Gwent League, Cross Challenge, International Racing and the Somerset Series Concludes

Details: Written by: Alexander Coombs; Created: 02 December 2024; Last Updated: 08 December 2024; Hits: 385

Laurence Badman in cross-country action at Blaise Castle, Bristol.

The Wells City Harriers had a busy period across various events, showcasing strong performances in cross-country, multi-terrain, and international races. At the Gwent League in Blaise Castle, juniors excelled, including Harriet Scott’s 9th place in the U13 girls and Oskar Beck’s 3rd in the U15 boys. The senior men finished 6th in Division 1, with Mark Duffett leading in 17th place. The Somerset Series concluded at Brent Knoll, where Phoebe Aspinall and Alexander Coombs claimed overall victories, and the club secured numerous age-category wins. On the international stage, Elise Thorner earned Team GB selection for the European Cross-Country Championships after a stellar 3rd place at the Liverpool Cross Challenge. Meanwhile, Harriers raced in Benidorm and Valencia, with standout marathon PBs from Will Pate and competitive efforts from other members. Upcoming events include the club paarlauf session and Christmas curry night, alongside a packed race schedule for December and beyond. Read on to find out more.

Gwent League - Blaise Castle

[Report by Jon James]

The third round of the Gwent cross-country league was held on an unseasonably, balmy day at the Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol – in total contrast to last year’s fixture which saw dense fog and temperatures not getting above zero. There was some irony therefore in the club tent making a rare appearance; not really needed, but putting it up and down provides a good warm up and cool down!

Oskar Beck (right) at the start of the race.

First off were the U11s, and in the boys race Milo Cook ran well, coming a creditable 50th in a large field. In the U13 boys race, Toby Hirst made his Gwent League debut and finished in the top half, 38th out of 79 finishers – this bodes well for future cross-country runs. Harriet Scott is improving every race, finishing 9th in the U13 girls race, seven places up from her finishing position in the Cardiff fixture. The U15 boys race saw the club’s largest turnout of junior runners: Oskar Beck leading the WCH contingent home in 3rd – he slightly misjudged the length of the course, but this was still a good run as he is only in the first year of this age group. Next was Harry Dawson in 12th – a really tight finish, if he’d run 4 seconds quicker, he would have been 4 places higher. Then came his brother, Jamie, in 37th, closely followed by Jack Barker in 41st, and Dominic Cook in 50th (just like his brother in the U11 race!). Phoebe Phillips was the sole WCH representative in the U15 girls race, another Gwent League debutant, and ran really sensibly finishing 45th. The U17 and U20 women run together, and although being in the first year of the U17 age group Amelie Cook ran well, finishing 14th out of 36 finishers. Also in that race, but running as U20s, were Sophie Nicholls, who ran strongly to come 2nd, and Iris Courtney, who came 4th in the U20 field. Sophie now lies 2nd in the Gwent League series, and Iris is 3rd equal.

Elenor Constable making her Gwent League debut.

It was really good to have three athletes running in the senior women's race, a record in recent times, but still short of the five that is required for a team to score in the team competition! Victoria Ryan ran her first ever cross-country race, but you wouldn’t have known it as she finished 49th out of 302 finishers, and 12th in the W45 age group. Louisa Sanders again ran well, finishing 78th, and then came another Gwent League debutant, Ellie Constable, in 158th – really good to finish just outside the top half in your first race.

Rich Horsfall in action.

Finally came the men’s race, and this time it was Mark Duffett, recovered from his marathon exploits, who led in the WCH runners finishing 17th out of 427 finishers. The next two runners, Chris Green and Alex Coombs, packed well coming 25th and 32nd respectively, but there was then a bit of a gap to our next two runners needed for the scoring five. Matt Lusby hung in there though finishing 52nd, and Henry Sage ran well coming 103rd. This meant that we finished 6th in Division 1 on the day and are 5th at present in the overall series. Stuart Nash ran strongly, finishing in 138th, just 25 seconds away from earning that t-shirt for finishing in the top 10% in the M45 age group! Then came Laurence Badman in 174th, Rich Horsfall (making a rare Gwent League appearance!) in 204th, Adam Gibson (suffering badly with tendonitis) in 253rd, Steve Nicholls in 288th, and Mark Pople in 377th. It meant that we again finished a B team, coming 9th in that competition and retaining a position of 9th overall.

A group of Harriers post race, with team managers Jon James and Graham Goldsmid.

For the full results and league tables click here.

A bit of a break now until the next fixture on 8th February at Margam Park, but you can get your cross-country fix with the Tri-counties champs next Sunday (8th December) at the University of Bath and then the South-West champs at RNAS Merryfield on 4th January 2025.

