Addie Butcher and Jamie Williams at the Wells Festival of Running
The Wells Festival of Running was a fantastic celebration of endurance and community spirit. We have reports from all the day’s races. Also in this roundup, we cover the scenic Town Tree Trail and the competitive Yeovilton 5K series to the thrilling track and field triumphs at the BMC PB Classic, County Championships, and the Weston Prom series. There’s plenty of exciting Harrier news to catch up on. And don’t forget—our AGM is coming up on Wednesday, 4th June. We hope to see you there!
Wells Festival of Running
The start of the 10K
The Wells Festival of Running proved to be a resounding success once again, with racers and spectators filling the streets of Wells for a vibrant day of athletic achievement and community spirit. Organised by a dedicated committee of Wells City Harrier members in collaboration with the Wells Rotary Club, this year’s event was a complete sell-out.
The festival featured a packed schedule, including a 1.2K junior race, 5K, and 10K events. Despite heavy rain the night before, the weather held up on the day, offering bright sunshine—though blustery winds kept conditions from being perfect race conditions.
It was fantastic to see such strong support from local runners and clubs at the event. There was an impressive turnout from Bridgwater & District Road & Trail Runners, Burnham-on-Sea Harriers, Cheddar RC, Somer Athletics Club, Street Striders, and of course, Wells City Harriers—along with many others.
Find your race day photo here from Charles Whitton photography.
See photos of our race winners here.
What is it like to run at the Wells Festival of Running? Watch the Two Running Brooms Race Vlog here.
5K Race
The start of the 5K
The morning kicked off with the 5K race, where 158 runners took on a scenic course starting at the Market Square, heading down the High Street and along the Strawberry Line Cycle Path towards Dulcote. After tackling the notorious Constitution Hill, runners were rewarded with a downhill stretch before looping around the moat at the Bishop’s Palace to the finish line.
Johnny Suttle of Vegan Runners UK led the field, clocking an impressive 16:32. Local junior Harrier Oskar Beck wasn’t far behind, taking second in 16:53. Harrier Sophie Nicholls stormed to her third consecutive 5K victory in the women’s race, finishing in 17:21.
Johnny Suttle crossing the finish line in first
Top 5K Results:
Men
1st – Johnny Suttle – 16:32
2nd – Oskar Beck – 16:53
3rd – Craig Smith – 17:12
Women
1st – Sophie Nicholls – 17:21
2nd – Zoe Dale – 21:17
3rd – Lauren Ashurst – 22:39
Category Winners:
MV35 – Xavier Humbert – 20:51
MV45 – David Hirst – 17:54
MV55 – Donato Esposito – 20:21
MV65 – Paul Newman – 22:27
MV75 – Nicholas Smith – 26:36
1st BA5 – Oliver Aldred – 17:44
FV35 – Georgina Wheeler – 26:36
FV45 – Anna Holbrook – 24:27
FV55 – Helen Ellison – 27:21
FV65 – Lynda Cooper – 40:21
1st BA5 – Megan Benn – 26:43
Sophie Nicholls passing the moat towards the finish
Junior 1.2K Race
Logan Wills running the 1.2K alongside Gail Kendell completing the 5K
Next up were the juniors, racing a fast and fun 1.2K loop from the Market Square, down the High Street, and back along Silver Street to the finish near the Bishop’s Palace. With 57 participants, many racing competitively for the first time, it was a fantastic display of enthusiasm and talent.
Harrier Toby Hirst claimed his second consecutive junior victory in 4:17. Close behind was teammate Rowan Kelly (4:34), followed by Somer Athletics' Roxy Lear, who finished third overall and first girl in 4:39.
Junior Results:
Boys
1st – Toby Hirst – 4:17
2nd – Rowan Kelly – 4:34
3rd – Jonah Barrington – 4:49
Girls
1st – Roxy Lear – 4:39
2nd – Edna Jacobs – 4:52
3rd – Willow Saunders – 5:02
Age Group Winners:
Boys 8 – Rufus Green – 5:16
Boys 9 – Hugo Young – 5:20
Boys 10 – Henry Diggle – 4:59
Boys 12 – Oliver Loxton – 5:11
Girls 8 – Sophia Linham – 6:31
Girls 9 – Emily Loxton – 5:39
Girls 10 – Arya Austin – 5:37
Girls 11 – Poppy Broughton – 6:17
Girls 12 – Ella Willis – 5:43
Rufus Green sprinting to the finish line.
