In glorious early autumn sunshine Hugo Donovan (C 15-19) was the first runner home in the annual cross country alumni race for independent schools, becoming the first Bradfieldian runner to win the race for almost 50 years and only the third to do so in the race’s almost 70 year history. The last time an OB won the race was in 1975 when Michael H Wells-Cole (H 57-61) was first runner home and in 1957 OB Thomas P Hicks (C 47-51) won the race; the only year that Bradfield has won the event outright.
Hugo sped home over the undulating and bone-dry five-mile course at Wimbledon Common, South London, in 26:00 keeping a chasing Old Etonian runner at bay by just one second. Hugo’s outstanding run, in a field of about 150 runners, traditionally attracting all abilities of runner from international quality to fun runners, set the tone for the six-strong OB squad. The OBs placed eighth overall out of 33 teams in the Open event; a significant improvement on 2021’s 15th placing. The Open competition was won by Sedbergh.
Hugo’s stellar victory was a historic day for OB running. We’re looking forward to further success in coming years.
Adam Robinson, OB Running Club Secretary
Strong runs throughout the OB team helped secure a second placing, out of 21 teams, in the Over 50s category, the best OB placing at this age level since 2018’s third position. Meanwhile the Over 60s went one notch above their third place in 2021, finishing second out of 17 teams.
Hugo was followed home by Adam Robinson (G 11-16) in 27th position in a quick run consistent with his performance in 2021, in a time of 32:29. The team’s veteran age runners then followed with Ian Kenyon (F 75-79) next in 80th with a time of 37:32 and Jon Salmon (B 73-78) not far behind in 85th place and a time of 37:57. Tony Henderson (E 79-84) ran solidly despite a recent Achilles injury, finishing 129th in 43:59.
Adam Robinson, secretary of the OB Running Club, said: “Hugo’s stellar victory was a historic day for OB running and huge congratulations to him on his run after holding off the Old Etonian runner in second runner in the final sprint. The depth of talent in our team was also reflected in the veterans edging ever closer to pole position in their respective age categories. We’re looking forward to further success in coming years.”
If you are interested in running with the OB Running Club contact Adam at adamrobinson199@hotmail.com or head to the link below to find more ways of connecting:
