In just four weeks, he'll be in the largest group of Glen Innes cross country athletes to ever compete at the all schools cross country championship in Sydney.

Dad Anthony says he spent two years aiming to get beyond the holding step in cross country. This year the year 6 student blitzed it, winning the Polding gold medal for 12 boys 3 kilometre run.

Elliott is one of three Glen Innes runners who placed at holding trials in Sydney, with Mary Arandale winning a bronze medal for 10 year girls and Danni Elliot also getting through to state trials.

It's the first time such a large number of Glen Innes students have made it to state trials.

Glen Innes public and high school student athletes also did well at their recent trials in Gunnedah, with Rocco Eastwood, Imogen Biddle, Leo Eastwood, Howie Eastwood, Maisie Eastwood, Sophie Watt and Jack Duddy also qualifying to state trials to run for the North West team.

Anthony Elliott gives a lot of credit to the team's new coach - Matthew Campion.

"It's been amazing, his knowledge and capability in knowing exactly the right things to be doing to peak at the right time has really shown what's capable in these kids given the right opportunities," he said.

Campion himself made the state cross country team as early as 2017. Now he's sharing some of the skills he learned at the higher level with the local runners. Anthony describes is as "giving back to the community" and commended him for the time he volunteers.

Kayden is putting the work in as well, training four days a week. Could he go further?

"He's got the potential to do well, I don't know whether he'll quite make that next level, but who knows?" said dad Anthony.

"We've got 4 weeks of solid training. He's got the bulldog attitude to really give it a good go."

Campion gave credit to the team for the massive achievement at the Sydney-based competition.

"They worked tirelessly for the amazing results they achieved. Their dedication and commitment is something to be commended," he said.

"I'm immensely proud of the results they achieved.

"Thank you to the parents for entrusting me with their kids and I'm thankful to have being able to help in some small way

"Massive thanks to Hugh Eastwood for everything he's done as well."