For the third year we at the 148th were the hosts to the District Cross Country and Fun Run. We had received replies from 5 Packs and were a little disappointed with the lack of support. We were a little surprised therefore when 11 teams turned up. One of the teams did consist of a solitary runner, but he was to bring pride to his Pack.
After a long dryish Winter the going was good to firm. The course was laid out very similarly to the previous years, there is no point in changing a working arrangement. The usual questions were asked by the many dog-walkers that were encountered in this procedure, and all were politely answered, "It's for the Cub Scouts run." and "Yes rather them than me".
By 10:00 the car park at the Scutt was packed with runners, parents, Akelas and others. The runners were called into the HQ and the rules for the race were explained. Two laps round the course and then up the hill, into the car park and hold onto a rope. The position on the rope was then recorded and the first four Cubs home for each Pack were awarded points. The Pack with the fewest points was the winner.
Over fifty Cubs were escorted to the start line and when Hathi counted down and blew a whistle the run was on. The first part through some trees was a bit of a bottle neck and will have to be changed for next year, over the BMX track they ran across the first field and out of view into the second field. After a short time the first fittest Cubs appeared through the trees and started the whole ghastly thing again. The rest of the Cubs came through over a few minutes many in distress after the rigours of the distance. It looked like many wanted to give up but the Leaders, Parents and supporters by the start line cruelly forced them to go round again.
The front runners appeared again and set off up the hill towards the Scutt, followed by the rest of the field. A few of the Cubs had left some fuel in the tank as they proceeded up the hill overtaking the Cubs that had reached the end of their comfort zone.
At last the final Cub had passed up the hill and away into the distance. The second part of the entertainment was a fun-run, for Parents and anybody else that fancied a go. Just one lap and up the hill. Some of the Cubs actually ran again! shaming their mums into running all the way round.
After the last of the runners had completed the course, the flags were picked up and returned by the marshals. These stalwarts then climbed the hill to find that the results were almost ready and that all the hot-dogs and burgers had been eaten. All that was left was a pile of onions and some crusts. Still that's the way it goes.
Our top Cub was Ryan who came in a creditable third, Laurence Elliot was the second of our Cubs in and Megan 2 was the first of the female Cubs to finish. This didn't help us in the final positions as we came 9th. We beat Tuesday Cubs, which was important to us and the singleton runner with the penalty of having 3 maximum points managed to come 10th.
Congratulations to ALL the Cubs who can be proud of their efforts. Thanks to the parents that helped put out the flags and marshalled the Cubs during the event. Thanks to Dave and Paris for the catering. Thanks to Jane (ADC Cubs for Bristol South) for presenting the certificates. Also thanks to Akela(148 Friday) for the organisation and for doing his usual trick with the weather.