BABCARY

Well done to everyone who raced at Babcary on Sunday.  There were some very impressive times, with Wells City Harriers occupying all the men's podium.  Luke Prior breaking the course record with 38:41.  Second place went to last year's race winner, Zach Hurrell in 40:04 and 3rd to Alexander Coombs in 40:52.
For the ladies first runner home was Susan Duncan (Weston AC) in 50:54 (22nd overall), 2nd went to Hannah Keating (also Weston AC) in 52:27 (28th overall) and 3rd to Rebecca Di-Luzio in 53:00 (31st overall).  The age grading prizes went to Martin Colwill (87.1%) and Hazel Hole (81.2%) respectively.  A link to the full results has been added to the Babcary race page on this website.


Due to the post postponement of the Humdinger Half the next Series race is now The Big Cheese on 17th March.  The first points table for 2024 will come out after this race.

Matt 29th February

OFF TO A FLYER!

Firstly Happy New Year everyone...

Well done to all 174 runners who raced at Chard on New Years Day.  This was a significant increase on 2023. The race was won by Alexander Coombs (Wells CH) in 34:40, followed by William Pannell (City of Salisbury) in 35:18 and 2023 Series Champion, Matthew Lusby in 35:21.  For the ladies Gill Pearson (Running For Time) was first home in 40:13 (10th overall), 2nd lady went to Rachel Collins (Chard RR) in 44:24 (30th overall) and 3rd went to Agnieska Phillips in 47:06.  A link to the race results can be found by clicking the button below.

The 2nd race of the 2024 Series will be the Babcary Road Race on 25th February.

BURNHAM ON SEA HALF MARATHON

Well done to everyone who raced Burnham Half Marathon.  Great turn out as well. The race was won by previous Series champion, Wayne Loveridge (Chard RRC), in 1:13:02.  Second place went to Daniel Ellam (Bristol & West AC) in 1:15:20 and 3rd to Jack Last (Clevedon AC) in 1:16:50.  For the ladies Kate Phillips completed a Chard RRC double with 1:28:35 (26th overall). 2nd lady went to Rosie Williams in 1:32:43 (34th overall) and 3rd went to Sonia Chiampalini (Running Forever RC) in 1:36:21 (45th overall).

The final race of the Series is the Brent Knoll Race on 26th November. I will be approaching Clubs for their provisional 2024 race dates in mid November.

BHAM!

Well done to everyone who raced at BHAM Trail, good to see this race back on the calendar.  The race winner was current Series contender Matthew Lusby (Wells CH) in 39:46, 2nd place went to Will Rendell in 42:02 and 3rd place to Mark Bungay in 43:08.  For the ladies first finisher was Sarah Trim (Total Run Training) in 46:48 (7th overall), 2nd went to Series champion in waiting, Joanna Carritt (Running Forever RC) in 49:29 and 3rd to Rosie Park (Wells CH) in 51:44.

HEREPATH HALF CANCELLED & BURNHAM HALF SOLD OUT

With regret Running Forever have had to cancel this year's Herepath Half due to problems getting permission from Forestry England, hopefully the race will be back as normal for 2024.

Please note also that the Burnham on Sea Half Marathon is now sold out, there are no on the day entries available.

GLASTONBURY & MELLS

Well done to everyone who raced at the Glastonbury 10 mile race and the Mells Scenic.  Glastonbury was won by Wayne Loveridge (Chard RRC) in 54:18, 2ndplace went to Matthew Lusby (Wells CH) in 56:32 and 3rd to Joel Seward in 59:51.  For the ladies1st finisher was Serane Stone (Bideford AAC) in 1:06:46 (12th overall), 2nd went to Joanna Carritt (Running ForeverRC) in 1:11:28 and 3rd to Phoebe Aspinall (Wells CH) in 1:14:43 (21st overall).

Matthew Lusby continued his good form from the 10 miler by winning Mells in 45:22, 2nd place went to Martin Ford in 47:25 and unusually we had joint 3rd place finishers in Paul Thomas (Crewkerne RC) and Paul Card (Yeovil RRC) in 49:00. For the ladies1st finisher was Victoria Ratcliffe (Somer AC) in 51:34 (10th overall), 2nd went to Holly Jones (Crewkerne RC) in 56:14 (25th overall) and 3rd went to Harriet Munday (Yeovil RRC) in 56:48 (29th overall). 

The Series tables have now been updated post Mells, 27 runners have now completed the minimum 8 races, Joanna Carritt leading the ladies and Richard Saupe the men.