More photos from the day can be found on our Instagram page and Facebook page.

Brent Knoll

Kim Clark tackling the mud.

The final race in this year’s Somerset Series took place on Sunday 24th November. Runners not only had to tackle the challenging ascent of Brent Knoll, but also had to tackle the elements of Storm Bert. Unfortunately, the tough conditions and difficulties in travelling to the start line deterred many participants. This race marked the final chance for participants to complete eight events in the series or enhance their overall series score.

Chris Clark making a splash in the mud.

Harrier Results:

25th - Phoebe Aspinall - 50:10

111th - Kim Clark - 69:59

138th - Chris Clark - 84:33

Somerset Series

The 2024 Somerset Series has now concluded. After 18 races, promoting road and trail running across Somerset, the final standings have been confirmed. The series started on 1st January at the Chard Flyer and finished with the Brent Knoll Multi Terrain at the end of November.

Phoebe Aspinall collecting her series cup win after the Brent Knoll MT Race

Race 1: The Chard Flyer

Race 2: The Babcary 7.5 Mile

Race 3: The Big Cheese

Race 4: The Minster Milers Mash 10K

Race 5: The Butleigh Multi Terrain 10K

Race 6: The Town Tree Trail Multi Terrain

Race 7: The Wells 10K

Race 8: The Crewkerne 10K

Race 9: The Ford Abbey 10K

Race 10: The Quantock Beast

Race 11: The Pawlett Plod 10K Multi Terrain

Race 12: The Haselbury Trail 10K Multi Terrain

Race 13: The Baltonsborough 5 Mile

Race 14: The BHAM Trail 10K

Race 15: The Burnham Half Marathon

Race 16: The Mendip Muddle

Race 17: The Herepath Half

Race 18: The Brent Knoll Multi Terrain

Melissa Aspinall collecting her award.

To compete in the series, runners needed to complete eight out of the 18 races, with their finishing positions determining their scores for each race. The runner with the lowest cumulative score from eight races would be crowned the series winner. Those who participated in more than eight races had the advantage of counting only their best eight finishes toward their final score, providing an opportunity to improve their standing as the series progressed.

Evelyn Wigley, Rosie Park and Andrew Piper collecting their series awards from club secretary Alexander Coombs during our Tuesday evening training session.

Wells City Harriers had 10 runners who completed the series with success throughout.

Alexander Coombs emerged as the male series winner, finishing with an impressive low score of 10 points, narrowly edging out Matt Lusby, who took second place with 13 points. In the female league, Phoebe Aspinall claimed victory with an excellent total of 11 points.

Rosie Park won the FV35 category with 49 points, securing an impressive 3rd place overall. Evelyn Wigley triumphed in the junior female category with 59 points. Melissa Aspinall took second place in the FV45 category with 80 points, while Carol Buckland dominated the FV55 category with 157 points. Kim Clark was first FV65 with 238 points and Karen Shears earned second place in the FV65 category with 374 points.

In the men's standings, Andrew Piper secured second place in the MV50 category with 136 points, and Chris Clark achieved third place in the MV70 category with 718 points.

Chris and Kim Clark with their series memento.

The full standings are below.

Somerset Series 2024 Male Final Standings

Somerset Series 2024 Female Final Standings

Valencia Marathon

[Report by Paul Chadwick]

They call Valencia the Running City - it hosts a half-marathon in October and a marathon in early December on what just happens to be a really fast course. It attracts runners from all over the world, including a few from Wells City Harriers this year.

A month after floods in the Valencia region killed more than 220 people, the race began with a moment of silence for the victims. The race organisers pledged a contribution from every entry to the recovery fund and many runners and supporters also organised their own contributions.

The leading pack.

The half marathon world record was achieved this year and the winning time at the 2024 Marathon was the fastest time anywhere in the world this year. Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe ran 2.02.05 for victory.

He might have gone quicker but for the fact it was a bit hot on the day with temperatures up to 24 degrees celsius for some of the tail enders amongst the 35,000 runners.

Will was pleased with his PB.

Harrier Will Pate, age 24, currently away studying in Paris, lowered his PB in his 2nd marathon by going just under 2.50 in a well paced race. His dad, V65 Andrew Pate, suffered a bit with the heat coming in at just over the 5 hour mark, in what was also his 2nd ever marathon.

Andrew in action on the streets of Valencia.

Jeremy Linter also made the trip to the east coast of Spain in an attempt to improve on his PB set in Manchester earlier this year. Unfortunately, he was just shy, however still finished in an impressive time of 2:55:47 missing out by 9 seconds. If conditions were slightly more favourable, then a PB could have been on the cards.

