From our Fell Running correspondent
2 Harrier teams contested the Cotswold Way Relay over 104 miles on Saturday June 25th. 
Chairman at Mendip Muddle 2009
Sat June 26th Cotswold Way Relay: Two Harrier teams contested the tough 104 mile long relay over 10 legs from Chipping Campden (7.00am) to Bath Abbey (approx 6.00pm). This was the 17th year the Club had fielded teams and they did not disappoint. The 'novices' coming into the team ran really well, and didn't get lost, whilst the old lags made it round one more time.
The women's team finished 5th out of 11 women's teams and 47th, out of 76 in total, in a combined time of 16hours and 28 minutes (phew!). Anna Lewis on her way back from injury ran Leg 1 from Chipping Camden (7.00am) to Stanway House with John Reynolds, our 300 mile man, acting as her Guide. Anna was 3rd woman in , just 20 seconds away from the winning woman on this stage. Also making her debut was Laura Darby-Jones who was paced round, or helped pace round, our other team member, Martyn Cox. A final woman debutant was Lucy Heath who strolled 'down' the hill from Cold Ashton to Bath Abbey doors on the final leg for a great finish to the team. Liz Green picked up her Queen of the Mountains award for now having had completed all ten stages over the years.
The men's team finished in 15hrs 2 minutes for overall 25th place. This was a great effort with two late replacements.One late change occurred as our esteemed Press Officer, Pete Wright, had just spent a short emergency spell in hospital and whilst he is now back home recovering he wasn't up to this race. Get well soon. Top performance by the men was by Matthew Lewis who enjoyed himself on leg 8 to finish 5th overall, with Dave Bonstow on leg 10 being the only other Harrier to snatch a top ten finish. Well done to Jason Tuck for being the last part of the team jigsaw and finshing well up on leg 9.
These were two great endurance achievements by the team and shows the spirit for Fell running that resides in the Club.The club's thanks to the team managers Mike Brown and Helen Rutter for looking after the two teams. Full results on:
http://www.cotswoldwayrelay.co.uk/2011Results/2011Results.htm
Earlier report:
Tues June 21st The latest Beacon Batch Fell Race saw the biggest ever turn out for this classic race of a round 5 miles and 1000 feet of climb taking in the high point on the Mendips. Athletes from South Wales, Derbyshire and Gloucestershire joined more local runners on the start line.The Harriers were once again represented by three out of four of the Kelsey family and the Chairman, with Ben Kesley moving up from his 7th of last year to a brilliant 4th this year leaving his dad, 'King of the Mountains' (*)Chris, and yours truly trailing in his wake. Helen Kelsey also had a great run. (* Chris is the only Harrier ever to complete the 'Bob Graham' round within 24 hours)
Coming up for Fell Runners (or for those who like a challenge)
Sat July 2nd Charmouth Challenge (8m; 1500 feet of ascent) Run to the highest point on the South Coast (Golden Cap) and enjoy the School Fete at the same time. Also a very hilly 'Fun Run' for juniors over 2 miles. 3pm start for main Challenge;2.30pm for Fun Run. Fete starts approx 1.30pm. Enjoy the beach afterwards.
http://www.charmouthchallenge.co.uk/
Sat Aug 20th Brecon Beacons Fell Race (19m; 4,500 feet of ascent)
Wed Aug 24th Crook Peak Cake Fell Race: register in the car-park of the White Hart pub at Cross, near Axbridge by 6.30pm before a short jog to the start at the foot of Crook Peak at 7.00pm. 3 miles and 800 feet of climbing. Cake presentation in the pub afterwards. Can Harrier Junior Oliver Fox go one better this year and actually win?
Sat/Sun Sept 17th & 18th
For those who want a crack at the Southern Fell Running Championships put the dates in your diary now for the two-day Isle of Wight Fell Running experience
Three races over two days – what a great idea! Discounted ferry tickets and camping available. Races start from the prom at Ventnor. More information from Paul.
St Boniface Fell (3m; 775 feet) starts 11.00am Saturday
Ventnor Horsehoe (7m; 1500 feet) starts 3.00pm Saturday
Wroxall Round (13m; 1500 feet) starts 10.30am Sunday
Wells City Harriers are proud to have had numerous Southern Fell Running Champions over the years – come and give the Isle of Wight a go.
Sat Sept 24th Black Mountain Fell Race (17m; 5,400 feet of ascent)
Sun Oct 9th Mendip Muddle Fell Race: the one best known by Harriers. Entry in advance as it is very popular. Race starts at 11.00am from Charterhouse and covers 12.6miles and 1400 feet of ascent.
For a full list of fell races in the South-west go to:
http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?region=11
The Oke Croak and the Drogo Ten races also come highly recommended but have a go at any or all of them. Join the Fell Runners Association to support the sport.