Traditional end of term Eros to Eros Run

Every year runners gather at the Eros statue in Piccadilly at 5.00am on the last day of term for the start of the Eros Run to our own mini-Eros statue at the School, returning in time for breakfast! First to touch the base of the statue at Aldenham this year was Paul Cheetham, Former PE teacher (1996-99) and Head of Prep School (2003-07) who stormed home to victory in 1:27:22, leaving him undefeated so far this decade. Second placed Tom Marshall, representing the staff, made an impressive debut in 1:54:28, whilst the fastest pupil home was Harvey Dodd, Year 9 Beevor’s, in a superb 2:03:31.

Former Prep School Head Paul Cheetham stormed home to victory in 1:27:22, leaving him undefeated so far this decade. Second placed Tom Marshall, representing the staff, made an impressive debut in 1:54:28, whilst the fastest pupil home was Harvey Dodd, Year 9 Beevor’s, in a superb 2:03:31. The two Year 9 Paull’s finishers – Jemima Wax, (2:06:57) and Millie Rees (2:08:55) were hot on Dodd’s heels with an outstanding display of commitment in wet conditions. First OA home was Alan Phillips, deciding to only run one direction this year, rather than the there-and-back he completed last year! – finishing in 2:06:56. Of the three parents of current pupils, Frank Gillespie managed to come home in 2:10:18.

On an unseasonably cool and wet morning – with some hefty showers hitting the runners around the half-way mark – not even Cheetham could beat his current record of 1:26:53, falling just 29 seconds short. Many runners, however, did improve on their times from last year, with teachers Sam Dawe and Luke Kirsten shaving a couple of minutes off their personal best times, and Father-and-son team Simon and Cameron McGeary beating last year’s effort by over 5 minutes.

As ever, the runners were supported by some very dedicated staff, handing out dozens of cups of water and cheering participants on at various points in the course. Retiring Director of Music, John Wyatt, began his last working day at the school at the top of the fiendish Brockley Hill offering support and water in equal measure.

It was hoped that the run would raise £500 for Phab Kids, but at the time of writing, this total was up to £730, a brilliant achievement for all concerned. Many thanks to all those – participants, staff and supporters – who made this year’s run possible. Well done to all those who took part – a great way to end the term.