CALDWELL, Texas (KBTX) – Hundreds of cross-country runners tackled the Top Tier Training Camp course Saturday morning for the annual Mud, Sweat and Cheers relay race in Caldwell.

Schools from across the state competed in relay teams of four, with each athlete running a 2.4 km lap.

The runners had to overcome small obstacles and mud pits.

In the boys’ 6A/5A class, College Station took first place with a time of 34:14.40.

The Cougars squad consisted of Justin Boatcallie, Camilo Riano, William Howard and Vance Ballabina.

In the girls 6A/5A, A&M Consolidated defended its title with a first place finish.

Elizabeth Gregory, Rachel Moran, Madison Black and Rowen Skinner finished in 40:49.72.

“We’ve been at it for a while and it’s really exciting to come back and do it all again with the same teammates because no one graduated,” said Rowen Skinner, a sophomore at A&M Consolidated. “It was just special to be able to do it again with the same girls. I think it’s a great way to kick off the cross country season, to ease the nerves and show what we can do in a fun environment.”

Proceeds from the race go to Zoe Empowers, which helps orphans living in poverty.

All rights reserved.