Record numbers take on Sedbergh Prep School ‘Epic’

Saturday 15th June saw 131 runners complete the Sedbergh Prep School ‘Epic’. Now in its third year, the run contained pupils and staff from both Sedbergh Senior and Prep School, as well as parents and guests.

The challenging course, which starts from the Prep School in Casterton, leads runners up and over the back of Casterton Fell before racing back down to the finish line at the Prep School. Measuring at 6.9 miles and with 1250 feet of ascent, the Epic is only open to Prep School pupils in Years 7 and 8, although many of the younger children showed their support by walking the route.

After setting off in dry conditions, it didn’t take long before the rain began to fall. Not to be deterred by the poor weather, all runners pushed on and battled round the course. Crossing the line first was Eddie Fletcher, in a time of 48:10. Eight minutes later, Hailey Fletcher, wife of the race winner and Head of Religious Studies at Sedbergh School, was the first female across the line.

The first Prep School pupil back was Year 7 boy, Jack Barker in a time of 54:08, seeing him finish 10th overall. For the second year running, Millie Gunning was the first female Prep School pupil to cross the line. Millie, Prep School female running captain, finished in a time of 63:10 – 2 minutes quicker than she ran in 2018.

As well as training hard for the Epic, pupils at Sedbergh Prep School have been raising money for AGS Foundation. The AGS Foundation provides relief to both ex-military personnel and civilians in need, by reason of physical and/or mental disability or long-term illness and promotes equality and diversity in disability. Martin Hewitt, founder of AGS Foundation, will be the guest speaker at Sedbergh Prep School speech day on Saturday 6th July.

I am extremely proud of the determination and camaraderie displayed by our oldest Prep School pupils, who all take on the challenge of completing the Epic. It says so much for their resilience, tenacity and ‘have a go’ mentality. Seeing their joy at a challenge met and overcome is truly inspiring and testament to the support offered by their parents, teachers and the School community as a whole.” explained Headmaster, Mr Will Newman.

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