Dan Williams and Toby Hirst at the May Yeovilton 5K
Wells City Harriers have enjoyed another action-packed fortnight, with members competing across road races, trail events, track and field competitions, and national championships. Highlights included strong turnouts at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, where Hunter Hawkins impressed in the junior family run and Tim Ingle led the Harriers home in the Half Marathon, while Mark Duffett secured a superb third-place finish at the Great Birmingham 10K just a week after injury disappointment ruled him out of the London Marathon. The club was also out in force at the Yeovilton 5K series, with Thomas Addison-Wood and Harry Dawson both breaking the 16-minute barrier, while Jon James claimed an MV60 podium finish at the Bideford 10K. Junior athletes continued to shine, with Wells City Harriers represented at the prestigious Mini London Marathon and several athletes producing outstanding performances at the South West Athletics League and Somerset County Championships, where podium finishes, personal bests and county titles were achieved across multiple age groups. Elsewhere, Harriers tackled the London Marathon, the scenic Runaway Train trail races and the fast Westbury 5K, while Sophie Nicholls rounded off a remarkable first year in the USA by receiving Belmont University’s “Most Valued Player” cross-country award.
AJ Bell Great Bristol Run
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026
George Nicholls after finishing the Half Marathon
Always popular with the Harriers, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run hosts a number of events across the weekend. First off was the family run on Saturday, where junior Harrier, Hunter Hawkins, was 10th in the 9-15 age category and 5th in the 9-11 age category finishing in 10:29. Impressive! On Sunday it was the 10K and Half Marathon. Six harriers headed out and back along the Portway, before looping around the centre of Bristol to complete the half marathon course. Six Harriers also participated in the 10K which stayed within the centre, taking runners through Queens Square along the route.
Hunter showing off his superpowers
Harrier Results:
Half Marathon
67th — Tim Ingle — 01:18:48
1827th — Kate Noel — 1:40:09
2764th — Natalie Wcislak — 01:45:43
4036th — George Nicholls — 01:52:13
6139th — Jane Morgan — 02:01:01
8672nd — Mike Ommanney — 02:18:31
10K
99th — Stellan Corp — 00:37:56
932nd — Aaron Coward — 00:47:19
4502nd — Geoff Stubbs — 01:00:48
5903rd — Alex Ho — 01:06:28
7150th — Sharon Bowles — 01:13:09
7978th — Lynne Elstob — 01:21:49
A happy Kate Noel!
AJ Bell Great Birmingham 10K
Sunday 3rd May 2026
A week after being unable to compete at the London Marathon due to injury, Harrier Mark Duffett made sure his training didn’t go to waste by taking part in the Great Birmingham 10K. With the length of time on his feet less of an issue over the 10K distance, he sped around the course in a swift 32:43, securing a third-place podium finish. Well done, Mark!
Mark Duffett finished third
Yeovilton 5K
Wednesday 13th May 2026
Race 2 in the series. The Harriers were out again in great numbers. Well done to everyone who competed.
Harry Dawson breaking 16 minutes for the first time
Harrier Results
4th — Thomas Addison-Wood — 15:57
5th — Harry Dawson — 15:59
12th — Casper Rawbone — 16:43
16th — Oliver Willmott — 17:10
17th — David Hirst — 17:10
18th — Jeremy Linter — 17:11
19th — Owen Astington — 17:17
25th — Fred Rawbone — 17:46
35th — Toby Hirst — 18:24
38th — Dan Williams — 18:37
44th — Ray Rawbone — 18:42
53rd — Rachel Astington — 19:01
58th — Florence Tibbatts — 19:09
63rd — Jamie Dawson — 19:32
64th — Neil Biss — 19:33
70th — Harry Crosse — 19:50
78th — Lucy Acott — 20:26
80th — Helen Allen — 20:40
84th — Andrew Piper — 20:47
89th — Rachel Hamblin — 21:27
91st — Mike Bosley — 21:33
101st — Emily Dockerty — 22:11
124th — Lottie Knight — 25:26
126th — Aime Biss — 26:05
134th — Gary Tubridy — 28:11
Full results here.
