It was a great turnout at our AGM and Club Awards evening
Wells City Harriers members gathered in impressive numbers for the club’s Annual General Meeting and Awards Evening, celebrating another successful year of achievement across all age groups. The event recognised outstanding performances, dedication, and contributions from athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters, while highlighting the continued growth of the club’s thriving junior section, which now regularly attracts up to 70 young athletes to training sessions.
Away from the awards, Harriers athletes continued to enjoy success in competition. A host of personal bests were recorded at the YOAC Evening Open meeting, with strong performances across the middle-distance events and junior triathlons. On the roads and trails, club members featured prominently in Somerset Series races, including the challenging Race the Tide / Chase the Train event and the hilly Crewkerne 10K, where Tom Addison-Wood claimed victory and Tim Ingle finished third. There was further success at the Chew Valley 10K, where Addie Butcher was first Under-18 male. Read on to find out more.
AGM & Club Awards
Wednesday 27th May 2026
The award winners
It was great to see so many people at this year’s AGM and Club Awards Evening. Chairman Ed Tickner efficiently guided us through the agenda, and the meeting minutes will be available here once they have been finalised.
One important matter remains unresolved: we are still looking for a Race Director for the Street 5K. If this is something you could help with, please get in touch.
Below are this year’s award winners, along with the reasons why the committee and coaches nominated each individual. It was particularly pleasing to celebrate even more of our junior athletes this year with the introduction of age-category awards for the first time.
This reflects the fantastic work of our junior coaching team, whose dedication has helped our junior section continue to thrive. We now regularly welcome up to 70 young athletes to training on Monday evenings, demonstrating the strength and growth of the programme.
Junior Awards
U11 Winners
U11 Girls: Sage Onitiri
Sage has impressed coaches with a fantastic attitude, always supporting teammates while demonstrating excellent consistency and focus in every session.
U11 Boys: Alfie Roberts
Alfie has shown outstanding determination this season, consistently pushing himself in training and delivering strong performances in competition, earning him a well-deserved award for his commitment and progress.
U11 Boys: Heath Huges-Davies
Heath won 7 Dave Jones Weston Prom 1-mile races, setting a record time while still in Year 5 and retained the primary school overall title he won when he was in Year 4. 3 years unbeaten in school XC races, he ran under 7 mins in the Street 2km and has run 18:06 for 5km, aged just 10.
U15/13 Winners
U13G Bella Gurung
Bella has been a superb role model within the group, showing resilience, positivity, and dedication in both training and competition, making her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.
U13B Jonah Barrington
Jonah’s rapid improvement and willingness to embrace challenges have marked him out as a standout athlete, combining natural ability with a brilliant work ethic. At the Weston Prom Series he set a new primary school record for the course.
U15G Elspeth Perkins
Elspeth is a key member of the group, always helping with sprint drill demonstrations and cool downs. Her infectious enthusiasm spreads throughout the group and she is a joy to coach. She is progressing technically very well in several track and field disciplines.
U15B Harrison Skuse
Harrison approaches every training session with great energy and enthusiasm. This has been rewarded with some great performances over his sprint distances.
Elspeth collected her award at the junior training session
Senior Club Awards
Club Junior Female athlete of the year: Florence Tibbatts
Finishing third overall in the Gwent League series and winning the Somerset County Schools’ XC Championships highlight her strength in cross country. She also earned selection to represent the Southwest at the London Mini Marathon and achieved another milestone by breaking 19 minutes for the 5K for the first time.
Club Junior Male athlete of the year: Jamie Williams
Jamie has transitioned well from Monday junior training to the Tuesday sessions, consistently demonstrating politeness and dedication. He has impressed in the Gwent League with his consistency and achieved a notable milestone by breaking 17 minutes for the 5K on the road for the first time.
Club Senior Female athlete of the year: Eleanor Constable
She has proudly represented Wells at numerous races, with highlights including impressive results in her age category at local events and an outstanding 3rd place overall finish in the 2025 Somerset Series. She was also a key member of the women’s team that won Division 3 in the Gwent League, contributing over 1,000 individual points across the series.
Club Senior Male athlete of the year: Tim Ingle
He has had an impressive first full year with the Harriers, improving his 5K PB by over a minute. Despite dealing with an injury, he has remained committed to team events, competing in the Gwent League and Road Relays. He also completed his first half marathon, marking another significant milestone.
