Monmouth School For Boys Triumphs At 61st Welsh Schools Cross Country Champions

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 6th of March 2024

7 athletes from Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Boys participated in the 61st Welsh Schools Cross Country Championships. Year 13 pupil, Henry Evans, wins his group and defends his title as the most successful runner in Habs' Boys school history.

Last Wednesday, the 61st Welsh Schools Cross Country Championships took place in Brecon, showcasing the determination of young athletes from across the region. Among the contenders, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Boys stood out with their stellar performances, leaving a mark in the muddy tracks.

Representing South East Wales, seven athletes from Monmouth School for Boys participated in various categories.

In the Junior Boys category, despite the tough conditions, John G (Year 9) was the school's first finisher, in 31st, closely followed by Elliott H (Year 8) securing 50th position and Osian J (Year 9) finishing 59th out of 82 competitors. Notably, John’s performance contributed significantly to the South East Wales team, securing the coveted team silver.

The Year 7 race witnessed an impressive run from Seb B, who completed a very well-paced race to finish 14th out of 82 and emerged as the top finisher from South East Wales. His accomplishment is further highlighted by the fact that he outperformed the current Senior Boys champion when he was in Year 7.

In the Senior Boys race, Henry E (Year 13) sat in the pack for the first mile before attacking on the first hill. No other runner had any response. Henry went on to claim the win and to retain his Welsh Schools title by a huge margin of 23 seconds, the biggest winning margin of the day.

Ollie L, Head Boy, showcased remarkable resilience, securing the 12th position, while Leo Evans secured the 20th position out of 25 finishers, further adding to Monmouth School’s accolades.

Henry E’s victory not only solidifies his status as the most successful distance runner in Monmouth School’s history but also marks his fifth Welsh Schools title across various disciplines. With achievements spanning across cross country, 800m, 1500m steeplechase, and 3000m, Henry’s remarkable journey is set to culminate on Speech Day in July, marking his last Cross Country race for the school.

Congratulations to all the participants from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Boys for their outstanding performances, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence on the grand stage of Welsh Schools Cross Country Championships.