A group of pupils and staff headed to the centre of Henley in order to compete in the popular Henley half marathon and 10k races. A course known for its natural beauty and steep hills, it was so mean feat to take on the challenge on a frosty Sunday morning! Thank you to Mr Tiki Ebun-Cole, and runner Rhys Ash, for the following report on the challenging race:
‘On Sunday 9 October, 18 of us, both staff and pupils, nervously headed down into Henley Rugby Club to take part in the Henley Half Marathon and Henley 10K. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone buzzing to start, and finish, their events.
Those who ran the 10K included Jack Murray, Angus Wood, Harry Clark, Zac Tilley, Dom John-Vallee, Antoine Schweitz, Alex Geisler, Oliver Greco, Sunny Pong, Tom Ibbitson and Will Tompkins. The 10k runners set off at 9:30 and ran the second half of the Henley Half marathon Route, starting off with a 2km hill to run. The half marathon runners consisted of: Guillermo Carey, Max Winnrich, Rhys Ash, Alex John-Vallee, Maisie Webb, Mr Paul McGraw, Mr Ebun-Cole and Mr Chris Alcock. Everyone completing it in under 2 and a half hours. Well done to Rhys Ash who was the fastest Shiplake Runner, running all 13.5 miles in an impressive 1 hour 38 mins.
The event was a huge experience for all who took part to represent the College, especially as for many of us as it was our first 10k or Half Marathon. We would like to thank Mr Ebun-Cole for his enthusiasm and support leading up to the event and on the day and to Mrs Dix who took the time out her day to drive us in the mini Buses to the event. Also thank you to all the other members of staff and their families who came down to support us both at the start and finish.’
Special mentions must go to Adam Hunt for coming third in the whole 10k race and Rhys Ash for coming 2nd in the under 18 categories for the half marathon but also to Max Weinreich and Guillermo Carey for completing the half marathon.
Thanks must also go to Mrs Sarah Dix for driving the mini busses, Mr Ebun-Cole for organising it and all the supporters on the day but particularly Dr Gareth Hughes who cheered us on at the finishing straight!’