CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS (LARGE SCHOOLS)

All GSSN-affiliated schools are invited to our Cross Country Championships which is scheduled to take place in Holmleigh Park High School.

This year, we will run two events:
Small Schools’ event on Wednesday 20th November
Large Schools’ event on Thursday 21st November

Please take note of the earlier starting time at 9.30. We will finish by 13.30 on both days.

Schools are to confirm their attendance by Tuesday 7th November by emailing bh@gssn.co.uk

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate in contacting us.

EVENT LEAD
The GSSN staff will be leading this event with the support of Holmleigh Park High School Sport Leaders.

THE TEAMS
There are ten races split into five age categories for boys and girls to compete in, both individually and as a team.
A school team will consist of a minimum of 4 athletes in each of the races.
A grater or fewer number of athletes can compete as individuals.

RACE ORDER
1st – Year 2 Boys followed by Year 2 Girls
2nd – Year 3 Boys followed by Year 3 Girls
3rd – Year 4 Boys followed by Year 4 Girls
4th – Year 5 Boys followed by Year 5 Girls
5th – Year 6 Boys followed by Year 6 Girls

The distances to be run will be approximately:
– 1280m / 0.8 miles for Year 2
– 1280m / 0.8 miles for Year 3
– 1920m / 1.2 miles for Year 4
– 2560m / 1.5 miles for Year 5
– 2560m / 1.5 miles for Year 6

The course is clearly marked out and the children will follow a hare around the course.

Format of the day
9.30 Schools arrive / Registration
10.00 First race: Year 2 Boys
13.30 Winners’ presentations & schools depart

Rules
· Each competitor will be given a number on completion of the course. This number must be recorded on the envelope next to the competitor’s name by a member of staff and placed inside the envelope.
· The lowest 4 (fastest) athlete’s scores in each race will count towards the school results.
· The school with the lowest total when girls’ and boys’ results in each category are added up will be the overall winner.
· When the envelope has been completed for each race it must be totaled up and immediately handed into the results table for recording.
· Boys will run first in each age category, Year 2 first, Year 3 second, and so on with the last race Year 6 girls.
· Schools are asked to wait for presentations at the end of all races.
· Trophies will be awarded to the top school in each gender combined age category and framed certificates to 2nd and 3rd.
· The top 3 athletes boys and girls in each race will receive medals.
· All participants will receive a certificate.
· Spikes are allowed
· Photographs will be taken throughout this event. Please make us aware on the day of any children who cannot have their photographs taken.
· Pupils to bring warm clothing, waterproofs, water, and snacks. Due to the nature of this event pupils will be waiting long periods during other races, teachers please prepare them for this.

Qualification to County level: Cheryl Stennett will provide training sessions (dates TBC) for the top 15 boys and top 15 girls from the Year 5 and 6 races and the top 5 in the Year 4 races. These training sessions will take place at the Oxstalls playing fields next to the University Arena which is accessed via Plock Court (Tewkesbury Road). Athletes will be selected to represent Gloucester City as a combined team at the County final.