BALTONSBOROUGH

Well done to everyone who raced at Baltonsborough, this was a very tight race with just two seconds separating Alexander Coombs (Wells CH) in 26:57 and Wayne Loveridge (Chard RR) in 26:59.  Third place male was Matthew Lusby (Wells CH) in 27:54.  For the ladies first finisher was Joanna Carritt (Running Forever RC) in 33:37, second went to Rosie Park (Wells CH) in 35:03 and third went to Hannah Keating (Weston AC) in 35:52. 

HASELBURY TRAIL

Well done to everyone who raced at Haselbury.  The race was won by Wayne Loveridge (Chard RR) in 38:28, 2nd place went to Matt Lusby (Wells CH) in 39:56 and 3rd went to Matthew Adams (Running For Time) in 40:30.  For the ladies first finisher was Kate Phillips (Chard RR) in 46:23 (15th overall), 2nd went to Joanna Carritt in 47:39 (19th overall), followed four seconds later by Emma Kiernan (Taunton AC).

Fourteen athletes have now completed the minimum 8 races to qualify for the Series.  Well done everyone.  The Series standings have now been updated.  A link to Haselbury Results can be found by clicking the button below:

PAWLETT PLOD

Well done to everyone who raced at Pawlett.  The race was again won by Michael Sandiford(Fordy Runs RC), who completed a Plod double, in an impressive 37:08.  Second place went to Ollie Rant in 38:03 and 3rd place went to Chris Selman (Weston AC) in 38:49.  For the ladies first finisher was Laura Meech (Clevedon AC) in 44:50 (17th overall), 2nd lady home was Polly Atherton (Clevedon AC) in 45:27 (20th overall) and 3rd went to Rosie Park (Wells CH) in 47:09 (32nd overall).

PIDDLE WOOD PLOD

Well done to everyone raced at Piddle Wood, the race was won by current Series champion, Michael Sandiford, in an impressive 38:34, 2nd place went to Joe Orme (40:19) and third to Marcus Albano (40:45).  For the ladies first finisher was Sarah Trim (44:49, 8th overall), 2nd went to Joanna Carritt (46:37, 13th overall) and third to Holly Jones (49:46, 23rd overall).

TAMING THE BEAST

Well done to everyone who raced the Quantock Beast.  The race was won by 2022 Series Champion, Michael Sandiford (Crawlers) in a super fast time of 40:00.  Second place went to Marcus Albano (Taunton AC) in 42:56 with 3rd going to Sam Luxa.  For the ladies first finisher was 2019 Series Champion Joanna Carritt (Running Forever) in 51:20 (17th overall), 2nd lady to finish was Hannah Keating (Weston AC) in 53:46 (22nd overall) and 3rd lady to finish was 2022 Series Champion, Hazel Hole (Minehead RC), in 55:17 (28th overall).

Beast results can be found by clicking the button below:

RACE UPDATES

The BHAM Trail race is provisionally added to the Series, this race is scheduled for 1st October.  Also of note is the inclusion of Mendip AC's 10 mile road race on 18th September, this will be ideal for anyone looking to PB at that distance.

Latest Series standings post Quantock Beast are now on the website.  Well done to Sorrel Langley-Hobbs and Nick Presdee, who are currently leading the Ladies/Mens standings and have, along with Louise Lowry, completed the minimum 8 races.  They can now start cutting their worst scores.  

CREWKERNE

Well done to everyone who raced at Crewkerne on Sunday.  The race was won by previous Series champion, Wayne Loveridge (Chard RRC), in 34:53.  Wayne also won the previous Series race at the Town TreeTrail so he is bang in form.  Second place went to Shaun Dixon (Highgate Harriers) in 35:29 and 3rd went to Gareth Davies (South West Road Runners) in 36:16.  For the ladies first finisher was Sarah Trim (Total Run Training) in 43:19 (25th overall), 2nd went to 2019 Series champion, Jo Carritt (Running Forever RC) in 43:55 (28th overall) and 3rd went to Georgia Wood in 44:40 (31st overall).

Results can be found by clicking the button below.  Series standings are now up to date.

Matt 9th June

TOWN TREE TRAIL

Well done to everyone who raced in the Town Tree Trail on Wednesday. The race was a battle of two former Series winners with Wayne Loveridge (Chard RC) pipping current Series champion, Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs).  Their respective times were 35:17 and 35:49.  Third place went to Richard Saupe (Burnham on Sea Harriers) in 38:44.  For the ladies first home was Georgia Wood in 41:02 (6th overall). Second lady was Becky Tovey (Chard RC) in 42:20 (11th overall) and 3rd went to Helen Thomsit (Langport Runners) in 43:44 (17th overall).

