March 2024 Report

Dear all -

I'm sorry to bring disappointing news for you and your pupils, but I have had to take the unfortunate decision to cancel Saturday's Primary Schools' Cross Country. This follows a site inspection today and discussion with Quex Park Estates and with our parking contractor.

The meadows are saturated and with more rain forecast for later in the week, it is impossible to run the event safely. I hope you'll agree that cancelling early is far better than calling it off at the last minute. Everyone now has the chance to make alternative plans for the weekend.

I should stress that I will agree 100% with you if you say children can run in all weathers and that a bit of mud never hurt anyone. It is not the actual races that are the issue - kids do love splashing through puddles - but nobody enjoys getting their car stuck in the mud. There is no hardstand parking, and the fields are a lot wetter currently than in March 2022, when forty-nine vehicles had to be pulled out!

Thank-you for supporting the event over the years. All entry fees for Saturday's races will, of course, be refunded to schools in the next couple of days. I expect us to be back bigger and better next time and I really hope you'll join us at Quex Park on Saturday 5th October 2024.

Many thanks,

Steve