Whole School in the Running

The House Cross Country is a hotly anticipated event – taking place every year during the Autumn term, the event includes the entire College cohort running a 5km course around the Shiplake village and back to the school site. Members of staff also get involved: some marshal, whilst others don their running shoes and take to the track with the pupils. This year the event took place on Monday 3 October, and saw some fantastic times around the track.

Unusually for the Cross Country, the sun was shining down when the event arrived. Braced for wind and rain that didn’t come, spirits were high as the pupils set off around the track, that took them through New Field and out into Lower Shiplake. The runners went through the village and back to the College site, completing the course with a run up the steep hill from the river.

It was an impressive race; the first runner back was Jack Leigh (Orchard Bevan) in just 19 minutes and 39 seconds, with the second, Alex Shean (Everett), being very close behind at just 19 minutes and 53 seconds. Orchard House was very well-represented, with the fastest three juniors all flying the flag for Orchard in their green sports tops. Lower School also posted fantastic times; Lucas Ferrer de Arriba completed the tough course in 23 minutes and 20 seconds. Lauren McNally (Burr) came in first for the girls, in an impressive time of just 26 minutes and 15 seconds. Organiser Mr Tom Crisford commented: ‘I love this event because it brings everyone together. It’s ideal weather for it today; couldn’t have asked for better. I’m really grateful to everyone for getting involved and giving it their all.’

Please see below for the top three runners in each category:

Juniors:

• Rhys Ash (20 minutes 7 seconds)
• Adam Hunt (20 minutes 9 seconds)
• George Head (20 minutes 39 seconds)

Seniors:

• Jack Leigh (19 minutes 39 seconds)
• Alex Shean (19 minutes 53 seconds)
• Tom Nike (20 minutes 9 seconds)

Girls:

• Lauren McNally (26 minutes 15 seconds)
• Maisie Webb (27 minutes 13 seconds)
• Claudia Adams (27 minutes 14 seconds)

Lower School:

• Lucas Ferrer de Arriba (23 minutes 20 seconds)
• Harry Batchelor (23 minutes 39 seconds)
• Henry Poustie (24 minutes 29 seconds)