Jay claimed the 13 boys’ title in nine minutes and 40 seconds and Seb snared third in 9.44.

The pair, both 13, were among 90 runners in their age group at the Bundoora-based event last week.

They rated the three-kilometre course as tougher than the Woodford circuit they completed to qualify for state titles.

“It was muddy and steep,” Seb said of the Bundoora track. “I prefer the flat.”

Jay and Seb are both multi-talented sportsmen.

Jay was selected to represent Victoria in basketball at under 12 level last year and plays for Warrnambool Seahawks’ highly-rated under 14 boys’ team, which won a Basketball Victoria country championship title in April. He also plays under 14 football for South Warrnambool.

“I get my fitness (for running) from basketball and football,” Jay said.

Seb is a member of Warrnambool Swimming Club and trains four times a week.  He also plays football, lining up for North Warrnambool Eagles’ under 14s.

Fellow Warrnambool College runner Naticia Varley also notched a strong result at the SSV cross-country event, finishing fifth in the 15 girls.

Cobden Tech’s Kurt McDonald, a promising triathlete, was fifth in the 15 boys’ class. 

Meanwhile, Warrnambool Little Athletics Centre (WLAC)  will have seven runners test their endurance at state championships at Bundoora Park tomorrow.

Harrison Kilpatrick and Zac Norton are representing the centre in the under 11 boys’ race.

Naticia Varley (under 13 girls), Emma Ragg (under 12 girls), Catherine Ragg (under 10 girls), Alysha Ralston (under nine girls) and Grace Kelly (under eight girls) make up the girls’ contingent.

WLAC president Peter Varley said having seven competitors from Warrnambool was a good reflection on the Brauerander Park-based centre.

“We haven’t had many go to states. You don’t have to qualify but these are all very good runners. We do have a good lot of distance runners,” he said.