Results can be found by clicking the button below:

GLASTONBURY

Well done to everyone who raced at Glastonbury, great to see this race taking place again. The winner was Ben Robinson (Bristol & West AC) in a very impressive 31:49 (4th fastest ever time in this race), 2nd place went to Elliott Avis (Team Bath) in 33:02 and 3rd went to Jamie Taylor-Caldwell (Ealing) in 34:13.  For the ladies 1st finisher was Emma Baxter (Swansea Harriers) in 39:01 (15th overall), 2nd went to Nina Martin (Basingstoke and Mid Hants AC) in 39:22 (20th overall) and 3rd went to Georgia Wood (Avon Valley Runners) in 40:02 (23rd overall).  Race results can be found at the race website by clicking the button below:

BUTLEIGH

Well done to everyone who raced at Butleigh.  The clear winner for the second year running was Wells City Harrier's Matt Lusby who finished in just under 40 minutes with George Mallinson of Belgrave RC second in a time of 42.40. In third place was another Wells runner Oliver Frost, who was also the leading veteran.

The winning Lady was previous ladies Series champion, Joanna Carritt (FV35) who clocked an impressive time of 50.54 was in 20th place overall, with Butleigh’s Beth Corfield as second placed lady in a time of 52.48 after a close race with Holly Jones in third 53.04.
Race results can be found by clicking the button below, note also that the latest Series standings are now on the website.

THE BIG CHEESE

Well done to all 273 finishers at The Big Cheese, the race was won in an impressive 1:39:59 by two time men's Series Champion, Christian Green (WellsCH).  Second male went to Gareth Williams (Southville RC) in 1:44:38 and third to Sam Husband (Greenbow Running Club).  For the ladies first finisher was Victoria Ratcliffe (Somer AC) in 2:03:19 (29th overall),second lady was Rosie McKissock (Somer AC) in 2:06:27 (34th overall) and third lady was Jessica Stueber (Highworth RC) in 2:06:47 (37th overall).

Latest Series standings will be added forthwith...the next Series race is the Butleigh MT 10k on 16th April.

HUMDINGER HALF

Well done to everyone who raced the Humdinger on Sunday, the race was won by 2023 Series champion, Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs), in an impressive 1:23:03.  Second place went to Lee McMeekin (Medway & Maidstone AC) in 1:31:36 and 3rd place went to Gill Pearson (Running For Time) in 1:34:12.  Third male finisher was Jon Pressling (Torbay Tri Club) in 1:36:33, whilst 2nd female went to Rachel Astington in 1:46:24 and 3rd female to another previous series winner, Joanna Carritt (Running Forever RC) in 1:46:31.  

Three Series races, the Glastonbury Round the Tor 10k, Town Tree Trail and Pawlett Plod have now opened for online entries, see the "Our Races" page for further details.

2023 standings are now on the website, the next Series race is the Big Cheese on 26th March.

BABCARY

Well done to everyone who competed in the sold out Babcary 7.5 mileroad race on Sunday.  The race was won by Zak Hurrell (Wells CH) in an impressive 41:37, 2nd place went to Lee McMeekin in 44:26 and 3rd to Richard Saupe (Burnhamon Sea Harriers) in 45:08.  For the ladies first finisher was Katie Gormley (Weston AC) in 53:51 (21st overall), 2nd lady was 2022 Series Champion, Hazel Hole, in 54:21 (23rd overall) and 3rd lady home was Rosie Park(Wells CH) in 55:12 (30th overall).

As always at Babcary the majority of the prizes were based upon age gradings, with John Shapland, Lee McMeekin and Graham Goldsmit taking the honours for the men and for the ladies Sue Nichols, Hazel Hole and Kim Clarke. 

Results can be found by clicking the buttons below: 

CHARD FLYER

Well done to everyone who raced at the sold out Chard Flyer on New Years Day. The race was won by Joel Seward (Axe Valley Runners) in 37:07, 2nd place went to Joe Griffiths in 38:32 and 3rd to Richard Saupe (Burnham Harriers) in 38:41.  For the ladies1st finisher was Gill Pearson (Running4Time) in 39:44 (5th overall), 2nd went to Amy Hallett (Running4Time) in 43:04 (14th overall) and 3rd to Adele Martin in 43:36 (17th overall). A great start to this year's Series, well organised by Chard Road Runners.

The next race in the 2023 Series is the Babcary 7.5m road race on 26th February.  Online entry can be found by clicking the page link on the Next Race page.

BRENT KNOLL & SERIES PRESENTATIONS

As always the Series finished with the Brent Knoll race, followed by the presentations at the BASC ground.  A big well done and congratulations to all our trophy winners this year, and especially to our men's champion, Michael Sandiford and ladies champion, Hazel Hole.