10K Race Highlights
The morning concluded with the 10K race, which followed the same route as the 5K but repeated for a second loop. An impressive 401 runners crossed the finish line, pushing through strong winds to post some remarkable times.
The 10K race is part of the Somerset Series as well as being one of the three events of the Somerset County Athletic Association's County Championship.
Lester James of Team Bath AC claimed victory in 32:46 after a close-fought sprint finish with Jamie Williamson (32:50) of Bristol and West AC. Christian Green, a former winner, was the first Wells City Harrier finisher, placing 4th in 34:06. Harrier Phoebe Aspinall led the women’s field, breaking the 40-minute barrier in 39:54, well ahead of Street Strider Emma Rigby (42:57).
10K Results:
Men
1st – Lester James – 32:46
2nd – Jamie Williamson – 32:50
3rd – Aidan Daniel – 33:43
Women
1st – Phoebe Aspinall – 39:54
2nd – Emma Rigby – 42:57
3rd – Rosie Frapwell – 44:40
Category Winners:
MV35 – Christian Green – 34:06
MV45 – James Hartop – 35:26
MV55 – Miles Pearce – 42:45
MV65 – Robert Moore – 47:43
MV75 – John Mitchell – 59:20
1st BA5 – Laurence Badman – 39:36
FV35 – Eleanor Constable – 45:39
FV45 – Kathleen Hoyle – 47:45
FV55 – Andrea Cox – 47:35
FV65 – Kim Clark – 57:45
1st BA5 – Rosie Frapwell – 44:30
Zak Hurrell and Christian Green finishing lap one of two.
Festival Finale on Cathedral Green
Following the races, the action moved to Cathedral Green where a vibrant festival atmosphere awaited. Stalls hosted by local businesses offered a range of treats and goodies, while the Wells Rotary Club entertained younger participants with fun-run races—an excellent way to wrap up a joyful community event.
Summer Hurrell enjoying her running biscuit after joining in the Cathedral Green races.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made the day possible: the event organisers, volunteers, pacers, marshals from the local carnival club and scout group, and all the supporters lining the route. Special thanks to Kinisi Run Hub for donating fantastic prizes—visit their store or website for the latest running gear and expert advice: https://kinisirunhub.co.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you all back to Wells next year for another day of racing this iconic event.
Did you enjoy the event but are not part of a running club? Why not come along to one of our training sessions. We are always welcoming new members of all ages and abilities. Check out our training and membership pages on our website for more information.
Jamie Williamson of Kinisi Run Hub, took time away from his stall to finish 2nd in the 10K.
Be sure to check out their website and shop!
Harrier Results:
1.2K
1st – Toby Hirst – 00:04:17
2nd – Rowan Kelly – 00:04:34
4th – Jonah Barrington – 00:04:49
10th – Maison Jennings Orr – 00:05:15
11th – Rufus Green – 00:05:16
28th – Poppy Broughton – 00:06:17
32nd – Harry Brimble – 00:06:34
5K
2nd – Oskar Beck – 00:16:54
4th – Sophie Nicholls – 00:17:22
7th – David Hirst – 00:17:54
8th – Addie Butcher – 00:18:03
9th – Jamie Williams – 00:18:03
12th – Stellan Corp – 00:18:44
26th – Zoe Dale – 00:21:17
56th – Megan Benn – 00:26:47
65th – Jane Morgan – 00:28:15
67th – Annalisa Roper – 00:28:20
79th – Jeannie Fullman – 00:30:11
81st – Geoff Stubbs – 00:30:20
103rd – Sharon Bowles – 00:33:05
112th – Alex Ho – 00:34:07
151st – Rachel Whitcombe – 00:38:58
10K
4th – Christian Green – 00:34:06
5th – Zak Hurrell – 00:34:15
7th – Matthew Lusby – 00:34:53
13th – Tim Ingle – 00:38:14
14th – James Hodges – 00:38:48
16th – Laurence Badman – 00:39:38
19th – Phoebe Aspinall – 00:39:54
20th – Jeremy Linter – 00:39:54
26th – Stuart Nash – 00:40:30
27th – Benjamin Thomas – 00:40:44
54th – Stephen Nicholls – 00:44:22
58th – Mike Bosley – 00:44:45
66th – Amy Reakes – 00:45:19
69th – Eleanor Constable – 00:45:39
93rd – Robert Moore – 00:47:43
128th – Fergus Crawford – 00:49:34
129th – Evelyn Wigley – 00:49:34
135th – Melissa Aspinall – 00:49:51
139th – Victoria Ryan – 00:50:03
165th – Emma Woodcock – 00:51:50
251st – Kim Clark – 00:57:45
276th – Mike Ommanney – 00:59:39
315th – Kathryn Williams – 01:04:04
326th – Patrick Matthews – 01:05:32
362nd – Christopher Clark – 01:09:00
Harrier photos can be found here.
