Tough Runner
Emma Hubbard
/ Categories: News
Friday 15th April
On Friday 15th April over 300 very excited students and members of staff took part in Shoreham Academy’s first ever Tough Runner event in aid of Sports Relief.
After a quick warm up and some rousing motivational chants, the contestants set off in staggered heats. They headed north to the Shoreham Fire Station where they each donned a fireman’s jacket and helmet before undertaking a team tyre flip followed by a team tyre pull, both carried out while being sprayed with water. Shoreham Academy is very grateful to the fire fighters at the station for getting involved and supporting the school in this fantastic charity event.
Once back at the academy the contestants’ next obstacle was the “boa constrictor” which involved manoeuvring through a long, very low and bendy tunnel. Eager for daylight, the runners then completed 3 circuits of the playing field with 2 stops at the “slide and glide” obstacle between laps. Now wet and slippery, contestants faced the slack line slalom and army crawl between mud and netting! As if everyone wasn’t wet and dirty enough, after a quick piggy back challenge across the PE court, the next obstacle was leaping, or for some clambering, in and out of 3 skips, 2 of which contained muddy water. Many thanks to Rabbit Waste Management Ltd for the free loan of the skips. The final obstacle, just to make sure everyone was as muddy as they could be, was the “kiss of mud” which involved crossing a large muddy area commando style.
Shoreham Academy’s first Tough Runner event was a phenomenal success and huge thanks are due to PE Teacher Charlotte Upson who, supported by her colleagues in the PE Department, organised the event. Everyone who took part had a great time; students are already asking when the next challenge will be and planning their outfits.
The Tough Runner has raised in excess of £2,600 to date, with sponsorship money still being received.
PE Teacher and organiser Charlotte Upson said “It was such an incredible afternoon, with an electric atmosphere. Even with the stormy, wet conditions everyone embraced the event. I was overwhelmed by the energy of those involved to dress up, get covered in mud and raise so much money. An impressive team effort all the way from performers, volunteers and spectators to the local Shoreham Fire crew and local businesses”.
Principal Jim Coupe who took part said “This was an absolutely fabulous event that brought the school and community together in aid of such a great cause”.
HR Manager Carol Cox who was a marshal for the event said “I was marshalling the army crawl with volunteer sixth form students and the teamwork and enthusiasm from both student and staff competitors was uplifting to witness, even in spite of the torrential rain”.
Quotes from students:-
Ryan Mill, Year 13 - “The event was great and I can’t wait until next year for another one or do the real Tough Mudder”.
Shanelle Lurring, Year 13 – “It was muddy but great fun”.
Joe Todd, Year 13 – “Really good fun, I hope they do it again”.
Olivia Walker, Year 9 – “It was so good. I 100% want to do it again next year”.
Millie Stephens, Year 9 - “It was sick, my favourite was the slide and glide obstacle – please say we are doing it again next year”?
For further information please contact Charlotte Upson at Shoreham Academy.