Walhampton Perry Dalziell Cross Country

The Event - Information for Schools

Walhampton School is delighted to invite local schools to take part in the 46th annual Perry Dalziell Cross Country event on Wednesday 11th March 2026 held in the Walhampton School grounds.  Those of you who have joined us for this event in the past will testify to the warm welcome, fun competition and camaraderie that this event offers. 

The Competition

There is no limit to the number of children racing in each age group team, but only the first four children from each school will count towards the team score. Medals will be presented to the first, second and third place finishers for each boy and girls from each year group. A team shield will be presented to the winning school from each of the different age groups. Teams entering all six age groups will be eligible to win the Perry Dalziell Trophy. If you would like to join us for the event please complete this entry form no later than 9th January 2026. 

The Course

The cross country route is grass and gravel tracks, the recommended footwear is trainers with good grip. The course may be wet and muddy in places if there are high levels of rainfall in the weeks preceding.  

There are two courses: one for the Year 4 children and then an extended route around both lakes for Year 5 and Year 6. The course will be well marshaled by Walhampton staff and Year 8 pupils with temporary metal fencing to block off any paths that are not being used. You are welcome to arrive early and walk the course at 1pm, but we are confident that the measures above will alleviate the need to do so. We do ask if you are walking the course prior to the race, pupils must be accompanied by a member of staff from the visiting school (not a parent), the group remain together and that you arrive in plenty of time to complete the walk without delaying the start of the first race. The Year 4 route is approx 1 mile, the Year 5 and 6 route is approx 1.4 miles. We will also have a ‘hare’ for each race to help guide the children.

Timings 

Schools have the option of arriving at 1pm to walk the course prior to the race. We do ask if you are walking the course, pupils must be accompanied by a member of staff from the visiting school (not a parent), the group remain together and that you arrive in plenty of time to complete the walk without delaying the start of the first race. 

Arrival time to walk the course: 13:00

Arrival time (not walking the course): 13:30

U9 (Yr4) Boys & Girls Race: 14:00

U10 (Yr5) Boys & Girls Race: 14:20

U11 (Yr6) Boys & Girls Race: 14:45

Presentations 15:15 - 15:30

Spectators

Spectators are more than welcome to come and cheer on the runners. Please could we ask that all spectators enter through the middle gate which is found half way down the drive. There will be marshals and signs to show them the way. They will then follow a simple sign in process. 

Final Details

Final details including parking  information and maps of the detailed route will be posted as we progress towards the event on this webpage in February however in the meantime if you have any questions please email the Director of Sport, Richard Harrison-Poole on  r.harrisonpoole@walhampton.com.