Westbury Harriers Weekly News
What a scorching week! There’s still so much running to report on though, from the Cotswold Way Relay to a new Club Champs race and the English Schools Champs on the track. Well done everyone, and a particular shout out to Alastair and Neil for organising another successful Westbury Wipeout on Monday evening, and thanks to all WH members who volunteered!
RACE REPORTS
Cotswold Way Relay
by Geraint Torrington
The Cotswold Way Relay is a legendary event that snakes along one of the UK’s most picturesque trails, offering runners an experience both exhilarating and challenging. This year, the iconic relay saw an impressive turnout from Westbury Harriers, who fielded three determined teams: the Blueberries (Open Team), the Youngberries (Ladies), and the Elderberries (Vets). Each team, true to its name, brought a unique blend of energy, camaraderie, and competitive spirit to the course.
Leg-by-Leg Highlights
Stage 1: The Opening Gambit – Chipping Campden to Stanway House
The event opened with a burst of energy as Dave Stellar (Blueberries), Antonia Gooder (Youngberries), and Kay Ridgwell (Elderberries) took to the start line. The stage set the tone—fast, hilly, and competitive. All three runners navigated the tricky terrain with grit, ensuring a strong foundation for their teams.
Stage 2: Settling In – Stanway House to Cleeve Common
Alastair Blackwood (Blueberries) showcased seasoned trail prowess, while Tracey Li (Youngberries) and Tim Carr (Elderberries) powered through the winding woodland.
Stage 3: Into the Heart of the Cotswolds – Cleeve Common to Hartley Lane Car Park
Dominic Hurford, Nicola Derrick, and Wayne Ellis, each representing their respective teams, tackled the undulating third stage. Their efforts were unwavering, with all three runners making light work of the technical sections and handing on the metaphorical baton in fine form.
Stage 4: Uphill Battles and Downhill Thrills – Hartley House to Painswick
Paul Stuart (Blueberries), Becky Lee (Youngberries), and Ian Derrick (Elderberries) faced one of the race’s most scenic stretches. The cheese rolling ascent tested resolve, but the descent was a reward.
Stage 5: Midday Momentum – Painswick to Ebley MIll
By the time the fifth stage began, the fields were alive with colour and the encouraging shouts of supporters. Geraint Torrington, Debbie Cleary, and Carol Fee carried their teams through, each showing stamina and determination on a route that blended open fields (with some spooked cows!) with woodland shade.
Stage 6: Into the Afternoon – Dudbridge to Dursley
The sixth leg saw Helen Sawyer (Blueberries), Kate Hoffen (Youngberries), and Maggie Salter (Elderberries) take to the trail. The sun flirted with the clouds, and the runners pressed on, buoyed by the knowledge that the finish was drawing closer.
Stage 7: Rhythm and Resolve – Dursley to Wotton under Edge
Ian Ruck ran for the Blueberries, Judy Knights for the Youngberries, and Jon Goodland for the Elderberries. All three runners navigated the challenging climbs and winding descents, drawing on reserves of strength.
Stage 8: The Home Stretch Beckons – Wotton under Edge to Old Sodbury
Ewan Kilgour (Blueberries), Trish Robson (Youngberries), and Svetlana Jones (Elderberries) took over for their teams. With fatigue setting in but spirits high, they pushed through the picturesque countryside, cheered on by passing walkers and fellow runners.
Stage 9: Penultimate Push – Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton
The penultimate leg saw Tim Clothier (Blueberries), Anneke Bull (Youngberries), and Eithne Noonan (Elderberries) keeping the pace brisk. Eithne took a tumble mid-stage and had to have help to find her glasses in a field. Once back on, she powered to the finish a little battered and bruised by the experience.
Stage 10: The Grand Finale – Cold Ashton to Bath Abbey
The final leg belonged to Sandra Sforza (Blueberries), Olivia Zeltner (Youngberries), and Ellie Bourdeaux (Elderberries) with the Harriers getting an extra boost from the water station hosted by Kay, Carol and Harro. With the finish in sight, each runner summoned a last reserve of energy to bring their team home, cheered on by teammates, friends, and the bemused Bath tourists. Ellie showed great sportsmanship in stopping in Victora when she spotted a fellow runner in distress. She stayed until she was sure he was being looked after and completed her leg.
