ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM
Inter House Cross Country
It is always with great excitement that our pupils and staff look forward to the Annual Inter House Cross Country event and this year was no different. On Wednesday 9th October teams of enthusiastic runners gathered in their house assemblies for the ritual of house colours, face painting and motivational tips!
As the clock struck 3pm and with smiles all round, the first wave of pupils set off. Fighting through intermittent downpours, pupils were released into the fray; Byne Paddock was awash both literally by the rain and by the wealth of support from the School community. The course was tricky as pupils navigated their way through the wind and the rain but our runners were undeterred. Finally, as they approached Byne and the last leg of the race, the rain subsided and they were greeted with loud cheers; the atmosphere was electric.
There were impressive performances from many pupils but particular praise is due to Max Belbin in Year 7 for setting a new school record; Nirobi Smith-Mills in the Lower Sixth just missing out on setting a new 7km record; Tilly Nickell in Year 8 winning the Lower School girls’ event; Ben Jones winning the prize for the Middle School. The staff were every bit as keen to partake as our pupils. Mrs Walmsley ran once again in her crocodile outfit (an annual treat!), Matthew Hodgson ran the 7km course in full CCF kit along with bergan and roll mat, raising money for the Air Ambulance and Mr Dixon claimed the spoils for the 7km in a very respectful 31 minutes and 26 seconds.
A huge thanks to Relish Running for undertaking the all-important task of the timing and to the members of staff who kindly marshalled in some truly testing weather conditions to ensure the safety of our runners throughout the competition.
The overall winners were Arnold House claiming an impressive points win over the others and also claiming 6 out of the 7 race categories. We look forward already to next year’s race and the hope that is includes some sunshine!
Thank you to David Wiltshire Photograpy and Yellow Balloon for capturing the action.
Tim Watts, Director of Sport