The first race of the Suffolk schools cross country championship was held on the last Thursday of the half term, on the familiar course at RHS.

In bright sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures, 58 runners competed against schools from across Suffolk. In some races, there were well over 220 runners, vying for a place in the next round. In the minor boys and girls races (Years 6 and 7), six runners qualified in the top 50, with Thomas M coming 25th and Summer W 29th. In the junior competition (Years 8 and 9) a further four runners qualified for the second round, with Elizabeth W coming 30th and Jonathan L an impressive 15th.

In the intermediate and senior races, the school performed extremely well, with 18 runners qualifying and top ten finishes from Darcy G (1st), Lottie H (5th) and Lara S-C (8th). Well done to all 58 runners who represented the school and in particular the 28 runners who have qualified to race in the second round in January.

Also, huge thanks to Gladwells Pet and Country Store and the Friends of Ipswich School for funding the new cross country kit.

Article written by Mr Morgan, Head of Cross Country