The Brent Knoll race was won by Matt Battensby in 37:15, 2nd place went to Adam Fieldhouse in 39:20 and 3rd to Adam's brother, Damian, in 41:25. For the ladies first home was Hannah Keating in 49:16 (23rd overall), 2nd went to Katie Gormley in 50:56 (29th overall) and 3rd to Hazel Hole in 52:20 (34th overall).

HEREPATH HALF

Well done to everyone who ran at the wet and muddy Herepath Half today. The race was won by our 2022 Series Champion in waiting, Michael Sandiford (Crawlers), in a course record time of 1:27:36. This was Michael's 8th win from 8 races!  2nd place went to Mawgan Andrew (Taunton AC) in 1:32:55 and 3rd place went to Sammy Allen (Chard RRC) in 1:34:08.  For the ladies Kate Phillips (Chard RRC) was 1st finisher in 1:47:33 (24th overall), 2nd finisher was Eleanor Wood (Axe Valley Runners) in 1:58:40 (42nd overall, all the more impressive as Eleanor is a FVET65) and 3rd lady was Lisa Lindfield in 2:00:20 (46th overall).

A link to the results has been added to the Herepath Race page.

Online entries for the season ending Brent Knoll race are now open on RunBritain (see also the race page on this website).  Latest standings post the Herepath Half are also on the website.

WELLS & GLASTONBURY LEVELS

Well done to everyone who raced the Wells 10k, the race was won by former Series champion Christian Green (Wells CH) in a speedy 33:00.  Second place went to Matthew Lusby (also Wells CH) in 34:07 and 3rd went to Aaron Pritchard (Team Bath) in 34:10.  First lady home was Victoria Ratcliffe (Somer AC) in 39:04 (18th overall), 2nd lady was Nic Paice in 42:31 (48th overall) and 3rd lady was Alison Keatley in 44:11 (63rd overall).

At the Somerset Levels 10k Richard Hardy (Axe Valley Runners) was the winner in 34:13, 2nd place went to Joel Seward in 34:37 and 3rd to Christian Brown in 36:33.  For the ladies first finisher was Alison Thorn (Erme Valley Harriers) in 37:14 (6th overall), 2nd went to Amelie Cook (Wells CH) in 45:12 (28th overall) and 3rd was Emma Woodcock (Wells CH) in 45:50 (30th overall). The age grading prize went to Sue Nicholls of Burnham on Sea Harriers (female vet 75) with an age grading of 91.27% for her finishing time of 56:29.

SOMERSET LEVELS IS ON & BURNHAM HALF CANCELLED

Good news with regards to the Glastonbury Levels 10k on 18th September, this race is now ON.  A link to entries can be found on the race page.

With regret Burnham on Sea Harrier have had to cancel this year's Burnham Half.  Apologies for any inconvenience. Due to the loss of the half marathon the qualifying criteria for this year has been adjusted so runners now need to run a minimum of 7 races instead of 8 to qualify.  The table will be revised and updated in due course.

BATTLE OF SEDGEMOOR AND BALTONSBOROUGH

Well done to everyone who competed at either (or both!) of these races. The standings will be updated as soon as practicable.

The Battle of Sedgemoor 10k was won by Tom Merson (Exmouth Harriers) in a very fast 31:37. Second place went to Michael Parrott (Running For Time) in 32:30 and third went to Wayne Loveridge (Chard RR) in 33:08.  For the ladies first finisher was Gill Pearson (Running For Time) in 38:53, closely followed by Susan Duncan (Weston AC) in 38:56. Gill and Susan finished 24th and 25th overall.  Third lady went to Alice Smith (Weston AC) in 40:13 (31st overall).

At Baltonsborough 5 Mile Matthew Lusby (Wells CH) was the winner in a very close race, his time was 27:09, pipping Neil Golding (MendipAC) by 2 seconds!  Third place went to Alexander Coombs (Wells CH) in 27:26.  For the ladies first finisher was Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 36:41, closely followed by Melissa Mann (36:47).  They were 31st and 32nd overall.  Third lady home was Joanne Fordham (Frome RC) in 37:39 (37th overall).
A link to the results of both races can be found on their race pages.
The next race in the Somerset Series is the Wells 10k on September 11th.

HASELBURY

Well done to everyone who raced at Haselbury on Wednesday.  For the 7th time in 7 races Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs Running Club) was first home in 36:28, pushed hard all the way by Wayne Loveridge (Chard Road Runners) who was 2nd in 36:41. Third place went to Matthew Lusby (Wells CH) in 37:52.  For the ladies first finisher was Kerry Board (Axe Valley Runners) in 48:52 (39th overall), 2nd lady was Eleanor Wood (Axe Valley Runners) in 50:05 (44th overall) and 3rd lady was Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 50:50 (48th overall).

