At the Brent Knoll 5.5 mile race on Sunday November 27th seven Harriers contested prior to the final Somerset Series 2005 awards made immediately after the race. The Brent Knoll race sees competitors toe the start line at the Burnham Sports Club grounds and then race along a ryne to the steep slope of the Knoll, prior to a lung-bursting ascent and a circuit of the ancient hill-fort prior to retracing their steps. Views from the top of the Knoll were excellent for those who could afford to look out.
The nature of the race was well suited to the winner, Vito Graffagnino of Italy who used his fell running expertise to the full to finish in a clear 36.34. First home for the Harriers in the competitive field was Pete Darton in 26th place with a time of 44.24, with Street’s Matt Clinkard and Lamyatt’s Paul Chadwick tussling over the full course and coming in just behind in 44.52 and 44.47. Street’s Dave Gow ran a gutsy 46.07 to stay just ahead of Bruton’s Tim Hamblin, 46.17. The Club’s tug-of-war specialist Nick Edwards came home in 50.06 and Bob Powell was just behind in a 51.26.
At the subsequent Somerset Series awards, the Club once again had prizewinners that had contested at least 8 of the 14 races held across the 2005 season. Prior to the presentations Paul Chadwick as one of the principle Series organisers explained the background to the 10 year old Series which aims to encourage clubs to work together to promote their races more effectively, and to stimulate competition amongst runners from near and far.
Based on the best positions from the 8 races, the overall series winners for 2005 were the Royal Navy’s Mark Lewis for the men and Yeovil Town’s Jenny Moore for the women. Mark held off the persistent challenge of Tipton’s Pete Rigler whilst Jenny ensured she had enough points in the bag to overcome the late challenge of Bristol’s Ursula Counsell.
For the Harriers both Tim and Sue Hamblin achieved top-ten Series finishes, with 10th and 6th place respectively amongst the men and women whilst Baltonsborough’s Kay Franklin was 10th for the women. Further back in 13th and 15th overall for the men was Paul Chadwick and Nick Edwards. Full Series results on the Somerset athletics website. The first 2 races in the 2006 Series have been confirmed as being the Harrier supported races at Babcary (Feb 26th) and Butleigh (March 5th). Entry forms for both will soon be on the club’s website.