Cross-Country Championships
23rd May 2024
Cross-Country Championships
On the afternoon of 23rd May, an amazing 600 children from 44 schools (150 teams) competed in what is believed to be one of the biggest relay events of its kind in the country. The event organised by Priory Junior School, St Neots, was held in Priory Park, St Neots.
The children, aged 9-11 years competed in mixed teams in two separate races for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils (four in each team) with each team member running a 1,200 metre leg. This year the children totalled a staggering 1 million kilometres altogether as they ran for their schools in perfect race conditions!
The event, now in its twenty fourth year, has become tremendously popular and provides an ideal introduction to cross country running for hundreds of youngsters. The children love running for their teams and schools and they encourage each other so much that it has been said that the cheering is loud and proud. Finishing first or last does not really matter too much; it is the taking part and completing the course which means so much. The enthusiasm generated resulted in record breaking times and created some life-long memories for those taking part.
It truly was a memorable day for the organising school, Priory Junior School - who not only organised the event but entered 4 teams who all finished superbly.
There was success for both Milton Primary who won the Year 5 race in a record breaking time of 16 minutes and 28 seconds and Buckden C.E. Primary Academy, who won the Year 6 race in another blistering record time of 15 minutes 35 seconds.
The afternoon was made all the more memorable with Olympic gymnastics bronze medal winner, MBE, World and European champion, Beth Tweddle was on hand to present the awards. The event could not be held without the whole community coming together to help. This year there were medals for all finishers and many special thanks go to this year's many sponsors who made this possible: JRN Building Services, ABM Catering, Chip Timing Solutions, Gymfinity Kids, First4numbers and Iceland foods.
Much thanks also goes to the Riverside Runners, Longsands Academy and the many staff and parents at Priory Junior School for their fantastic efforts in officiating and setting up the course on the day.
Race Organisers, Kevin Sadler, Tracy Keefe and Emma Welch said, “An event of this nature does not happen on its own and this year it took a real team effort from a huge number of volunteers, who gave their time and expertise to ensure the children had a day to remember. Our thanks go to all those who made this day such a huge success.”