House Cross Country

The Concord Annual Inter-House Cross Country event (2021-2022)

On the 13th of October at 2:15 pm, the much anticipated annual inter-house Cross Country went off with a bang. As students eagerly approached the start lines, preparing to run (or walk, depending on who you were), tensions were running high as we all wondered: Which house was going to win the much-coveted trophy this year?

Earlier in the day, as I was still trying to muster enough energy to get through my Wednesday lessons, Mr Arthur provided a much-needed wakeup call in the form of a rousing cheer. His energy and enthusiasm was certainly infectious, and was definitely a harbinger of good things to come. Around the school over the past few weeks, various other Heads of Houses were also trying to rouse up enthusiasm for the event, as participation was key to winning.

Finally, after a half day of lessons, the cross country race began with the Form 3s running at 2.15pm. With the 6.2 race beginning at 3.45pm, I had to admit that my heart was racing when I took my place at the starting line, palms sweating.

But as the race finally started, I found myself calming down as I took in the beautiful scenery of the hill we were running on. Yes, it is extremely weird to be looking at the scenery while dying in a long-distance race. However, it was a unique occasion in that it was the only time the land behind the school was open for the students to run in. And once I got past the stitches and all that panting (not a nice image, but then again that’s running for you), it was all in all a rather pleasant run in Concord in the autumn.

Like many others, I finally arrived at the finish line and immediately slumped on the grass. And the scene was like a battlefield: people slumped on the ground, utterly exhausted and some congratulating others like they had just been through a war. But it was something commendable. Everyone who crossed the finish line was contributing a little bit to their house, and one person running made all the difference.

And at 5pm, the big moment came: the points had been added, the runners all past the finish lines, and the trophies displayed. Which runners came in the top 3? But most importantly, which house won Cross Country overall? Was Gandhi going to extend their 6-year lead and win the trophy for a 7th year in a row? Well, Mr Arthur’s burst of enthusiasm this morning must have worked, as in a shocking twist of fate, Teresa won!!! (GO TERESA!) And as the House Captains lifted up the trophy, the year was looking bright indeed for last years champions.

Next up: House Arts!

Ethan – 6.1

House Cross Country 2018

On 3^rd of October, one of the most anticipated annual sport events at Concord took place. Students from Form 3 to 6.2 gathered at the field behind Main Hall to kick off the ‘House Cross-Country’ event. Concord’s four Houses competed against each other to try and win the Cross-Country Champion Cup – which was decided based on the number of people from each House that finished the race, in addition to the various finishing positions of the participants.

During the race, we enjoyed scenic views of the school as we ran around the surrounding fields and past the nearby lake. Everyone displayed their community spirit as we cheered each other on whilst we ran the race. We were also very lucky to be blessed with nice, sunny weather, which allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the experience. It was truly heart-warming to feel the love and support amongst members of the school, it was exciting and the 4.8km run with my friends was simply enjoyable.

As the Mandela House Captain, I felt this event really brought my House together as we were working together and fighting for the same goal. I was glad to see new bonds forming within the family and was especially elated that our spirit didn’t die down, despite not winning the cup.

Doraleen – 6.2

House Cross Country 2016

“The key is to enjoy yourself….and win of course” (Enlai Cheng 6.2)

One of the most anticipated events in the Concord calendar, the annual House Cross Country, occurred on the afternoon of the 12^th of October, 2017 which was another one of those days that England’s weather couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be blisteringly cold or incredibly warm. There was a great turn out of enthusiastic Lower School students, competitive sixth form runners, without missing out those who simply wanted to enjoy the scenery of Concords beautiful surroundings or participate in the ‘walking club’.

It was time for the race, the Houses were set to go and then…..BANG! The starting gun sounded to the delight of regular cross country runners such as our own inspiring Joe Parker and many others. The route was a very strange one this year though, with narrow path ways, countless styles to jump over as well as the improvised path through the neighbouring farmland. But all in all, many students managed to venture through the incredibly long course and especially without any major injuries recorded. It was also a delight to see staff participating in the cross country event as some of them helped direct us through the course while others ran through the whole course leaving some of the students in the dust behind them.

Coming to the end of the event, the kitchen staff provided everyone with water, juice, snacks and just the essential supplies to cool off with after such a vigorous activity. Finally, the results for participation as well as the awards for those who came in the top three in all categories of the Lower School and Upper School were announced. After a wonderful job from the teachers in charge of the calculations, Gandhi emerged as the best house in the annual cross country, much to the support of its House members. It was generally a thrilling experience, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you Concord!

Ugo Itanyi 6.2