Fraser leads impressive Sedbergh showing at King Henry VIII Relay Race

Upper Sixth pupil Fraser set a blistering lap time, ranking 2^nd all time in the event’s 50 year history, as part of the boys’ relay at this year’s King Henry VIII Relay Race in Coventry.

Since 1972 King Henry VIII School in Coventry has hosted what is now regarded by many as the best inter-schools Cross Country Relay Race in the UK. Founded by Ted Norrish in 1972 as a boys’ race, and joined by a girls’ race in 2000, the event has always strived to allow pupils to compete with the best of their peers across the UK.

Fraser led out the Sedbergh boys’ team of 6, completing the 3.7km course in 10:52 and in-doing so, setting the second fastest time in race history. To put this into context, the likes of Sebastian Coe (former World Record holder and Olympic champion) ran 11:20; Alasdair Brownlee (Olympic Gold Medal winning Triathlete) ran 11:13 and his brother Jonathan Brownlee (Olympic Gold Medal winning triathlete) ran 11:08. An astonishing performance which saw Fraser awarded with the Mark Randall Trophy. The rest of the team; Sam G, Sam S, Joe, Harry and Oliver all ran well as the team finished in 10^th.

The boys’ B team, consisting of Jack, Joe, Luke, Ariel, Wilf & Jan, battled hard against a talented field and gave a good account of themselves. Jack just pipped Joe to produce the fastest time for the time, recorded a time of 13:25.

Sedbergh girls’ A relay team showed their quality throughout, with each of the 4 runners (Alicia, Olivia, Holly and Jemima) producing quick times to see them finish 12^th. The pick of runners was Lower Sixth pupil, Jemima, who clocked a time of 13:50, running the 16^th fastest time of the day. Off the back of a brilliant cross country season, and her run at the KH VIII Relays, Jemima was awarded her running colours in assembly this week by Mr Harrison.

Two more girls’ relay teams also competed, showcasing the strength in depth that we possess at the school, with everyone challenging themselves on each relay leg. The ‘B’ team, Isabelle, Scarlett, Robyn and Emily finished just three minutes behind the ‘A’ team, and 3 minutes in front of the ‘C’ team, Ruby, Charlotte, Gabby and Rosie. This yet again highlights the quality across girls’ running.

Our running team have enjoyed lots of success this term, and with big national competitions next month, and the famous Wilson Run at the end of Term, we’re looking forward to many more spectacular performances.