Yesterday, on Saturday 12th November, the Bromley Primary Schools Cross-Country Race took place in Crystal Palace Park. Hundreds of pupils in Y5 & Y6 from 55 schools across the borough competed, running the challenging 1.8km course.

Braving the early morning gloom and grim weather, all the schools had already set up their bases across the field littered with autumn leaves. Excited buzzing from the children in a vibrant variety of pe kits reflected the overflowing excitement of everyone. Hugs between teammates, star jumps, and stretches – a few of the many the pre-race rituals.

The starting point was located beside the crystal palace tower and grand arches - remains of the historic crystal palace. Crowds of spectators waved their phones, hoping to capture the precious memories. As the chatter faded away, an air of anticipation was left hanging. A few moments of intense silence, then the start gun erupted. Bolting like ecstatic bullets, striving for the best start, they ran off into the distance. Cheers erupt from families sandwiched around the barriers watching their children who were scattered like insects in a colony. One moment of calm, complete chaos the next.

Erratic heartbeats resonated amongst those who frantically rushed to different viewpoints to spot the stream of runners. Towards the end, just when within sight of the pavilion, came the steep incline. As the stream of runners passed by, the sensations of pride and joy filled everyone’s heart. Continued shouts of encouragement from teachers, classmates, and family members boosted adrenaline levels so as to sprint the last few metres. Greeted at the finish line with a cup of squash and radiant smiles, exclamations of relief, happiness, and exhaustion bounced around.

Sienna - who achieved an amazing 4th place in the Year 6 girls’ race and was very excited to receive her medal - said, “Well, it was very hard actually because I think it was another 100m more… there were steps but that kind of made me even faster…I feel good because I came 4th”.

At the end of the races, the award ceremony was held; there were trophies for the schools with the most points overall as well as medals for top 5 winners for each individual race. The Mayor of   Bromley, adorned with a remembrance poppy, handed out the prizes during award ceremony while the bright sun finally emerged from behind the clouds.