Hello!
I hope everyone has had a great week, if like me you were struck down with the horrible coldy/flu virus doing the rounds over Christmas I hope you are now on the mend!
I’m looking forward to being back to club next week and catching up with a few of you there.
RACE REPORTS
A Chilly Night In Chepstow – Mark Canwell
A group of us crossed the bridge this evening for the Chepstow Night Race. It was a crisp and chilly night, but that didn’t dampen our spirits!
The route took us c7.5km out from Chepstow racecourse, winding around the back through Piercefield Park before returning to the racecourse for a demanding uphill finish. Underfoot, we encountered a mix of mostly grassy terrain, sometimes frozen, other times soggy, and the occasional frozen molehill.
It was a hugely enjoyable race, with some fantastic performances from Westbury Harriers including:
- First place for the men’s team
Ben Wood – 1st Westbury Harriers men’s finisher, 3rd overall and 2nd place in the MV40 category (32m57s)
Alastair Blackwood – 2nd place in the Men’s Senior category (35m01s)
Paul Stuart – 1st place in the MV50 category (36m00s)
Heather Bird – 1st Westbury Harriers women’s finisher (46m29s)
Carolyn Dent – 3rd place in the FV60 category (55m00s)
Mark Canwell (44m46s)
Mark Munday (45m01s)
Congratulations to everyone who took part – it was a night to remember!
CLUB NOTICES
Blaise Blazer – Monday 2nd June 2025
Are you handy on a mountain bike?
We are looking for 2 volunteers to trial having lead bikes for the Blaise Blazer race in June. Idea to cycle ahead of the runners to ensure the path is clear of members of the public and marshals know the race is approaching. Would need to be people confident on off road bikes. Due to the nature of the course, it would be sensible to have 2 people as parts of the course are not cyclable, so would need switching over to a 2nd person. If you are interested please contact Tamsin Chick manager.women@westburyharriers.co.uk (or via FB messenger, WhatsApp or text).
Members of the Month
Senior
Rachel Liston
She had a great series of races in December, First Lady in the 12ks of Christmas and age Group podium finish at the Christmas Cracker the next day. Finally another great run and age group podium at the Weston Prom 5 mile race. A leading figure in the group that has taken on the Academy recently, giving that part of our club a real boost of energy and enthusiasm. Unable to train with the seniors on a Monday due to Academy commitments but a regular attender at Thursday Intervals where she is always positive and supportive of the group.
Junior
Alex McBraida
Alex has competed in all the Gwent Leagues this season so far, Tri Counties XC and South West XC Champs at the weekend.
LONDON MARATHON RACE SPOTS
We have 2 club places allocated for the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27th April 2025 which were drawn on Monday 6th January.
The recipients are Sarah Andrews and Jeremy Westwood. Congratulations both and hope your training goes well.
WESTBURY HARRIERS CENTENARY LUNCH – GUEST INFORMATION
Sunday 19th January 2025 – 12.00 to 4.00
Bookings are now closed for the Centenary Lunch. Thank you to everyone who has booked and those who have helped in getting the event organised. We have a great guest list of current and former members, families and friends.
If you have booked for a group please pass on this information to members of your group and check that they have sent in any special dietary needs to centenary@westburyharriers.co.uk
Please feel free to bring along any photographs and memorabilia – we have space allocated for a display. (Please label and name your items so that they can be returned).
We do not have an official photographer but please feel free to take photos which can then be uploaded to a Centenary album.
Our volunteers will have access (via staff entrance) from 10.00 a.m. to help with set up.
Because of the numbers BAWA has asked us to prepare a guest list and to allocate seating on tables of 10. This is to make sure everyone can be seated for the meal. At other times we hope everyone will mingle and make use of the whole area.
Guests are welcome from 12.00 onwards.
There is plenty of free parking on site.
We will have our own reception area inside the corridor to the Ballroom.
Our reception team will check guests in, and give out table numbers & draw tickets.
Programme for the day
12.00 to 1.00 Social time. The Bar will be open from 12 until 4.00.
1.00 to 1.15 p.m. Welcome by Club Presidents and Chairman.
1.15 to 2.00 p.m. Buffet Lunch.
2.00 to 4.00 p.m. Social Time with video / photo displays.
Tea / coffee & Cake will be served at 3.00 p.m. followed by short presentations and a * Free Draw*
Look out for further updates.
THIS WEEK’S TRAINING
MONDAY – Tempo Run:
Group runs from Coombe Dingle at 6.30pm, these are perfect sessions for a Tempo pace run, equally there are plenty of groups available if you want a recovery or social run. Book via RunTogether. There is also a Wellbeing run at 7:15pm. Bring running lights and reflective clothing if you have them.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.
1min-2min-3min-4min-3min-2min-1min-4min (1 min recovery throughout, 90 secs after 4 min). Option to drop 4 mins to 3.
5-10k effort
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/
Sunday 26th Jan – Chepstow Festival of running – https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/chepstow-running-festival-5k-10k-half-marathon-january-2025
Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th February: Margam Park (TBC), Gwent League XC
Sunday 23rd February. Ironwood Challenge – https://nailsea.fullonsport.com/…/ironwood…/profile
Saturday 1st March: Venue TBC, Gwent League XC
Sunday 6th April. The big Cheese race. 15-mile fell race in Cheddar.
Editor: Sophie Voller