The latest points standings in the Series are now on the website.
Please note that both the Burnham on Sea Half Marathon and Brent Knoll Race are still waiting for confirmation of use of the Race HQ at the BASC Ground, hence why (especially in the case of Burnham Half) entries cannot be opened yet.

PAWLETT PLOD & MELLS CANCELLED

Well done to everyone who ran in Pawlett on Wednesday evening. The race was won by Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs) in 36:30, this was Michael's 6th win in 6 races.  A great effort!  Just like at the Piddle Wood Plod, Adam Fieldhouse (Crawlers) was 2nd, this time in 38:07. 3rd place went to James Gadd (Burnham Harriers) in 38:28.  The ladies also had the same first two finishers as at Piddle Wood, Caroline Arckless was first in 45:19 (22nd overall), followed by Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 47:43 (29th overall).  Third placed lady went to Hazel Shears (Langport Runners) in 47:53.  Pawlett results can be found by clicking the button below.

Please note that unfortunately, due to various circumstances the Mells Scenic 7 is cancelled this year.

PIDDLE WOOD

Well done to everyone who ran the Piddle Wood Plod in somewhat warm conditions on Sunday!  The race was won by Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs Running Club) in a very impressive 36:39 (also his fifth win in five series races!), 2nd place went to Adam Fieldhouse (Crawlers) in 40:23 and 3rd went to Joe Orme in 40:49.  For the ladies first finisher was Caroline Arckless in 49:39 (24th overall), 2nd lady was  Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 50:02 (26th overall) and 3rd lady was Gaby Parsons in 51:43 (32nd overall).

Latest standings will be updated as soon as practicable. The next race in the Somerset Series is the Pawlett Plod on 20th July.

OUTRUNNING THE BEAST

Well done to everyone who ran the Quantock Beast on Sunday, and well done to Quantock Harriers, who had a to change the route at very short notice due to issues with the Forestry Commission. I confess I have poached the report below from their website due to time constraints this week:

At the front of the pack, we had a really close race for the women's Top 3, all finishing within a minute of each other. Verity Elston (Minehead Running Club) finished in first place with a time of 0:56:32, closely followed by Hannah Keating (Weston Athletic Club) 26 seconds later. Then Hazel Hole crossed the line 14 seconds after that in 0:57:12.  All 3 also came first in their age group categories.

For the men, Chris McMillan (Weston Athletic Club) crossed the line first in a time of 0:41:31. McMillan was 2 minutes and 22 seconds ahead of the next runner, Matthew Lusby (Street Striders) who finished in 0:43:53. Mawgan Andrew (Taunton Athletic Club) finished 3rd in a time of 0:45:31.

For the team prizes, it was the first 4 runners to finish from the same club. For the women, that was Running Forever (Vicky Hanna, Helen Prescott, Sally Tuer, Paula Bisatt) and for the men is was Taunton Athletics Club (Mawgan Andrew, Marcus Albano, Jim McConnel, Peter Anderson).

In total we had representatives of over 20 clubs, with great turnouts from Running Forever, Taunton Athletic Club, Wells City Harriers, and Weston Athletic Club.

TOWN TREE TRAIL

Well done to everyone who raced at the Town Tree Trail on Wednesday, the race was won by Michael Sandiford (Fordy Runs Running) in 34:53 (impressively, his 4th win from 4 Series races this year), with Michael Parrott (Running For Time) 2nd in 35:09 and Matt Lusby (Wells CH) 3rd in 35:28.  For the ladies first finisher was Rosie Park (Wells CH) in 48:23 (30th overall), 2nd lady was Hazel Shears (Langport Runners) in 49:33 (35th overall) and 3rd lady was Joanna Henley (Yeovil Town RRC) in 53:03 (41st overall).

Town Tree Trail results can be found below.

The latest standings are also now on the website.

The next Series race is the Quantock Beast on 3rd July. See you there!

CREWKERNE

Well done to all 187 runners who ran at Crewkerne.  The race was won by Michael Sandiford in an impressive 34:23, followed by Matt Lusby (Wells CH) in 34:38 and Wayne Loveridge (Chard RC) in 35:16. For the ladies first finisher was Liv Taylor (Running For Time) in 43:50 (28th overall), 2nd lady went to Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 46:53 (40th overall) and 3rd lady went to Eleanor Wood (Axe Valley Runners) in 46:58 (41st overall).

