahavan’s Cross Country League final, coming out as overall boys’ winner.

The 2025–26 Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League reached its exciting finale on February 27 as hundreds of young runners from across Northern Ireland came together to battle it out for top honours, and a coveted place on the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Junior Endurance Squad.

Pictured is Boys' Race winner Jackson Nellins (R) from DH Christie Memorial Primary School, Coleraine, alongside Flahavan’s representative James Whelan at the final of the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League. CREDIT FLAHAVANS

placeholder image — Pictured is Boys' Race winner Jackson Nellins (R) from DH Christie Memorial Primary School, Coleraine, alongside Flahavan’s representative James Whelan at the final of the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League. CREDIT FLAHAVANS

After a thrilling day of competition, Jackson Nellins from DH Christie Memorial Primary School, Coleraine, crossed the line first to claim victory.

Almost 300 athletes from 70 schools competed at the final, with the top 20 boys and top 20 girls securing selection Junior Endurance Squad. Successful athletes will now benefit from year-round coaching and development opportunities designed to nurture their endurance, confidence and long-term athletic potential.

The renowned league once again demonstrated the strength of grassroots athletics, with more than 6,790 pupils from 400 schools taking part across the three rounds.