OS SPORT
Both above: 50th Knole Run Top right: Knole Run 1973 Bottom right: Knole Run 1991
THE 50TH KNOLE RUN
January 2025 marked the 50th time runners have braved the wintery conditions of Knole Park for the Senior Knole Run. With the race having been cancelled only twice since its inauguration in 1973, the snow was never going to deter the fierce competitors. In celebration of this anniversary, a special Old Sennockians race took place, with 30 participants including many past winners, and the crisp snowy air buzzed with anticipation.
We were especially thrilled to welcome back several siblings and family members who ran together: Andrew House( OS 1990) and his son Freddie( OS 2023), and brothers Patrick Glencross( OS 1985) and Ian Glencross( OS 1978). For Kate Bourne nee Evans( OS 1984) the run was one of the items on her list of‘ 60 things to do before 60’.
Sledging had compacted the snow, causing the route to be shortened slightly to avoid the hill, yet it was undoubtedly challenging, with all the OS rising to the task!
Congratulations to Allan Lee( OS 1991) who won the race in 30m 25s. World veteran Ben Reynolds( OS 1982) placed second with a time of 32m 15s and Elliott Bourne( OS 2000) was third in 36m 33s.
Prizegiving was a slightly warmer affair, helped by hot chocolate on the Flat. We were fortunate to welcome back father and son Alan and Elliott Bourne to present the Bourne Cup to the Old Sennockian winner, as well as the family of the late Peter McGregor, the Knole Run’ s founder, to present the McGregor Trophy to Eton College, the highest-scoring school outside Kent.
Elliott Bourne reflected:‘ I very much enjoyed returning to Sevenoaks to participate in the Knole Run. The scene took me back many, many years. The trudge up and across Duke’ s Meadow to the gate at the top of the park. The picking of a course through the famous bumps in the ground to the start line, covered in snow.( It was coincidental to bump into Alex Smith coming the other way, almost as if I had travelled back in time!) The race predictably difficult, hilly and cold. Afterwards, it was an honour to present the Bourne Cup for the anniversary of the race, with my father, to the deserved winner.’
Emily Bretz
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