Athletics at Hurst | Hurst College | Co-Curricular

 

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Athletics at Hurst

Athletics at Hurst is about far more than competition. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and teamwork, while instilling a lifelong love of sport. For some, that journey leads to county and national honours; for others, it means the joy of training alongside friends and achieving personal goals. Whatever the pathway, every pupil has the chance to thrive.

Our Athletics programme is proudly co-educational, with boys and girls training together in shared sessions. This not only builds a strong sense of community but also offers a unique environment where athletes learn from, and encourage, one another.

Whether a pupil is a complete beginner or already competing at a high level, our England Athletics licensed coaches ensure that every individual receives the right balance of challenge, guidance, and encouragement. The training programme also includes Strength and Conditioning, technique assessment across all events, goal-setting support, and nutrition advice.

Athletics at Hurst sits proudly under the Hurst Sport banner, where our approach to sport aligns closely with ‘The Hurst Way’ and its core values: Work Hard, Do Good, Engage. We believe every pupil should experience an outstanding, inclusive sports programme where development drives performance and all talents are recognised and championed. Our philosophy is mentorship — developing the whole person through sport by fostering character, resilience, and leadership.

Training

Athletics training intensifies in the Summer Term. Under the leadership of the coaching team, pupils benefit from Hurst’s outstanding facilities and a ‘365 degree’ training approach designed to cover every discipline:

  • All track events
  • Hurdles
  • Long jump
  • Triple jump
  • High jump
  • Javelin
  • Discus
  • Hammer
  • Shot put

This comprehensive provision allows pupils to explore a wide variety of events, discover their strengths, and refine their technique.

At Hurst, Athletics is about far more than competition. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and teamwork, while instilling a lifelong love of sport. For some, that journey leads to county and national honours; for others, it means the joy of training alongside friends and achieving personal goals. Whatever the pathway, every pupil has the chance to thrive.

Competitive Opportunities

Hurst athletes benefit from a full and exciting calendar of events, with opportunities to represent the College and progress to regional and national levels.

Cross Country

Hurst pupils compete in the English Schools Cross Country Cup. This is a unique team competition where individuals score points for their team, with successful teams progressing to regional and national rounds.

Hurst also enters athletes into individual Cross Country events, where the most talented may qualify for the English Schools National Team, the pinnacle of school cross country.

Track and Field

Hurst pupils take part in the Sussex Schools Track and Field Championships run by Sussex Athletics. This competition has pathways to Inter-Counties competitions and the English Schools National Team – among the highest honours in school athletics.

Hurst also organises and hosts the Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League (SISDL). This competition was set-up in 2018 and involves pupils from up to 15 independent schools who compete against each other across five events. This event is designed to encourage young athletes to try out competing in as many athletics categories as they want to, and to enjoy the experience.

Each year, during the winter months, Hurst pupils take part in training days at Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London. Plans are underway to introduce a warm-weather training camp for dedicated Track and Field athletes.

House Competitions

The Hurst Sports Day in the summer gives pupils the chance to compete as part of their houses in all Athletics events. This is also an opportunity for parents/carers to attend, cheer on their children and celebrate the end of the school year.

During the Michaelmas Term we hold an Inter-House Cross Country competition. This is teamed with the annual Cross Country ‘Santa Run’ which has been a Hurst tradition for decades.

Athletics Facilities at Hurst

Hurst has a 400m grass track, suitable for all running events, plus separate hurdles and sprints tracks.

Our throw area is suitable for all throwing events. We have two tartan long and triple jump run-ups and a tartan high jump fan.

Hurst has a strong tradition of hosting athletics meets on-site. In addition, Hurst uses the facilities of nearby tracks such as K2 Crawley, Withdean and Lewes.

Achievements

  • Hurst have been regional finalists in the Track and Field Cup for all teams for the last 10 years.
  • 2022 – U15 Girls Track and Field Cup National Finals 5th place
  • 2024 – U13 Girls Track and Field Cup National Finals 7th place

“ Sport can bring out the best in people and watching young athletes develop is a great reward ” Miss Franks, Head of Girls' Athletics