More photos can be found here.
Rachel Hamblin and Mike Bosley
Bideford 10K
Sunday 10th May 2026
Jon James secured a podium finish in the MV60 category at the Masters event during the Bideford 10K. Despite only competing at the Hyrox Games a week before, where he and fellow Harrier Nick Stevens qualified for the World Hyrox Championships in Stockholm, Jon went on to finish third. Another outstanding performance. Well done Jon!
Read all about it here.
London Mini Marathon
Saturday 25th April 2026
Wells City Harriers were proudly represented at the 2026 TCS Mini London Marathon, held on Saturday 25 April in the heart of the capital. The prestigious event, which offers young athletes the opportunity to race over 2.6km and finish on The Mall, continues to be one of the highlights of the junior athletics calendar. After the great success of Tom Webb at last year’s event, it was super to see more Harriers representing the South West in the capital.
Qualification for the Mini Marathon came through the highly competitive South West Athletics Association (SWAA) Mini Marathon Trials, where several Wells athletes delivered outstanding performances. For the Wells athletes who took part, the Mini Marathon represents more than just a race, it is a key milestone in their athletic development. Competing on such a high-profile stage not only rewards the dedication shown throughout the season but also provides invaluable experience against some of the country’s best young runners.
Harrier results:
Girls Under 14
16th - Ruby Shaw - 9:05
Boys Under 14
60th - Noah Chapman - 9:03
Girls Under 18
44th - Florence Tibbatts - 9:11
45th - Ayla Chard - 9:11
London Marathon
Sunday 26th April 2026
13 Harriers took on the challenge of the 2026 TCS London Marathon in the heart of the capital. We have a full race report and individual accounts for the day. Click here to find out how everyone got on.
The ballot for the 2027 Marathon has now closed. If you have entered the ballot, you will find out in July to see if you have received a place. There are many other ways to get entry including charity places, championship entries, good for age and our own club ballot.
We receive 1 guaranteed club place each year for the London Marathon and most years we have a 2nd place due to our partnership with Yeovil Olympiads. The club place(s) are allocated in a Club Ballot - most often held at the Club's Annual Dinner at the end of November/beginning of December.
To be eligible for the club place(s) you need to
(a) Have been a club member when you applied in the main London ballot;
(b) Have an England Athletics registration;
(c) Have been rejected in the main London ballot and provided evidence of the rejection;
(d) not to have had a club place in the previous 3 years.
Harrier Results:
Curtis Stevens - 2:39:22
Zak Hurrell - 2:48:56
Rich Horsfall - 3:00:09
Victoria Ryan - 3:05:55
Ray Rawbone - 3:07:06
David Hall - 3:07:56
Damien Pick - 3:15:29
Louisa White - 3:22:14
Graham Goldsmid - 3:38:16
Emma Zarrabi - 3:58:03
Sean Rose - 4:21:51
Nikki Honan - 4:53:27
Michael Coombs - 5:36:19
Louisa qualified this year by achieving a Good for Age time
South West Athletics League
Sunday 3rd May 2026
The first fixture of the South West Athletics League marked the Olympiads’ first competitive track and field event of the year. Congratulations to both Jonah and Mia on securing first-place finishes in their events. Every athlete who competed contributed valuable points to the YOAC tally, highlighting the importance of every participant to the team’s success. If you’re interested in participating at the next event, get in touch. (Sunday 7th June, Sunday 5th July, Sunday 6th September - All at Exeter Arena)
Jonah Barrington
YOAC/Harrier Results:
800m (U12B)
1st Jonah Barrington 2:27.84
1500m (U14G)
14th Glennie Thorman 5:42.59
1500m (U14B)
4th Noah Chapman 4:54.42
1500m (U16G)
10th Isla Hayes 5:16.56
11th Freya Dencher 5:18.10
1500m Steeplechase (U16G)
1st Mia Shore 5:55.18
1500m (U16B)
4th Oskar Beck 4:23.44
22nd Harry Willmott 5:42.48
1500m (U18W)
3rd Izzy Whittle 4:53.35
7th Florence Tibbatts 5:09.24
1500m Steeplechase (U18M)
3rd Casper Rawbone 4:50.28
1500m (Men)
9th Oliver Willmott (U20) 4:42.33
10th Laurence Badman 4:45.63
2000m Steeplechase (Men)
4th Freddie Rawbone 7:01.02
Full results can be found here.
