They turned out in their hundreds.

And while the young runners who lined up for the Neiley Races in Honley may not have Rio 2016 in their sights, there was no doubting their determination and their talent.

The races, organised by Holmfirth Harriers and local schools, are now in their 26th year and are growing all the time.

Three new schools joined the starting line-up this time and that meant more than 1,100 young runners from primary schools across South Huddersfield lined up for the four age-group races.

The races are repeated twice more - on May 18 and June 15 - and the prizes will be worked out after all three have been completed.

Race day turned out to be warm, dry and sunny which was a relief to organiser John McFadzean.

The Harriers’ official had been forced to cancel the orginal race date because of the waterlogged Neiley playing fields off New Mill Road and there were doubts even before Wednesday’s races.

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“On Tuesday we had heavy showers and the races were on, then off, then on again.

“We made the decision we were going to go ahead and in the end the conditions were great for the runners and the many spectators.

“It has grown enormously since the first races at Sands recreation grund in Holmfirth. This is our 26th year and we have long since outgrown Sands.

“We moved to Neiley and now more and more schools want to take part.

“I am seeing athletics being introduced at more schools in Huddersfield and many have set up running clubs, which can only be good.”