Town Tree Trail
A group of Harriers post race
The sixth race in the Somerset Series, the Town Tree Trail, took place on Wednesday 21st May. While thunderstorms loomed across Somerset, Kingsbury Episcopi was fortunate to escape the worst of the weather, offering runners a pleasant evening for racing.
The course is a very flat, multi-terrain 10K that winds through open fields and around the scenic Town Tree Nature Garden. Mostly off-road, it’s a picturesque and unique route that gives the event a distinctive and enjoyable character.
There was plenty of Harrier success on the night. Alexander Coombs claimed an impressive victory, pulling away from his closest rivals in the final kilometre. Jonathan Williams was first in the MV50 category, while Eleanor Constable secured second place in the women’s race. Alexander and Jonathan teamed up with Tim Ingle and Laurence Badman to take the men’s team prize, rounding off a strong showing for the Wells City Harriers.
See the awards being presented here.
Harrier Results:
Alexander Coombs – 0:34:59 (1st place)
Tim Ingle – 0:37:33 (5th place)
Laurence Badman – 0:39:58 (9th place)
Jonathan Williams – 0:43:05 (22nd place - 1st V50)
Andrew Piper – 0:43:15 (24th place)
Eleanor Constable – 0:46:34 (42nd place - 2nd Female)
Melissa Aspinall – 0:49:55 (59th place)
Mark Pople – 0:50:55 (69th place)
Kim Clark – 0:57:23 (112th place)
Yeovilton 5K (Race 2)
Joe Nelson crossing the line.
A strong contingent of Harriers turned out for the second race in the Yeovilton 5K series. With Tom Webb racing, the win often feels certain, but this month he had to push hard to secure victory—edging out the runner-up by just three seconds. Several runners also celebrated personal bests on the evening, making it a memorable race for many.
1st – Tom Webb – 15:18
6th – Hannah Blundy – 16:47 (PB)
7th – Sophie Nicholls – 16:54
12th – James Hodges – 17:24 (PB)
18th – Jamie Williams – 17:42
19th – Casper Rawbone – 17:45 (PB)
20th – Jeremy Linter – 17:51
25th – Dan Williams – 18:32
28th – Phoebe Aspinall – 18:45 (PB)
43rd – Joseph Nelson – 19:53
50th – Andrew Piper – 20:17
61st – Louisa Saunders – 21:12
62nd – Stuart Nash – 21:13
66th – Eleanor Constable – 21:32 (PB)
67th – Florence Tibbatts – 21:43
69th – Joanne Tibbatts – 21:47
71st – Rosie Park – 21:59
73rd – Paul Barber – 22:19
76th – Evelyn Wigley – 22:45
82nd – Tim Sanders – 23:09 (PB)
83rd – Melissa Aspinall – 23:15
96th – Mark Pople – 24:16
124th – Karen Shears – 30:09
Paul Barber dancing over the line.
BMC PB Classic Millfield
On Sunday 18th May, a group of our young Harriers (along with a few seniors) headed to Millfield for the BMC PB Classic. Under warm, sunny skies, perfect for track racing, they kicked off their season in style. With many taking on their first track meet of the year, it was fantastic to see a host of personal bests across the board.
