Hannah Blundy at the National XC Championships
The latest round-up of racing and training updates includes an action-packed Street 5K on 12th February, where Tom Webb took the win in a highly competitive field, and Debra Bruce claimed victory in the women’s race. The junior races saw exciting finishes, with Zoe Frost and Oliver Gay tying in the 1K and Toby Hirst winning the 2K. Meanwhile, the sold-out Babcary 7.5 Mile Road Race on 23rd March saw Zak Hurrell return to racing with an impressive win, while Lizzy Ingram was the first female finisher. The English National XC Championships on 22nd February tested competitors with brutal conditions at Parliament Hill, with standout performances from Matt Lusby, Emily Murray, Hannah Blundy (8th in Junior Women), and Phoebe Phillips. Looking ahead, the final Gwent League fixture takes place on 2nd March, and Early Bird entries for the Wells Festival of Running close on 28th February. Training updates include the return of track sessions for the summer season, and the Couch to 5K program is now open for bookings. Volunteers are also needed for the Festival of Running—get in touch if you can help!
Street 5K (Race 5)
The start of the 5K race.
The fifth edition of the Street 5K series took place on the evening of Wednesday, 12th February. It was a highly competitive race, with seven runners breaking the 16-minute mark and an impressive 17 finishing under 17 minutes!
Tom Webb emerged as the overall winner, narrowly outpacing Zak Clemens and Jamie Williamson, with all three staying closely grouped for the entire race.
In the women’s race, Debra Bruce secured victory, finishing a minute ahead of Harrier junior Daisy Davies in second.
The junior races also saw exciting finishes. Zoe Frost and Oliver Gay crossed the line simultaneously in the 1K race, both clocking 3:53. Meanwhile, consistent performer Toby Hirst claimed victory in the 2K, finishing ahead of Heath Hughes-Davies, who continues to show great improvement at a young age.
To view the junior results, click here.
To view the 5K results, click here.
The final race of the series will take place on Wednesday, 12th March, where we will present the series winners' awards and distribute commemorative mementos to those who have completed at least five out of the six races. Here's a sneak peek at what you’ll receive!
Babcary 7.5 Mile Road Race
The sold-out Babcary Road Race took place on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, with torrential downpours in the forecast. Fortunately, runners only had to contend with strong winds, as the rain held off until after the race.
Zak Hurrell returns to racing after nine months.
This well-organised event attracted competitors from near and far, including many ticking off their second race in this year’s Somerset Series. The overall winner was Harrier Zak Hurrell, who stormed to victory in a blistering 40:18—finishing a full minute ahead of runner-up Alexander Coombs and over five minutes clear of Taunton’s Jonathan Gilling in third. Lizzy Ingram was the first female finisher in a time of 47:19, with Phoebe Aspinall in second and Zoe Dale in third.
Zoe Dale rounding the final corner to finish 3rd female.
However, the race wasn’t just about the front-runners. With prizes awarded based on age grading, anyone had a chance to claim victory. This year, that honour went to Eleanor Wood with an outstanding 89.2%, followed by Mary Butcher (84.9%) and Martin Shoots (84.5%).
A huge well done to Gary and Sarah Tubridy for yet another fantastic event! They have been organising this beloved local race for over 20 years, making it a staple in the community calendar. A big thank you also to the marshals and finish line crew, many of whom were from Wells City Harriers, for their dedication and support in making the event a success.
The full results can be found on the Babcary Race page.
Harrier Results:
1st Zak Hurrell - 40:18
2nd Alexander Coombs - 41:19
6th Lizzy Ingram - 47:19
9th Stuart Nash - 48:27
13th Laurence Badman - 48:49
14th Phoebe Aspinall - 48:56
22nd Damien Pick - 50.57
23rd Sam Harvey - 51:25
27th Zoe Dale - 52:38
33rd Rosie Park - 53:33
38th Lousia Saunders - 55:21
47th Amy Reakes - 57:10
55th Melissa Aspinall - 59:17
82nd Ethan Harvey - 1:04:33
90th Michael Coombs - 1:05:51
104th Kim Clark - 1:11:23
123rd Chris Clark - 1:21:30
130th Karen Shears - 1:26:11
To view more photographs from the day, visit our Instagram page.
English National XC Championships
Matt Lusby confirming there was mud on the course.
The Nationals on Saturday, 22nd February saw some of the toughest underfoot conditions ever experienced at Parliament Hill, making it an incredibly challenging day for all competitors. Despite this, our athletes delivered strong performances:
- Matt Lusby finished 220th in the Senior Men's race.
- Emily Murray placed 157th in the Senior Women's race.
- Hannah Blundy secured an impressive 8th place in the Junior Women’s race.
- Phoebe Phillips came 149th in the U15 Girls' race.
