There was an excellent turn out of 25 members of Wells City Harriers competing at the 3rd of this season's Wessex Cross Country League fixtures at Aldon Hill, Yeovil on Saturday. Neil Biss once again did an excellent job on behalf of the Harriers at welcoming and organising the teams.U13 boy Toby Watson from the Club's Monday night training group was the only Harrier winner, whilst Tom Thick (senior men), Ben Lloyd (u17m), and Caitlin Carnegie(u17w) all achieved second place finishes. The course was the usual combination of tough hills with the occasional muddy patch and the weather was fine. (photo below of u13s in action & Bradley G & Toby W afterwards - photo by Mike G- other photos available on Neil's Flicker account)
The first race of the day over approx 8.5k was the Harrier men's race and backing up Tom Thick's 2nd place finish in 30.42, was Michael Biss, 3rd ; Matt Cole 5th; Jonny Ellis 7th; Neil Biss 10th; and Simon Arnold 20th. This was some good solid packing and sees the Harrier men's team well up in the Club rankings.
In the u17 men's race over Ben Loyd ran 17.28 for his 2nd place over a 4.5km course, with Chris Ellis home in 6th place, 19.42. Caitlin Carnegie was also 2nd in the u17 women's race with 21.02, with Katie Lloyd 4th in 21.39 and Lucy Pittard in 7th with 24.05.
In the u15 age group, Archie Tyler was 6th over a 3.2km course in 14.21, with Will Perry 10th in 14.39, Will Carr 15th in 15.03 and Matt Quarterman 16th in 15.04. Abbie White was 6th for the u15 girls in 15.30
In another tight race, Toby Watson won the u13boys race in 10.56 for the 2.4km course, with Bradley Glover 4th in 11.10; Harry Barton 13th in 12.55; and James Carr 14th in 13.03. Hannah Blundy was 3rd for the u13 girls in 12.33, with Maddy Barton 14th in 16.11. For the u11s, Finlay Downes was 6th for the boys in 7.44; whilst Mackenzie O'Dea was 5th in 8.20 and Sophie Gillard 8th in 8.38 for the u11 girls.
Meanwhile at the Broadway Half marathon, in the Cotswolds, over a mainly off-road course Nick Weaving had a good run to finish in 2hours 2 minutes in 23rd position out of 120 competitors.
This Friday, 25 November sees the Harrier's Annual Dinner and the Clubs 3 allocated London Marathon places will be balloted for with 8 senior members having applied, and been rejected in the main entry ballot. Sunday is the final race and presentation of awards in the 2016 Somerset Race Series sponsored by Yeovil Glass at Brent Knoll. The 5.5 mile fell race sees competitors running to the top of the Knoll from the Burnham Area Sports Club. Paul hopes to be able to confirm final sponsorshiip and arrangements for the 2017 Somerset Series (22nd year) very soon, but it will start with the excellent multi-terrain Chard Flyer 10k race on New Years day.
All Harriers are reminded that entry to a number of the forthcoming Cross Country Championship races is now open (see previous report or the calendar entry – the responsibility is the athletes/parents) and that they should enter before the closing dates. Coaches can advise any parents who require more information about any of the events - but dont leave it to the last minute!