Results
In the Open category the Blueberries were 16th, the Youngberries 8th in the Ladies category and the Elderberries 15th in the Veterans category. Congratulations to every runner and to organiser extraordinaire Eithne Noonan who made this relay a day to remember. Until next year, the trails await.
Great North 10k 2025
by Lyn Jenkins
On Sunday 6th July I was very proud to be one of two Westbury Harriers in the 150 strong England team competing in the 2025 International Representative Masters 10k at the Great North 10k. The course was challenging with 3k downhill initially and then the last 6k was mostly uphill with a long uphill finish. David Tonkin completed the course in 36.06, coming in 16th M45. I finished a lot slower, at 53.09, but was very pleased to be 4th W70, especially after 2 months off with an injury and only 3 weeks back in training. I even managed a 5k PB! It was an amazing experience, especially to start right at the front with the elite athletes.
Hazelbury Hurrah
by Carol Fee
The latest club championship race was tonight. Thanks to Tim Carr for suggesting this one. The Hazelbury Hurrah! is a lovely not flat trail run. The organisers wisely shortened the race and started later to avoid the worst of the heat. So the beer and pie came around a little quicker! Congratulations to Judy Knights for her V60 win.
Pass the Buck relay
by Hannah Large
On Wednesday, Iain Large and I took part in a new pairs relay race organised by Southville Running Club in Ashton Court. Each runner completes a 5k loop, starting at the bottom of the hill, climbing up on trails via the zig zags, across the plateau and then a quick descent back down parkrun hill. It was a hot evening but the race format was really fun and made for a very sociable, supportive atmosphere. The other important benefit of the relay format meant that we could run as a team and take our three kids along to watch, positioning them right next to the start/finish so we could do a speedy switch between running & childcare duties! Iain and I (‘A Large pair’) were the 1st mixed pair in 37:15 combined time and I just snuck in with the fastest female lap time of 19:45. It was great to see Robin Phillips and Wayne Ellis also there representing WH, and our kids loved the bonus of seeing a balloon take off after the race. It was a great local event and we would highly recommend to others if it happens again next year. Full results here: https://www.southvillerunningclub.co.uk/pass-the-buck-results-2025
Lundy Island Half Marathon – 6th July
by Heidi Andrews.
Not many races start in such a manner as the Lundy half. A 2 hour crossing from Ilfracombe on the MS Oldenburgh on bumpy seas saw the sick bags being handed out before we even left harbour. For those of us not making use of the bags (luckily I found I had sea legs) we were treated to dolphins and seals welcoming us to the island. Lundy is only 3 miles long so the route visits every stunning part. The technical narrow paths on the east go through humid, lush greenery, whilst the dramatic windy west offers open rocky trails. Steep narrow steps down to the light house on the northern tip of (you have to collect a wrist band or you are disqualified!), back up the steps past highland cattle, sheep and deer to the finish line by the welcoming Marisco Tavern. A challenging route after the washing machine journey, but so worth it, it is glorious. The church provided the best bag storage I have ever used, and the medal is pretty as well.
Rose Inn 4 miler
Well done to Sandra Sforza for winning first FV60.
Rodway 10k
Big well done to Helen Sawyer-1st V50 at the incredibly warm Rodway 10km on Friday evening!
Track and Field News
by Mike Mewse
Some of our Westbury athletes have been swapping the cold cross country and roads for the heat of track and field competition.
For the younger ones it was the English Schools finals at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham and for the older ones it was the British Milers Club Grand Prix in Watford – a World Challenger event of the highest quality. Freddie Cooper – our U20 England international steeplechaser – ran a 3.52.55 PB in the 1500m whilst Welsh cross country international Rhiannon Paton won her 1500m heat in a new 4.26.80 PB.
Freya Bradley and Laura Chance were making their final schools appearances with Freya picking up a silver in the 3000m with a new PB of 9.30 and Laura making the 1500m final with possibly the best finishing sprint of the day in her heat!
Henry Watson has run for Westbury Harriers for ten years in cross country and on the roads but it’s as a javelin thrower for Yate & District AC, Gloucestershire Schools and England he has made a big impact, winning the schools home international in 2024. In a top class competition he picked up a bronze medal in the English Schools champs with a throw of 58.23.
