Oli Frost racing on Bryher Island, Scilly Isles
This article features trail running on the Scilly Isles, the third race in the Yeovilton 5K series, information about Baltonsborough 5 Mile (entries now open), how to get a place for the 2025 TCS London Marathon if you missed out on the main ballot, and news from Yeovil Olympiads.
Scilly 60
The start on Tresco
On the weekend of 16th June, Harrier club member Oli Frost took the ferry to the Isles of Scilly to run the Scilly 60 race. The concept of the race is to run the coast paths of all five of the inhabited islands which in total adds up to 60km. Starting on Tresco (10.6km), Bryher (7.9km), St Martins (10.1km), St Mary's (18km), St Agnes (8.9km) and back to Tresco (4.5km) for the finishers' feast. Due to working with the tides there were strict cut offs and if you missed the cut off, you missed the boat to the next island and the unlucky runner was picked up by the boat of shame.
The start on St Martins
To complete the course the runners had to maintain an average pace on each island of around 7min/km. This appears relatively achievable for many harriers; however, for those that are familiar, the Scilly isles coast path is similar to the Cornish mainland's. A mix of sharp accents, narrow, technical and rocky terrain, soft sand and heat meant by island four we were pushing hard to maintain a bit of a buffer.
Oli Finishing the final run on Tresco.
However, in a total time of 5hrs 32mins, Oli finished 9th overall from 141 starters and 81 finishers. Thanks must go to Wes for what must be a mammoth feat of organisation but with a great low key feel. There was even a supporter's boats laid on to follow the race which meant a great day was also had by family and friends. Being a long weekend there was even time for exploring the islands, swimming and soaking up the sun. If you are looking for something a bit different this race is definitely recommended.
The end of a long day and returning to the boats for St Mary's.
Yeovilton 5K - Race 3
Andrew Piper and Rob Moore post race.
Tom Webb and Sophie Nicholls led the field for the third race in the Yeovilton 5K series.
Full Harrier results:
1st Tom Webb 15:16
5th Matt Lusby 16:12
18th Sophie Nicholls 17:13 (1st female)
20th David Hirst 17:21
43rd Sam Harvey 19:09
45th Harry Dawson 19:14
50th Phil Paddick 19:16
59th Andrew Piper 19:54
64th Jamie Dawson 20:23
68th Ethan Harvey 20:46
80th Robert Moore 21:13
85th Mike Bosley 21:22
90th Paul Knight 21:49
141st Karen Shears 29:03
Baltonsborough 5 Miles
Somerset's annual Baltonsborough Five Mile Road Race will next take place at 11:00 on Monday 26 August 2024 (Bank Holiday Monday). In addition to the Wells City Harrier supported main five mile race, there will also be a combined 1.5 mile fun run and 1.5 mile junior race.
The Baltonsborough five mile race is a measured five mile road race on slightly undulating country lanes. The race will start and finish at Baltonsborough Village Hall and is race 13 in the Somerset Series.
Entries are now open. Enter by following this link.
After the races, the annual Baltonsborough Show will be taking place.
London Marathon Ballot
On Wednesday, June 26th, emails flooded inboxes, bringing delight (or horror) as recipients learned whether they had been accepted into the 2025 TCS London Marathon. For those unsuccessful, there are still plenty of ways to get your spot.
Championship Entry
You can secure a guaranteed entry by achieving the championship qualifying time this year. Qualifying times must have been run at an event with a certified course between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024. While the official times for 2025 have not yet been confirmed, last year's requirements can serve as a guideline. For men, a sub-2:40:00 marathon or a sub-1:12:30 half marathon was required. For women, the standards were a sub-3:14:00 marathon or a sub-1:28:00 half marathon.
Good for Age Entry
You can also qualify through a ‘good for age’ time. The qualifying period for the 2025 TCS London Marathon began on 1 October 2023 and ends on 30 September 2024.
Qualifying times must have been run at an in-person event that has a certified marathon course, or at the virtual 2024 TCS London Marathon. Meeting the qualifying time for your age category does not guarantee entry into the event, but simply the opportunity to submit an application. The maximum number of GFA places is 6,000 (3,000 men and 3,000 women). Places will be allocated on a ‘fastest first’ basis comparative to your age and the qualifying time. See the table below for the ‘good for age’ qualifying times.
