Cross-country
The greatest asset to the Malvern College Running Club, apart from the pupils themselves, is the wonderful range of hills that give the College such a beautiful setting. Several times a week boys and girls set off on runs that take in 'Holy Well' or 'St. Ann's Well' or 'The Goldmine' or 'The Wrecker', all places enjoyed in a very different way by the tourists who visit this beautiful town. Sometimes we will head up to the top of 'The Beacon', the highest point in the area or, if a longer run is in order, down the chain of hills to 'British Camp'.
Throughout the two terms during which Cross County takes place, various levels of running are offered, from training for beginners to the senior inter-house race, the Ledbury Run, a seven-and-three-quarter mile competition for the older pupils that starts, after a 15-minute coach ride, close to the centre of the market town of Ledbury. Competitors return to Malvern via woodland, farmland and, least forgettable of all, across the hills to finish on the 'Senior Turf' at the heart of the College. It is a thrill to do well in this race, emerging onto the campus to see above you a crowd of cheering pupils, parents and staff. There are races over the autumn and winter months against many local schools including the autumn-term West Mercia League and, later in the season, the Berrows' Trophy which Malvern has won in two out of the past three years. Possibly the most popular competition within the College is the 'Inter-House League'. This is for boys and girls, and takes place over nine rounds throughout the season.
Each of these nine races covers very different terrain and distances, from one-mile relays on the nearby Common to the seven-and-a-half mile British Camp round. We are delighted in the Running Club to be able to call on the wisdom and experience of two British runners who have competed at the highest level, Matt Meckin and Christina Boxer, both of whom know how to get the best out of the pupils in their care, but also know how to make running fun.
National Prep Schools' Cross Country Championships
Please click here - NPSCCC-2009 - to visit our page covering this event.
Ledder 2009
Please click here - Ledder-2009 - to see the results for this year's race.