National Cross Country Success

Cross Country this term has been very exciting! Following on from the intermediate and senior team success at the first round of the English Schools Athletics Association Cross Country Cup, both teams competed in the regional finals hosted by Stowe School.

The intermediate girls placed seventh overall which, despite some great performances, was unfortunately not enough to progress through to the national finals. The senior team won the team event in style, with Evey leading the way and achieving a first-place finish.

With a spot at the national finals earned, preparations began. This of course included the essential task of designing and ordering team hoodies as well as arranging an overnight stay in Ipswich.

The event was hosted by Woodbridge School who designed a challenging course, full of technical difficulties including steep declines, as well as some very steep hills! The weather was far from ideal with temperatures peaking at 1 degree but the Headington athletes were fantastic, taking it all in their stride and preparing well.

The final results were nothing short of outstanding. Evey (L6), Florence (U5), Izzi (U5) and Sophie (U5) were the first four finishers with placings of sixth, 18th, 22nd and 64th, followed by Rosie (L6) and Mya (U5). These placings meant that overall Headington placed second out of the 26 schools who had qualified for the national finals.

PE teacher Miss Rebecca Brown said: “This is Headington’s best ever national finals placement and we’re so proud of the whole team.”

Cross Country club continues to be popular on Monday evenings and the group enjoyed a festive orienteering hunt to finish off the year.