House Cross Country Returns

Last weekend saw the return of House Cross Country, newly revamped with three different courses for all abilities. The first was the all-comers route, designed for all age groups and mass participation where runners completed two laps of the school grounds. This was the school community at its best and it was a joy to see such large numbers all rallying for those House points, whether running hard to finish as strong as possible or taking more of a fun-run approach.

The other two routes were designed for some of the hardier competitors or those senior pupils who wanted to really challenge themselves. Christened ‘the DRG’ after keen athlete , David Grant,  the race ventured off-site up the steep Roman Road, across farmland and back down alongside the woodland that forms the stunning backdrop to our school grounds. This was eighteen months in the planning and it was only made possible with the help of every member of staff marshalling along the way, offering encouragement and collating results. Conditions were perfect – that is to say it was wet and muddy but a fine weather window ensured all 25 competitors, 16 boys and 8 girls, and the man Mr DRG himself, made it round safely, if a little broken.