Saturday 16th December
Westbury Harriers – Weekly News
Editors Piece
Who finds the weather rather depressing this time of year? I’m really struggling, it’s cold, damp and miserable. I cycle to work in the dark, then return in the dark. Perhaps I suffer from SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder and need some winter sun? I don’t have a winter training camp planned in sunny Lanzarote so instead I’m having to make do by watching a Netflix crime drama set in Ibiza.
On a more positive note I do have Christmas to look forward too, only one more week to go (as I write this it’s actually 8 days, 6 hours and 48 minutes). In the festive run-up we have the Brailsford lights run on Monday evening and then on Thursday it’s the Christmas meal in Weston. Naturally I’ll be running the Prom race beforehand but I’ll be taking it easy. This year it’s not a club championship event and there won’t be points at stake so I’ll jog along the seafront, then enjoy my meal and a few drinks.
Tuesday Running Session at Yate Track and Thursday Intervals
The next track session is Tuesday 19th January, then it’s a break until the New Year with the first session of 2024 on Tuesday 2nd January. The interval session will be posted on facebook nearer the time.
A reminder that there will be NO formal interval session next Thursday because it’s the night of the Weston Prom and Christmas meal. If you’re not attending and still fancy running some intervals Vicky has suggested a few loops of Hillsdon Road, using the downhill for your recovery.
Club Championship Standings
Well done to everyone who ran in the last club championship event, the Christmas Cracker 10K hosted by Weston AC. It was not the easiest race this year with the conditions underfoot on the beach being very soggy and there was a brutal headwind.
Alec Sampson had a fantastic race coming home 2nd overall in 37:20 and claiming maximum club championship points. For the women Sophie Voller not only had a category win but also grabbed all the points in the women’s championship competition.
I also need to mention Sandy Masters who claimed a category win in her age category with a time of 49:17.
Here are the latest Club Championship standings following the Christmas Cracker. Well done to all. There has been a bit of jostling for the top positions.
Remember that it is the best ten races that count, so while those have already run ten can improve their positions, points are more readily available to those who have run fewer than ten. Still plenty of chances to boost your standing in the New Year!
But I’d like to know if I have the Club Championship win in the bag or could any of those below me remain a threat? Judy, if you can you tell me who’s ankles I need to break before next club championship race I would be grateful.
Christmas Social Run
On Thursday 28th December at 10:00am we have a social run for all the senior groups. There will be leaders for all paces so everyone is welcome and it’s free!
Please meet at the Westbury Harriers club pavilion at Blaise Castle for a trail run. Refreshments after the run will be provided in the club house. https://tinyurl.com/2dmxyep6
Saturday Run, Long or Short?
Next Saturday do you fancy long or short. If it’s short then the clubhouse will be opened up for the Blaise parkrun and I’ve been told there may be some mince pies and Christmas biscuits in the clubhouse afterwards.
If you fancy something a bit longer there will be a Saturday morning run starting at 9:00. It may be local or further afield, details will be added to facebook nearer the time.
Monday Run to Brailsford Lights
The Monday night training run for all groups will incorporate a stop at the Brailsford Lights. If you fancy dressing up for the occasion then get the festive outfit at the ready!
Blaise Blazer
I know the summer seems a long way off but I’m advising you now of a clash of events. Unfortunately, next year, the Hogweed 10K (which is also in conjunction with the Avon County Championships) has had a date change so now clashes with our very own Blaise Blazer on Monday 3rd June. We need our wonderful helpers, volunteers and runners to make this event a success so we appreciate your support at the Blaise Blazer.
Missing a Jacket?
Has anyone lost a Westbury Harriers size 10 women’s jacket? It was left hanging up in the ladies changing room after the Blaise Gwent. If it’s yours then let me know.
South West XC Championships 7th January 2024
A reminder that entries for the South West XC Champs need to be completed by 27th December 2023.
Event is Sunday 7th Jan 2024 at RNAS Merryfield. Athletes enter themselves but entry fee can be reclaimed from the club. Speak to your relevant team manager to find out more. Seniors email was sent on 23/11/23 with all the details. https://tinyurl.com/5n72y6cy
European Cross Country
Well done to Seamus Robinson in the U20 race, representing Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships. Ireland won the team event, with Seamus the 4th scorer in 25th place.
Club Championship Races
Just a reminder if you missed it last week there are only three remaining club championing races in the series. They are as follows:
- Wyedean (Chepstow) Trail Night Race on Thursday 11th January https://tinyurl.com/yc8es6xh
- Chepstow Racecourse 10k on Sunday 28th January 2024 https://tinyurl.com/yc6se84z
- Dursley Dozen 12-mile trail race on Sunday 18th February https://tinyurl.com/2p8sn7eu
- Gwent XC Pont-y_Pwl on Saturday 2nd March https://www.gwent-league.org.uk/fixtures.html
Strava Segment of the Week
Well done to Rachel Liston on her 50 minute progression run based on Heart Rate. On her run she also become the Local Legend of Strava segment, shirehampton rd climb.
Diary Dates
Monday 18th December Seniors Brailsford Christmas Lights Run
Tuesday 26th December Boxing Day Race 4 miler, Clevedon AC
Thursday 28th December Senior Social Trail Run, from 10am at Blaise.
Thursday 4th January 2024 Senior and Junior Training Resumes
Sunday 7th January 2024 South West Cross Country Championships -at RNAS Merryfield, near Taunton,
Monday 8th January Academy Training Resumes
Friday 11th January Wye Valley and Piercefield Park Night Race, Fabian 4
Sunday 14th January Riverbank Rollick Trail, Thornbury AC. https://tinyurl.com/48ksbcan
Sunday 28th January Speedway 10k Near Chepstow, via Fabian4
Sunday 4th February The Doynton Hard Half Marathon, trail race.
Saturday 10th February 2024 Gwent Cross Country League Margam Park
Sunday 25th February 2024 Bath Two Tunnels Railway Race
Saturday 2nd or 3rd March 2024 – 5th Gwent League date and venue not finalised (possibly Saturday at Pontypool again).
Sunday 3rd March Newport Half Marathon fullonsport
Saturday 16th March 2024 – Masters Open Cross Country Championships. Corwen, Wales. (Men/Women masters V35, V45, V55, V65 plus)
Saturday 27th April Butcombe Trail Ultra Marathon 50 or 56 mile options
Club Centenary Events
Thursday 8th February 2024 club supper -White Lion in Westbury-on-Trym
Saturday 23rd March 2024 Awards evening, venue TBC
Thursday 25th April 2024, AGM after training at Coombe Dingle
Saturday 18th May 2024, formal centenary celebration, venue TBC
Saturday 22nd June 2024, all club event. Activities for juniors and seniors followed by a BBQ/Hog Roast/some sort of food. Likely to be at Blaise Castle.
Editor this Week
Ian Gawinowski is Westbury Harriers Communications Officer and can be contacted via communication@westburyharriers.co.uk
