Following the success of the first-round race at Downside School, our U13 boys travelled to Taunton Racecourse for the regional race, hoping to qualify for the national finals. With the course being flat, albeit technical in places, it was expected to be a fast race with many strong competitors in the field.

As always, the start was quick, but all the TS runners (JJ W, George K, James F, Lewis W, Maxime P, and Will S) managed to stay in the top half of the field. JJ and George stayed with the leading pack, battling for position at the front. Lewis, James, Maxime, and Will worked brilliantly together in pairs, helping each other gain places at regular intervals.

As the race neared the final kilometre, a sudden change in the course shortened the race, causing some confusion among the athletes. This worked in Lewis’s favor, as he was able to finish strongly, gaining several valuable places. Maxime and Will played a vital role as the 5th and 6th runners, overtaking key teams’ 4th runners. This effort helped the team secure first place in the regional round, with 52 points, just one point ahead of Penryn College (53 points).

As a result, the team has qualified for the National Cross Country Finals in Leeds on 7th December. Congratulations!