It has been a very busy couple of weeks for the Harriers. We have had Harriers representing Team GB, new records and many PBs. Read on to find out more, plus race reports for BMC, Pawlett Plod and Ham & Lyme 100K. Plus find information about how to enter the up and coming road relay races.
Oskar Beck taking victory in the BMC 800m
European U23 Athletics Championships
For the second time in five years, Wells City Harriers twins Ollie and Elise Thorner were both selected to compete for Team GB at the European U23 Athletics Championships in Espoo, Finland from 13th to 16th July. Both have been studying for their degrees in America for the past four years whilst training for their respective events, Elise in the 3000m steeplechase and Ollie in the 10 event Decathlon. Competing in their final year of the U23 age group before moving up to senior level, they both had aspirations of high placed finishes in the competition with Elise going in ranked 4th in Europe and Ollie 9th based on their seasons' best performances.
Elise was up first on the opening day of the championships and cruised through her semi final winning comfortably in a time of 9 mins 52 seconds. Two days later Ollie lined up in near perfect weather conditions in the 100m, the opening event of the Decathlon, recording a personal best time of 10.94 seconds. Another personal best followed in the Long Jump with a leap of 6m 99 and then a 13m 44 Shot Put made it 3 personal bests out of 3. Sadly disappointment followed with a minor tear to his calf muscle that worsened during the high jump, forcing Ollie's first ever retirement from a Decathlon despite clearing an equalling season's best 1m 94. Elise lined up later that evening against 15 of her rivals for the final of the 3000m steeplechase also in perfect, warm,humid conditions. Despite a fast championship record pace from the outset, Elise performed to her ranking finishing in 4th place in a time of 9 mins 47 seconds, an improvement from 8th place in the same championships two years earlier.
Ollie and Elise are now looking forward to spending their post grad year together at the University of Florida whilst continuing to train for their track and field events in the Sunshine State. [Report by Alan Thorner].
Elise and Ollie Thorner represnting Team GB at the European U23 Championships, Espoo.
South West Inter-Counties Championships
Many Harriers took part in the South West Inter-Counties Championships. To see the full set of results click here. Oskar Beck took victory in the 800m after taking the lead in the final 150m. Tom Webb had a very impressive run in the 3000m, finishing first and getting a huge PB. This was a new Championship Best Performance at the South West Championships, a new Millfied Inters record and new YOAC record. Amelie Cook also got a PB in her 1500m race.
Oskar Beck and Tom Webb receiving their medals after winning their events.
British Milers Club - Exeter
Tom Webb was out running again, this time setting a PB in the 1500m and also breaking the Millfield Inters record set in 1985. Macey Burge also set a PB in the 1500m, whilst Matilda Hicks was only a few seconds shy of hers. Full results can be found here.
Ham & Lyme 100K
At the start of July Harrier member Craig Foley took part in the Ham & Lyme 100k race organised by Albion Running. Starting early morning in Lyme Regis the route took competitors through the beautiful Dorset and Somerset countryside, using a network of public footpaths, bridleways and quiet country lanes, 50k/32 miles to Ham Hill Country Park, and then 50k/32 miles back to a sea-front finish at Lyme Regis. Craig finished in third place overall in a time of 12 hours, 59 minutes and 11 seconds, first in his age category. Great running!
Pawlet Plodd
Six senior Harriers took part in the Pawlett Plod 10k on a sunny but windy evening
last Wednesday 19th July. The event, organised by Burnham on Sea Harriers
followed a new route for 2023 along the English Coast path.
A group of Harriers with their finishers medals.
Results for WCH
Steve Masters MV60 44:40
Jonathan Williams MV40 46:45
Andrew Armstrong MV50 46:58
Rosie Park FV35 47:09
Louisa Saunders SF 48:10
Kathryn Williams FV40 53:43
Rosie was placed 3rd Woman and Steve took 1st place in his age category.
Road Relays
If you are interested in entering the South Devon Relays (including the South West Road Relay Championships) on Friday 11th August (click here for details), or the Cleeve Road Relays on Sunday 27th August (click here for details) please let us know!
Club Senior Female athlete of the year
Elise Thorner was unable to attend this year’s AGM so could not collect her much deserved Senior Female Athlete of the Year trophy. She has finally been able to collect it! Well done.