Well done to them and to all our athletes who are battling it out in on the (very hot !) track this weekend.
Sri Chinmoy Ice Cream Relays 2025
by Mark Andrews
A lovely summers evening for this year’s event! This race really is like nothing else on the local race calendar! The age difference between the youngest and oldest competitors must have been about 70 years! I can’t think of many other sporting events where such a range of competitors could enjoy competing together over the same course at the same time. A real mix of teams this year, some seriously quick and competitive ones, teams of families, friends and random strangers who teamed up on the night! Despite the relaxed and fun atmosphere the running was of course competitive with everyone of every age giving it their best.
Really great to see a team of Westbury juniors taking part and running well. Well done Max, Alex and Rufus, particularly as I understand some of you also raced the night before at Blaise!
The quickest Westbury Team on the night was the Wednesday Hills based team of William, Sandy and Seb. Great running from all three but Seb’s impressive sprint finish on the final leg, overtaking several competitors, being the racing highlight of the event! To quote Seb “if only Tamsin Elson Chick could have seen that!” The coaching is certainly paying off!
Congratulations to Carole, Caroline and John on their medals in the mixed V50 category.
The awards for this years Sri Chinmoy series were also presented afterwards. Unfortunately many who competed in the series were not there but congratulations to: Sophie Hanna U13, Kate Hoffen FV50, Eithne Noonan FV60
Our ladies team won the series team award. Geraint has your awards
Never one to miss a rare opportunity to celebrate a win I was there to collect the MV50 award!
The real highlight of the evening was the ice cream for every finisher. Unexpectedly high turnout meant a dash to the supermarket for extra supplies but I think everyone got one in the end. I had a great evening, thank you to everyone for the support encouragement and good company. Well done to everyone who raced and thanks to the organisers for their hard work in putting this series on.
Saturday Social Run in the Wye Valley
by Mark Andrews
We were all a little apprehensive setting off on a fairly long run on such a hot day!
This is such a lovely but quite tough route, over 2,000 feet of elevation, but beautiful countryside and stunning views!
At a sensible pace and with plenty of water we all got round safely. Much of the route was in the shade of the trees but the last few miles across open fields in the midday sun was challenging and the ice creams at the end were very welcome and well deserved!
Thank you to the group for your support and great company today, also for your patience during the one and only (but quite major!) navigational error!
ACADEMY NEWS AND UPDATES
FINAL SESSION: Monday 14th July – SPORTS DAY
We’ll wrap up the term with a fun Sports Day at Coombe Dingle from 6pm for all runners in Y4-Y6 (Blaise, Coombe Dingle and Y6 groups together). Expect lots of fun races and maybe a few chilled treats to celebrate.
GWENT XC LEAGUE
Every year, Westbury Harriers members (youth + adults) participate in a series of XC races, with the Gwent League being a fun and competitive fixture. You will have to be aged 9+ to compete and be able to travel to the races. Save the date – this year’s dates/locations are:
Sat 11th Oct at Margam Park (Swansea Harriers)
Sat 8th November at Cardiff in conjunction with Cross Challenge
Sat 6th December at Blaise Castle (Westbury Harriers)
Sat 7th Feb at Chepstow Race Course (Bristol & West AC)
Sat 28th Feb at Parc Bryn Bach (Parc Bryn Bach RC)
For those interested in racing, a poll will be posted on Spond to gauge interest. More details to come.
ATHLETIC HOLIDAY CLUB
Jason will be back running his popular Holiday Camps at Yate AC. They take place Tues-Thurs starting 23rd July for 4 weeks. Year 3+. £25 per day, 9-4pm. YateACacademy@gmail.com
BACK TO TRAINING
A reminder that only Junior Girls (Y6+) will be running sessions throughout the summer, otherwise we’ll be back on Monday 8th September.
CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES
Avon 5km Road Relays Championships
Date: Sunday 24th August, 11am start (Bank holiday Sunday)
Location: Cleeve, Bristol BS49 4PP
3 person teams: U20 men/women (must be 16 or over), senior women, V35/V45/V55/V65 women, V50/V60/V70 men
4 person teams: senior men & V40 men
Championship event so no charge, club pays the entry.
People will try to be accommodated into their age appropriate team but with relays we may need to move people about to ensure we have complete teams.
