Horris Hill Shines at County Cross Country
Last month, pupils from Horris Hill School near Newbury proudly took part in the West Berkshire County Schools Cross Country Championships, held at Newbury Showground
The event was not only an incredible opportunity for young athletes to challenge themselves and represent their school, but also a moment of history - breaking a UK record with an extraordinary 1,600 finishers, the largest ever in a school cross-country event.
The championships brought together children from across the region for a large-scale, high-energy sporting experience. For Horris Hill pupils, the day was about more than just competition; it was a chance to develop resilience, support one another, and be part of something truly memorable.
With races divided by age and gender, Horris Hill fielded participants in all categories: Year 3 and 4 girls, Year 3 and 4 boys, Year 5 and 6 girls, and Year 5 and 6 boys. From the first starting whistle at midday, pupils tackled the tough terrain of the cross-country course with determination, navigating hills and uneven ground with grit and enthusiasm.
Horris Hill athletes gave consistently strong performances across all races, with several finishing within the top 100 out of fields numbering in the hundreds. One of our Year 4 girls delivered a remarkable run, finishing 6th out of a field of 439 fellow competitors, while a boy in the same year group earned a fantastic 11th place in his highly competitive race.
The spirit of camaraderie was evident throughout the day, as teammates cheered each other on and showed real encouragement from start to finish. Everyone gave their all, displaying great perseverance and commitment. One particularly memorable moment saw one pupil continue racing after losing a shoe mid-run - undeterred, they picked it up and kept going! Elsewhere, two Horris Hill girls demonstrated great sportsmanship as they paused to help a fellow runner who had fallen.
The atmosphere at the Showground was electric, with a sea of athletes, coaches, and supporters creating a lively and supportive environment. It was inspiring to witness so many young people striving to do their best and celebrating one another’s achievements. The event provided not just a physical challenge, but a chance to strengthen team spirit, resilience, and school pride. Overall, it was a truly memorable day for Horris Hill. The pupils represented the school with energy and integrity, and the experience will no doubt leave a lasting impression. Everyone involved should feel incredibly proud of what they achieved.
April 2025