On a very damp and slightly chilly Tuesday, 450 Year 3/4 and 5/6 pupils from 22 primary schools came together for the annual cross country meet. It was fantastic to see so many keen, aspirational and very talented young runners ready to take on the courses of 1500 and 2000m. Having made good time the pupils all walked the course to make sure they were familiar with its direction and also the terrain as it was wet, muddy and slippy in places. We had taken 4 teams of pupils, 8 boys and girls from years 3,4,5 and 6. The races were run as single sex but joint year groups, leading to fields of near 100 pupils in some of the races. The pupils were all very excited on the start line and set off for some fantastic, fast, fun and in some cases technically brilliant running.
Shiplake pupils showed depth of character and dug deep even when the running was challenging them and they all gave 100% effort and commitment whatever their placing, putting in performances they could all be proud of! As a result the Year 3/4 girls finished the team event (this is the top 4 runners from the team of 8, positions, added together) in am amazing 2nd place, and the Year 3/4 boys finished 3rd. Both teams have now qualified for the County Finals next year which is a fantastic achievement. Year 5/6 girls came a commendable 8th place, while the year 5/6 boys were so very close to qualifying ending in some might say the worst position of 4th. Some stand out performances came from Ovia, Coco, Josh, Edward and Alex.
A huge credit not only goes to the pupils themselves, but also for the passion and commitment to the importance of running and making it available to all pupils by Miss Boucher and Mrs Crick!
A massive well done to all those who participated, be very proud of your achievements!!