Ladies show men the way in the opening TACH Race

The Westbury ladies took team honours at the opening TACH race, as Lucy Richens returned from an achilles problem with an impressive win in the first race out at Wrington. Her time of 43.33 was good enough to make the top 10, as Shona Mackie, Evita Gonzalez-Szamocki and Debbie Cleary joined forces to claim the prize. Also in the ladies race for the Harriers were Jane Goodwin, Caroline Potter and Jane Thornton - so a fantastic turn out for the ladies.

With injury and illness robbing the men of Matt Ellis, John Terry and Charlie Jones and work commitments denying Dan Summers and Colin Johnson, it was always going to be slightly harder but Anthony Glover stepped up to the mark to win the race in a time of 37.43, to finish nearly two minutes clear of Felix McGrath. With Robin Phillips also in the top 5, the team was then completed by Michael Hagan in 38th place (a great run  there). Sadly for the Harriers Weston AC packed the top 10 with 4 runners, which proved in the end to be too strong. Also in action for the men was Clive Shepherd.

Well done to all of you!

Ellis in dominant form, as Westbury secure team prize at the TACH

Matt Ellis showed a welcome return to form, as he eased to victory in the first TACH race, the Wrington Woodland in a time of 34.42. Runner up was Bitton's running machine Rob Farley - who was running pretty much his 10th race in 15 days, who took an early lead, but paid a heavy price as Ellis cruised passed him after the initial 2 mile climb. Anthony Glover finished 3rd in 37.10 and John Terry 4th in 37.43. Colin Johnson was 10th and Robin Phillips around 17th. Completing the lineup for the Harriers was Graham Bazley and Wendy Tippett.

When the team prize was announced, the Harriers came out on top with just 18 points; someway off their record low of 10 - achieved when Anthony Glover, John Terry, Colin Johnson and Steve Adams scored the first four places in the Burrington Blaster last season!

Well done all!

1-2-3 in the Wrington Woodland

The first of TACHs summer series took place on Thursday, with the Wrington Woodland Race. Our lads didn't disappoint, as Matt Ellis (37.19), Gregg Ward (37.56) and John Terry (38.16) combined to finish 1st 2nd and 3rd! Unfortunately for them all the other men at the club had dropped out of the race, and with 4 runners needed for the team prize, it was looking bleak!

For the ladies, Wendy Tippett was first home and won the V.50 category in a time of 49.35, Laura Tanna ran 55.23, Jane Goodwin 56.08 and Jane Thornton 58.49.

When it came to the presentation, a mistake by the organizers gave the Harriers a 4th male runner, and with 1-2-3 it was enough to secure the team prize! We'll have to give it back next time!

TACH series begins this Thursday

As May arrives, it heralds the start of a plethora of midweek racing action. It all kicks off this Thursday at the Lord Nelson public house in Cleeve, as the first of the summer TACH series - a 9km ish run from Cleeve to Wrington and back. As with all the TACH runs, it will include a big climb or two - but the Harriers will be hoping to build on last season's success and with a squad of 15, including Matt Ellis, Gregg Ward, John Terry and Anthony Glover - the club must be feeling optimistic about building on last season's series of winners!

They'll be a midweek race update in the next few days, as there's loads of chances coming up in the next few weeks!