Current standings
Somerset AA Track & Field Champs
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026
The Somerset County Championships were held at the Bill Whistlecroft Arena and were open to athletes who either reside in Somerset or were born in the county. There were two full days of action, with many Harriers competing. Well done to those that podiumed and received a medal.
Chis Green leading Alex Coombs and Matt Lusby in the 2000m Steeplechase
Day 1
Quadrathlon (U10G)
6th — Serena COOK — 173 points
Quadrathlon (U10B)
2nd — Rufus GREEN — 426 points
5th — Hugo PEARSE — 403 points
6th — Henry DOCKERTY — 367 points
9th — Sam KNIGHT — 278 points
Quadrathlon (U12G)
1st — Elizabeth DOGGRELL — 327 points
2nd — Grace GODLEY — 314 points
5th — Elizabeth Anna EASTICK — 273 points
7th — Lottie KNIGHT — 219 points
Quadrathlon (U12B)
1st — Finley SEAMARK — 388 points
2nd — Rowan KELLY — 365 points
4th — Jonah Charles BARRINGTON — 294 points
5th — Jaxon BOVEY — 291 points
8th — James POWELL-THOMAS — 270 points
1500m Steeplechase (U16B M60 U16G U18W U20W)
1st — Oskar BECK — 4:41.29 PB
8th — Mia SHORE — 5:49.75 PB
1200m Steeplechase (U14)
1st — Charlie COOK — 4:28.90 PB
2nd — Zoe FROST — 4:35.04 PB
2000m Steeplechase (U18M)
3rd — Casper RAWBONE — 6:42.98 PB
2000m Steeplechase (SM)
1st — Alexander COOMBS — 6:33.07 PB
2nd — Christian GREEN — 6:34.57 PB
3rd — Matthew LUSBY — 6:35.97 SB
3000m (U16)
1st — Jamie WILLIAMS — 9:32.31 PB
2nd — Joseph WHELAN — 9:34.32 PB
3000m (U18 U20 SM SW)
3rd — Freddie RAWBONE — 10:29.65 SB
4th — Isabelle Natasha WHITTLE — 10:37.47 SB
5th — Florence TIBBATTS — 10:52.34 PB
6th — Ray RAWBONE — 10:53.34 PB
7th — Eleanor CONSTABLE — 12:24.96 PB
Eleanor Constable
800m (U16G U18W U20W SW and MASTERS)
1st — Gemma TOLPUTT — 2:21.06 SB
3rd — Isla Grace HAYES — 2:30.25 PB
4th — Rosie JOYNES — 2:46.40 SB
800m (U16B U20M SM)
3rd — Oliver BRADFORD-PECK — 2:00.15
5th — Laurence BADMAN — 2:20.10
800m (U14G)
3rd — Olivia FALL — 2:31.50 PB
6th — Glennie Rose THORMAN — 2:39.04 PB
8th — Emily DOCKERTY — 2:46.13 PB
800m (U14B)
2nd — Dylan Gordon MASON — 2:28.24 PB
Day 2
1200m (U12)
1st — Jonah Charles BARRINGTON — 4:01.87 PB
3rd — Ollie ORWELL — 4:43.16 PB
1500m (U14B U18M SM MASTERS)
1st — Matthew LUSBY — 4:20.42 SB
2nd — Harry DAWSON — 4:32.26
3rd — David HIRST — 4:41.15 SB
4th — Laurence BADMAN — 4:41.24 PB
6th — Elijah HOBBS — 4:53.50 PB
7th — Gryff HARRISON-JONES — 4:55.40 PB
8th — Aidan KOHEEALLEE — 4:55.58 PB
1500m (U14G)
1st — Ruby SHAW — 4:53.91 PB
4th — Zoe FROST — 5:22.62 PB
5th — Emily DOCKERTY — 5:24.12 PB
8th — Glennie Rose THORMAN — 5:38.52 PB
Ruby Shaw
1500m (U16B)
1st — Oskar Adrian BECK — 4:33.07 SB
2nd — Joseph WHELAN — 4:33.69 SB
3rd — Jamie WILLIAMS — 4:35.06
4th — Heath WORLEDGE — 4:45.00
