On 9th November 2024, I took part in a race in the Metropolitan League at Horsenden Hill. The race was supposed to be 2 km, but when I checked my watch at the end, it showed only 1.72 km. Even though it was a bit shorter than expected, I knew the course would be challenging, and I was prepared for a tough run. Horsenden Hill is known for its steep hills and tricky paths, so I knew I had to stay focused to do my best.
When the starting gun went off, we all sprinted forward, but didn’t get the best start. I struggled a bit at the beginning, which meant I fell back in the group. Determined to catch up, I pushed myself and managed to move up to fourth place by the end of the first lap. I could feel the pressure of the race as we ran over the hills and winding paths, but I stayed focused, determined to keep my position.
Throughout the race, I tried to keep a steady pace of around 3:50 per kilometre. I knew there was a boy running just behind me, keeping up with my every step. His presence made me nervous, and I tried hard to stay in front. I knew he could try to overtake me at any moment, so I focused on keeping my speed and staying in rhythm, even as I started to feel tired.
With only 200 metres left in the race, the boy behind me suddenly sprinted past. I tried to speed up to catch him, but he was quick and gained a lead. Then, just 10 metres before the finish line, another runner passed me. It was disappointing because I felt I could have finished higher, maybe even in fourth place. In the end, I finished sixth overall, and I was also the second finisher for my club.
Even though I missed out on fourth place, I was proud to finish as the second runner for my club. Thanks to our combined efforts, our team finished in second place in the boys’ category, which felt like a big achievement. It made me realise that while individual results are important, the teamwork and support from each other make a big difference.
This race taught me a lot about pacing and the importance of a strong start. Next time, I want to keep up with the boy who finished first for our club. I’ll work on my sprinting and staying focused in the final parts of the race. I’m already excited to apply these lessons in future races, aiming to do even better and help my team succeed.