Westbury always have loads of teams at this event, so do come along and get involved. Always a great event local event, fun, enjoyable, suitable for everyone, competitive for those that want and a great starting point for those who may not have run in a relay before. Don’t worry if you will have just come off holiday or won’t have done much over the summer.
Reserves always welcome.
Suitable for all abilities groups 1-6. Talk to Tamsin or Mike.M/Mark.A for more information.
Sign up on RunTogether
The Gwent Cross Country League
The fixtures for next season are:
- Saturday, October 11th 2025 Margam Park (Swansea Harriers)
- Saturday, November 8th 2025 Cardiff in conjunction with Cross Challenge
- Saturday, December 6th 2025 Blaise Castle (Westbury Harriers)
- Saturday, February 7th 2026 Chepstow Race Course (Bristol & West AC)
- Saturday, February 28th 2026 Parc Bryn Bach (Parc Bryn Bach RC)
London Marathon charity places
Carrie’s husband runs a charity, Changing Tunes, which has 6 London Marathon places available for 2026. More information here in case any WH members are interested in running for Changing Tunes: https://www.changingtunes.org.uk/london-marathon
TRAINING THIS WEEK
MONDAY – TEMPO:
Group runs from Blaise Castle 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.
TUESDAY – TRACK
Track session at Yate 7pm – Seniors book on via RunTogether App.
WEDNESDAY – HILL SESSION
Adults, all abilities. Meet every Wednesday at 12pm, corner of Saville Road by the Downs. Sign up on RunTogether App.
THURSDAY – INTERVALS
Coombe dingle sports complex, on grass.
4 sets of:
4 x 1 min (reducing recovery 40 secs, 30 secs, 20 secs)
2 mins between sets
Aim to do as an out and back to gauge effort. Aim is to make it the same distance for each of the 60secs so pacing is key.
Note 1: You can sign up to all sessions via the RunTogether App.
Note 2: There is no longer a separate booking for Group 1 on a Thursday. There is still the same focus as originally outlined, but as the weather and field are in good conditions over the summer, Group 1 can be accommodated into the existing session.
UPCOMING RACES / CLUB CHAMPS
A reminder that we have an events calendar on our website where you can keep track of dates for training, events and races. https://westburyharriers.co.uk/events/events-calendar/
Club Championship info and rules on this link: https://westburyharriers.co.uk/events/club-championship/
- Thursday 17th July – Purdown Pursuit: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=14531
- Saturday 19th July – Brecon Beacons Fell Race: https://sites.google.com/site/welshfellrace/individual-races/brecon-beacons
- Friday 25th July – The Towpath 10k (Club Champ): https://www.greatwesternrunners.org.uk/towpath-series
- Sunday 27th July – Magor 10k: https://sites.google.com/site/chepstowharriersrunningclub/open-races/magor-10k
- Saturday 9th August – RunThrough Trails Brecon Beacon: https://www.runthroughtrails.com/brecon-beacons/
- Wednesday 14th August – Crooks Peak Cake Race (Club Champs): https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races/5856fd20-4006-49fa-89a2-ee243f26d2d5
- Saturday 16th August – Limitless Trails Beast of Llangattock: https://www.limitlesstrails.co.uk/beast-of-llangattock
- Tuesday 19th August – Severn Bridge 10k (Club Champs): https://sites.google.com/site/roguerunsevents/home/our-events/sb-10k-half
- Saturday 23rd August – Torbay Twilight 10k: https://torbaytwilight10k.godaddysites.com Use the discount code Westbury3 for a £3 discount on the entry fee
- Saturday 23rd August – The Green Man / The Green Boy: https://www.greenmanultra.co.uk/the-summer-green-man-ultra/
- Saturday 30th August – Mendip Marauder: https://www.albionrunning.org/mendip-marauder
- Sunday 31st August – Wyedean Ultra: https://www.rogueruns.co.uk/home/our-events/wyedean-ultra
- Saturday 20th September – Maverick Trail Race X Series Afan Forest South Wales: https://www.maverick-race.com/products/the-maverick-x-series-afan-forest-2025
- Saturday 27th September – Maverick Original Mendips: https://www.maverick-race.com/products/the-maverick-original-mendips-2025
If there are any races or interesting events that you think should be added, please email: communication@westburyharriers.co.uk
Editor: Hannah Large
