The power of cross-country at Glenalmond College

At Glenalmond College, there is—the Cross-Country team. Running three times a week, come rain or shine (or wind, ice, and snow, given that we’re based in rural Perthshire), cross-country offers a welcoming alternative for those who might not feel at home in traditional team sports.

Cross-country accepts everyone, whether they’re beginners or long-established runners. Students don’t need to be star athletes or prove their worth. They just need to show up, again and again, and trust the process. With hard work, improvements will come.

We’re all aware of the physical benefits of running—improved lung and heart health—but it also offers significant mental benefits. Running provides a space to process thoughts, disconnect from everyday pressures, and gain clarity. While it might not be considered particularly relaxing to run up the hills of Perthshire, cross-country running offers a form of mindfulness. The rhythmic pounding of feet on the trail, the steadying of breath, and the immersion in nature help clear the mind and reduce stress. In an era where mental health is a significant concern, cross-country could be part of the remedy.

Though not traditionally considered a team sport, cross-country fosters a unique camaraderie. Anyone who’s watched a runner struggle over the finish line, only to turn around and cheer on their teammates, knows that this sport builds bonds as strong as any contact sport.

The lessons learned in cross-country extend far beyond the school grounds. Students learn to embrace discomfort—whether it’s facing the ever-changing Scottish weather (rain, snow, ice, and sun all in one day), dealing with ticks in the Spring, or battling horseflies and midges in the Summer (an experience only truly understood if you’ve faced a Scottish “summer”).

Perseverance is key. Those first few runs, where even a mile feels like an eternity, fade into memory when, months later, students complete 5K runs with ease. They develop resilience, running in all conditions—even when the rugby and hockey teams are forced indoors due to waterlogged pitches, you’ll find the cross-country team out in the elements, often jumping in puddles!

Cross-country also instills self-discipline and self-reliance. No one can run your race for you or complete the training required for a personal best. It’s easy to choose the comfort of a cozy dorm room, cuddled under a duvet, but our runners learn to push beyond that.

Some students love running for the sheer joy of it, while others may see cross-country as their only sporting option. Regardless of their reason for joining, cross-country isn’t just about running—it’s about finding strength within, building resilience, and embracing both the journey and the community that comes with it.

As the cross-country coach, I’ve delighted in witnessing the progress our pupils have made. I’ve seen students grow in confidence and self-belief. One parent shared how thrilled she was that her son independently decided to enter the SSAA road-running race. Pupils who once avoided games sessions are now at the front of the pack, regularly competing and placing in the top three at events and even volunteering to run in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race, an arduous sailing and running race that few schools compete in. They have truly found their happy place.

And the word is spreading. More pupils are choosing cross-country. This year’s aptly named Heartbreak Run at Glenalmond College saw more participants than ever before. A race that began in 2016 with just 12 pupils now boasts nearly 70 runners as of December 2024, including OG and Scottish short cross-country champion Harris Pagett, who broke the course record.

The power of cross-country is growing!

Our team’s personal motto, adeptly translated by our Latin master, says it all: currendo nec ambulando (by running, not by walking).