Jeremy enjoying the sun and a finisher’s medal.

Liverpool Cross Challenge

[Report by Al Thorner]

There was plenty of mud for Elise at the Liverpool Cross Challenge

On Saturday 23rd November Wells City Harriers GB International Elise Thorner travelled to Liverpool for the annual British Athletics Cross Challenge including trials for the forthcoming European Cross Country Championships to be held at Antalya, Turkey on Sunday 8th December 2024. Elise, now a New Balance sponsored athlete, competed in the second race of the day which was the 1500m short course cross country race, a qualifier for the mixed relay race at the European Championships. Storm Bert hadn't yet arrived at Sefton Park in Liverpool which was hosting the Championships and conditions were dry and mild to start the day, with light winds albeit wet ground underfoot. Elise went off as one of the favourites to win the championship race and finished in a creditable 3rd place in 5 mins 20 seconds just 4 seconds behind the winner. With only two female selections available for the European Championships, Elise had a nervous few days wait but the Team GB selectors gave her the nod over the second place runner and will compete in the mixed relay race in Turkey, which will be her 5th GB international vest, second as a senior athlete and will conclude her athletics competition for 2024.

Former Wells City Harrier Lilly Hawkins, now representing Southampton AC, placed 5th in the same 1500m race as Elise. Meanwhile, Harrier Hannah Blundy, who is currently studying at and competing for Birmingham University, finished 18th in the U20 girls' 4.4k race.

Benidorm Half Marathon

Rob and Andrew prerace

On Saturday, 23rd November, two Harriers took to the streets of Benidorm to compete in the Benidorm Half Marathon. This unique event brought together the thrill of running and the magic of twilight. The runners raced through Benidorm's vibrant streets, illuminated by stunning lighting displays that transformed every step into a dazzling spectacle. Andrew Piper and Rob Moore completed the half marathon route, with Andrew’s wife Rachel, joining them in Benidorm, racing the 10K.

572nd - Andrew Piper - 1:40:47

1646th - Robert Moore - 1:59:55

Rob running under the lights in Benidorm.

Street 5K - Race 3

Don’t forget to enter the third race in the Street 5K series, taking place on Wednesday 11th December. Remember, to complete the series, you must race five out of the six events. To enter online, click here. Entries available on the evening. Please use your same bib number for the series.

Club Paarlauf and Curry Night

The final training session of the year will be held on Tuesday, 17th December, before we take a break for Christmas and resume in January. As is tradition, we’ll finish the year with a club paarlauf session, where members will pair up to see who can cover the greatest distance within the allocated time. This fun and inclusive session is open to all members—don’t miss out!

After training, the festivities continue with a curry night at The King Alfred in Street, following the same format as last year. The cost is £15.95 per person, including a variety of curries (with vegetarian options) and all the usual accompaniments.

To join the curry night, please add your name to the sign-up sheet, available at Tuesday training sessions throughout December. If you’re unable to attend training but would still like to join, email Alex Coombs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot.

We look forward to celebrating the end of the year with you—make sure to join the fun!

London Marathon Club Ballot

The club ballot for the London Marathon will be held this Friday during the annual Christmas Dinner. If you are entered in the ballot, you should have received a confirmation email. If you haven’t received a confirmation email this week and believe you should be included, please contact the club secretary to verify your entry.

News Reports

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this week’s report. If you’ve raced recently, please remember that we can only include your results if you send us a race report or photos to let us know about it. Send your race details and photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be featured in the next report.

Dates For Your Diary

Here is a list of upcoming races, including WCH supported races, Somerset Series races, road relays, athletics league fixtures and other notable events. Contact club secretary Alexander Coombs if there is an event you would like adding. (SS = Somerset Series race)

December 2024

Friday 6th December 2024 - Wells City Harriers Annual Christmas Meal (Wells Golf Club)

Sunday 8th December 2024 - Tri County XC Championships [Gloucestershire XC League Race 3] (Bath University)

Wednesday 11th December 2024 - Street 5K (Race 3)

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December 2024 - Indoor Combined Events Championships

Sunday 15th December 2024 - Telford 10K

Sunday 15th December 2024 - Wessex XC League (Race 3 - Canford School)

Monday 16th December 2024 - Final Monday evening training of the year

Tuesday 17th December 2024 - Final Tuesday evening training of the year

Tuesday 17th December 2024 - Club Paarlauf (Millfield Athletics Track)

Tuesday 17th December 2024 - Club Christmas curry (The King Alfred, Street)

Sunday 22nd December 2024 - Baltonsborough Christmas Pudding Race