Inter County Cross Country – March 2023
On Saturday 11 March, six Woodbridge School athletes represented either Suffolk or Essex at the UK Inter County Cross Country in Loughborough. 400 athletes from all of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland represent their county in each race at the UK Inter Counties, which is a one-off national event. Typically, for senior men and women, the event serves as a qualifier to gain selection to compete for Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships.
With all the rain during the week, the traditionally muddy course at Prestwold Hall did not disappoint. Year 12’s Henry continued his incredible winter to take bronze in the U17 Men’s race, also winning team gold with his county Essex. For Henry this is now three national medals in two weeks, after his recent win at the English National two weeks ago. Not bad for a self-confessed track athlete!
The U13 Girls is typically the most competitive event of the day, and our two young Year 8 athletes were the first two home for Suffolk, finishing incredibly well in 48th place for Year 8’s Felicity and 55th for Year 8’s Romilly – a huge achievement since placing anywhere in the top 100 at a large national event is quite some performance.
Year 13’s Amy recorded her best ever Inter County performance to finish in 55th place and first Suffolk home in the U20 Women. One more cross country to go for Amy in her final School year!
Year 10’s Angus and Phoebe competed in the U15 races and were both racing UK Inter Counties for the first time. They competed exceptionally well and were really happy to finish just outside the top 100 in their respective events – Angus in 109th place, Phoebe in 138th. Angus was the 6th Suffolk runner home in the U15 Boys and Phoebe 3rd Suffolk runner home in the U15 Girls.
A mention for Year 12’s Isobel who did start her race but sadly had to pull out due to an ongoing ankle injury.
A really great weekend for our young athletes, congratulations to them and every other competitor. Next weekend, Saturday 18 March, will see our athletes compete at the final event of the winter at English Schools in Wollaton Park, Nottingham.
