Pupils from Wellington School were joined by Courtfields School athletes, staff and Old Wellingtonians in a revival of the historic Wellington Monument Run on Monday 1st July.
The race was organised by former staff member and school governor, David Lungley, and saw students all year groups at the school tackle a 3 or 5 mile cross country course.
Mr Lungley, who was a ‘Wayfinder’ volunteer at the Olympics last summer, said ‘Volunteering at the Olympics really did stir up some pride and whilst there I thought about what the school might do for a legacy, as was clearly the hope of the Games organisers and athletes. Re-establishing the race to the Monument and back seemed an obvious idea to me.’
Three local farmers provided an area to start the race, access under the bypass and paths across their land to keep runners safe during the 5 mile run.
On the day former old Wellingtonian Olympians, John Moore, who competed in the Olympics in the 1950s and 60s and his son, Mark, who competed in the Olympics in the 1980s, provided inspiration for the students. John and Mark hail from the only family to provide 3 Olympic athletes as John’s father, George Moore took part in the 1948 Olympics.
Also in attendance were former Somerset County Athletics Captain, Kairie Ekue, who will take part in the race and Jazz Godwin the holder of Wellington School’s 100 metre record.
The trophy presented to the winners was constructed from the much-prized relay baton, Mr Lungley was given for volunteering at London 2012.
Headmaster, Martin Reader, said ‘I am so pleased that we are able to resurrect this old event and have a proper cross-country challenge around on the town’s great features. I am delighted that a team from Courtfields School in Wellington joined us and that the Olympic spirit can spread through the whole community.’