Heath Hughes-Davies running his final XC race of the season
It’s been a busy and successful week for Wells City Harriers athletes across multiple events. At the Somerset Inter Area Cross Country Finals in Yeovil, Mendip runners shone, with Sage taking 2nd and Heath extending his unbeaten streak to 13 races while also winning the overall title in the Dave Jones Weston Prom Run series. Meanwhile, three Harriers — Eva Dowden, Bella Gurung, and Zac Dowden — have qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Championships following excellent results at the Pentathlon GB qualifiers. On the road, Zak Hurrell led the Yeovilton 5K Race 1, with Sophie Nicholls winning the women’s race and several runners earning personal bests. In Cardiff, Thomas Webb clocked a speedy 14:58 at the Race for Victory 5K while also representing England in a road 10K in Italy. Many Harriers took on the Great Bristol Run, battling warm conditions to post commendable times. Looking ahead, the Wells Festival of Running returns on 25th May, promising an exciting day of racing. Make sure you sign up today! We also have the date confirmed for our club AGM to be held at Wells Rugby Club on Wednesday 4th June. Add it to your diary now!
Trofeo Opitergium 10K
[Report by Darren Webb]
Tom in his England Vest
Triathlete, Tom Webb continued his hectic schedule following the Virgin Mini Marathon with his selection for the England Athletics under 20 team for a European 10k road race in Oderzo, Italy and to finish off the week at the Cardiff 5k again with an England selection in the U20.
This was his first athletic European selection not related to school competitions and a big step in his journey especially having just turned 17. The whole experience was seen as ‘developmental’ knowing that he would be up against some of the very best under 20’s including his own more experienced and older team mates.
In the lead up to the race all eyes were on the weather forecast with temps likely to be just shy of 30°C and a 3pm start time!
After safe travel with the England team of 4 men and 4 women the event began with a very colourful opening ceremony in the town plaza with flag bearers, special guests, dancers and national anthems. It was amazing how important the occasion was to the lovely Italian town who host this important road race each year on the 1st May being an Italian holiday. They put on an amazing show!
In front of a packed plaza the race set off on 9 laps of the town, each having an incline back into the plaza for the start/finish line. The course is twisty with numerous cobbled sections and any thoughts of PB running were totally out of the question!
From the gun Sebastian Lorstad of Sweden set a blistering pace pulling away immediately. All the talk was of his European road records which he has set over 5 and 10k recently taking them off Jacob Ingebrigtsen, notably coming 3rd in the Armagh 5k in around 13:30!
The race unfolded with a tight podium pack for the first 7 laps with Tom in that before a surge that proved a little too much stretching the 34 athletes all over the course and Tom just being gapped from the top 10.
Tom held on well despite the very hot conditions which in the back part of the course were quite brutal.
Running strongly home, Tom managed 12th place, the 2nd English under 20 over the line in a time of 31:59. It was a satisfying time and result given the course and level.
Shades on, Tom racing in the sun.
Following the race high class fields of men and women assembled for their races. They raced closer to 7pm and the conditions were far more favourable but the world class winner did not beat Lorstad such is his dominance as an under 20 athlete!
The race provided excellent experience for Tom and is highly recommended to the juniors coming through the club.
Finally it was onto the Cardiff Victory 5k (see below) and more experience with the ENG team. Tom put in a decent performance coming home in 14:58. Not the time he was after but all in all, 3 intense races in 7 days is a tough ask and he moves onto British Super Series Triathlon next week!
It was great to see other Harriers at the Cardiff 5k and the support Tom gets from the club is really appreciated!
Somerset Inter Area Cross Country Finals
Heath (centre) with his medal
On Wednesday 7th May, the Somerset Inter Area Cross Country finals were held at Yeovil Recreation Centre, featuring teams from the Counties areas of Taunton, Mendip, Yeovil, and Sedgemoor. The top runners from each area were invited to compete in these highly anticipated finals.
In the Year 3/4 Girls' Team, both Sage and Talia performed exceptionally well for the Mendip team. Sage finished a remarkable 2nd, while Talia placed 13th overall. Their efforts were key in securing a strong team performance for Mendip.
In the Year 3/4 Boys' Race, Heath continued his unbeaten streak, having already won all the Mendip area races this season. Heath successfully regained his title, winning the Year 3 & Year 4 race—an achievement he also claimed last year when he was in Year 3. Heath has now remained unbeaten in 13 specific primary school cross-country races over the past two years.
Additionally, Heath was recently informed by the organisers of the Dave Jones Weston Prom Run race series that he has won the overall title in the Primary Schools Year 6 and Under category, after competing in a series of 9 races over 1 mile.
Congratulations to all the runners on their impressive performances.
Sage and Talia
Pentathlon GB European Qualifiers
Four junior athletes from Wells City Harriers put in impressive performances at the recent Pentathlon GB European qualifiers, held over two days of multi-discipline events. Saturday saw the Laser Run competition, while Sunday featured the Triathle — a demanding event combining running, shooting, and swimming.
Eva Dowden competed strongly in the Under-17 Girls category, finishing 8th in the Laser Run and contributing to a silver medal for the Millfield team. She followed this with a 6th-place finish in the Triathle.
Bella Gurung had an outstanding result in the Under-13 Girls Laser Run, claiming 2nd place overall.
Maison Jennings Orr took on the Under-13 Boys Triathle, gaining valuable experience in a highly competitive field.
Zac Dowden delivered two strong performances in the Under-11 Boys category, finishing 4th in the Laser Run and 6th in the Triathle.