Race 11, BMC 800m B (Mens):
Oskar Beck — 02:03.18
Race 5, BMC 800m E (Mens):
Jack Barker — 02:26.68 (PB)
Race 10, BMC 800m B (Womens):
Gemma Tolputt — 02:14.34 (PB)
Race 8, BMC 800m C (Womens):
Vienna Townsend — 02:31.82
Race 6, BMC 800m D (Womens):
Melissa Mccusker — 02:24.60 (PB)
Ruby Shaw — 02:31.21
Race 4, BMC 800m F (Mixed):
Rowan Kelly — 02:33.36 (PB)
Eva Dowden — 02:35.56
Jonah Barrington — 02:41.64 (PB)
Race 19, BMC 1500m A (Mixed):
Alexander Coombs — 04:09.74 (PB)
Reuben Cawley — 04:14:.63
Race 18, BMC 1500m B (Mixed):
Addie Butcher — 04:25.65 (PB)
Race 17, BMC 1500m C (Mixed):
Casper Rawbone — 04:40.58 (PB)
Race 16, BMC 1500m D (Mixed):
Lucy Bickerton — 04:47.90
Race 1, BMC 3000m A (Mens):
Matthew Lusby — 09:03.60
Alexander Coombs racing the 1500m to a PB
South West Athletics League
Sunday 4th May was the first fixture of the South West Athletics League and now that the 1500m steeplechase is a scoring event and also recognised as a ranking event on Powerof10, Oskar Beck decided that this was the time to try the event for only the second time. He ran a well-paced race in the heat, finishing first in 4:44.11 to set a new league record, bettering his Yeovil Olympiads club record from last year’s first attempt at the race distance and also top the rankings in the UK!
There were also plenty of other junior Harriers participating in multiple track and field events:
Olivia Fall. U13. 15.38 100m
30.52 200m
3.15m LJ
Ruby Shaw. U13. 5:18 1500m
Eliza Baker. U13. 3.50m LJ
Poppy Jones. U13. 2.66m LJ
Poppy Shaw. U15. 14.26 100m
Emily Doswell. U15. 15.16 100m
Ava Manning. U15. 15.02 100m
Elspeth Perkins. U15. 46.16 300m
15.90 75mH
7.67m SP
Seri-Ann Merrick. U15. 49.50 300m
5.58m SP
Isla Hayes. U15. 49.74 300m
10.63m Jav
Tilly May. U15. 1.30m HJ
1.80m PV
4.02m LJ
Daisy Thorman. U15. 2.10m PV
Sebastian Hillier. U13. 15.90 100m
33.00 200m
Ruben Frith. U15. 4:37 1500m
Oskar Beck. U15. 4:44 1500mSC
Joe Whelan. U15. 4:55 1500mSC
Track and Field County Championships
The weekend of the 10th and 11th May saw Oskar Beck competing in the County Championships in both the 800m and 1500m. On day one Oskar became the county champion for the fourth year in a row in the 800m! Running into a fairly strong headwind on the home straight, Oskar led from gun to tape, running clear with 200m to go and finishing five seconds clear of second place in 2:05.1. Day two had the same strong wind for the 1500m but Oskar had learnt well from the Spring Open and ran a much better paced race, again led from gun to tape and became county champion for the third year in a row in 4:21.3.
Dave Jones Weston Prom Run Series
Heath achieving a PB over the mile
Building on his recent victory at the Inter-County Schools Cross Country Finals, Heath Hughes-Davies competed in Race 9 of the Dave Jones Weston Prom Run Series on Thursday, 22nd May 2025.
The event, part of a series for primary schools that has been running since September 2024, featured a one-mile race. Representing Wells City Harriers, Heath won the Year 6 and under category—despite still being in Year 4—setting a new personal best time of 5:46.
In addition to his race win, Heath secured the overall series title and was presented with his trophies, medals, and prizes by the race sponsors.
Heath with his series trophies
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 28th May 2025 - Club pub run (Natterjack, Evercreech)
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)