PLOD ENTRIES LIVE

Online entry for both the Piddle Wood Plod and the Pawlett Plod is now available, click the relevant button below:

GLASTONBURY OFF, TOWN TREE TRAIL NEW DATE, NEW RACE ADDED & LATEST STANDINGS

Due to issues with the Highways Agency unfortunately the Glastonbury Round the Tor 10k is cancelled for 2022.  It has been replaced in the Series by the Wells Fun Run 10k on 11th September.

The Town Tree Trail now has a confirmed date of 15th June.

BUTLEIGH RESULTS

Well done to everyone who raced at Butleigh, great to be back at another one of our traditional village races after a two year absence.  The race was won by Matthew Lusby (Wells City Harriers) in 39:31, 2nd went to yours truly (not a phrase I thought I'd ever have to write!) in 42:53 and 3rd to Mark Wills (Team AVS) in 42:58 (Mark also won first Butleigh resident.
For the ladies first finisher was Hazel Hole (Minehead RC) in 53:14 (26th overall), second finisher was Harriet Burr (Wells City Harriers) in 53:32 and third was Tracey Thomas (Burnham on Sea Harriers) in 55:13 (31st overall).

THE BIG CHEESE

Well done to all 231 runners who took on The Big Cheese, race winner was Graham Wadsworth in an impressive 1:42:11, 2nd went to Adam Fieldhouse (1:42:33) as he swapped Humdinger finishing positions with Oliver Rant (3rd in 1:42:51).
For the ladies 1st finisher was Chrissie Wellington in 1:55:57 (9th overall), 2nd was Jane Faram in 1:59:28 (19th overall) and 3rd was Victoria Ratcliffe in 2:01:23 (20th overall). 

The next race of the 2022 Series is race number 5, The Butleigh Multi Terrain 10k on 3rd April.

HUMDINGER

Well done to everyone who raced the new Humdinger route this year, it looks challenging as always.  The race was won by Michael Sandiford in a very impressive 1:19:53, 2nd place went to Oliver Rant in 1:24:14 and 3rd place went to Adam Fieldhouse in 1:27:12.  For the ladies Gill Pearson was first finisher(7th overall) in 1:34:47, 2nd lady in was Lisa Hallett in 1:54:02 (15th overall) and 3rd lady was Hazel Hole in 1:55:02 (16th overall).

BABCARY

Well done to all runners who raced the 7.5 miler at Babcary (please note that the reduced numbers this year was due to the refurbishment of the clubhouse, normal service should be resumed next year).  The race was won by Michael Parrott (Running For Time) in 43:28, 2nd went to Paul Card (Yeovil Town RRC) in 44:58 and 3rd to Matthew Wheeler (Weston AC) in 45:07.  For the ladies Gill Pearson(Running For Time) was first (7th overall) in 46:30, 2nd went to Vicky Scrowston (Yeovil Town RRC) in 55:06 (29th overall) and 3rd went to Miranda Aldridge (Verwood Runners) in 56:03 (33rd overall).

The age grading awards went to Gill Pearson (87.4%) and Matthew Wheeler (84.4%) respectively.

The next race in the Series is the Humdinger Half on 13th March.  Please also note a change in the race line up, unfortunately for various reasons the Wells Fun Run can no longer go ahead and has been replaced in the Series by the Baltonsborough 5 mile race in August.

2022 OFF TO A FLYER

Well done to all runners who ran at Chard on New Years Day.  The race was won by Michael Sandiford in 34:54, 2nd overall went to Shaun Dixon in 35:08, 3rd went to 2019 Series runner up Matt Lusby in 35:12.  First lady home was Emily Batt (24th overall) in 45:22, 2nd lady was Eleanor Wood (29th overall) in 47:50 and 3rd lady was Hazel Hole (30th overall) in 48:41.

A handful of other Series related things to take note of: Mells Scenic 7 has changed date, it is now being held on 4th September, Butleigh entry forms are now on the website and Babcary has sold out (no on the day entries).

The next Series race is Babcary on 27th February.

BRIAN BEALE - A TRIBUTE

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Brian Beale, who has supported The Series from its inception has passed away.  He has carried out the role of Series scorer from the very beginning.  His job getting increasingly complex as more races were added!
Brian was co-founder of Burnham on Sea Harriers in 1981 and has been a pivotal member of the club ever since.  To say that all of us at the Harriers will miss him is an understatement.

The photo above shows Brian and Paul having a drink after the Brent Knoll Race in 2015.  They are drinking out of commemorative glasses they were given to mark 20 years of service to the Series.

