On Friday 27 January, Beechwood once more hosted its Inter School Cross Country Festival, in its “proper” format for the first time since 2020.

Over 400 U9, U11 and U13 runners from 17 local schools congregated on the Beechwood Back Field ready to race through our woods and across our sports pitches, on courses of varying lengths depending on age.  The U9 runners set off first, to a cacophony of cheers and support from the crowd of older runners, staff and parents.  After the extremely cold weather of the previous week, everyone was pleased that the temperatures had been creeping up!

Schools competing were:  Beechwood Park, Aldwickbury, Belmont Mill Hill Prep, Berkhamsted, Bridgewater, Chesham Prep, Edge Grove, Flamstead, Haileybury, Heath Mount, Markyate, Queenswood, St Hilda’s, St Martin’s, Stormont, Westbrook Hay and York House

U11 and U13 races followed, with the course records broken and some fabulous personal bests being recorded.  Beechwood’s Interim Headmistress then presented the awards as follows:

Special mention to the following Beechwood runners:

• Will H who finished 2nd in the U11 Boys’ race;
• Max D who finished 4th in the U13 Boys; race;
• George M who finished 5th in the U11 Boys’ race;
• Sam S who finished 6th in the U9 Boys’ race;
• Alexander A-D who finished 8th in the U11 Boys’ race;
• Lilly B who finished 8th in the U11 Girls’ Race;
• Stanley L who finished 8th in the U13 Boys’ race;

Congratulations to all the runners, and thank you to all the staff and parents for making this a truly memorable afternoon of sport.