Club Marathon Award: James Fisher
One of our Junior Coaches, James is a dedicated leader and organiser of our younger members and someone who has always trained hard. He improved his time at Manchester by 16 minutes compared with last year’s best. And this after he only really started running at age 35, never even considering a marathon until nearly 40. His sub 3 hours’ time of 2:56 at Manchester is a great achievement after working towards it for nearly 18 months.
Club Member of the year: Rosie Park
She has helped transform the club’s social media presence, showcasing its achievements and celebrating its diversity. She was also an influential member of the women’s Gwent League team that won Division 3 and consistently represents the true values of the club.
Special Recognition Awards:
Elise Thorner
For continuing outstanding performance in becoming the British Senior Steeplechase Champion and making history as the first Wells City Harriers athlete to compete at the World Athletics Championships, where she also qualified for the steeplechase final. In May 2026 she also broke her PB for the 3000m Steeplechase becoming only the second Brit in history to break 9:10.
Kay Franklin
For many years, she has organised hugely successful races in Baltonsborough, including the Summer 5 Mile Road Race and the Christmas Pudding Run, while raising vital funds for Rowan Romania. She has also served as a race adjudicator at numerous local events, a crucial role without which these races could not take place. Always present at the Street 5K series and the Wells Festival of Running, she provides consistent and highly valued support to both the club and the wider running community.
Simon Prior
Simon has been a dedicated coach with the Harriers for many years, supporting and inspiring countless junior athletes while helping them develop both their ability and confidence. Through his commitment, patience and encouragement, he has played a significant role in the progress of many young runners. Although he has been unable to coach over the past year, his absence has been keenly felt across the club. This recognition celebrates not only his contribution over many years, but also the lasting impact he has had on generations of Harriers athletes.
YOAC Evening Open 1
Thursday 28th June 2026
Another fantastic evening of athletics at the Bill Whistlecroft Arena, with Yeovil Olympiads once again delivering a well-organised and highly enjoyable event. It was particularly encouraging to see such a strong Wells City Harriers turnout, with plenty of juniors competing and a growing number of senior women taking part as well. The evening produced a host of excellent performances and personal bests across the programme.
The next YOAC Evening Open takes place on Thursday 25th June. With these events continuing to grow in popularity, be sure to get your entry in early to avoid missing out.
Smiles from our senior women
YOAC/Harrier Middle Distance Results:
600M Race 1 U12 Mixed
1st — Elizabeth DOGGRELL — 1:53.20 — PB
2nd — Bella GURUNG — 1:55.05 — PB
3rd — Grace GODLEY — 1:58.95 — PB
5th — Halle SPONG — 2:04.52 — PB
6th — Eve Rose BINMORE — 2:07.44
600M Race 2 U12 Mixed
2nd — Jonah Charles BARRINGTON — 1:51.37
4th — Joe COX — 1:57.33 — PB
5th — Jaxon BOVEY — 1:57.83 — PB
9th — Edward BOWER — 2:06.47 — PB
800M Race A
3rd — Tom WEBB — 1:55.63 — PB
5th — Alexander Robert COOMBS — 2:03.13
6th — Heath WORLEDGE — 2:03.68 — PB
7th — Matthew LUSBY — 2:05.05
9th — Christian GREEN — 2:08.81 — PB
10th — Harriet Lucy TUSON — 2:10.24
800M Race B
2nd — David HIRST — 2:15.12
3rd — Dan BRYANT — 2:17.19
4th — Toby William HIRST — 2:17.29 — PB
6th — Gemma TOLPUTT — 2:24.46
8th — Aidan KOHEEALLEE — 2:26.03
800M Race C
7th — Olivia FALL — 2:36.2
800M Race D
2nd — Glennie Rose THORMAN — 2:34.49 — PB
6th — Victoria RYAN — 2:45.93
800M Race E
1st — Ronnie Christopher LEGGE — 2:36.79 — PB
2nd — Ruby Sophia PLUMLEY — 2:42.00 — PB
1500M Steeplechase
1st — Oskar Adrian BECK — 4:38.07 — PB
1500M Race A
1st — Addie George BUTCHER — 4:17.80 — PB
2nd — Jamie WILLIAMS — 4:18.31 — PB
4th — Matthew LUSBY — 4:20.95
5th — Joseph WHELAN — 4:21.41 — PB
6th — Harry DAWSON — 4:23.12
7th — Christian GREEN — 4:24.81
8th — Robbie HAWKINS — 4:29.48
1500M Race B
1st — Tim INGLE — 4:33.01 — PB
2nd — Oli WILLMOTT — 4:36.27 — PB
3rd — Kitt SULLIVAN — 4:45.21 — PB
5th — Jamie DAWSON — 4:49.47 — SB
6th — Ayla CHARD — 4:51.93 — PB
1500M Race C
2nd — Florence TIBBATTS — 5:06.52 — PB
4th — Freya DENCHER — 5:14.60 — PB
7th — Dominic COOK — 5:28.37 — PB
11th — Victoria RYAN — 5:42.50
1500M Race D
1st — Mia SHORE — 5:20.35 — PB
4th — Harry WILLMOTT — 5:47.31
5th — Justine DUMOTIER KHRIPOUNOFF — 5:49.66 — PB
6th — Milo COOK — 5:50.12 — PB
8th — Eleanor CONSTABLE — 5:54.28
Boys U10 Triathlon (400 - Long Jump - Howler Throw)
1st — Hugo PEARSE — 314
2nd — Rufus GREEN — 293
7th — Alfie ROBERTS — 196
Girls U10 Triathlon (400 - Long Jump - Howler Throw)
7th — Serena COOK — 142
Full results here.
