The AIC cross country meet tossed up two hat-tricks in a thrilling competition at Curlew Park on Monday.
Marist Ashgrove was named the champion school for the third successive year while St Edmund’s College runner Jude Thomas recorded his third straight individual win.
Thomas was a stunning winner of the Open race – his second straight win in the age-group – as he cleared out to win the 6km race by 47 seconds on the fast Shorncliffe course.
Thomas’ overall time of 18 mins 49 seconds underlined the talent that delivered him a medal in the Oceania cross country championships last year.
He led in a talented field with Padua’s Nathan Powell finishing second, adding to his placing in last year’s Queensland championships.
Ashgrove became the most successful school in AIC cross country history, snaring its ninth overall title to break a deadlock with Iona College.
Ashgrove again relied on a team effort although the school featured individual winners in Thomas Prole (Under 16) and James Prole (Under 13).
Ashgrove finished with 42.5 points, ahead of another consistent effort from Iona (40 points), Padua College (29) and St Peter’s Lutheran College (28).
The Year 5 and 6 aggregate was won by St Laurence’s College (16 points) ahead of Iona (14) and Ashgrove and Villanova (10 points each).
Each of the AIC schools could be pleased with their efforts with bright moments across the day.
St Laurence’s won the Open championship with a team effort featuring Cale Oborne (4th), Laughlin Charity (13th) and Louis Nicolaou (17th).
St Peter’s claimed the 16 Years team category while Villanova won the 14 Years team event.
St Patrick’s continued its good record with placings in three age groups including the Open level.
Padua featured excellent contributions across the age groups including Ned Paddison’s win in the 16 Years event.
The championships were held at Curlew Park for the first time, with a strong crowd lining the course in perfect overcast conditions.
Limestone Park, Ipswich, will host next year’s championships.
