On Wednesday 24 January boys and girls from Oaklands School took part in the annual ISA London North Cross Country race at Bedford.
The team, comprising of Years 3-6, were extremely excited and focused at the prospect of competing against a very large field of schools.
After a traffic free journey and countless calls of ‘Are we there yet’?, we arrived at our destination. The pupils had lots of time to relax and have their lunch, providing them with much needed energy for the long and gruelling course. However, Mother Nature had other ideas and wanted to provide more of a challenge to our young soldiers! The heavens opened and after a short walk up to the field, the pupils realised that Mr Paine had actually entered the team into a ‘Tough Mudder’ race! Well that’s what it looked like at least. The pupils had a light warm-up around the route to get them accustomed to the conditions and the course and after reluctantly removing their coats and tracksuits lined up on the start line.
In the Year 3&4 girls race they showed maturity and determination beyond their years with Annabella, Freya, Chloe, Amber, Maya and Sara finishing the race in very respectable places.
The Year 3&4 boys race comprising of Kaylan, Cailan, Alex, Luke, Artie and Waiz worked extremely hard and can be proud of their efforts against a very strong line up of schools.
Francesca, Emmy, Lillia, Hannah and Annabel were magnificent completing the now swamped course in very quick times and can take heart from their performances.
The Year 5&6 boys made up of Tristan, Jake, Issac, Danny, Arjun and Dhanna had the mammoth task of completing 2 ½ laps but held their nerve and managed to run 2KM and cross the finish line proud of their efforts.
Well done to all of our runners! You have done yourselves, parents and the school proud.
A huge thank you must also go to Mrs Booth and Chloe’s mum in supporting and helping the team (especially the challenge of getting everyone back onto the coach without bringing the mud with them).