Set Cross Country

Having had to postpone this event, we could not have asked for a better afternoon to run our Annual Set Cross Country Championships.  Having had a cooler night, the ground conditions were more favourable than earlier in the week. The wind stayed away and the sun shone all afternoon. We have run this event for many years now and seen all the elements - rain, wind, sleet and even snow!

It has been great to have a keen group of runners attend running club since September and their efforts, in particular, really paid dividends. While this event is very competitive, it is also inclusive, with every prep school pupil participating and earning points for their set.  

This year we combined the U11 and U13 races to encourage competition for some of our strongest runners. Similarly, U9 girls and boys were set off in quick succession. Results, however, are always separate which can be seen below.  Congratulations to our podium finishers!

U9 Girls

  • 1st - Charlotte J (Year 4)
  • 2nd - Penelope L (Year 3)
  • 3rd - Coco W (Year 3)

U9 Boys

  • 1st - Keegan N (Year 4)
  • 2nd - Kaz K (Year 3)
  • 3rd - George C (Year 4)

U11 Girls

  • 1st - Florence L (Year 6)
  • 2nd - Charlotte T (Year 6)
  • 3rd - Ailsa F (Year 6)

U11 Boys

  • 1st - Rupert B-W (Year 5)
  • 2nd - William L (Year 5)
  • 3rd - Aydin T (Year 6)

U13 Girls

  • 1st - Penny V (Year 8)
  • 2nd - Peyia F (Year 7)
  • 3rd - Freya B (Year 8)

U13 Boys 

  • 1st - Huxley S (Year 7)
  • 2nd - Freddie H (Year 8)
  • 3rd - Rico L (Year 7)

Full Results

Our Resident Assistant, Nancy Britten, stepped up as ‘hare’, running all three races in quick succession! Miss Britten is a talented runner herself, having competed to county standard. She has been a valuable asset to the running club and a super role model for our younger aspiring athletes. 

The U9 race is restricted to the school site and covers a distance of just over one kilometre. As the pupils progress into Year 5, the route is extended to 3km. We are extremely grateful to Mr Will Nelstrop, a former parent, for the use of his farmland, which really adds to the cross country experience. My thanks also go to Mr Hainsworth, Mr Mayhew, Miss Breton and Miss Britten for marking out the course and preparing the grounds.  

Mrs Costello took to the mic with great enthusiasm and it was lovely to be able to motivate the runners as they approached the final stretch of the course. As each runner approached the finish line, I was amazed by their grit and determination in the final few metres. The vast majority had clearly given it their very best and many even had a smile on their face. They certainly earned their fudge from Mr Wilson!

The pupils displayed resilience and teamwork and it was a great way to end a busy term of sport. As ever, all members of staff played their part and I am very grateful to them all for their invaluable contribution. Thank you and well done to all involved!

Mrs Felton, Director of Sport