Well done to everyone who competed!
Couch to 5K Course Returns
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Bath Two Tunnels 5K
Congratulations to junior Harrier Poppy Broughton on completing the Bath Two Tunnels 5K! Although she wasn’t running competitively due to age restrictions requiring her to stay with an adult, she put in an outstanding effort despite less-than-ideal weather conditions. Poppy finished looking strong and secured an impressive 5th place among U20 finishers. Well done, Poppy—what a fantastic achievement!
Poppy with her finisher’s medal.
Tuesday Training Update
The new schedule for March and April will be available to view from Wednesday. With the cross-country season coming to a close, we will be reintroducing regular track sessions alongside our grass sessions to support preparation for the summer track season. To view the Tuesday schedule, click here.
Gwent League Final Fixture
The final Gwent League fixture is set for Sunday, 2nd March 2025, in Brecon. Please remember to wear the same race number used in previous fixtures.
If you haven't raced in the 2024/2025 season but would like to participate in the final fixture, contact Jon James to get registered. Full race details can be found here.
To help coordinate lift shares to Brecon, be sure to join our WhatsApp group.
Wells Festival of Running
Early Bird Entries will close at the end of the month for the Wells Festival Of Running. Both the 5K and 10K have discounted prices until the 28th February, so grab yourselves a bargain.
For more information, visit the Wells Festival of Running webpage.
Click here to enter.
Not racing at the festival? Why not volunteer instead! If you're available to help, please get in touch.
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
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)
February 2025
Wednesday 26th February 2025 - Club Pub Run: The Wookey Hole Inn
March 2025
Sunday 2nd March 2025 - Gwent League XC (Race 5 - Brecon, Penlan)
Wednesday 12th March 2025 - Street 5K (Race 6)
(SS) Sunday 16th March 2025 - Humdinger Half
Sunday 16th March 2025 - Fleet Half Marathon
Sunday 16th March 2025 - Bath Half Marathon
Sunday March 23rd - The Bristol Running Show
Wednesday 26th March 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
Sunday 30th March 2025 - Yeovil Half Marathon
April 2025
(SS) Sunday 6th April 2025 - Big Cheese
(SS) Sunday 6th April 2025 - Minster Miler Mash
Sunday 13th April 2025 - Pen Selwood 10K
Saturday 19th April 2025 - Yeovil Spring Open (Day 1)
Monday 21st April 2025 - Yeovil Spring Open (Day 2)
Saturday 26th April 2025 - TCS Mini London Marathon
Sunday 27th April 2025 - TCS London Marathon
Wednesday 30th April 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
May 2025
Sunday 4th May 2025 - Runaway Train Trail Race
Saturday 10th May 2025 - Somerset AA Track & Field Championships (Day 1)
Sunday 11th May 2025 - Somerset AA Track & Field Championships (Day 2)
Sunday 11th May 2025 - Great Bristol Half Marathon and 10K
(SS) Wednesday 21st May 2025 - Town Tree Trail
(SS) Sunday 25th May - Wells Festival of Running (5K / (SS)10K)
Sunday 25th May 2025 - Halstead and Essex Marathon
Wednesday 28th May 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
June 2025
(SS) Sunday 1st June 2025 - Crewkerne 10K
Sunday 1st June 2025 - Tarrant Valley 10K
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2025 - U13/15/17 SEAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships (Venue TBC)
(SS) Wednesday 18th June 2025 - Brean Down Race
Sunday 22nd June 2025 - Longest Day 10K, Run the Ruins (Glastonbury Abbey)
(SS) Wednesday 25th June - Forde Abbey
Wednesday 25th June 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025 - U20/Senior SEAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships (Venue TBC)
July 2025
(SS) Sunday 6th July 2025 - Quantock Beast
(SS) Sunday 13th July 2025 - Piddle Wood Plod
Wednesday 30th July 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
August 2025
(SS) Wednesday 6th August 2025 - Haslebury Trail
(SS) Monday 25th August 2025 - Baltonsborough 5 Mile
Wednesday 27th August 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
September 2025
(SS) Sunday 14th September 2025 - Burnham Half
Wednesday 24th September 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
Sunday 28th September 2025 - Black Nore 10K
October 2025
(SS) Sunday 5th October 2025 - Mother Tucker
Wednesday 8th October 2025 - Street 5K (Race 1)
(SS) Sunday 19th October 2025 - Herepath Half
(SS) Sunday 26th October 2025 - Mendip Muddle
Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
November 2025
Wednesday 12th November 2025 - Street 5K (Race 2)
(SS) Sunday 23rd November 2025 - Brent Knoll
Wednesday 26th November 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
December 2025
Wednesday 10th December 2025 - Street 5K (Race 3)