The Chris Brasher College League (currently) consists of two races during Michaelmas term: Freshers’ 5k and Cuppers. Since 2004, the league has been named after Chris Brasher, one of the greatest athletes ever to run for Cambridge. Chris studied at St John’s College and won gold in the steeplechase at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. He sadly died on 28th February 2003, but having also founded the London Marathon, his legacy remains.
Freshers’ 5k #
Date: early October (first Saturday of Michaelmas Term)
Distance: 5km
The Freshers’ 5k takes place at the end of Freshers’ Week and is the first race of the College League. It is usually very popular with people of all standards, with over 100 runners normally taking part. The men’s and women’s races start at the same time, but scoring is separate. The route begins with a lap of the Wilberforce Road athletics track, followed by a lap of the West Cambridge Site and then another lap of the track to finish. The course is flat and all on track/tarmac.
Cuppers #
Date: mid-November
Men’s Distance: ~10km
Women’s Distance: ~6km
This is the second race of the College League and is also the main college championship race. Cuppers is also the selection race for the II-IVs and the Blues Varsity Matches. The venue alternates between Priory Park in St Neots (in years we host varsity) and the Gog Magog Hills in south-east Cambridge.