History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #46: Resin trophy of Fraser Sproul’s record-breaking Wilson Run shoe
In 2022 Fraser Sproul set a new record for the boys’ Wilson Run, becoming the seventh Sedberghian to hold the title of record holder. Fraser’s record of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 5 seconds still stands.
Sedbergh School art teachers Laura Bolton and Abi Kennedy, used one of the running shoes that Fraser wore during his Wilson Run, an Innov8 fell shoe, to create resin trophies for future boys’ and girls’ winners. Head of Art, Laura Bolton, shared details of the creative process:
‘The fell shoes were cast using alginate and once the mould was created the resin was poured. The foliage that was set amongst the resin was collected by the running team and the running coaches. It was really important that the artwork had integrity and that the foliage selected was collected whilst the ‘epics’ were being run. It was also important that the foliage reflected the season in which the Wilson Run takes place. That is the Lent term. The wood within the sculpture has been sourced locally with an etching showing the elevation profile of the run.’
Fraser kindly agreed to be interviewed for the 50 Objects series. Here he shares how his record setting mentality was formed:
You ran at Sedbergh Prep School and were winning prizes from a young age. Can you remember when you first heard of the Wilson Run?
I first heard about the Wilson Run when I was around 10 years old, as I was at the local primary school when my eldest sister, Eilidh, was in the 6th form and competing. She went on to become a double winner in 2012 and 2013. I vividly remember running alongside her over Boar Fell, cheering her on. I’m sure I watched the race when I was even younger, but that’s definitely the first memory that stands out.
You grew up on the edge of Sedbergh and so had ready access to the landscape of the Wilson Run. Do you think your emersion in the course from a young age helped prepare you?
I definitely think growing up around the Howgills helped with my running, it’s an area with some of the best routes and trails you could ask for. As for the Wilson Run, I actually didn’t have much experience with it until later in my school career. I think because I was competing in so many other races, it was hard to find the time to really focus on it. I’d go straight from running cross country over the winter to competing in fell races and track races throughout the summer. I think all that variety definitely gave me a strong foundation, the mix of terrains and distances really built up my strength and endurance, which ended up helping me when I finally turned my attention to the Wilson Run.
When did you first consider that you might be able to set a new Wilson Run record?
I think it was always a goal of mine from the moment I started at Sedbergh Prep School in Year 7. I was lucky enough to be there the year John Campbell broke the record in 2016, and ever since then I’d set my sights on one day trying to achieve that myself.
Your first Wilson Run was delayed until the summer term due to Covid-19. How did that impact on your attempt at the record?
Yes, I think it was quite tough because it was such a strange year for anyone competing in sports. Although in a way, it turned out to be beneficial, as my usual race schedule was always jam-packed every weekend. With fewer races taking place, I finally had the time to put my full focus on the Wilson Run. I was in great shape that year, but I remember it being around 24 degrees on the day and being from Sedbergh, I definitely wasn’t used to running in that heat! Still, I think that experience really laid the foundations for the following year, I knew exactly what I didn’t want to feel again and was determined to work harder for the next year.
There is a wonderful photo of you crossing the finish line in 2022 when you set the record. You look delighted but also quite surprised. How confident were you before the race that you could set a new record?
It was always part of the plan to go for the record, whether or not I could actually achieve it. The main issue I faced was that I had raced at the English Schools Cross Country Championships down in Kent on the Saturday, which is essentially the most competitive schoolboy race in the country. I knew that would take a toll on my body, so the focus in the days after was simply to recover and hope I’d be ready again by Tuesday.
I could tell after the first two miles that my body felt good. Once all the adrenaline from the start settled, I found a rhythm and knew I was moving well. That said, I didn’t have a lot of experience racing 10 miles, so there was always that worry in the back of my mind that I might fade like I had the year before.
What advice do you have for those preparing for the 2026 Wilson Run?
Just try and embrace the event and enjoy it and compete because there really is no other race like it, and you only get to do it twice!
Were there any teachers who particularly supported you with running at Sedbergh?
Yes, definitely there were many teachers who supported me, in particular my Housemaster, Mr Oliver. He was always super understanding and did everything he could to help me achieve the record. He had a great balance, never putting me under too much pressure, but we both quietly knew that the record needed to come to Sedgwick House!
Mr Jon Richardson, my coach and now a great friend, was also a huge influence. He spent countless hours training with me, offering advice, and fine tuning every detail to make sure I was
ready for the 2 days. I’ll always be incredibly grateful for the time and effort he put in, he really prepared me for the race both physically and mentally.
Have you returned to watch the Wilson Runs since your record-breaking year?
Yes, I’ve been back every year to the event, however in 2024 I missed the actual race unfortunately due to my flight being delayed back from the states, but I did make the concert which is always great. I hope I can continue to watch it for many years to come!
