As is usual, Harriers have been out racing in various locations this past weekend. There were 24 competing at the final Wessex Cross Country League fixture at Canford; and there were 9 at the Harrier supported Baltonsborough Christmas Pudding 5 mile road race. (Above - the u17 start at Wessex XC)

At the XC, two of the Harriers - u11 Ruby Shaw and u13 Bibi Abernethy - continued their good running of late by winning their races outright on the day. Overall, in the final League standings both Ruby and u17 Amelie Cook won their age groups, based on their three performances.

Meanwhile, at the traditional Xmas Pudding race there were 70 entrants, many wearing Christmas hats/tinsel or proper costumes racing the hilly 5 mile circuit and Harrier Secretary Alex Coombs held off all comers once again to win his home town race. Chard’s Wayne Loveridge was 2^nd with Mendip Tri’s Neil Golding 3^rd. photo below -All ready on the start line for the briefing by Race Director Kay Franklin.

Kay once again organised this event with the support of villagers and the various officials on the finish line and results service. Kay was raising money for the charity close to her heart – the Rowan Romania charity which is committed to supporting adults with special needs in a long-stay psychiatric hospital in Zarnesti, Romania. Charity link here.

The Wells City Harrier committee sends to all of its members and the wider running community the very best of seasonal greetings for Xmas and we look forward to more running & racing in 2024.

Read on for more reporting & photos

Wessex Cross Country League – 17^th December 2023

The third and final race in this seasons Wessex XC League was held at Canford School. There was a very good turn-out of 24 Harriers with many from the Yeovil end of the Club and excellent performances by all. Two League champions from the Harriers: u11 Ruby Shaw and u17 Amelie Cook, who have both worked hard in training at our Monday night sessions.

Our thanks as ever to the organisers and administrators of this League which offers a good level of competition. Next up for many of these competitors will be the South West XC Championships at Ilton on Sunday 7^th January. For some, they might also wish to think about competing at the South of England XC Championships at the end of January – see team tab for details. Entry closing dates imminent.

Below - u11 girl Wessex League Champion Ruby

U11 boys: 8^th Rowan Kelly; 19^th Dylan Mason; 26^th Milo Cook

U11 girls: 1^st Ruby Shaw – that’s 3 wins on the trot for Ruby who is declared League Champion!

U13 boys: 7^th Jamie Dawson; 19^th Dominic Cook - Jamie 4^th & Dominic 10^th overall in final League standings

U13 girls: 1^st Bibi Abernethy; 14^th Sadie Littlechild.

U15 boys: 7^th Arthur Fisher; 11^th Harry Dawson; 14^th Elliott Ware – Harry 7^th overall after the 3 fixtures

U15 girls:3^rd Daisy Abernethy; 5^th Isabelle Whittle; 6^th Isobel Stacey; 8^th Esme Littlechild – Isobel finished 3^rd overall

U17 men: 4^th Reuben Cawley; 5^th Joseph Usher; 7^th Charlie Brand; 11^th Joshua Hinton; 12^th Jay Carey – Charlie finished 5^th overall in the League standings

U17 women: 8^th Amelie Cook – Amelie won the u17 women’s League title!

U20 women: 2^nd Iris Courtney

Senior Men: 19^th Laurence Badman; 33^rd Geoff Cole

Below: the squad of u17 men runners - Joshua, Jay, Charlie, Reuben & Joseph - great running guys!

Baltonsborough 5 mile Christmas Pudding race

There were some great costumes on display but some folk just brought their colourful 'go fast' shoes to the race...

Once again there was a keen and able group of runners assembled for the traditional Charity race. This year it certainly wasn’t as cold as last year and the 70 that ran took to the challenge with relish. In addition to the 9 from Wells Harriers there was also good contingents from Taunton AC, Street Striders and Chard Road Runners.

Alex Coombs, Wayne Loveridge (Chard RR) and Neil Golding (Mendip Tri) burnt their way round the course in 26.22, 26.36 and 26.55 times. Both Alex & Neil ran quicker than last year’s chillier times. First in for the women were Louise Mills (Woking AC) in 30.53 and second was Gill Pearson (Running For Time) in 31.12. 3^rd was Sarah Trim (Total Run Training) in 33.16.

Results link here

The first two home were still recovering when the photographer insisted on a photo!

Well done all and especially those who made the effort to wear something colourful & Christmassy incuding those in the 'go fast' shoes!

The next racing opportunity for many may well be the Chard Flyer 10k on New Years Day - a lovely little race to blow the cobwebs away. Entry link here.

NEXT WEEK - END OF YEAR HARRIER HONOURS BOARD & a round up of the Bog Seat winners...