Teen Runner Charlie Dobson Earns Spot in English School's Cross Country Final
Charlie Dobson, a Year 9 student at Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, is thrilled to have won a place to represent Lancashire in the English School's Cross Country Final. The talented teenager has been running since he was in Year 2 at primary school, regularly participating in the Ramsbottom junior parkrun held in Nuttall Park.
Path to the County Finals
Charlie was part of the Rossendale team that advanced to the County Finals following an event organized by the Rossendale School Sports Partnership at Marl Pits in Rawtenstall. The 2026 final is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at Sefton Park in Liverpool, where the top eight runners from 46 counties will compete for glory.
Other Rossendale Runners Joining the Team
Four other athletes from Rossendale have also earned the chance to represent Lancashire in the English finals. These include:
- Harry Hopkinson, who placed fourth in the Junior Boys category.
- Elsie Duffy, who secured fifth place in the Year 7 Girls division.
- InterGirls competitors Ruby Cleaver, who finished second, and Alice Carr, who came in fourth.
Charlie's Race Experience and Training
At 14 years old, Charlie reflected on his recent performance, stating, "I have raced at Witton Park about 10 times, and this year the ground was the best I have known it. It was pretty muddy but not really slow." He described running approximately two and a half laps on a 3k course, initially placing third before strategically conserving energy to finish second.
Charlie acknowledged the skill of first-place finisher Albert Yates from Preston, noting he was only 37 seconds behind. He expressed excitement for his first English final, saying, "I run with Rossendale Harriers, and I prefer fell running and cross country to track." He enjoys the varied landscapes of fell running, particularly in the Lake District, and appreciates the challenges of cross country, such as mud and hills.
He added, "In fell running, you put everything into getting to the top of the hill; when you get to the top, your legs are like jelly, but then you can go as quick as you can on the way down. I have always loved running, and I know to push through pain—one of the best bits is the adrenaline rush."
Upcoming Competitions and Training Routine
In addition to training two nights a week with Rossendale Harriers, Charlie often completes a 10k run with his boxer dog around the Rossendale hills on Wednesdays. The week before the English Schools final, on March 7, he will also compete as part of the Lancashire team in the UK CAU Inter Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham.
