District Cross Country Finals

So today was Brandon's big day as he competed in the district cross country finals over at Hadleigh Cycle park and he best part was that I had arranged time off with work so that I could be there to cheer him on.

I felt sorry for the kids as cross country should be cold, wet and muddy and instead they had one of the hottest days recorded in April in something like 40 years! to make things even worse Brandon's race was scheduled to start at 12 lunchtime - so peak sun.

I told Brandon that he has done amazing to even make it to the District Championships regardless of the outcome. There was 130 kids in his race so the start line-up was a bit manic as they all dashed off up the hill. Brandon got shut out a bit at the start and also had a little stumble which left him trailing somewhere near the rear 20 places, but he dug in deep and clawed back some ground to finally finish in 45th place. Brandon was disappointed as he wanted a top 20 finish but I told him that to place in the top 1/3rd was an amazing achievement anyway.

In fact out of the four Abacus kids that went to the Districts, Brandon placed highest as the others were 46th, 48th and 90th. So overall I couldn't have been more prouder of Brandon. He ran his little heart out and gave it everything. The only downside was that my arms and face got sun burnt standing around watching him.

Brandon all dressed up in the school track gear ready for the Districts. The track suit didn't stay on long given the heat outside.

A manic start line with some 130 kids ready to sprint off up the hill.

And they are off, Brandon is in that pack somewhere wearing black shorts and a purple shirt.

Coming down the hill and Brandon opens out his stride like I told him and overtakes a few people.

Brandon doesn't like sprint finishes but you can see here that he was giving it everything towards the final straight. (Auntie Lisa - wasn't you saying you always wanted a shot of you running with both feet off the ground? I nailed it with Bee). 

45th place out of 130. Well done Bee.

To cool off in the mid day sun Brandon tipped my drinking water over his head.

Me and my little man after his race. Super proud of him.