Despite the unpromising weather – squally rain! - the Harrier’s Dylan Dukes claimed his first ever Street 5k victory when he came from behind on the final lap to beat Zak Hurrell, whilst one of the Club’s Hon Life members Amber Gascoigne was back in the area to win for the women in overall 5th place. There was no less effort shown by the youngsters in the 1k and 2k races where Logan Moncrieff won the 1k race and Isabelle Walker the 2k race. Read on also for links to the forthcoming Babcary and Butleigh race entry forms.
(photo below of Dylan in action at the October 2017 edition of the Street 5k races - photo by Al)
Dylan’s time of 17.23 was a little shy of his best 5k on the Street course but given conditions was a good return. He and his father, Tom , who finished in overall 3rd (1st V40) showed good pace judgement to reel in the initial front runner, Zak Hurrell, who was running on this course for the first time and due to join the Harriers on 1st April. That group were then chased all the way by a trio of Amber, Alexander Coombs and Harrier Chris Walker. 1st V50 home was the Harrier’s Andrew Piper in 19.48, fresh from his Barcelona Half Marathon at the weekend. 1st V60 was Maiden Newton’s David Carnell in 22.02, and 1st V70 the Harrier’s Berni Mundy in 24.36.
For the ladies, Amber Gascoigne, who was made an Honorary Life member for the Harriers after she gained selection to run for TeamGB as a Junior at the World XC Championships in 1998, has a Street 5k best of 16.44 but is clearly still running strong some 20 years on! After Amber in 18.22, came 1st F35 in Helen Southcott of Maiden Newton in 21.40 and 1st senior female Bridie Hawkins (Yeovil Town RR) in 22.42; with 1st F65 Lesley Nesbitt (Yeovil Town RR) in 25.45, and 1st F55 Karen Shears (Wells City Harriers) in 26.39. On the age graded rankings, Lesley achieved 82.9% whilst Amber was the only other athlete with a percentage higher than 80% (80.6%).
There were 45 finishers in total at what was the 173rd running of the race. Well done to all that competed given the conditions and especial thanks to the marshals, the finish line crew, the Race Director and all others behind the scenes that make the race go off without mishap. Series awards to be made at next month's edition, number 174, with Series standings based on best 5 performances but all that have completed 5 races will gain an award.
Full results from the 5k race & junior races:
Street 5k Feb 2018
Junior 1k and 2k Feb 2018
OTHER NEWS:
Last weekend, 18th February, there were three Wells City Harriers competing at the first of the Somerset Race Series races for 2018. The Humdinger Half marathon, near Taunton, saw Christian Green finish 3rd overall in 1hr 22mins, with Justin Thomas next in 22nd, 1.33, and Craig Foley 59th in 1.43. There were 187 finishers in the Half. In the accompanying, shorter, Humdinger Hurtle race, Karen Shears was 52nd in 39.48. More Somerset Race series information is here.
The previous weekend, 11th February, saw Rachel Glaisher come 2nd, 1st F45, at the very hilly Lytchett 10mile road race.
OTHER RACES SUPPORTED BY THE HARRIERS COMING UP:
The Babcary and Butleigh races (Sundays 25th Feb & 25th March) have become part of the local racing history, with both having been around for well over 20 years, and in Butleigh’s case for 38 years! Whilst the Babcary road circuit has always stayed the same – undulating – and has prizes largely based on age-grading; the Butleigh race has had to change parts of its off-road course from time to time to take account of road crossings. Note that this year’s Butleigh race starts at 10.30am - this is in response to feedback from previous participants Full past results, as far as we have them at the Harriers, are as usual on our tab here, along with a downloadable entry form for each race. There will be junior races at Babcary, but not at Butleigh.
Looking further ahead the Wells Fun Run, also supported by the Harriers is taking place on Sunday 27th May, and entry for the various races can be made via the link here. There are races suitable for juniors through to seniors.After many years, Andrew Deamer has stood down as race director, and Julia Dukes has taken on the role, along with Sharon Bowles, Lynn Elstob and Stewart Cursley assisting. We are calling for anyone who can
spare some time either before or on the day ( 27th May) to help us run this event. You can contact Julia on the following This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07780221706
OFF-ROAD TEAM OPPORTUNITIES for any HARRIERS
Team Managers have now been appointed for 2 of the traditional off-road relays we compete at; and we are looking for further team manager(s) and team members:
Wessex Ridgeway Relay - May
Cotswold Way Relay - June
Parrett Trail Relay - October
These Relay events are a great way to see some fantastic countryside and have a good day out with fellow Harriers - all ages/abilities are welcome to join a team. Check out the Team News & Contacts tab for more info