Children go running up that hill to launch 29th youth festival

MORE than 200 children took part in this year’s Henley Youth Festival fun run.

The event was held at Swiss Farm and Henley Rugby Club, off Marlow Road, on Saturday.

There were cross-country races for boys and girls from reception through to year eight, with the youngest children running 0.5km and the oldest running 2km across the fields and up a large hill.

Each participant received a medal and the winners of each race stood on a podium to be presented with a certificate by Henley Mayor Michelle Thomas.

A certificate was also presented to the school with the highest number of participants in each race.

The reception year race was won by Anya Barcella, four, who goes to Badgemore Primary School in Hop Gardens.

Her mother, Harriet, said: “I was so proud of her. It looked like she was having so much fun.”

Jemima Watson, from Rupert House School, won the year three and four girls’ race. She said: “Coming across the finishing line felt nice. The hill was hard.”

Ambrose Paviour, from Kidmore End Primary School, won the year three and four boys’ race.

He said: “At the start it felt fine but after the hill it got harder. I was proud to come first because I won last year as well.”

His older brother, Irving, won the year five and six boys’ race. Max Mortimer, who was second to Ambrose, said: “When I ran down the hill it was really steep so I couldn’t really control how I was running.”

He attends Trinity Primary School with Frank O’Brien, who came third, and the two train together. Frank said: “It was good. It was quite hard going up the hill.”

The year five and six girls’ race was won by Zara Tate, who attends Badgemore primary. She said: “It felt really good to win. I’ve been doing so much practice. I practise with the Wycombe Phoenix Harriers and at home and at school.”

Martha Barron, a pupil at St Helen and St Katharine School in Abingdon, finished third. She said: “It was very tiring but really fun. The hill was hard but one of the best bits because it challenged me and I felt really good afterwards.”

Alex Lamacraft won the race for year seven and eights.

He said: “It was a hard race. I fell over at one point — we were all going downhill and someone accidentally stuck their leg out and I went flying but I managed to get back up.”

Andrew James, from Gillotts School, who came third, said: “It felt overwhelming. The hills were difficult and put me off.”

Valley Road primary won the prize for the highest number of participants in total — 33 — and received a cheque for £250 sponsored by Hot Moves Removal. The whole event was sponsored by Physiolistic, a physiotherapy and sports injury clinic based at Dry Leas, home of the rugby club.

Clinic director Clint Botha, who organised the event, said: “It’s great to have such a good turnout — we always get about 200. The weather played its part, although it was cold.

“We’re really pleased we could help support this great event.”

Angela Botha, founder and clinical director of Physiolistic, said: “It’s all about fun and participation.”

The Mayor said: “I was here as deputy mayor last year. It’s one of my favourite events. I remember my children taking part with Trinity school. Both took part in inter-county cross-country competitions, so I’m used to the early mornings.

“I think it’s great to be out in the fresh air, getting your heart
pumping.

“Thanks to all the volunteers — this event wouldn’t happen without them and Physiolistic.”

Laura Matthews, who chairs the festival, said: “The fun run is a really good way of kicking off the week.”

She said it would be the festival’s 30th anniversary next year. “We’ve got lots planned as it will be a big one,” she said. “We’ll need lots of volunteers.”