5th — Jamie DAWSON — 4:59.34
6th — Milo MEAD — 4:59.62 PB
A sea of orange in the U16B 1500m
1500m (U16G U18W SW MASTERS)
2nd — Isla Grace HAYES — 5:15.81 PB
3rd — Justine DUMOTIER KHRIPOUNOFF — 6:02.11 PB
Full results, including sprints and field events can be found here.
More photos here.
Couch to 5K Update
Our Couch to 5K group is going from strength to strength. With just two weeks to go until the Wells Festival of Running, many participants will be taking on the 5K course in the final week of the programme.
Plenty of smiles at this week’s group run
Runaway Train
Sunday 3rd May 2026
Henry Sage and Adam Blencowe
The Runaway Train celebrates the Windsor Hill railway path, with a rugged trail race and a feast in Shepton Mallet market place. New for this year, there was a choice of three routes of 3 miles, 6 miles and 8.5 miles, which are all super scenic, taking in woods, valleys, distant hills, dark tunnels and high viaducts, finishing right in the heart of Shepton Mallet. Walkers and families also took part, either with an early start on the full runner’s route or a shorter version to Ham Woods and back. Once finished, everyone comes together in Shepton Mallet market place for a lunch-time boxty feast.
Harrier Results:
8.5 Mile
1st - Christian Green - 51:18
2nd - Adam Gibson - 51:19
7th - Curtis Stevens - 59:04
9th - Matt Lusby - 59:30
13th - Henry Sage - 1:02:21
14th - Adam Blencowe - 1:02:28
23rd - Dan Williams - 1:06:39
47th - James Shaw - 1:11:04
85th - Eleanor Constable - 1:16:48
110th - Susan Williams - 1:20:14
252nd - Tom Kenrick - 1:56:31
Just a cat’s whisper separated Chris Green and Adam Gibson
3 Mile
2nd - Jamie Williams - 20:16
3rd - Toby Hirst - 22:36
4th - David Hirst - 22:38
8th - Zoe Frost - 25:45
9th - Oliver Frost - 25:46
22nd - Loralie Frost - 32:16
36th - Mike Ommanney - 35:51
Full results here.
More photos here.
Zoe Frost was first female in the 3 Mile
Westbury 5K
Tuesday 12th May 2026
The Westbury 5K offers a no frills, fast 3 lap 5K race with great PB potential. There are other races in the series in June, July and August. Vice chair, Chris Green, had a solid run, finishing second in 15:50.
Full results here.
Chris Green racing fast
Belmont University XC Award
Sophie Nicholls is coming to the end of her first year studying in the USA and she has been making quite an impact. Sophie was given the “Most Valued Player” award. At the Belmont University’s athletics awards. Sophie was judged by the coaching staff as the “most valued player” in the XC team having finished first for the Belmont women’s team in all of the XC events for 2025. The track season is still in progress and Sophie will be racing in the 5K in the Missouri Valley Conference in Indiana 16/17 May 2026.
