There was some excellent running by all ages of the Harrier membership this past weekend when almost 30 took part in two events: Cross country at Blaise Castle, Bristol, and the Full Monty 10 mile multi-terrain from Ham Hill near Montecute. Headlines were made on the Saturday over the cross-country by top junior finisher Elise Thorner and top senior performance of the day by Jack Bancroft; and on the Sunday by Club Chairman Graham Goldsmid leading the Harrier team home at the multi-terrain race. (Photo below of Jack Bancroft, with Olli Dickinson behind him on the right, on the first lap of the Blaise Castle XC course - photo by Al)
Graham Goldsmid reports: "The third Gwent League fixture of the season took place at Blaise Castle, Bristol on Saturday 3rd December in cold, dry conditions.
First race of the day over the fast course was the U15 Junior girls running for Wells was new club member Poppy Pellow who had a strong race to finish in 11th place. Next up was the U13 boy’s race with Toby Watson and Nico Bosley finishing 26th & 55th respectively. Then came the U13 girls race where Olivia Earthy finished 11th Followed by the U15 boys which saw Adam Lyle finish 42nd and Bernard Mealing 43rd All of these juniors are members of the Harrier’s Monday night training group at Millfield track.
In the Senior Women's race the club had one runner Katrina Prior who as always gave 100% to finish in 96th place out of 248 runners. While in the U17 girls race, two of the clubs experienced juniors both had great runs with Elise Thorner finishing in 3rd place and Caitlin Carnegie 10th.The last race of the day was the Senior men’s race and a large field of 379 runners included nine senior men from Wells competing over the fast 10k course.
First home for Wells was Jack Bancroft in 23rd place, next Ollie Dickinson 33rd, Pete Grist 42nd, Chris Green 63rd followed by 5 regulars from the Tuesday night training group Ollie Frost 136th, Justin Thomas 155th, Andrew Tindall 174th (who was competing in his first x country race since school days!); Rick Dukes 228th and Mike Bosley 287th. Well done to all who took part."
Paul adds: Jack moves up to 7th on the Gwent League standings after the three races so far. The senior mens team were 9th mens team on the day and have moved up to 8th overall in Division One (out of 12 teams). There will still be a need for a good turn out by seniors at the last two remaining fixtures for us to guarantee our place in the Division and even to move ourselves up it. the full set of positions & times are yet to be published but will be here when available. (below: photo of seniors at Blaise by Graham)
Graham also adds: "This past Sunday 4th December saw the 18th running of the 'Full Monty Cute’ - a 10 mile multi terrain trail race that takes you through some of the most scenic countryside in South Somerset starting and finishing from the top of Ham Hill.
Runners World lists this race in their top 10 of multi terrain races in England and as a result it's 250 places are always taken by September each year.
So on a cold but sunny Sunday morning at Ham Hill Country Park nine Wells City Harriers lined up on the start line in anticipation of the numerous hills and mud that awaited them! First home for Wells in 37th place was Graham Goldsmid in a time of 1.25.37. Next was Tuesday night stalwart Matt Rawlingson-Plant 58th in 1.30.32, then first Wells female home Lucy Heath 61st in 1.31.06 followed by husband Nick who was 105th in 1.39.1. Next was Natasha Jones 138th in 1.46.34, Catherine Goldsmid 151st in 1.48.56, just in front of Alice Knight 158th in 1.50.11 and then Gary Tubridy who was 184th in a time of 1.55.33.
All crossed the line tired and received a well-deserved Christmas pudding for their efforts. For all members who enjoy off road running in great countryside with lovely views this challenging race is one for the diary next year!"
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Cross Country Championships – note deadlines
Sunday 11th Dec Somerset XC Championships at University of Bath (enter on line by 5 Dec) Entry link here – Somerset Championships are combined with Avons, and Wiltshire's, with all entries via Wiltshire website link. Paul will be there to help parents team manage. Note that for those qualified for Dorset, their County Champs will be embedded in the final Wessex League match to be held on the same day - info from Neil Biss
Sunday 8th January South West XC Championships at Exeter Race course (enter on line in advance by 21 Dec). Parent(s) required to team-manage and take tent. LINK HERE
Saturday 28th January Southern XC Championships at Parliament Hill, London (enter on line in advance by 16 Dec). Simon Prior to help team manage a senior team. Link: here, search under events
Saturday 25th February English XC Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham (enter on line in advance by 13 Jan Details & Enter here
PARENTS: make sure you have read 'Everything you wanted to know about cross-country but were afraid to ask' as found on the 'About Wells City Harriers ' tab