14 March 2015
In unusually dry but crisp weather, 12 pupils from Years 5 to 8 represented Abingdon Prep School in the prestigious IAPS National Preparatory Cross Country Championships held at Malvern School, Worcestershire. The stunning ‘backdrop’ of the Malvern Hills and the grounds of Malvern College were a perfect setting for such a prestigious event. Competing were more than 70 Prep Schools from around the country.
The Under 11 (Years 5 and 6) race was over a distance of 2.6km around the grounds of the school. After the usual fast start our boys found themselves towards the middle of the field however, both William and Rowan worked their way through the field to finish 9th and 29th respectively. Out of the 366 runners, Dominic (122nd), William (136th) and George (171st) all finished in the top half of the race finishers. The cumulative score of the Under 11s meant that they were awarded the National Preparatory Small Schools’ Winners Trophy.
The Under 13s race was run over a testing 3.2km course and Abingdon had a favourable starting position in stall 2. The start of the race resembled a charge of wildebeest on the plains of the Masai Mara. The Abingdon Prep runners soon established positions throughout the pack and worked hard to maintain these. Henry finished strongly in 5th place while the next best placed athlete was Thomas in 64th. Dominic, Oscar, James and Harry all gained valuable experience and I am sure many will return next year stronger and faster. Many congratulations to all those who took part in a very enjoyable afternoon.