A super first year for Sophie
Club Welfare
Wells City Harriers has two club welfare officers, Sarah Massey and Jon James. They are available to support any concerns athletes, parents or coaches raise or would like to discuss in relation to safety and wellbeing, and to help the club implement welfare policies and procedures. All officials and coaches have DBS clearance and have received training related to safeguarding and health and safety.
Further details can be found on the WCH website safeguarding page: Safeguarding: including links to forms where incidents and concerns can be logged.
Please do contact us if you have questions:
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, SRC = Somerset Road Championships)
May 2026
Saturday 16th May 2026 - Millfield BMC Classic
Saturday 16th May 2026 - Compton Challenge (Marathon & 16 Mile)
Saturday 16th May 2026 - The Bolt at Badminton (5K & 10K)
[SS] Sunday 17th May 2026 - The Badrat Bolt
Wednesday 20th May 2026 - South West PB 5K Series (Race 1)
Thursday 21st May 2026 - Dave Jones Weston Prom Series (Race 9)
Saturday 23rd May 2026 - National Athletics League Division 1 West (Fixture 1 - Yate)
[SS] [SRC] Sunday 24th May 2026 - Wells Festival of Running
Wednesday 27th May 2026 - Wells City Harriers AGM (19:30 - Wells Rugby Club)
Thursday 28th May - YOAC Evening Open 1
June 2026
Saturday 6th June 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2026 - U20/Senior Track & Field Outdoor Championships (Bedford)
Tuesday 9th June 2026- Westbury 5K
Wednesday 10th June 2026 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 3)
Wednesday 10th June 2026 - South West PB 5K Series (Race 2)
[SS] Saturday 13th June 2026 - Neroche 10K
[SS] Wednesday 24th June 2026 - The Forde Abbey 10K
Thursday 25th June 2026 - YOAC Evening Open 2
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June 2026 - U14/U16/U18 Track & Field Outdoor Championships (Chelmsford)
Sunday 28th June 2026 - The Heron Half-Marathon
July 2026
Saturday 4th July 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 4)
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - South West PB 5K Series (Race 3)
Saturday 11th July 2026 - National Athletics League Division 1 West (Fixture 2 - Bournemouth)
Tuesday 14th July 2026 - Westbury 5K
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026 - Combined Events Track & Field Outdoor Championships (Horspath)
Thursday 30th July 2026 - YOAC Evening Open 3
August 2026
Saturday 1st August 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Tuesday 11th August 2026 - Westbury 5K
Wednesday 12th August 2026 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 5)
Saturday 22nd August 2026 - National Athletics League Division 1 West (Fixture 3 - Yeovil)
Thursday 27th August 2026 - YOAC Evening Open 4
[SS] [SRC] Monday 31st August 2026 - Baltonsborough 5 Mile
September 2026
Saturday 5th September 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Wednesday 9th September 2026 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 6)
Saturday 12th/Sunday 13th September 2026 - The Isle of Wight Fell Running Championship Series
Saturday 12th September 2026 - National Athletics League Promotion Playoff (Oxford) TBC
Saturday 12th September 2026 - U20/Senior Inter Counties Track & Field Outdoor Championships (Kingston)
Sunday 13th September 2026 - U16/U18 Inter Counties Track & Field Outdoor Championships
[SS] [SRC] Sunday 13th September 2026 - Burnham Half Marathon
Sunday 20th September 2026 - Swansea Bay 10K
Sunday 27th September 2025 - The Black Nore 10K
October 2026
Saturday 3rd October 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Wednesday 14th October 2026 - Street 5K (Race 1)
[SS] Sunday 25th October 2026 - Herepath Half
November 2026
Saturday 7th November 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Wednesday 11th November 2026 - Street 5K (Race 2)
[SS] Sunday 22nd November 2026 - Brent Knoll MT
December 2026
Saturday 5th December 2026 - Midsomer Norton Town Park Community Run
Wednesday 9th December 2026 - Street 5K (Race 3)