A DETERMINED youngster has conquered three gruelling obstacle races in a single day finishing ahead of hundreds of competitors.

Finley Greenleaf, 11, of Wimple Road, Colchester, was crowned the winner of three of the country’s toughest Spartan Kids races following an event in St Clere, Kent.

The trio of gladiatorial contests, which unwaveringly puts the stamina, speed and mental capacity of participants to the test, saw Finley fiercely fend off more than 400 children, making him the first young competitor this year to earn the coveted Spartan Trifecta medal.

Finley, who is a pupil at St John’s Green Primary School in Colchester, was so far in front of his warrior counterparts towards the end of one of the intense courses, he even completed the race in celebratory style by back-flipping over the finish line.

Sporty Finley said: “I absolutely loved competing in the events.

“My favourite part of the race was flipping over the cargo net, this is a skill that I’ve been practising but had never actually had the chance to try out in race conditions.

“I managed to complete all of the obstacles successfully, avoiding the dreaded burpee punishment.

“If I had messed up any of my obstacles it may have been a different ending.”

Finley, a keen gymnast, free runner and trampolinist, first became accustomed to the world of obstacle races after his dad Mark Greenleaf entered him into the Spartan Sprint and Beast event in Scotland three years ago.

The competitive nature of the run instantly appealed to his sporty and determined personality and before long he was tackling an inaugural world championship in America.

Finley’s mother Dawn Greenleaf said: “Finley has always been really active and has to go out and do some form of exercise at least once a day.

“He has loved taking part in the obstacle course races ever since his first event in Edinburgh.

“He’s likes the challenge, has made lots of new friends and ultimately the races are a lot of fun.”

Finley prepares for races by joining park runs and defeating obstacles at Ultimate Ninja in Colchester.

Now following his impressive display in Kent, he has his eyes firmly set on a prestigious adult championship.

And despite his recent successes, he defiantly says he isn’t about to rest on his laurels, nor allow his competitors to make up any ground.

Finley said: “I was really happy with the race in Kent, but I know that I can’t relax.

“The other kids racing are hot on my tail and it’s definitely going to be an interesting season.

“When I’m old enough my aim is to qualify for the Obstacle Course Race World Championships but until then I’m just going to take part in as many of the kids’ races as possible.”

For more information or to register please visit spartanrace.uk/en