Saturday 22nd April
Westbury Harriers – Weekly News
Editors Piece
You’ve undertaken all the training, got the long runs in, practised using your gels and have enjoyed the taper. The hard work has been done, now it’s time to get the carbs in, chill out, then an early night because tomorrow is the big day. Of course I’m talking about the London Marathon!
Good luck to all those running and I hope to hear how you got on with a few photos for the Weekly News.
Yes, it’s still called the Weekly News. I’ve not had any suggestions for an alternative title so I’m keeping a firm grip on those running vouchers.
Monday Training From Blaise
Just another reminder that Monday night training for the seniors will start from the club house on the Blaise Castle Estate. Last Monday was the first run this year starting from Blaise for the majority of the groups. A number of the groups are pictured below before they set off.
Tuesday Running Session at Yate Track and Thursday Intervals
The running session at Yate will be posted on facebook neared the time.
We’re on the grass at Coombe Dingle for an out and back session. It’s rather difficult to explain in words but it will be a lot clearer on the night but in simple terms the aim is to run, have a short recovery, and then return to the original starting point. The intervals will increase from 30 to 90 seconds and will be in pairs, hence the out and back.
Member of the Month Winners
Congratulations to our senior member this month, Mr Tim Carr. Tim received his award for his encouraging support in group 5 and on one occasion giving up his own run to assist an injured runner back home. He is also a regular guide with the Visually Impaired (VI) running group.
The junior award went to Jay Hunt for a fabulous run at the recent Bristol Track Club 5k event at Odd Down, Bath. Jay had a great day running a PB in 17:15. Jay pictured below with mum Debbie.
Up and Running running vouchers will be on they way to you soon.
Club Championships- Frenchay 10K
The Frenchay 10k was the first race in our club championship series of 2023/24 and although an enjoyable event it’s not easy one! An undulating course of mixed terrain with a nasty hill finish at the end as your approach the UWE campus.
Congratulations to podium finishers as follows:
- Scott Campbell: 1st Vet Male: 38:23
- Stephanie Cummins: 2nd Female: 42:46
- Katie Hughes: 1st Vet Female: 40:33
- Tamsin Elson Chick: 3rd Vet Female: 44:03
- Kate Hoffen: 3rd Super Vet Female: 48:46
- Our ladies Team finished in first place, Katie, Stephanie and Tamsin being joined by Lorna Miller in the victorious team!
A Club Championship event always attracts lots of Westbury runners, making them good fun to take part in. There are lots more races to come and plenty of opportunities for those of us who didn’t race today to join in the fun!
Newport Marathon
There were a few from the club running Newport and I received the picture below from Yvette showing Alex Hamblin and Ben Wood ,who both has some solid performances on a testing course. Alex crossed the line with an unbelievable time of 2:46 and Ben came home in 3:06 and Newport was his first marathon.
Kymin Dash
Becca Wms, pictured below with Tim Carr tells me that they choose to run the Kymin Dash, a trail race from Monmouth which took place the same weekend as the Frenchay 10k. Becca goes on to say, “The Kymin Dash was a really well organised and fun race which featured a bloody great big hill and some nice motivational placards throughout. Would recommend it to anyone who likes their trail a bit more like the road – for the most part it was forest tracks. So less gnarly than Blaise Blazer.
I love these little local races so please do post up if you’re planning on running any. I only moved back to the area a year ago so don’t always know they are taking place, and it’s nice to have friends”
Editors Note. Becca, worth looking out for the fell race series as there’s a winter fell race and even a night race that use the Kymin trails. Also, very true about running with friends so do think about participating in the Club Championship races.
Club Championships 22/23
I mentioned the club championships a few weeks back but thanks to Judy I can now provide you will the full results from last years series, from 1st to 10th place with category winners.
Once again, congratulation to our winners, Alistair Blackwood and Judy Knights (pictured above and below).
Club Championship 23/24 by Judy Knights
Like other running clubs, Westbury Harriers has a club championship. The aim is to encourage members of all abilities to participate in local races, and in doing so have fun while raising the profile of the club.
The list of races in the championship is published in advance (on Facebook and the website) and points are awarded when you participate. Your best ten races count towards the final standings. At the end of the championship year, prizes (Up and Running vouchers) are awarded to the top ten men and women in the standings and there are additional prizes for those who are top in their age category.
So if you are looking for a new challenge or just want to do some races knowing you will meet other Westbury Harriers, sign up for a Championship event. https://westburyharriers.co.uk/events/club-championships/
Editors Note: I would certainly recommend participating in a few club champ events, and of course you don’t need to do every event in the series as it’s only your top 10 that count. I enjoy the series because it provides the opportunity to have some friendly rivalry with your fellow runners in the club.
Horton Bull Run (Club Championship Race 2) – Sunday 23rd April
II should’t really being saying this because anybody who races tomorrow may threaten my third place position in the club championships, but I’m going to anyway.
