Cross Country

Every year, Cross Country is a highly anticipated event. Students look forward to breaking previously set records or going slowly and enjoying the scenery. Either way, it is a time bubbling with excitement.

We are all familiar with the usual route - the run down the hill, into farms along the Lower Parikrama, through a village, back up Python Hill, and if you want to go for another few kilometres, the Upper Parikrama. However, this year the route was more campus-centric. It began at the School Gate and went to the Upper Parikrama, then moving downhill through Gundalwadi all the way to Ramdas Dada’s farm. We then headed back to school, went uphill again and ran another 2 rounds of the Upper Parikrama to conclude. Grades 4 and 5 ran 5 km while grades 6 and above ran 11 km.

It was beautiful. Egrets, Sunbirds and Jungle Babblers surrounded us. The sunrise glinted on the Bhima river, and the early morning fog slowly lifted as we made our way across the landscape. The cool air brushed against our flushed faces.

Teachers, and parents who were on campus that day, joined us. Some jogged alongside us and encouraged us when we slowed down while others supported us by handing out water and Glucon-D along the route. Atharv Mittal from grade 10 was first to the finishing line closely followed by Kahaan from grade 7. The run ended near the new office building, where more Glucon-D and a cool-down session awaited us. This was followed by dosas at the dining hall.

It was a beautiful start to our Sunday morning — the symphony of birds, the fluttering of butterflies, the sun shining in the clear blue sky, and the river running alongside us.