On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March, twenty-nine Year 3-9 pupils visited Bath University to compete in the Pentathlon GB National Schools’ Biathlon.
The pupils had previously qualified for the event during qualifiers back in November and were looking forward to competing against all of the best swimmers and runners in the country.
The girls’ event was held on the Saturday and all of them swam and ran superbly. It was an exciting format with some age groups swimming first and then running, whilst others competed in their events in reverse order.
The boys were equally impressive in their event which was held on the Sunday with everyone giving their all and holding their own against other incredible athletes.
Whilst this event is designed as an introduction to the sport, times were converted to points and all athletes were given a national ranking. Performances of the weekend were Rafi W and Marilyn M.
Rafi continues to impress in both swimming and running and whilst his run didn’t quite hit his PB, he walked away with a 3rd place finish and another medal in his burgeoning cabinet.
Marilyn M, swam well and then ran a time so fast that the organisers’ scoring system had to be amended to award her the correct points. Her final tally was the highest U10 in the field and so was crowned National Champion – an exceptional feat and a continuation along a long and successful life-long athletics journey.
Mr Stone said “for the first year that we have taken a combination event seriously, the performances from all of our athletes were simply sensational. I am completely in awe of how talented Cranleigh pupils are and to have a National Champion within the school community fills me with immense pride.”
