Tuesday 5th March 2024

Six of our pupils who achieved success at the Isle of Wight KS3 Cross-Country event earlier in the year, were invited to participate in the Hampshire Finals event being held at Down Grange Sports complex in Basingstoke.

Following an eventful journey (more on that later) we arrived at Basingstoke surrounded by many pupils from various schools across the county. Pupils received their entry cards and walked the very muddy course to see what their races would entail. Distances ranged from 2000m for Y7 girls to 3000m for Y8 boys, and most races had 100+ participants.

First up was Flora R who did a fantastic job and completed her race in the top 30, then George S and Charlie L followed with commendable efforts and race placements. 

With Year 7 races complete it was over to the Year 8’s to round off the day. Annabelle S and Katherine B both ran well to finish before many of their peers. 

Finishing up the day was David E, who did well to complete the race having suffered a fall at the start and a twisted ankle mid-way through.

Congratulations to all those who participated on what was a tough day of racing against some extremely fast young cross-country runners; as a school we are proud of their achievements and efforts.

Also, a big thank you to the collective body of staff from multiple Island schools for arranging the day and the travel arrangements. This also included helping to push the borrowed minibus with a flat battery to jump-start it in the rain, multiple times throughout the day. At least the children enjoyed the experience and found the situation highly entertaining!