Henley Youth Festival Runners Undefeated by Rain and Mud

The HYF Run returned last Saturday (12th) after two years, with over 200 children donning their trainer to tackle the hilly Borlase Field course. Despite mid-morning showers and masses of mud, the young runners flew around the fields behind Swiss Farm, covering distances of 0.5km to 1.6km (depending on age category).

For the third year, the event was organised and sponsored by Physiolistic. Children from Reception through to Year 6 were invited to compete, and were split into four age categories (with Years 1+ also split by gender). The distance of the course was tailored to each age group: 0.5km for Reception; 1km for Years 1/2; 1.4km for Years 3/4; and 1.6 km for Years 5/6. Every single competitor was presented with a medal on the finish line to recognise their efforts.

The top three finishers from each category were also presented with a certificate, and the winners received a trophy. A special prize was awards to Valley Road, the school with the most participants. For their £250 voucher for sports equipment was given to Valley Road – the school with the most participants.

Eddie Johnson, 5, from Shiplake, came second in the Reception category. He said, “I am happy. It was quite hard because it was slippy. I like running — I actually sometimes run with the year 1s in Cross Country.”

Luca Currie, 10, a Year 6 from Valley Road, won the Year 5/6 Boys race. Luca was only able to attend at the last minute when his football match got cancelled. A keen runner, he takes part in running club at his school, and has also started a triathlon club. After crossing the finish line, he said, “I didn’t expect to win; I didn’t know who was racing. It was quite tiring on the hills. It was muddy too but I’ve got studs.”

Clint Botha from Physiolistic said, “It was great to have the HYF fun run back again after nearly two years. We had over 200 children take part in the various races and everyone had a great time. There was a rain shower in the middle of the morning but this did little to dampen the spirits of the participants who were determined to finish their race and earn their finisher’s medal. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers and mums and dads who made Saturday such a success. We are all now looking forward to next year’s run.”

The winners from each category are listed below:

Reception

Abigail Hillyard (Trinity)

Year 1/2 – Girls

Grace Holland (The Oratory Prep)

Year 1/2 – Boys

Max Mortimer (Trinity)

Year 3/4 – Girls

Jamima Watson (Rupert House)

Year 3/4 – Boys

Ambrose Paviour (Kidmore End)

Year 5/6 – Girls

Zara Tate (Badgemore)

Year 5/6 – Boys

Luca Currie (Valley Road)