The KMPG Round The Grounds race proved to be a big hit with more than 100 junior runners taking on the hilly loops of the Botanical Gardens last weekend.

Competition in each age group was fierce with mere seconds separating first and second in a few categories of the race, which was organised by the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club.

Diondre Dowling won the boy's eight to 10 category, breaking the tape in six minutes, 40 seconds with Treyshun Sanders, 6:53, coming in second, while the eight to 10 girl's saw Zakiyyah Showers, 6:54, narrowly beat Quaashie Douglas to claim her first title of the season.

In the 11-12 age group, Justin Ferreira showed his form again by dashing to victory in 6:05. Second place was taken by Nakeno Creighton in a time of 6:21 seconds.

Pacers Track Club runner and top junior triathlete Molly Pilgrim showed strong running prowess, winning the girl's 11-12 race in 6:32, only two seconds ahead of second place Jordan Bascome.

In the boy's 13-15 category, Juma Mouchette triumphed over Shawn Herman.

Mouchette completed 2.1 miles in a time of 13:09 In the 13-15 girl's race, Kamryn Minors finished ahead of Ravoshia Whaley, winning in a time of 15:08.

All races were timed by Bermuda Timing using electronic chips.

There is still time for junior runners to enter this year's KPMG Junior Running Series.

The BTFA cross country race at the Arboretum this Saturday will be the second race in the KPMG series and young runners have to enter two out of three races to be eligible for prizes.

Registration for the second race in the series, the BTFA Cross Country, will take place at 8:00 a.m. in the Arboretum with the Swan's Running Club organising the race.

The final race of the series is the Odd Events track meet that will be held on Sunday December 7th at the National Sports Centre (NSC).