Tomorrow is the Horton Bull Run, a 4 mile run around the South Gloucestershire lanes of Horton. The great news is you can also enter on the day, just make sure you get to registration early as there’s a limit of 200 runners. Details are in the link below. https://hortonbullrun.co.uk/
Richard Bloss Personality of the Year Award
Don’t forget to get your nominations in TONIGHT!
In 2013 the club unfortunately lost one of its greatest personalities, Richard Bloss, after a short battle with cancer. Before he passed away, he was presented with an award named in his honour, the Richard Bloss Personality of the Year. The club awards night takes place on Saturday, May 20th and for this award we’d like you, the club members, to choose the recipient.
Previous winners include Richard Bloss, Colin Johnson, Geraint Torrington, Richard Hughes, Simon Johnson, Neil Miller, Jayne Pemble, Mike Mewse and Ian Gawinowski.
Get your nomination in NOW, by e-mail to bloss@westburyharriers.co.uk
Cheddar Road Race Sunday 16th September
Relish Running are doing a promo for the Cheddar Road Race on Saturday 16th September 2023.
They are offering 20% off individual bookings for the Cheddar 5km, 10km and Half Marathon until the end of May only, and we would love to see lots of the Wesbury Harriers there! The Club code is CRRWH
About the Cheddar Road Race
– 5km is 100% downhill
– 10km has a 7.5km downhill sprint for the finish
– 5km and 10km runners catch a bus back to the start
– The Half Marathon goes up the gorge and then straight back down!
The race is on 100% CLOSED ROADS and offers a unique experience and opportunity to appreciate Cheddar Gorge traffic free and maybe post a gravity assisted PB at the same time! https://tinyurl.com/3cwcavyd
Running and Canoeing Wye Valley Weekend Away 9-11th June
A long weekend camping trip to the Wye Valley is planned for a canoeing and running weekend. Watch this space for details!
Blaise Blazer 2023 – Monday 5th June
Another reminder in case you’ve forgotten to sign up for the Blaise Blazer, our very own 4 mile trail event in the beautiful grounds of the Blaise Castle estate. It’s probably the best value event ever at only £6 for afflicted runners and it includes cakes and tea at the finish! https://westburyharriers.fullonsport.com/event/blaise-blazer-2023/profile
If you’re not running then your help to support the event will be needed and you can add your details below. http://westburyharriers.co.uk/blaise-blazer-volunteering/
Strava Segment of the Week
Well done to Abby Hilado who just become local legend of Strava segment Blaise Gate to bin on this afternoons 17k run.
Diary Dates
Sunday 23rd April Horton Bull Run (Club Championship)
Thursday 27th April Weston Prom
Saturday 29th April Butcombe Trail Ultramarathon 50 or 56 miler
Tuesday 9th May Race 1 Rose Inn Series, Chepstow Harriers
Sunday 14th May AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 10k and HM (Club Championship)
Friday 19th May GWR Towpath Race 1 (incl. Mob Match) (Club Championship)
Saturday 20th May Club Awards Evening at Shirehampton Golf Club
Monday 22nd May 10k Hogweed Trot and Avon County Championships
Thursday 25th May Weston Prom
Monday 5th June Blaise Blazer Trail Race
June 9-11th June Running and Canoeing Weekend, Why Valley
Saturday 10th June Man V Horse
Tuesday 13th June Race 2 Rose Inn Series, Chepstow Harriers
Tuesday 13th June Clevedon Mid summer 10k (Club Championship)
Friday 16th June GWR Towpath Race 2
Tuesday 27th June Sri Chimnoy 2 mile (Club Championship)
Thursday 29th June 19:30 Thornbury 10k Road Race, Thornbury Running Club
Thursday 6th July Tintern Trot Trail Race, Chepstow Harriers
Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th July Brecon Fans Race Weekend. Horseshoe 10 miler and Pen y Fan
Tuesday 11th July Race 3 Rose Inn Series, Chepstow Harriers
Friday 14th July GWR Towpath Race 3
Saturday 29th July Magor 10k Road Race massive PB potential on a mega flat route
Tuesday 8th August Race 4 Rose Inn Series, Chepstow Harriers
Friday 18th August GWR towpath race 4
Saturday 19th August Race the Train, trail event and you chase the choo choo
Monday 21st August Club Charity Hash and Cake Sale
Sunday 27th August Severn Bridge Half Marathon and 10k
Saturday 16th September Relish Running Cheddar Road Race
Friday 29th September – Sunday 1st October. Trail running weekend, Peak District.
Saturday 30 September – Sunday 1st October World Athletics Road Running Champs Riga 1 mile, 5km and half marathon
Sunday 17th September Copenhagen Half Marathon (part of the Super Half Series)
Sunday 17th September Oldbury 10 miler Thornbury Running Club
Sunday 24th September Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon
Sunday 1st October Cardiff Half Marathon (part of the Super Half Series)
Editor this Week
Ian Gawinowski is Westbury Harriers Communications Officer and can be contacted via communication@westburyharriers.co.uk
