Full Monty-Cute, Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, 7^th December 2008

Now we really know that winter has arrived, with a hard frost to firm up the normal mud for this event. Twelve Harriers braved the elements for this ever-popular event, and were blessed with glorious sunshine to brighten up the freezing start. Crewkerne Running Club had needed to reset the course following the normal hosts (Montacute House) double booking, so we set off from the spectacular Ham Hill Country Park – well worth a visit for the views over South Somerset and beyond. The new course was greeted by most as a great success, incorporating a few more hills. There are now 10 hills, up from the usual 8 for the 10 mile course – just what we needed! Some hills were even supplied with ropes to help with the seemingly vertical ascent. Mud aplenty, smiling marshals in the frosty fields, excellent water (and sweety) stops, and the usual Christmas pudding for all who finished (and spot prizes).

Chris Burton from Yeovil Running Club was first home of the 226 finishers, in a spectacular 1hr 12mins 57secs, almost 5 minutes ahead of the second placed finisher. Wells City Harriers had a creditable haul of prizes with First Lady going to Jenny Moore (16^th overall in 1:26:42), fresh from her success at Saturday’s Cross Country event at Blaise Castle. Close behind was Laurie Phippard, who picked up the prize for second lady in 33^rd overall with 1:30:31. The Harriers also collected the Team Prize for the results of Jenny, Laurie Phippard, Paul Chadwick and Aidan Phippard.

Other Wells places were: Paul Chadwick (46^th, 1:33:05), Aidan Phippard (48^th, 1:33:36), Pete Darton (51^st, 1:34:23), Rod Appleby (87^th, 1:42:30), Bob Powell (90^th, 1:42:51), Ian Carpenter (104^th, 1:45:33), Alasdair Bell (111^th, 1:47:50), Carol Buckland (127^th, 1:51:44), Catherine Goldsmid (127^th, 1:54:50) and Phil Thorne (183^rd, 2:08:43). Also there were occasional Harriers, Elly Milln (134^th, 1:54:33) and Mike Brown (135^th, 1:54:36).