On Saturday, 1st March 2025, the grounds of The Grammar School in Leeds were alive with excitement as some of the UK’s finest young athletes competed in the 43rd English Schools A.A. Cross Country Cup Final. http://www.esaa.org.ukThis prestigious competition is one of the highlights of the school’s athletics calendar, bringing together teams from across the country who have battled through regional heats to earn their place in the final.
The atmosphere was electric, with athletes, coaches, and supporters lining the course to cheer on the runners. For the competitors, this was the culmination of years of dedication, training, and commitment. Every stride around the demanding course was fuelled by determination, endurance, and the pride of representing their school at national level.
At R & J PA Hire, we were proud to play our part in ensuring that the event ran smoothly from start to finish. With a large-scale sporting event like this, clear communication and reliable audio are absolutely vital — not only to keep the spectators informed, but also to help officials and organisers coordinate seamlessly behind the scenes.
Our Role in the Event
To meet the demands of a high-profile athletics competition, we supplied a full package of professional audio and communication solutions:
🔹 Commentary Unit – We provided a dedicated commentary box, giving the announcer a professional space to deliver live race coverage, updates, and important safety information. From the starting gun to the final sprint, every announcement was delivered clearly across the site.
🔹 Two-Way Radios – Large events rely on fast, reliable communication. Our fleet of 30 two-way radios ensured that marshals, officials, and organisers were in constant contact, allowing them to respond quickly to any situation on the course. Whether it was coordinating the race starts, managing crowd flow, or handling emergencies, the radios proved invaluable.
🔹 PA System for the Awards Ceremony – The day ended on a high with the official presentations. Our PA system delivered crystal-clear sound for the award announcements, giving the athletes the recognition they truly deserved and ensuring every name was heard by the proud crowds of family, friends, and supporters.
A Day to Remember
Although the March air carried a winter chill, the energy, excitement, and passion of the competitors warmed the atmosphere. Parents cheered, teammates encouraged one another, and volunteers worked tirelessly to keep everything running on time. It was a real celebration of grassroots athletics and the determination of young people pushing themselves to their limits.
The English Schools A.A. Cross Country Cup Final is more than just a race; it’s an event that inspires the next generation of athletes and reminds us of the value of sport in education. We felt privileged to contribute to such a well-respected competition, helping to create a professional and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Supporting Sporting Events Across Yorkshire and Beyond
At R & J PA Hire, we specialise in providing PA systems, commentary units, and event communications for a wide range of sporting occasions. From athletics meets and cross-country races to equestrian events, motorsport rallies, and county shows, our goal is always the same: to deliver reliable, high-quality sound and communication that event organisers can depend on.
Our experience means we understand the unique challenges of outdoor events — whether it’s covering a large area, dealing with unpredictable weather, or ensuring that every announcement reaches the crowd without distortion. We pride ourselves on offering tailored solutions to match the needs of each individual event.
Planning an Event? Let’s Talk!
If you’re organising a sporting or community event and need dependable PA hire, commentary facilities, or two-way radios, we’d love to help. Our team brings not only the equipment but also the expertise to make sure everything runs smoothly, leaving you free to focus on the success of your event.
📢 Need PA & Communications for Your Next Event? Contact R & J PA Hire today and let us help make your event a success.
Make Your Next Event Sound Incredible
Professional PA Systems, Commentary Units & Two-Way Radios across Hull, Beverley & Driffield
From school sports days and horse shows to rallies and community events, R & J PA Hire delivers clear, reliable audio and on-site support across East Yorkshire. Book early for 2026 to secure your date.