More photos can be found here.
More strong running from the U18 boys
Race the Tide / Chase the Train
Sunday 31st May 2026
If you’re on a beach, you need an ice cream!
This new Somerset Series event was a roughly 7-mile multi-surface race that started at Blue Anchor and followed the beach to Minehead before returning via the coastal path and Steam Coast cycle path alongside the West Somerset Steam Railway. Runners encountered a variety of terrain, including sand, shingle, pebbles, grass, private roads, and tarmac. The outgoing route allowed runners to choose their own line across the beach and was not formally marked, although marshals and signage were positioned at key locations. The race took place during a rapidly receding Blue Moon Spring Tide, which provided access to different routes across the beach.
We had a good Harrier turnout with standout performances from Jonathan Williams, Dave Cary and Karen Shears who all won their age category.
Harrier Results:
6th Jonathan Williams - 54:54 (1st M50)
22nd Andrew Piper - 60:25
55th Dave Cary - 69:17 (1st M65)
97th Kim Clark - 79:40
134th Kathryn Williams - 86:27
151st Karen Shears - 91:28 (1st F70)
159th Chris Clark - 94:00
Full results here.
Crewkerne 10K
Sunday 7th June 2026
Graham Goldsmid was first MV60
The Somerset Series races come thick and fast throughout the summer, with a packed calendar of midweek and weekend events. Next up was the Crewkerne 10K, a race well known for its challenging profile. Featuring plenty of hills, runners faced a demanding mix of tough uphill climbs and fast, flowing downhill sections. Well done to Thomas Addison-Wood who was first home and to Graham Goldsmid who was first MV60.
Harrier Results:
1st — Tom Addison-Wood — 00:35:47
3rd — Tim Ingle — 00:37:29
5th — Oli Willmott — 00:38:46
14th — Jonathan Williams — 00:43:50
16th — Graham Goldsmid — 00:44:28 (1st MV60)
30th — Harry Crosse — 00:46:35
39th — Eleanor Constable — 00:48:06
121st — Peter Wright — 01:02:10
Full results here.
Tim Ingle came third
Chew Valley 10K
Sunday 7th June 2026
Addie Butcher collecting his award
Rumoured to be staging its final edition, the Chew Valley 10K begins in the village of Bishop Sutton before heading towards Hinton Blewitt. The route wastes little time in testing runners, featuring the infamous climb. Those who conquer it are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the beautiful Chew Valley.
Harrier Results:
6th Addie Butcher - 36:28 (1st MU18)
283rd Dave Capel - 54:20
284th Saffi Capel - 54:21
Full results here.
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)
June 2026
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
Wednesday 17th June 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 1)
[SS] Wednesday 24th June 2026 - The Forde Abbey 10K
Wednesday 24th June 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 2)
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
Wednesday 1st July 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 3)
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)
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 4)
Saturday 11th July 2026 - National Athletics League Division 1 West (Fixture 2 - Bournemouth)
Tuesday 14th July 2026 - Westbury 5K
Wednesday 15th July 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 5)
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026 - Combined Events Track & Field Outdoor Championships (Horspath)
Sunday 19th July - South West Inter-County Track and Field Championships (Exeter)
Wednesday 22nd July 2026 - Shepton Mallet Lido Aquathlon Summer Series (Event 6)
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)