WESTBURY HARRIERS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 09/12/24
Hello fellow Harriers,
Proper cold and windy at the moment, isn’t it? Hope this letter finds you all well and warm. Some great race action to report on from the Gwent League this week. And not any Gwent League, our very own Blaise Castle race. What I really loved was seeing runners turning up who have never done cross country before and loving it. While it’s great to hear about our fantastic runners doing their thing, its also good to give a massive nod to all the volunteers who made the event possible. So let me say thank you to all the volunteers who turned up early and throughout the day to marshal, course set and especially dish out tea and coffee! Alastair Blackwood did a top job of organising everyone (mammoth job) and well done to course wizard Neil Miller for marking. We had Geraint on the mic and his young apprentice Megan, who took the helm while he was running (she did an awesome job, in fact we are seeing if we can book her for the whole race next year, sorry Geraint). Also, a special mention should be given to Richard Hughes (and his massive camera). He took some great pictures on the day.
SO, THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
RACE REPORTS
Gwent League Blaise Castle – Senior and Masters Men
by Geraint Torrington
What a day, what a team, what a club!
Saturday demonstrated all that’s good about the club. Dedication, commitment, enthusiasm from everybody involved in the day from the course setters, marshals, supporters, and the athletes.
It was a unique occasion with us hosting the once in a hundred years Westbury Harriers Centenary Challenge alongside the Gwent League races – a big thank you to male president Mike Mewse for organising this.
The atmosphere was great all around the course, but the part as we exited the woods was a bit special.
So how did the men’s team do? Well a little bit good to be fair. The first team finished in fourth place on the day to move is up to 8th overall – comfortably mid-table – with three runners in the top 20. Ben Rawlins was first home in 7th closely followed by Greg Hayward in 8th. Making his senior debut and finishing 19th was Thomas Darton – what a great performance. Oli Beale was next home in 36th (3rd masters 45) and completing the first team in 46th was Tom Reed. To have all our first team scorers in the 50 is fantastic.
And for the B team we had Gwent League debutant Ian Leonard in 73rd, Dan Summers in 77th, Jack Derrick in 171st Alan Uren in 180th and Ben Wood in 182nd.
The C team was lead home by club captain Alastair Blackwood in 205th, Chris Treble in 206th, Paul Stuart in 244th (9th masters 55), Martin Fielding in 251st and track and short distance specialist Andrew Davies in 259th. It was great to see Andrew taking part after being “encouraged” to take part for a long time.
Alex Miller led the D team home in 269th followed by Kento Taoka – who used the run as a warm-up for a hockey match later – in 272nd, Fergal Cummins in 287th, George Griffiths in 302nd and Paul Turner in 312th.
For the E team (yes, we had an E team!) Martyn Clayton was first scorer in 327th, Sebastian Turner in 356th, announcer Geraint Torrington using his 100M sprint speed to finish in 400th, the returning Ian Derrick in 403rd and Mark Canwell in 415th.
Our 26th and final runner home in the senior men’s race was the ever-smiling Mark Munday in 420th.
For the first time in a long, long time we also had men running in the masters 65 race which is run alongside the senior women’s race. David George was 14th and Peter Murphy 21st. Really good to see us have men in this race – just one more for a team next time.
I really couldn’t ask for more from the men, it was a fantastic team effort.
I have to say a big thank you to my daughter Megan who took over the announcing whilst I was, in her words, ‘plodding’ around the course.
Senior Ladies Gwent League
By Tamsin Elson Chick
What a difference a year makes. Last year was freezing cold, this year was positively balmy! Another fabulous turnout of our ladies for the 3rd Gwent League fixture at Blaise.
Congratulations ladies you starred again, we won the men vs ladies trophy (36 to 29), with the men edging closer every year. Great to see such a good turnout across both senior races.
The course was in good condition and our ladies certainly flew round on what is a deceivingly challenging course. It was team full of seasoned Gwent Leaguers, who packed in one after another. A top class masters team bringing in the A team. Catherine a year older but 5 places up on last year, Katie.H making the top 20th for the first time this season with Bridget closely following. Newly qualified nurse Robyn in her 1st Gwent this season and Sophie who will not be leaving a 5 year gap again before her next Gwent league! We saw Jenny return after having her first child, lovely to have you back with us. Katie.R ran one of her strongest races to date and Hannah who is having a consistently good season inside the top 100.
The great performances and volume of Westbury Harriers runners meant all our teams have moved up the table. Our V65’s making a great comeback after not having a team at the first fixture to top the table. The V55s and V45s are battling hard in competitive fields, only 4 points and 42 points respectively off the leading team. The V35s made their way into the lead. We also have had an U23 team at the last 2 fixtures which is great to see.
Thank-you to all those that came and supported the team. Everyone who ran counts and it very much a team effort. Many thanks to all those ladies who also helped out on volunteer duties, before or after their race.
It was a wonderful centenary event for Westbury. Mike.M did a fantastic job of organising the challenge event and well done to all the winners. So many compliments from other clubs about the race and how well organised it was. Well done to all those involved, particularly Neil and Alastair, as I know how much goes on behind the scenes.
