A group of athletes from Broomhill Bank School took part in the National Cross-country Championships, organized by Mencap and held in the lovely grounds of Hylands Park in Chelmsford at the end of November 2008. This was only the second such event and the first time athletes from Broomhill Bank have taken part.

It was a particularly cold day, following a protracted period of heavy rain. The conditions were consequently very tough, as the ground was exceptionally muddy and the course was challenging. The race was run in conjunction with an Essex League race for mainstream athletes, most of whom regularly train and race with their clubs.

Despite the difficulties described, all the Broomhill Bank School athletes completed the course and were awarded finishers’ medals. They also won further awards as follows:

• Claire Hollands was second in the junior race
• Charlotte Brill was second in the senior race.
• The junior team: Claire, Rachel Masterman and Crystal Maugey, were silver-medal winners
• The senior team: Charlotte, Ros Hadley and Rebecca Linsdell, were gold-medal winners.

It is hoped that these athletes, and possibly several others from the school, will be attending the National Track and Field Championships in Watford on 27th June 2009.

Congratulations to them all!