Record-breaking performances at the 2026 Sports Day

Under clear skies and with the full voice of the School behind it, Sedbergh School’s annual Sports Day once again brought together competition, tradition and participation in equal measure. Described by Head of High Performance Sport, Alan Toward, in three words — “tradition, resilience, participation” — the day reflected all three across a packed programme of athletics events.

One of the defining traditions of the day remains the Open Mile, which has been run at Sedbergh Sports Day since 1899. This year, more than 300 runners took part, underlining the enduring place of endurance running within Sedbergh life. Hugo Berry claimed victory in the Open Mile with an impressive time of 4:30, while Lucia delivered one of the standout performances of the day, breaking the Girls’ Open Mile record in 5:13.

Lucia’s achievements did not stop there. Competing in the Inter Girls category, she also set new school records in both the 800m (2:23) and 1500m (5:10), completing a remarkable afternoon of middle-distance running.

Elsewhere, Victoria Chapman broke the Inter Girls Shot Putt record with a throw of 11.90m, while the ever-popular 100m races once again drew the biggest noise from the crowd. Widely regarded as the event everyone wants to win, the sprint finals produced some of the loudest and most energetic moments of the day.

At the conclusion of competition, Evans and Lupton were named overall House winners. Individual honours went to Tom Jacques, who was awarded Victor Ludorum following a series of strong sprint performances, while Lucia was named Victrix Ludorum after her record-breaking displays in the middle-distance events.

Athletics Colours were awarded to Elif Sancar, Hattie Smith, Izzy Foxton and Hugo Berry in recognition of their outstanding contribution and dedication to athletics at Sedbergh School.