At the beginning of the Easter holidays, when most of us were enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, Harry Rose, a pupil from St Mary’s Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, wasn’t topping up his tan or chasing the ice cream van down the street. He was running, but not in the UK as Harry and his family had travelled to Paris, because Harry had been chosen by his local running club, Crook AC, to represent them in the Junior Marathon run prior to the Paris Marathon.
7This was an amazing achievement to start with, and a great honour to be chosen, not only represent his club, but also to represent the North East. Harry explained that he was extremely proud to be chosen and set himself a goal to finish either first second or third. High expectations indeed Harry! His mum, Clare, who ran the full marathon later in the day, explained proudly that Harry lead the field of 300 runners for most of the race which was run in 24°C heat. Unfortunately he was just pipped at the post, by a German runner, with only about 5 metres to go.
Harry showed great British values and true sportsmanship by immediately congratulating the winner after crossing the finishing line and then celebrated his own fantastic achievement by pinching a trumpet from a brass band and playing ‘I dreamed a dream,’ which was greatly appreciated by the crowd, who had braved the heat, to support all the runners. What an amazing experience this must have been for Harry and his family, who are all very proud of him. This is echoed by all his teachers and friends at school. Pipped