The photo below shows Brian with the Burnham-on-Sea Harriers team at the Quantock Beast in 2018. One of the many races that Brian regularly helped at.

This excellent tribute is from Paul Chadwick, who had known Brian for many years:
Brian Beale 1936-2020

Brian Beale, one of the County's stalwarts in terms of service to athletics, has died at the age of 84 from the Covid-19 virus following heart problems.  Brian, who lived in Axbridge, helped to establish Burnham Harriers in 1981 and following a career in the army was a keen competitive runner throughout the next few decades before remaining in the sport in various capacities: as a Race Director; Cross-Country endurance official and race adjudicator; on the County AA in a variety of roles; and as a results supremo.
Overall, he gave 40 years of voluntary time to the sport.  In the early 1990's, Brian joined the County AA Committee and was invaluable as the Cross-Country Championship Secretary helping to organise the annual County XC Championships at venues around the County with the support of different host Clubs.  Brian was the Championship entry secretary and, supported by fellow Burnham Harrier,  Sheila Baker, produced the results on the day so that County medals could be awarded soon after each race.
In 1996, in order to encourage joint working by Clubs, under the auspices of the County AA, the Somerset Series was born (then called the CICA Six).  Brian ensured that the Series results were compiled from the races and was still carrying out this role, for the much expanded Series some 25 years later until his death. 
Following on from that Series role, by the late 1990's Brian took on the role of Road Running Secretary for the County AA, offering advice to Race Directors, helping to agree race permits and ensure that races didn't clash.  He also helped provide technical input to a number of County Track and Field Championships in the early 2000s.
He is well known to many across the County and beyond for his various Club roles.  In the early days, he was a strong supporter of the Avalon XC League, working with his Club to host the annual fixture at the Apex Park; and also in more recent times helping ensure that the Burnham and Highbridge Parkrun, held at the same venue, was well organised.  He was the instigator and Race Director for the Burnham Half Marathon and Race Director for the Brent Knoll Fell Race - fulfilling key roles with these races for many decades.  As a UKA official and race adjudicator, he helped to improve standards, pointing out any potential improvements.
He will be missed by all, for his friendly approach and positive spirit, and the giving of his time and wise words.  Brian was awarded the Jim Brunton award for services to athletics in Somerset by the county AA in 2008.
Brian was always a genial character, generous with his time.  Following the death of his wife in 2014, Brian leaves behind a daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and our deepest sympathies are with them at this time.

Paul Chadwick (Former Secretary and Treasurer of Somerset AA 1990's; Wells City Harriers, May 2020)

2019 TROPHY WINNERS

LADIES CHAMPION: JOANNA CARRITT (RUNNING FOREVER RC) - ALSO FIRST FEMALE VET 35

LADIES RUNNER UP: VERITY ELSTON (MINEHEAD RC) - ALSO SECOND FEMALE VET 35

LADIES THIRD PLACE: SAM WHARTON (RUNNING FOREVER RC) - ALSO THIRD FEMALE VET 35

LADIES 4TH OVERALL: LISA HALLETT (RUNNING FOR TIME)

LADIES 5TH OVERALL: TANYA LEWIS (RUNNING FOREVER RC) 

LADIES 6TH OVERALL: HELEN WILKES (MINEHEAD RC) 

LADIES 7TH OVERALL: KAREN SHAPLAND (BIDEFORD AAC)

LADIES 8TH OVERALL: TRACEY THOMAS (BURNHAM ON SEA HARRIERS)

LADIES 9TH OVERALL: HELEN DIAMOND (WESTON AC) - ALSO FIRST FEMALE VET 45

LADIES 10TH OVERALL: JULIE BAILISS (WESTON AC) - ALSO SECOND FEMALE VET 45

FIRST SENIOR FEMALE: HAZEL SHEARS (LANGPORT RUNNERS)

THIRD FEMALE VET 45: GERALDINE HOPE (WESTON AC)

FIRST FEMALE VET 55: KAREN SHEARS (WELLS CH)

SECOND FEMALE VET 55: LOUISE TRELOGGEN (STREET STRIDERS)

THIRD FEMALE VET 55: SALLY TUER (RUNNING FOREVER RC)

FIRST FEMALE VET 65: LESLEY NESBITT (YEOVIL TOWN RRC)

SECOND FEMALE VET 65: SUE NICHOLLS (BURNHAM ON SEA HARRIERS)

THIRD FEMALE VET 65: JENNY ADAMS (WELLS CH)


MENS CHAMPION: CHRISTIAN GREEN (WELL CH)

MENS RUNNER UP: MATTHEW LUSBY (STREET STRIDERS)

MENS THIRD PLACE: MATTHEW BOWDEN (MINEHEAD RC)

