On Friday we finally got a beautiful afternoon to host our annual inter house cross country race. All of our senior pupils from Year 7 to 11 took part and yet again every single runner completed the course and we had lots of smiles along the way, for a few once they crossed the finish line.

  

Our elite runners had competed the previous week out in spring wood. We had our largest race to date including 8 boys and 2 girls. Showing how much running opportunities have increased in recent years at Oakhill. It was a highly competitive race with many of our younger runners hot on the heels of our older more experienced athletes. Race positions in the elite run were:

 

1) RJ Hudson (11)

2) Thomas Pugh (9)

3) Finlay Hall (8)

4) Noah Howson (7)

5) Charlie McHugh (7)

6) Noah Harwood (8)

7) Chris Broome (7)

8) Stefan Sabanovic (7)

  

1) Felicity Griffiths (9) NEW COURSE RECORD!

2) Nicole Phillips (9)

 

Well done to all our elite runners who chose to challenge themselves and become the best they could be. We are all very proud of you.

Friday afternoon started with the girls race, the course was quite soft underfoot due to the numerous storms we have encountered. Year 11 pupil, Holly led the race from the start, working as a great pacemaker for the rest of the runners. However, many of our runners ran smart with a fantastic race plan in place that they expected well. All of the positions changed on the long straights of the top field. With staff and our elite runners at Marshall points there was no time for easing off. Our elite runners were fantastic in motivating their peers. The race remained close until the very end, when Year 11 pupil, Juliet strode out on the down hill to take her little sisters title, with Felicity running with her and pushing her on until the very last step! Final results in the girls race:

1) Juliet Griffiths (11)

2) Maisey Dillon (8)

3) Layla Abbott (11)

The final race of the day was the boys race. A very quick start with Year 9 pupil James  hot off the line and leading with determination. Fantastic effort was seen from every single pupil, our Year 11s led by example giving their all even though they do not find the event easy. The boys event is quite a bit longer and was tough for many of our boys. But not one gave up. Final results in the boys race:

1) Ruairi Dillon (8)

2) Louis Dillon (11)

3) Harrison Crook (11)

 

A very successful afternoon for the Dillon family with all three children achieving either first or second place and for the Griffiths girls who both achieved first places in their respective races. However, at Oakhill we do not only support those those win the medals. We are proud of each and every pupil that completed the race to the best of their ability, marshalled the course showing excellent leadership and supported and motivated their peers at times when they struggled. This was evident throughout the afternoon especially when our Year 11 girls ran an additional lap in support of one of our younger boys who was finding the final lap tough. I must admit, I left school on Friday evening with a tear in my eye, a huge smile on my face and a feeling that ‘my work here is done’ a sincere thank you to everyone who supported the event from taking running club, cheering on our runners and marshalling the course. This is what makes Oakhill different and is the Oakhill Advantage!!