YOUNG runners had to brave the worst of the battering winds, rain and mud yesterday as they competed in the Essex Schools Cross-Country Championships at King John School in Thundersley.

The race had already been postponed twice because the original course at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, was flooded.

But the conditions were no better at the third time of asking as the races were run during the height of yesterday’s storm, leaving the young competitors soaking wet and caked in mud.

Watch a video of the event below and for a full gallery of pictures click here

If you would like to purchase any photos of the event, please click here