A team (Catherine Treble V35 14th, Katie Hughes V45 19th, Bridget Belfourd V35 21st, Robyn Ellis V45 40th, Sophie Voller V45 48th). B team (Vicky Tester V35 54th, Becky Lee V35 58th, Lucy Richens V45 61st, Maeve Robinson U23 76th, Hannah Batchelor SL 84th) C team (Debbie Cleary V35 93rd, Marcie Bower SL 112th, Sarah Andrews V55 116th, Sandy Masters V65 127th, Kate Hoffen 130th). D team (Becca Huckett V45 133rd, Antonia Gooder V55 135th, Monica Warnock V55 148th, Lorna Miller SL 150th, Nina Waller V45 156), E team (Katie Ramsden U23 161st, Helen Sawyer V55 168th, Heidi Andrews V45 173rd, Judy Knights V55 179th, Emma-Jane Orchard V45 184th) F team (Debbie Hunt V45 192nd, Anneke Bull V55 198th, Sandra Sforza V55 202nd, Felicity Russell V65 208th, Heather Bird V35 234rd) G Team (Sophie Daguenet V35 238th, Catherine Andrews U23 20th, Sharon Sayle V55 269th, Eithne Noonan V65 273rd, Lindsay Hall V55 284th), Jenny Mcphail V35 285th.
Senior team 4th on the day, B Team 10th, C team 19th, D team 22nd, E team 29th, F Team 41st G Team 64th. 85 teams in total
The A team have moved up to 5th place overall in the 1st division.
Reserve Division – B team have moved up to 2nd overall. All other teams have also moved up in the team standings, C team 9th, D team 12th 19th, E team 19th, F Team 38th, G team 51st
Current Age groups team standings
U23 – 8th (moving up 2 places)
V35 – 1st (moving up from 2nd)
V45 – 2nd (staying the same) (B team 5th)
V55 – 2nd (staying the same)
V65 – 1st (Moving up from 2nd)
Individual standings after 3 fixtures
V35s – Catherine 2nd,
V45s – Katie Hughes 1st,
V55s – Monica Warnock 6th
V65s– Sandy Masters 3rd
Congratulations to Catherine, Katie.H, Bridget, Robyn, Sophie, Lucy, Sarah and Sandy who were in top the 10% of their age groups (see the * next to your name in the results). Don’t forget to pick up your complimentary T-Shirt at the next Gwent, only 1 per season. Although they were very low in stock at Blaise.
Last 2 fixtures Saturday 8th February 2023, Margam Park, Port Talbot and Sat 1st or Sun 2nd March venue to be confirmed so make sure you have these dates down. The team needs you.
Junior girls shine.
There were some fantastic results for the academy on the day as well. I don’t have any info for the boys but special mention to
U13s Elizabeth 1st (3 from 3 this season)
U15s Lillia 1st
U20s Freya 1st (3 from 3 this season)
Tri / Quad Counties Championships Bath University, Sunday 8th Dec.
A cold northerly wind and some serious hill climbing on the University of Bath course today.
In the Women’s race Katie Hughes had a fine run (26.16 2nd FV50) just ahead of Catherine Treble ( 26.34 2nd FV40). Elen Ruck (28.17 8th U20) and Katie Ramsden (31.31 16th U20) both had good runs on a tough course for Under 20s.
Ben Rawlins (36.22) led the race but slipped from 1st place to 37th as he picked up a twinge, and was overtaken by Greg Hayward (35.07 18th). Tom Reed (36.44 44th) Matthew Cant (37.03 54th) Chris Treble (43.30 14th V40) Richard Finch (46.50 7th V60).
Congratulations to our Westbury Harriers winners – Elizabeth Hutchings (Under 13 Girls ) and Seb Guzman (Under 11 Boys.
Men’s Team presented with Michelin Trophy
The men, tired of the lady’s team waving all their silverware around at every opportunity, decided it was high time we won something. A men’s team won the Michelin Trophy back in September at the nationals. And we have finally got our hands on it. Pictured was the team that won it, but it has been a whole team effort over the years to get this trophy. So, this one is for all the men who have ran xc over the recent years. A special mention to Mike Mewes for steering the men’s team to winning this trophy.
CLUB NOTICES
Information about London Marathon
We have 2 club places allocated for the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27th April 2025 this year and they need to be registered by the deadline of 16:00 on Thursday 27th February 2025.
In line with the committee, this year current Members must show that they had entered the ballot and they must also have been a member at the time that they were rejected. If you are a primary Yate member, then you should apply through Yate as they will also have club TCS London Marathon places.
Please register your interest in entering the Draw by e-mailing secretary@westburyharriers.co.uk with the proof you have entered and been rejected from the ballot, and confirmation that you were a member at the time (which will be checked) by Midnight Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Member of the Month
Senior
Sebastian Turner – Great addition to our club and a Wednesday & Thursday regular. Ran his first XC at Blaise and smashed it.
