TOP runner Jake Stephenson proved to be no stick in the mud as he secured his place among the best athletes in the country.
Out of a field of 38 runners, Jake secured a top six placing in the latest county qualifying competition at Ripon.
The Richmond School and Sixth Form College student now qualifies for the English Schools Cross-country championships after consistent performances in the sport.
He will also compete in the next round, the inter-county fixture, due to be staged at Kirkby Stephen on February 4, before heading to the finals in Norwich on March 18.
The 15-year-old has been competing for the past four years and last year secured a creditable 13th place in the Richmond Castle 10K out of 334 runners.
A member of the Richmond and Zetland Harriers, his recent successes in the intermediate boys’ class have seen him awarded the prestigious North Yorkshire county vest.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College assistant head teacher and running club organiser Sandra Johnson said: “Jake has already enjoyed some amazing achievements and has a bright future to look forward to in his running.”
Jake, a Year 11 student, of Richmond, who also competes in triathlon, 1500m and 3K events, said: “I really enjoy my running and it certainly helps living around here where there is plenty of mud and hills. I’d like to continue competing for as long as I can to see where that takes me.”