ATHLETICS: Brother and sister duo Ambrose and Lilli Willoughby have athleticism running through their veins and both enjoyed success at the recent State Cross Country Championships.

Running up and down hills and through creeks in conditions that included rain, hail and plenty of mud is not everyone's ideal way to spend a Sunday.

But the Willoughby's, who train with the South Coast Athletics Club, have passion and determination to succeed.

This shone through in the championships, held in Tanunda on July 27, with Ambrose returning with a gold medal and Lilli winning a bronze.

Ambrose, competing in the under 11's, crossed the finish line in the two kilometre course half a second in front of his opponent with a time of eight minutes 16.4 seconds.

"I just love getting outside and burning off energy and I liked running through the puddles," Ambrose said.

Lilli ran the three kilometre course in the under 13 competition and finished with a time of 14 minutes 23.6 seconds.

"It had lots of hills and the track was very slippery," Lilli said.

Despite the difficult conditions at the championships Ambrose and Lilli were both very excited to bring home another medal to add to their collections.

The athletics season recommences in October.

For enquiries about the South Coast Athletics Club contact Michelle on 8555 3662 or Linda on 8552 4361.