School saves the day after agreeing to host prestigious race

A SCHOOL community stepped into the breach after volunteering to host a prestigious cross-country competition.

The North East Junior Schools’ Cross Country races were traditionally held at Barlborough Hall, near Chesterfield, attracting schools from across the northern region.

Unfortunately, the school closed in the summer and Barnard Castle Preparatory School agreed to host the event instead.

Fourteen schools brought hundreds of young athletes with around 70 runners taking part in each of six races, in under 9, 10 and 11 competitions, for boys and girls, on varying length courses arranged on the school fields.

Barnard Castle Preparatory School headmistress Laura Turner said: “We were so sad to hear of Barlborough’s closure and felt we had to do something to ensure this wonderful annual competition still went ahead. I’m so glad we did because seeing the huge smiles on pupils’ faces showed our efforts were certainly worthwhile.”

Head of sport Martin Burgess told pupils: “That was an outstanding effort on the part of all competitors. The courses were very challenging, especially for children who might not be used to such steep hills. Everyone gave it 100 per cent. I must also commend all the staff here today for the tireless efforts they put in to helping young runners develop.”

Barney athletes enjoyed considerable success with team first placings in five of the six races, finishing second in the only race they didn’t win.

In the U9 girls, Barney saw silver go to Georgie Shearn. In the U10 and U11 girls’ races Barney enjoyed a clean sweep of all six podium places on offer. At U10, Penny Quaintrell took gold, Hattie Burgess silver and Luisa Moody bronze.

In the U11s, Elsie Smith took gold, Clara Worthington silver and Darcy Webb bronze. In the boys’ races Barney also took silver with Henry Gibbon in the U10 boys’ and a bronze went to Ralph Mead in the U11 boys.

Mr Burgess said: “The abilities of our runners in Prep School never ceases to amaze me. Well done to everyone who took part.”