There has been a lot of recent racing action for the Harriers. Read on to find out about the first Gwent League fixture of the season and some impressive running at the Abingdon Marathon. Plus Bath Half results and information about the Baltonsborough 5 Mile Christmas Pudding Race and the November Street 5K.
The senior men’s team ready to race at Pembrey.
Gwent League Race 1 - Pembrey
On Saturday 14th October 2023 the Gwent League 2023/24 got underway at Pembrey, hosted by Carmarthen Harriers, with Cardiff being the second fixture in November. On a slightly altered course to previous years, with some extra twist and turns through the wooded area, the route included a number of short sharp hills and not forgetting the infamous sand dune.
Plenty of Harriers made the long trip near the South West tip of Wales. Some of the stand out performances came from Oskar Beck who won his race, Daisy Davies who came 3rd, Tom Webb who came 2nd after moving up a race age bracket from last season, and Christian Green, Adam Gibson and Tim Hindle who all finished in the top 10%. These all receive a Gwent T-Shirt at the next fixture.
Tom Webb racing at Pembrey.
U13 Boys Race Report
(Words from Matt Beck)
After the torrential rain on Friday night the weather improved and was sunny and not too cold! Oskar was on good form as we stayed nearby the night before the race and after a walk around of the course he was feeling confident. After starting fast, Oskar took the lead after the first long straight and safely navigated a tight incline on a sand dune, which became a bottleneck for those behind, and after only half of the first lap he was one of three strong runners in a lead group. Oskar managed to stay in the lead for the second lap and had a great sprint finish winning by only a second! It was nice to see camaraderie at the end with the three in the lead group shaking hands and then Oskar had his first ever interview by the race mc! (He did mention Paul and Graham when asked who his coaches are!)
Oskar is looking forward to the remaining four races in the league and would like to improve on his second place overall in the Wessex league last year and it should be an exciting battle between the lead three runners!
Oskar in action, winning at Pembrey.
Results: full results can be found here.
Novice Boys
Alfie Beck - 53rd 06:52
U13 Boys
Oskar Beck - 1st 09:30
U15 Girls
Isobel Stacey - 26th 15:17
U17 Girls
Daisy Davies - 3rd 18:06
Mikaella Harnett - 30th 21:51
U17 Boys
Tom Webb - 2nd 15:10
Senior Men
Christian Green - 25th (4th V35) 31:42
Adam Gibson - 42nd 32:42
Alexander Coombs - 55th 33:15
Lawrence Badman - 171st (42nd U23) 37:29
Tim Hindle - 175th (7th V55) 37:33
Dan Williams - 186th (38th V45) 37:46
Stephen Nicholls - 210th (12th V55) 38:33
Mark Pople - 394th (55th V55) 46:56
The results put Wells City Harriers men’s team in 9th in Division 1 after the first fixture. The V55 male team are currently in 4th.
The Team also collected their plate for winning Division 2 in the 2022/23 season.
The senior men’s team with their Division 2 winning plate for the 2022/23 season.
Christian Green with his 2022/23 V35 winners medal.
If you’re interested in competing at the next fixture, please contact Jon James or Alex Coombs. More details about the Gwent League can be found here.
Bath Half Marathon
(Words from Matt Lusby)
There were a few Wells city runners pounding the streets of Bath on Sunday 15th October 2023 over the half marathon distance. A greatly improved course over the previous year and spoiled with perfect conditions and plenty of support along the route.
Matt Lusby running the Bath Half
Results:
Full results can be found here.
Matt Lusby - 78th 1:15:16
David Hurst - 165th 1:20:49
Graham Goldsmid - 344th 1:26:55
Jonathan Williams - 716th 1:33:40
Mike Bosley - 1582nd 1:42:49
Kathryn Williams - 2695th 2:04:46
Michael Rusca - 8184th 2:33:59
Abingdon Marathon
There was some impressive running by the Harriers at this year’s Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 22nd October. The conditions were good to help them all to a PB. Christian Green had a strong performance finishing 7th. Congratulations to Zak Hurrell for completing his first marathon. London awaits! Adam Sutton knocked nearly 10 minutes off his PB and Jeremy Linter finished in sub 3 hours for the first time after his 6th attempt in doing so. Well done to them all!
Zak in action at Abingdon.
Results:
Full results can be found here.
Christian Green - 7th 2:35:29
Zak Hurrell - 27th 2:44:09
Adam Sutton - 44th 2:49:38
Jeremy Linter - 106th 2:59:18
Jeremy and Zak with their finishers medals.
Baltonsborough Christmas Pudding 5 Mile Road Race
This year’s Baltonsborough Charity Christmas Pudding 5 mile road race will take place on Sunday 17th December starting at 11 am outside of Baltonsborough village hall, Ham Street.
Entry forms can be printed out or online from our website www.baltonsboroughrace.com
Fancy dress is encouraged and every finisher receives a Christmas pudding.
Street 5K Series
The next Street 5K series race is on Wednesday 8th November. For more information click here. Anybody available to volunteer, please contact Steve Nicholls.
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