Charity Place
Many charities offer guaranteed entries, though they typically require a minimum fundraising amount. Charity places are a great way to get additional support, as they often provide training plans, kits, and numerous cheering spots along the route to encourage you.
Wells City Harriers Ballot
Each year, Wells City Harriers receive a number of places for the marathon as we are a UK Athletics affiliated club. The number of entries allocated is based on the number of first claim members over the age of 18 at the club who are registered with British Athletics. We usually receive 1-2 places with support from Yeovil Olympiads. We draw the ballot at our annual Christmas meal in December. If you would like to be considered for our 2025 club place(s) you must:
(a) Have been a Club member when you applied in the main London ballot;
(b) Have an England Athletics registration;
(c) Have been rejected in the main London ballot and provided evidence of the rejection;
(d) not to have had a Club place in the previous 3 years.
If you think you're eligible please contact Secretary Alex Coombs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with evidence of your rejection email.
Yeovil Olympiads Newsletter
Click the link below to read the latest Yeovil Olympiads Newsletter, featuring a report from the National Athletics League Match 1 in Swansea, highlights from the first Yeovil Open meet, coverage of the South West Athletics League Match 2 in Exeter, and details about a significant Team GB sponsorship investment in YOAC. Remember, your Wells City Harriers membership also includes membership with Yeovil Olympiads. If you're interested in track racing, visit the Yeovil Olympiads website for more information or check the diary dates for upcoming track and field meets.
Dates For Your Diary
Here is a list of upcoming races, including WCH supported races, Somerset Series races, road relays, athletics league fixtures and other notable events. Contact club secretary Alexander Coombs if there is an event you would like adding. (SS = Somerset Series race)
June 2024
(SS) Wednesday 26th June 2024 - Forde Abbey 10K
Thursday 27th June 2024 - Yeovil Evening Open 2
Sunday 30th June 2024 - The Heron Half
Sunday 30th June 2024 - South West Athletics League (Match 2) Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enter.
July 2024
Saturday 6th July 2024 - Charmouth Challenge
Saturday 6th July 2024 - Brecon Fans Races (Pen y Fan)
Sunday 7th July 2024 - Brecon Fans Races (Fan y Big)
(SS) Sunday 7th July 2024 - The Quantock Beast
Sunday 7th July 2024 - The National Athletics League (Match 3 - Yeovil) Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enter.
Wednesday 10th July 2024 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 4)
(SS) Wednesday 17th July 2024 - The Pawlett Plod 10K MT
Wednesday 17th July 2024 - South West PB Series (Race 2)
Thursday 25th July 2024 - Yeovil Evening Open 3
Sunday 28th July 2024 - South West Inter Counties Championships
August 2024
Friday 2nd August 2024 - Wessex 10K
(SS) Wednesday 7th August 2024 - Haselbury Trail Race
Wednesday 14th August 2024 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 5)
Wednesday 14th August 2024 - South West PB Series (Race 3)
Sunday 18th August 2024 - Frome Running Festival (5K, 10K, HM)
(SS) Monday 26th August 2024 - Baltonsborough 5 Mile
Thursday 29th August 2024 - Yeovil Evening Open 4
September 2024
Sunday 1st September 2024 - South West Athletics League (Match 2) Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enter.
Wednesday 11th September 2024 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 6)
(SS) Sunday 22nd September 2024 - Glastonbury Levels 10 Mile
October 2024
(SS) Sunday 6th October 2024 - BHAM Trail 10K
Wednesday 9th October 2024 - Street 5K (Race 1)
(SS) Sunday 13th October 2024 - Mells Scenic
(SS) Sunday 13th October 2024 - Burnham Half Marathon
(SS) Sunday 20th October 2024 - The Mendip Muddle
November 2024
Wednesday 13th November 2024 - Street 5K (Race 2)
(SS) Sunday 3rd November 2024 - Herepath Half
(SS) Sunday 24th November 2024 - Brent Knoll MT
December 2024
Wednesday 11th December 2024 - Street 5K (Race 3)
Sunday 15th December 2024 - Telford 10K
Sunday TBC - Baltonsborough Christmas Pudding Race