Triumph, Teamwork, and Tradition
If you try to find out when cross country races began, you will be met with a bewildering number of different answers. Was it Rugby College who organised the first Crick Run in 1838? The Crick Run was a ‘hare’ and ‘hounds’ type race, also known as a ‘paper chase’, where hares would run ahead, leaving scraps of paper behind them which the hounds followed and in a bitterly fought competition, the hounds would try and catch up with the hares before the finish line. Originally, the course was 14 miles long, but now it is a much more reasonable 10 miles(!) and remains a living tradition for Rugby College. However, some say that Shrewsbury School actually began the tradition first, perhaps in 1831.
The first National Cross Country probably took place in 1876 at Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, but for unknown reasons, the results were voided. Therefore, more widely credited as the beginning of the cross country championships is the 1877 race in Roehampton near Wimbledon Common.
Either way, it appears many people enjoy running long distances in cold, wet, muddy conditions, alongside other people trying to outpace you. On the surface, it seems to hold little appeal. But there is something very British about ignoring the autumn weather and getting thoroughly stuck in.
Well, you guessed it, this week we held our annual House Cross Country Race for all pupils from Year 1 (our 5 year olds) up to Year 6. The course gets longer for each year you move up, although it is some way shy of 10 miles. It also progresses from the field to the forest, to all of the above, plus laps of the athletics track. And of course, the Brentwood Prep parents were in excellent form and smiled, cheered and sang along with our race song – Power in Me. An inspiring tune about inspiring others and recognising the power in all of us. Our newly appointed House Captains for this term led their Houses in performing all the dance moves to accompany the lyrics and raised the roof with their supportive chants.
Cross Country is a truly galvanising event where every child digs deep and pushes themselves beyond their normal limits. In that last stretch of the race, the physical exhaustion sets in and yet, they find the strength for a final burst of energy. It doesn’t come from their legs, it doesn’t come from their lungs – it comes from their minds and sheer determination. I challenge anyone not to be moved by such perseverance from those so young.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Brentwood if the staff didn’t join in too. With standout performances from Mr Blom – Head of Maths, Mr Taylor – Foundation Teacher, Mr Partridge – Deputy Head Academic, and Mrs Merticar – Prep Cleaner, who ran the course twice to support two different year groups!
Every pupil who undertook the course gained a point for their House, and every pupil did indeed complete the course. With all the podium positions added up, all the points for every House, the winners this year of the Brentwood Prep School House Cross Country are …. Bayman!
Congratulations to absolutely everyone; we are all richer in our lives for being part of such a vibrant community. More photos from the event will be available soon.
Have a lovely weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
