Westbury Harriers Weekly News
Evening all, this is going to be a very short newsletter, as for the first time in a while there are no major updates or race reports. We have the Blaise Blazer tomorrow – DON’T FORGET TO BRING CAKES PLEASE. We have over 150 runners taking part, and everyone loves a post-race cake treat. Plus, all the volunteers helping at the event will have earned a slice or two as well. So get baking or pick up some supplies on the way to the race. If you haven’t signed up already, you can sign up on the night. See you tomorrow, the weather is looking very nice indeed!
CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES
* Running Researcher – Request for help*
My name is Dr. Neil Baxter (www.runningstudies.co.uk), and I’m a social scientist with a special interest in running.
I’m writing in the hope that some of the members of Westbury Harriers might be kind enough to support my latest research project, by completing a short survey.
As a bit of background, a few years ago I conducted a big study of British runners with the University of Warwick. The results were published in a book: Running, Identity and Meaning.
This new project extends this research by exploring race/event experiences in detail, as well as the broader state of running in 2025.
I’m self-funding the research and am not affiliated with any commercial entity – the whole project is fuelled only by my enthusiasm and deep interest in running!
As a result, I’m heavily reliant on the generosity of the wonderful British running community to make it happen. So, I’m writing in the hope that you’d be kind enough to forward/post details of the survey to members of the club to see if they would like to participate.
The survey only takes 5-10 minutes, and once the data has been collected and analysed, reports will be available on my website, www.runningstudies.co.uk (where you can also find out more about my work). Hopefully, a new book will follow later too.
You can access/complete the survey here: Survey – Running Studies
* VOLUNTEERS FOR WESTBURY WIPEOUT – HELP NEEDED *
The Westbury Wipeout is on Monday 7th July.
We need as many volunteers as possible to make this event a success and safe for all runners taking part. If you are available, please get in touch with Alastair – volunteers@westburyharriers.co.uk
* URBAN ORIENTEERING – COOMBE DINGLE – Wednesday 4th June *
It was great to see lots of Westbury Harriers at the recent orienteering event at Blaise Castle and it was brilliant to have use of the WH pavilion for the day. We (Hannah and Iain Large) are now organising an urban orienteering event on Wednesday 4th June at Coombe Dingle. Urban orienteering is much more straightforward in terms of navigation as controls are generally just on things like lampposts, benches, fences etc. You’ll get a map of Coombe Dingle / WoT and then you’ll need to get all the controls as quickly as you can. Entries are now open here: https://pre-entries.co.uk/dl/events/s/b75f6b/r/7bDsIh9JH7DPGafyB7Xy
Short, medium and long courses available. Start anytime between 5.30 – 7.30pm. The short course is also open to U16s as it stays entirely within Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and then on paths into Canford Park.
TRAINING THIS WEEK
MONDAY – No training, Blaise Blazer
TUESDAY – Track Session
Track session at Yate 7pm – Seniors book on via RunTogether.
WEDNESDAY – Hill Session
Adults, all abilities. Meet every Wednesday at 12pm. Coffee at the Downs Café at 1pm for anyone that wants to come along.
THURSDAY – Interval Session
Coombe dingle sports complex, on grass.
Pyramid Session
45secs, 1min, 90secs, 2mins, 3mins, 3mins, 2mins, 90 secs, 1min, 45secs (1min recovery)
Option to miss one of the 3min intervals or reduce 3mins to 2mins.
Aim for 5k pace/effort on 3mins and quicker on the shorter intervals
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/
- Sunday 8th June – Cheddar Trail 10k (Club Champs): https://www.relishrunningraces.com/cheddar-gorge-10km.php
- Tuesday 10th June – Clevedon Midsummer 10k: https://clevedonac.co.uk/our-races/midsummer-10k-race/
- Saturday 14th June – Limitless Trails Black Mountains: https://www.limitlesstrails.co.uk/black-mountains-50-mile-and-marathon-ultra
- Friday 27th June: Nailsea Beer n Banger (Club Champs): (NOW WITH CHIPS!) https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/3tM
- Thursday 3rd July – Tintern Trot: https://sites.google.com/site/chepstowharriersrunningclub/open-races/tintern-trot
- Saturday 5th July – Cotswold Way Relay: – Eithne has been in touch with those involved/on the waiting list.
- Friday 11th July – Hazelberry Hurrah (Club Champs): https://corshamrunningclub.co.uk/hazelbury-hurrah/
- 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
- 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
If there are any races or interesting events that you think should be added, please email: communication@westburyharriers.co.uk
Editor: Yvette Casallas
