Runners from Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School enjoyed more success at the recent National Schools Cross Country Relays, held in Coventry.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the girls’ race with a record 40 schools taking part. QEGS fielded an A and a B team. The teams kicked off with leg one runners, both in year 10. Daisy Gillon (B) and Amelie Marshall for the A team both gained personal bests over the 2.3-mile course.
Amelie ran in just under 14 minutes, making an excellent start for the A team. She handed over to year 9 Gemma O’Dowd. Clara Davies ran second leg for the B team and achieved their fastest leg of the day. Running third leg for the A team was last year’s second-fastest female, Esme Davies.
This year the year 13 missed out on a personal best but ran the fastest leg for QEGS in 13.17; the 6th fastest overall. Esme had also lapped up positions, taking the team into fourth place. Eve Pannone took the last leg and improved on her personal best, running a 13.39 lap, whilst at the same time overtaking the third placed runner, which meant QEGS were awarded a silver cup in the presentations later in the day. This is the third year in a row that QEGS girls have won medals.
The boys’ team also brought home silverware from Coventry. They received the John Vickers cup for most improved team, moving from 22nd in 2018 up to 9th in 2019. Their success was down to a strong team of year 11 students, Robin Regan on first leg for the A team running a 11.36 personal best, and Samuel Almond also running in under 12 minutes. Thomas Renwick in year 8 made an impressive start for the A team running a 12.44 lap. The QEGS B team improved on recent performances too, with Charlie Hudson running the fastest on the day.
Team coach Mrs Kerry Davies said: “It is wonderful to see how much our runners are enjoying themselves and this is reflected in their ongoing successes. We are very proud of them all for their hard work and dedication.”