Following on from last year’s successful event, the Shiplake College Schools’ Cross-Country Competition returned for a second year. On Saturday 4 February, 208 girls and boys in Years 1 to 6 took to New Field to tackle runs of varying lengths. With buzzing support from all corners of the field, it made for a wonderful event where conditions were perfect for a Saturday morning run!
The Headmaster, Mr Howe, along with his dog Simba, were waiting at the finish line to award gold, silver and bronze medals to the first three finishers of each race. To add to the championship feel of the event, each medal ceremony took place on a podium - much to the delight of those present!
Speaking after the event, Mr Howe commented: "It was terrific to be able to welcome so many young people to Shiplake College on Saturday morning, many returning for the second year to defend titles or looking to reach a podium finish, with others taking part in their first ever cross-country race. It was a joy to have girls and boys from such a wide range of schools all together in one place, creating a wonderful atmosphere."
Director of Sport, Mr Bradley, who was on duty at the start line to set each race off, added: "It was great to see so many girls and boys up and out on a Saturday to take part in the races, encouraging the other participants and enjoying both the fun and competitive elements of the morning. Thank you to all the parents and representatives from the primary and prep schools for the support."
Thank you to the pupils and members of staff who gave up their time to ensure that the event ran smoothly. A special mention must also go to Alfie Malcolm (Year 11) and Gregor Jones (Year 13) who acted as hares and chasers to ensure that no one got lost along the way. Thank you as well to the many staff and pupils who were marshals scattered throughout the field or waiting at the finish line to hand out certificates, snacks and drinks to every participant.
Congratulations to the following runners and schools:
Year 1
| Girls (23 Runners) | Boys (22 Runners) |
| 1st: Phoebe Soles (Nettlebed Primary) | 1st: Joey Quinn (Oratory Prep) |
| 2nd: Freya Hamand (Kidmore End Primary) | 2nd: Wilf Goodson (Kidmore End Primary) |
| 3rd: Freya Luijten (St Mary's Henley) | 3rd: Jack Siveyer (Whitchurch Primary) |
Year 2
| Girls (9 Runners) | Boys (22 Runners) |
| 1st: Grace Hollins (The Manor) | 1st: Felix Cole (Trinity Primary) |
| 2nd: Sylvia Scudamore (Rupert House) | 2nd: Hughie Moorcroft (Oratory Prep) |
| 3rd: Emelia Macvarish (Kidmore End Primary) | 3rd: Wilbur Lait (Rupert House) |
Year 3
| Girls (22 Runners) | Boys (15 Runners) |
| 1st: Martha Sudbury (Woodcote Primary) | 1st: Max Mortimer (Trinity Primary) |
| 2nd: Teddy Molnar (Rupert House) | 2nd: Frank O'Brien (Trinity Primary) |
| 3rd: Maisie Osborne (Trinity Primary) | 3rd: Thomas Adlard (Caversham Primary) |
Year 4
| Girls (22 Runners) | Boys (17 Runners) |
| 1st: Jemima Watson (Rupert House) | 1st: Oliver Buff (Moulsford Prep) |
| 2nd: Eloise Wouters (Rupert House) | 2nd: Finn Roy (Moulsford Prep) |
| 3rd: Lily Jones (Oratory Prep) | 3rd: Lucas Robinson (Moulsford Prep) |
Year 5
| Girls (21 Runners) | Boys (20 Runners) |
| 1st: Isabel Cravan (Oratory Prep) | 1st: Isaac Ryder (Caversham Primary) |
| 2nd: Emily Palmer (Shiplake Primary) | 2nd: Alex Adlard (Caversham Primary) |
| 3rd: Elsie Davis (Sonning Common Primary ) | 3rd: Reuben Shah (The Hill Primary) |
Year 6
| Girls (7 Runners) | Boys (8 Runners) |
| 1st: Emma Blake (Spinfield Primary) | 1st: Ernie Sterjo (Badgemore Primary) |
| 2nd: Zara Tate (Badgemore Primary) | 2nd: Asher Butterfield (Woodcote Primary) |
| 3rd: Elsie Paulin (Godstowe Prep) | 3rd: Henry Mclean (Trinity Primary) |