A huge congratulations to Eva, Bella, and Zac, who have all qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Turkey this November — a fantastic achievement.
In addition, Zac Dowden has also been selected to represent Mendip schools (Year 3/4 Boys) at the Inter Area Cross Country Championships in Yeovil this May, after placing in the top 10 runners in the Mendip area.
Well done to all the Harriers on their excellent performances and good luck in the upcoming events!
Yeovilton 5K - Race 1
Zak Hurrell taking the lead from the start
The first race in the Yeovilton 5K series took place on Wednesday 9th April. Zak Hurrell was the clear leader, just shy of his 5K PB. Sophie Nicholls won the female race. There were also plenty of PBs on the evening. The next race will take place on Wednesday 14th May.
Harrier Results:
1 – Zak Hurrell – 15:34
5 – Matthew Lusby – 16:12
9 – Peter Grist – 16:44
14 – Sophie Nicholls – 17:12 (1st Female)
17 – Jamie Williams – 17:27
20 – James Hodges – 17:39 (PB)
21 – Fredrick Rawbone – 17:42
24 – Casper Rawbone – 17:46 (PB)
44 – Joseph Nelson – 19:09
47 – Evie Horsfall – 19:14 (PB)
51 – Damien Pick – 19:29
57 – Toby Hirst – 19:44
64 – Jonathan Williams – 20:03
67 – Andrew Piper – 20:19
72 – Florence Tibbatts – 20:29 (PB)
74 – Harriet Scott – 20:30 (PB)
83 – Mike Bosley – 21:09
90 – John Wilkinson Ratcliffe – 21:51
95 – Ethan Harvey – 22:16
96 – Joanne Tibbatts – 22:36
111 – Mia Pomeroy – 23:47 (PB)
126 – Indie Pomeroy – 24:53 (PB)
149 – Karen Shears – 28:58
Harriet Scott Racing to a PB
Cardiff Race for Victory 5K
Louisa, Matt, Tom and Alex Post Race
The Cardiff Race for Victory 5K attracts a strong field of competitive runners. The course is ideal for personal bests, and the quality of the field helps pull you along. Despite a chaotic start—with some pushing and a few fallers—the route soon opened up, allowing for some excellent racing.
Harrier Results:
30th – Thomas Webb – 00:14:58
79th – Alexander Coombs – 00:15:51
110th – Matthew Lusby – 00:16:12
179th – Hannah Blundy – 00:17:09
513rd – Louisa Saunders – 00:20:12 (PB)
Great Bristol Run
The Great Bristol Run took place on Sunday, 11th May, featuring both a 10K and a Half Marathon event. Always a fantastic occasion, the half marathon route leads runners along the Portway beneath the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, before looping back to join the 10K course through the city centre.
The weather was excellent on the day—bright and dry—although the warm conditions made it a challenging run for some.
A strong turnout of Harriers took part in the event.
Half Marathon Results:
110th - Tim Ingle - 01:23:11
3,064th – Alex Williams – 01:53:33
3,645th – Robert Moore – 01:56:42
7,746th – Mike Ommanney – 02:21:42
9,953rd – Patrick Matthews – 02:46:26
10K Results:
266th – Aaron Coward – 00:41:14
5,604th – Alex Ho – 01:05:53
5,638th – Bernie Mundy – 01:06:03
Wells Festival of Running
The Wells Festival of Running returns on Sunday, 25th May — and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever!
The festival features a 10K road race (minimum age 15) and a 5K road race (minimum age 13), along with a shorter fun run for 8–12 year olds. All races start in the beautiful Market Place, framed by two striking medieval gateways — the Penniless Porch and the Bishop’s Eye. A fast and thrilling grandstand finish awaits, right alongside the moat of the iconic Bishop’s Palace.
Register here.
Not running? We’d love your help! Please get in touch if you’re available to volunteer.
Meet Your Hero
While at the London Marathon, Heath Hughes Davies got to meet one of his heroes — Eliud Kipchoge! What an amazing chance to meet the marathon GOAT.
Heath and Eliud
CLUB AGM
This year’s AGM will be held on Wednesday, 4th June at Wells Rugby Club. Please arrive by 7:45 PM for an 8:00 PM start.
We will also be presenting our annual awards during the evening.
All members are encouraged to attend—your participation is important and appreciated.
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)
May 2025
Wednesday 14th May 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 2)
Sunday 18th May 2025 - BMC PB Classic, Millfield School
(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
Wednesday 4th June - Club AGM (Wells Rugby Club) 19:45
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2025 - U13/15/17 SEAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships (Venue TBC)
Sunday 8th June 2025 - Oke Croak!
Wednesday 11th June 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 3)
(SS) Wednesday 18th June 2025 - Brean Banger
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
Saturday 5th July 2025 - Cotswold Way Relay
(SS) Sunday 6th July 2025 - Quantock Beast
Wednesday 9th July 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 4)
(SS) Sunday 13th July 2025 - Piddle Wood Plod
Sunday 13th July 2025 - Blackmore Vale Half Marathon
Wednesday 30th July 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
August 2025
(SS) Wednesday 6th August 2025 - Haslebury Trail
Wednesday 13th August 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 5)
(SS) Monday 25th August 2025 - Baltonsborough 5 Mile
Wednesday 27th August 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
September 2025
Wednesday 10th September 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 6)
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September 2025 - SEAA Fell Running Championships
(SS) Sunday 14th September 2025 - Burnham Half
Sunday 21st September 2025 - BHAM! Trail
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)