Cross country running is a sport that you either love or hate. Your opinion usually depends on your physical ability to run over uneven terrain for a long distance, or your preference for team games where you often have the chance for a short breather.
As the first runners of the afternoon crossed over road to the sand dunes for the House Cross Country competition, they were greeted by a bitter wind and freezing temperatures, but as the pictures show, they were in good spirits as they set off towards St Annes, before eventually turning back and running along the beach, to the finish.
The homeward run proved to be very testing for all the runners as the strong wind blew diagonally across them off the sea. Many were, however, able to raise a smile at the finish and enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes with having completed a difficult task.
For the later runners it was not so much a difficult task as a feat of endurance, as the cold temperature and strong wind was joined by heavy snow, which made even seeing difficult at times. Proper cross country weather! The type that makes a tough physical sport, mentally demanding as well.
So, it was to their credit that the majority of runners ran all the way, and battled their way to the finish to gain those precious points for their House, which for some may well be a highlight of their sporting career at school.
They may not thank us for making them do it, but it may do them some good. As one passing elderly gentleman remarked to me as I took pictures of the runners, "That's what I like about this school. They are always out doing something when you come past, whatever the weather, just like we used to do. It's good to see that they don't just stay inside like other places!"
I am not sure all the runners would agree!
