National Primary XC champs
This year Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry was the venue. An undulating course which reminded us of the Met League course at Welwyn.
This is a very popular event with the majority of athletes representing their counties. A certain Olympian, Phoebe Gill, ran for Hertfordshire Schools twice in 2017 and 2018.
The terrain was dry, which ensured fast running. WGEL had a good representation (WASPS) with most representing Chigwell School.
Year 5 Boys 2300m
Nearly 200 started out, with four of ours. Jesse Geller had earlier in the season placed 4th in the U11 London Youth Games so he had some experience racing in a large field. One of Jesse’s coaches was aware that Sebastian Buxton may be racing (17 mins 46secs 5k ). Jesse got out well but by halfway Buxton had broken away. Jesse was fighting it out for the minor medals alongside Leicester’s Alex Cave. Jesse hung on brilliantly to snatch bronze, having another great run.
Jesse Geller receives his bronze medal
Noah Gavin, who has been a great supporter of our local leagues, ran well for 86th, finishing strongly. Also well done to Monty Alexander 140th and Hugh Hung 146th.
Year 6 Girls 2700m
Three of our girls were on the start line amongst around 200 starters. Chloe Ward and Phoebe Quorn got out well and at halfway were hanging on to their forward positions with great determination. Chloe hung on really well for 26th - a great run in her first big race, with Phoebe not far behind in 42nd. Both girls enjoyed the occasion and look forward to competing in the U13 relays in the Autumn. Phoebe Woods excelled by making the top 100 with 86th. Well done to all three girls!
Phoebe Quorn and Chloe Ward
Year 6 Boys 2700m
Jack Tonge has had an excellent XC season including an individual overall win in the U11 Met League. On the first circuit Jack was well up around the 30 mark. To his credit he held on well to come in 30th, a really good effort in his first big race. Jack was disappointed with his run but his coach and team manager there on the day tried to reassure him that it was a really good run from a large field of mostly county runners and that he had years ahead to improve his placings.
Year 4 Girls
We had just one Woodette on the start line but how well Kaya Affleck ran! Kaya has huge potential and this was reflected in her excellent 11th place. Well done indeed, Kaya!
Year 4 Boys/Year 3 Boys and Girls
Charlie Tonge had an excellent race to place 18th in the Year 4 Boys race and is a real talent, that’s for sure. Sisters Dulcie and Lula Qureshi placed 13th and 27th in the Year 3 girls race. Both girls have raced in the Chingford League and we look forward to seeing them both in the Met League next season as they will be old enough. In the Year 3 Boys race Teddy Gull did well for 38th. The fields in these races were far smaller but, nevertheless, good competition for our athletes.