MENS 4TH OVERALL: ED STAHL (WELLS CH)  - ALSO FIRST MALE VET 40

MENS 5TH OVERALL: PAUL THOMAS (CREWKERNE RC) - ALSO SECOND MALE VET 40

MENS 6TH OVERALL: MAWGAN ANDREW (TAUNTON AC)

MENS 7TH OVERALL: CHRISTIAN BISGROVE (ROYAL NAVY TRIATHLON ASSOC.) - ALSO THIRD MALE VET 40

MENS 8TH OVERALL: DANNY DOYLE (MINEHEAD RC)

MENS 9TH OVERALL: DARRELL SHEEN (LONELY GOAT RC)

MENS 10TH OVERALL: MATT POWELL (BURNHAM ON SEA HARRIERS)

FIRST MALE VET 50: MILES PEARCE (BRISTOL AND WEST AC)

SECOND MALE VET 50: ANDREW PIPER (WELLS CH)

THIRD MALE VET 50: STUART DIAMOND (WESTON AC)

FIRST MALE VET 60: JOHN SHAPLAND (BIDEFORD AAC)

SECOND MALE VET 60: NICK BROOKE (DORSET DODDLERS)

THIRD MALE VET 60: DAVID CARNELL (MAIDEN NEWTON RUNNERS)

FIRST MALE VET 70: PAUL SNELLING (WESTON AC)

SECOND MALE VET 70: CEDRIC HUGHES (GILLINGHAM TROTTERS)

2018 TROPHY WINNERS

LADIES CHAMPION: ALI BLANEY (WELLS CH) - ALSO 1ST FEMALE VET 35

LADIES RUNNER UP: MICHELLE FRYER (WESTON AC) 

LADIES THIRD PLACE: LISA HALLETT (RUNNING FOR TIME) - ALSO 2ND FEMALE VET 35

LADIES 4TH OVERALL: HARRIET BURR (WELLS CH)  

LADIES 5TH OVERALL: MARY BUTCHER (MINEHEAD RC) - ALSO 1ST FEMALE VET 55

LADIES 6TH OVERALL: TRACEY THOMAS (BURNHAM HARRIERS) - ALSO 3RD FEMALE VET 35

LADIES 7TH OVERALL: HAZEL SHEARS (LANGPORT RUNNERS)

LADIES 8TH OVERALL: GERALDINE HOPE (WESTON AC) - ALSO 1ST FEMALE VET 45

LADIES 9TH OVERALL: PAM WITHERS (WESTON AC) - ALSO 2ND FEMALE VET 55

LADIES 10TH OVERALL: LESLEY NISBETT (YEOVIL TOWN RRC) - ALSO 1ST FEMALE VET 65

2ND FEMALE VET 45: HELEN DIAMOND (WESTON AC)

3RD FEMALE VET 55: SALLY TUER (RUNNING FOREVER RC)

2ND FEMALE VET 65: SUE NICHOLLS (BURNHAM HARRIERS)

3RD FEMALE VET 45: TRACEY BENTON (BURNHAM HARRIERS)


MENS CHAMPION: CHRISTIAN GREEN (WELLS CH)

MENS RUNNER UP: MATTHEW BOWDEN (MINEHEAD RC)

MENS 3RD PLACE: DARRELL SHEEN (YEOVIL TOWN RRC) - ALSO 1ST MALE VET 40

MENS 4TH PLACE: DANNY DOYLE (MINEHEAD RC) 

MENS 5TH PLACE: NICK BROOKE (DORSET DODDLERS) - ALSO FIRST MALE VET 60

MENS 6TH PLACE: MATT POWELL (BURNHAM HARRIERS)

MENS 7TH PLACE: JUSTIN THOMAS (WELLS CH) - ALSO 2ND MALE VET 40

MENS 8TH PLACE: ANDREW PIPER (WELLS CH) - ALSO 1ST MALE VET 50

MENS 9TH PLACE: BEN TIMPSON (RUNNING FOREVER RC) 

MENS 10TH PLACE: GRAHAM GOLDSMID (WELLS CH) - ALSO 2ND MALE VET 50

3RD MALE VET 50: STUART DIAMOND (WESTON AC)

3RD MALE VET 40: JOSH HARRIS (WESTON AC)

2ND MALE VET 60: PAUL CHADWICK (WELLS CH)

3RD MALE VET 60: DAVE CARNELL (MAIDEN NEWTON RUNNERS)
1ST MALE VET 70: PAUL SNELLING (WESTON AC)

Results for earlier races in the Series can be found on the news archive page below or on the individual race page.
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