The inception of the Crick Run at Rugby School dates back to 1838, marking the origins of competitive cross country. It is the most celebrated school run in the world and is the world's oldest half marathon. 

The Crick Run was originally set up as a 'Paper Chase' event. Participants, known as 'hares,' set off ahead of the pursuing 'hounds,' leaving a trail of paper scraps for them to follow. The pursuit culminates in a thrilling race to the finish line, where the hounds aim to catch the hare. Success earns the hare the privilege of selecting the next runner or assuming the role themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition among participants.

Since its inception, the Crick Run has been a cornerstone of Rugby School's sporting calendar, with almost every year since 1838 witnessing its occurrence. Originally spanning a challenging fourteen-mile course through snowy meadows and fields, the event was exclusively open to senior boys deemed 'fit to run' by the school doctor and with permission from their housemaster.

In recent years, changes to road layouts have led to adjustments in the course, now covering a 10-mile route. However, the spirit and tradition of the Crick Run remain steadfast, with a strong turnout from Rugbeians each year. 

Records of the original Crick Run, meticulously kept since around 1837 by the 'Holder of the Bigside Bags,' offer a glimpse into the event's evolution over time. The Meteor provides fascinating insights into the event's significance and challenges, with snippets from an article in 1982 providing a particularly wonderful insight into the run: 

'The crick run is an institution peculiar to Rugby. From an ordinary steeplechase it is distinguished by the absence of fences and  obstacles, as 'well as by its  immense length, while, though the outward forms of a paper-chase are preserved, these are but outward  forms, and the run is in reality a long-distance race of unparalleled severity.'

'All Rugby turns out on the occasion, and the greatest interest is manifested on all sides in the result'

'(The Crick Run) produces men who apparently possess the power of going on for ever at a slow pace, but who are lost if forced beyond their accustomed rate of speed. This is owing, we believe, to the very bad style pre­valent, which is produced by the heavy clothes in which these long  distances are run. The knees are weighed down, and all spring and stride lost, an evil which the adoption of running clothes, as worn at the Universities, would in a great measure remedy... The winner’s performance, however, is one of which he has a good right to be proud, He ran with great judgment,  strength, and pluck, and was in fine condition.'

The 2024 Crick Run will be taking place on Sunday 17 March. Rugbeians, Biltonians and present parents are invited to run with the School. Families are welcomed from 1pm to The Close where food and activities for children such as craft stalls and bouncy castles will be on hand to entertain families as well as the Toddler Trot and the Close-K which will start at 2pm.

Click on the links below to book onto the event. It's first come first served! 

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