Junior
Megan Torrington – Has run all the Gwent leagues this seasons. Fantastic commentary at recent Gwent League fixture for the senior men’s race.
Christmas Lights Run, Monday 16 December 2024
The annual run to the Brailsford Christmas Lights will take place on Monday 16 December.
For those that haven’t taken part before the lights are well worth a visit!
Runners are encouraged to wear Christmas fancy dress. We run in our Groups as usual from Coombe Dingle at 6:30pm, taking in the lights as part of our Monday run.
As well as enjoying the lights there is the photo opportunity, who will be the best dressed group this year?!
Booking in the usual way through Run Together.
This will be the last formal Monday run of 2024, so let’s celebrate the end of another great year of running with a drink at the Black Swan, Stoke Lane BS9 3SP after the run!
For more information on the lights or to make a charity donation please see the link below
https://www.brailsfordlights.co.uk/
UPCOMING CENTENARY EVENTS – SAVE THE DATES & BOOK NOW!!
What a great start we had to our Centenary Year, with the brilliant Centenary Supper at the White Lion on the 8th February and the ITV West Country feature.
Those events kick-started a great year for the club with success – at local, regional, national and international level.
As we move towards the last few months of our Centenary Year, the club has organised two further events which we hope all club members will support and enjoy. Full details will be emailed out to members but here is the basic information.
We’ve hired BAWA Club, Filton for The Westbury Harriers Centenary Lunch on a Sunday, mid – January 2025.
This informal social event will bring together current and former members, partners, families and friends to celebrate 100 years of Westbury Harriers.
Full details have been sent out to all members.
Our brilliant Communications Team will be updating information on these events regularly so look out for emails and Facebook posts.
South West Cross Country – Saturday 4th January 2025 – ENTRIES CLOSE 15TH DECEMBER 2024
RNAS Merryfield (8 miles south-east of Taunton)
11.10 – Senior Women – 7130m
(Including Under 20 Women and Masters – W35, W45, W55)
11.45 – Senior Men – 7130m
(Including Under 20 Men and Masters – M40, M50, M60)
You need to ENTER YOURSELF for the SW XC which takes place on Sat 4th Jan. So please note the closing date. SW XC has ample free parking.
Entry fees can be reclaimed from the club, we encourage you to do this as this is a benefit of being a club member, when you complete the event as these are championship races. Complete an expenses form –https://westburyharriers.co.uk/documents/
Please contact myself (ladies), Mike Mewse (men) to let us know you have entered so we know how teams are shaping up – via email, text, WhatsApp as it difficult for us to see who has entered.
Race information http://s250914043.websitehome.co.uk/avon/CCSouthWest.html
Entries https://form.jotform.com/242756451292359
The Southwest XC is a great event. It is most suitable for people who run in groups 1-4. Men and women run the same distance at this event.
Christmas training dates
- Thursday 12th December last senior interval session (no training 19th December due to the Weston prom race/meal)
- Monday 16th Dec Brailsford Lights Run. Tuesday track and weds hills as usual.
- 19th Dec – Weston Prom meal
- W/C 23rd Dec and 30th Dec Coombe Dingle closed no formal training
- Monday 23rd Dec – potential social run (see Facebook for further details if this goes ahead)
- Sunday 29th Dec – potential social run from club house (will be put on RunTogether)
- Week commencing Monday 6th January – all training sessions resumes
THIS WEEK’S TRAINING
MONDAY – TEMPO:
Group tempo runs from Coombe Dingle at 6.30pm, with Wellbeing run at 7.15pm
TUESDAY – TRACK:
Track session at Yate 7pm – Seniors book on via RunTogether.
WEDNESDAY – HILL SESSION:
Adults, all abilities. Meet every Wednesday at 12pm at the traffic lights by Saville Road on the Downs. Book on via RunTogether. Coffee in the Downs Café at 1pm for anyone that wants to come along.
THURSDAY – INTERVALS:
Coombe Dingle at 7pm.
Road session. See Facebook for details.
Bring running lights and reflective clothing if you have them.
UPCOMING RACES
A reminder that we have an events calendar on our website where you can keep track of dates for training, events and races. (Thanks, Vicky, for keeping this updated). https://westburyharriers.co.uk/events/events-calendar/
Club Championship info and rules on this link: https://westburyharriers.co.uk/events/club-championship/
Saturday 14th December: The 12kss of Xmas – Club Championship
Sunday 15th December: Weston Christmas Cracker 10k
Thursday 19th December: Weston Prom Race #4 – Club Championship
Saturday 4th January: South West XC http://www.avon-aa.org.uk/
Sunday 19th January 2025: Kymin Winter Fell Race – Entry price of £8 includes sausage and chips in the pub afterwards! Plenty of parking at the Monmouth Prep School. A few Westbury Harriers have already signed up. https://sites.google.com/site/welshfellrace/individual-races/kymin-winter-race
Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th February: Margam Park (TBC), Gwent League XC
Saturday 1st March: Venue TBC, Gwent League XC
Have a great week,
Ben Wood
