ALFIE RUNS A GREAT RACE AT THE YEAR 7 NATIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY FINALS 

Earlier this year, we published an article about the North Yorkshire Schools Cross Country Championships in Skipton. Richmond runners did very well, with four athletes qualifying for the National Schools event, held recently in Sussex. A fifth student, Alfie Clarkson, also ran brilliantly at Skipton, coming sixth. However, because there is no Year 7 race at the English Schools, Alfie had to wait until last weekend to run at the Year 7 National Finals, held in Northampton. 

Alfie’s mum Amy takes up the story: “On Saturday, Alfie ran his final cross-country race of the year – the Year 7 National Finals in Northampton – the one he qualified for through the school Area and County trials. We thought we would let you know how he got on! 

Despite starting uphill, the race got off to a very quick start. Alfie set off in the top 50, but very quickly moved through the field and settled in with a couple of his North Yorkshire teammates. It was a brilliant race to watch. Alfie finished 31st overall and 3rd for North Yorkshire, completing the 3km course in a time of 10min 45s. It was a great performance by Alfie after qualifying for the North Yorkshire team in 6th position in January and 4th position at the Inter Counties in February. We’re very proud of him!”