Elise Thorner racing in Azusa, California
This article includes reports from the Brian Clay Invitational where Elise Thorner had an excellent performance in the 3000m steeplechase, the TCS Mini London Marathon where Oskar Beck was best from the South West, and save the date for the Wells City Harriers AGM taking place on Wednesday 15th May.
Brian Clay Invitational
Elise Thorner is the 4th fastest British woman to ever race 3000m steeplechase.
Al Thorner reports:
Wells City Harrier Elise Thorner opened her outdoor track and field season in California with a University record on Thursday April 12th. The senior GB international competed for the University of Florida at the Brian Clay Invitational meet in Azusa in her specialist event the 3000m steeplechase in near perfect weather conditions. Finishing in 3rd place out of a mix of 11 collegiate and professional athletes in a time of 9 mins 28.49 seconds she beat the previous Florida University record set by multiple Australian Olympic finalist Genevieve Lacaze by 9 seconds. This also placed Elise 4th on the UK senior all time rankings for the event in addition to taking the current collegiate lead for 2024 in the USA. Elise will be hoping that she can improve her time by just over 5 seconds in her forthcoming races to give herself a chance of selection for the Olympic Games in Paris in the summer. Two days later Elise returned to the same track improving her 1500m personal best coming 4th out of 9 athletes in 4 mins 14.55 seconds to wrap up a successful three days of athletics.
Elise Thorner on her way to a PB
Mini London Marathon
Oskar getting ready to run the London Mini Marathon
On Saturday 20th April the London Mini Marathon, a 2.6K route, took place for children aged eight to 17 (there is also a mile route for younger children). It also incorporated the TCS Mini London Marathon championships where the UK’s most promising young athletes get the chance to compete against the best new talent in British road running. Over the years, the event has launched the careers of international athletics stars including Laura Muir, Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr – not to mention Sir Mo Farah, who won the Mini Marathon three times.
Championship athletes were the first to cross the world-famous Finish Line on The Mall, the day before the TCS London Marathon.
Harrier Oskar Beck had received a championship wristband, earned by winning the South West Championships and therefore being the fastest South West runner, and started in the seeded runner’s pen at the front.
Matt Beck reports:
It was a great day- very busy but really well organised and really great weather! Oskar got off to a good quick start, avoiding any pushing and shoving and settled in well for the course, waited for the right moment on the way back down to Buckingham Palace and gave a strong sprint finish overtaking three runners to finish in seventh place!
Oskar with his finishers medal.
On Sunday 21st April, 9 Harriers hit the streets of London to participate in the TCS London Marathon. They all did exceptionally well, with a handful of PBs to celebrate. A full marathon report will be available soon.
Graham, Stephen and Stuart getting ready to race.
Gwent League
This week Oskar was presented with his Gwent League winners medal at our Monday evening junior training session. Oskar finished first in four out of the five races in the series, and claimed the title for the 2023/24 season. Unfortunately the race organisers were unable to present his award at the final fixture, so he has only just received it. Well done Oskar!
Oskar with his reward and his fellow junior Harriers and coaches
Wells City Harriers AGM
The Wells City Harriers committee would like to welcome all members to our annual general meeting taking place at the Kings Head pub, Wells on Wednesday 15th May, 8pm.
Social Media
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest news, races, photographs and all things Wells City Harriers. The links can be found at the top of the page.
Have you been racing? Send in your race reports to