main content Bromley Primary Schools Cross Country 2006

Over 1000 children from Bromley’s primary schools braved the cold and rain to take part in the Bromley Primary Schools Cross Country on Saturday 11 March at Crystal Palace Park.

The event runs twice a year in November and March and consists of four races; year 3 and 4 boys, year 3 and 4 girls, year 5 and 6 boys and year 5 and 6 girls. Over 30 schools sent along teams on 11 March which is a record number of pupils taking part in the event. The event has been running for 18 years and is one of the most popular events on the boroughs sporting calendar.

The event is sponsored by Francis Chappell, Blackheath and Bromley Harriers and Running Fitness. Julian Golding former Commonwealth Gold medallist and Blackheath and Bromley Harrier was the special guest race starter on the morning and also presented the medals and trophies to the winners.

As well as the top five individual finishers in each race receiving medals, trophies are presented to winning school teams in the four races. A school team consists of the first five runners in each school crossing the line. There is also an overall handicap event where schools are divided into small schools, medium schools and large schools based on the number of pupils on roll. Oak Lodge Primary school in West Wickham were winners of the large school’s trophy as well as nearly taking a clean sweep in the age group races narrowly missing out on the year 3 and 4 girls event where they finished second.

The event is organised by the Bromley Primary Schools Cross Country Association and relies on a fantastic team effort with many teachers and parents turning up at 7.00 am to lay out the course and then marshall and score the event.

A Council spokesman said “It is a fantastic sight to see hundreds of children running across the park at the start of the race. This must be one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. It certainly defies the common belief that all young children are inactive these days.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• For further information contact Andy Fish, Sports Partnership Development Manager on 01689 819219, or email andrew.fish@bromley.gov.uk.