A CUMNOCK Academy pupil has made history by winning the East Ayrshire Schools Cross-Country Race.

Not only was it a marvellous personal achievement for 12-year-old Ellie Browne because, as she crossed the finishing line, she also became the first Cumnock Academy pupil to win the race.

What makes her success even more remarkable is that she has been taking part in athletics for just two years.

There was no indication of that being the case as she left others trailing, beating a Kilmarnock Grange opponent to win the race at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena.

Ellie said: “I only knew that I was the first pupil to win the race until I it was over.

“There were 20 pupils from Cumnock Academy taking part, of all ages, but I think I was the youngest.

“I had raced in a cross-country event once before. I prefer doing a cross-country because I find it easier to run on grass than racing on flat surfaces. When I am racing, I am able to pace myself.”

It was an exciting end to the race as Ellie had established a significant lead on the first lap but found the gap narrowing on the second, but the Cumnock girl simply increased her speed accordingly.

Winning so handsomely has also inspired Ellie to think about maybe joining a club and taking part in more competitive racing.

She said: “The school goes back on October 31 when we will be taking on schools from the whole of Ayrshire.

“We do cross-country in PE at the school. I did not do any special training or anything like that.

“I do Muay Thai and boxing at Force Fitness in Cumnock and that keeps me fit.

“When I leave school I want to be a paramedic but hope to keep running as well, maybe as an amateur.”

Acting deputy at Cumnock Academy, Stephen Kyle, also teaches PE in the school.

He added: “Everyone at the school is very proud of Ellie.

“Clearly she is a natural athlete and hopefully will be a star of the future.”

Pictured below is the course which Ellie tackled.The race started on the track before veering off into adjacent rough terrain.