This December, we’re kicking off our festive celebrations by sharing a Hurst Christmas tradition each week, celebrating the moments that make this season so special for our community.

For over 100 years, cross-country running has been part of Hurst life, known by many names over the decades: Steeplechase, Paper Chase, and even The Clayton Run when the route stretched up to the Windmills. Whatever the name, one thing has always remained the same—mud, determination, and Hurst spirit!

Today, this tradition has evolved into the Christmas Cross-Country Run, now featuring the Santa Fun Run, where everyone can take part—whether running, jogging, walking, or even dog-walking—while our elite runners compete for inter-house glory. Expect plenty of Santa hats, reindeer ears, and festive cheer as the whole school joins in before breaking up for the holidays.

Our Archivist has uncovered incredible photographs of this tradition spanning from 1914 to the present day, showing how this event has grown and changed over the years.

📸 Did you take part in the Christmas Cross-Country Run? Share your stories and photos with us—we’d love to know when you think the very first festive run began!

Stay tuned as we share more Hurst Christmas traditions every week throughout December, celebrating the moments that make this season so special.