Butleigh race – another one bites the dust! Lost photos from National XC Championships 2020 and item from the Harrier vaults from the early 1980s
- Details
- Written by Paul Chadwick
- Hits: 919
Hopefully everyone is staying safe and healthy during the lockdown due to coronavirus? There’s been lots more people out walking, running and cycling of late – helped by the better weather over the last few weeks. Sunday (19th April) would have been the Harrier supported Butleigh 10k multi-terrain race – one that many of us enjoy because of the varied and interesting course or because of the cakes afterwards. Like other events, it’s one that raises good money for a local cause – in this instance the village Playing Fields & Pavilion – and the Harriers are always pleased to help out the village organisers. Now includes Pete Wright looking back at his first running of the race in the 1980s. We look back also at some mislaid photos from the National XC Championships at Nottingham just 2 months ago – can you believe that mud?! And discover another item from the dusty vaults of the Club from the early 1980s.
Harrier stalwart Steve Masters powers home first for the Harriers at the 2008 edition of the Butleigh race
All our yesterdays! Easter Bunny 10k and other items from the Harrier archives; plus ...Rethinking your breathing.....
- Details
- Written by Paul Chadwick
- Hits: 970
During this current period of enforced lockdown of everyday activity and our favourite sport, we take a look at Harrier history and also come up with some other websites and links which might be of interest. Back on the 9th April 2007 there was a healthy squad of senior Harriers competing at the Yeovil Easter Bunny 10k, run as ever from the Yeovilton air base on a circuit that took in all of the usual 5k loop plus an extra ‘first half’. How many can you recognise in this team photo taken afterwards?
Final race for some time: Bath Half Marathon; Memories of Arthur Vernoum & Membership Update
- Details
- Written by Paul Chadwick
- Hits: 986
On just about the last date when there were any races before the big shut down started, there were a number of Harriers out competing at the Bath Half Marathon. The race organisers came under pressure in the days beforehand to cancel the event due to the issues around crowds of folk coming together given the potential to spread coronavirus. Read on for some Harrier results from Bath; plus an appreciation of former Harrier Arthur Vernoum who has sadly died aged 77; Given the restrictions on group training we again carry some tips on how to stay healthy and have more suggestions to keep you inspired whilst all racing is off. Also, the latest on Membership news at the bottom of the article, together with news that the Wells Fun Runs have now had to be cancelled.
(Image from Athletics Weekly)

Stay healthy – keep on running – on your own or with family! Tips on training through the ‘lock down’ phase plus Blast from the Past and athletics video of the week
- Details
- Written by Paul Chadwick
- Hits: 1004
SELF-ISOLATION TRAINING
A week is a long time nowadays with changes afoot daily if not hourly! It’s difficult for many folk at present, so our thoughts are of course with any in ill-health or those who are caring for them. Our thanks to those who are in the caring professions or providing essential services, and to any volunteers out there. A blow as well to those youngsters who were gearing up for exams and end of year work – that’s tough – but let’s see if at least we can try and stay healthy by pursuing our athletics. Given the lack of formal Harrier training sessions (paused since March 12th) we’ve scanned the horizon for some ideas and dug into the vaults to help us stay focussed and motivated. READ ON FOR TRAINING PLAN
ALL TRAINING SESSIONS AND EVENTS CANCELLED FROM TUESDAY 17TH MARCH
- Details
- Written by Andrew Deamer
- Hits: 909
WELLS CITY HARRIERS CANCELS ALL TRAINING SESSIONS AND EVENTS
AS A RESULT, ENGLAND ATHLETICS ADVISES THAT ALL FACE-TO-FACE ACTIVITY SUCH AS CLUB TRAINING SESSIONS, EVENTS, COMPETITIONS, CLUB COMMITTEE AND FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS, ATHLETE CAMPS, RUNNING GROUPS AND SOCIAL EVENTS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST THE END OF APRIL.
The Harriers supported Butleigh Multi-terrain race has been cancelled and the Race organisers will look for a new date later in the year. A number of the Somerset Series races and other local athletic and running events are also being cancelled.
Read more: ALL TRAINING SESSIONS AND EVENTS CANCELLED FROM TUESDAY 17TH MARCH