The 15-year-old year 10 student made the cut for the first time this year.

She will join the top six in the region to compete at July 17 State Cross Country Championships at the Sydney Motor Sports Park at Eastern Creek.

Eldridge’s journey began as one of the top four runners from the school. She travelled to Coolah on June 12, where the final six were chosen from across the region.

Eldridge said she was “excited and nervous” to make the state team.

“I try to get in training whenever I can,” she said.

She said her mother actively encouraged her to train and improve for the finals.

“She wanted to get me up at five o’clock to train, but I just couldn’t. I didn’t go for a run. It’s too cold,” she said with a smile.

Eldridge will have a chance to get to know her teammates at Eastern Creek, when the squad is billeted in one of the pit garages at the raceway.

She said the opportunity to take her running to a state level was exciting.

“I feel good about it, I want to get further. I want to try to get to the next stage. It’s a new experience each time, so it’s good,” Eldridge said.

Jess has local support for her journey to Sydney, and felt grateful.

“Thank you to the Inverell community and to Delungra Pub, because they’re doing raffles and stuff to help me get there,” she said. “So, they’re trying to help out the best they can.”