King's Ely students shine at English Schools’ Athletics Association's Cross Country Cup | News | King's Ely | Private Co-educational School in Cambridgeshire

King's Ely students shine at English Schools’ Athletics Association's Cross Country Cup

King's Ely NEWS

King's Ely students shine at English Schools’ Athletics Association's Cross Country Cup

October 2025

Team King's were on superb form at the English Schools’ Athletics Association's Cross Country Cup!

Twenty-three Prep and Senior athletes made up four teams to compete in the event, and we are thrilled to say that three out of the four teams qualified for the regional round of the prestigious competition next month.

The event was held at The Perse School in Cambridge on October 17th, and attracted runners from independent schools from across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

Teams of up to six athletes took part across the Junior and Intermediate categories, running distances between 2.1 kilometres and 4.3 kilometres. The competition is all about teamwork, with the top four runners’ positions counting towards the overall team score, and every athlete giving their best for their team.

Our pupils' achievements were:

🥇 Intermediate Boys – 1st place

Henry Cartmell
Alastair Wright (Captain)
Reggie Housden
Charlie Pynn
Louis Spalding
Jimmy Sun

🥇 Intermediate Girls – 1st place

India Mace
Effie Thomson
Bonnie Freakley (Captain)
Emily Parsons
Mollie Mitchell

🥈 Junior Girls – 2nd place

Poppy Smith
Isabelle Clasby
Clara Diethe
Isla Irvine (Captain)
Annabelle Skeffington
Zoe Thompson

🏅 Junior Boys – 5th place

Marcus Bank
Finan Shortland
William Hargreaves (Captain)
Callum Bank
Sebastien Birkwood
Lucas Wang

Our Intermediate Boys, Intermediate Girls, and Junior Girls all qualified for the regional rounds, which are being held at Cokethorpe School in Witney, Oxfordshire, on November 4th. The Junior Boys narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the next round but they should be just as proud of their performances! 

Ms Michelle Bird, who is our Head of Athletic Development, Athletics, and Cross Country, said: "The course was flat and fast, which really tested the speed and stamina of all our runners. A huge well done to all students for their efforts, determination, and outstanding performances. Thank you also to all the parents who came along to support, and to The Perse for hosting such a well-organised event. We are really looking forward to the next round!"