2005 Somerset Series review

Somerset Race Series

Paul Chadwick

2005 was the 10^th year of the Somerset Race Series and it continued to achieve the original objectives:

• Joint promotion of a selection of local races across the County of different distances and terrain;
• Encouragement to newcomers and experienced athletes to test themselves over a full season from February to November;
• Support to those Clubs involved to work together, by sharing expertise, equipment and encouragement.
• Encouragement to those who are not members of an athletics Club to join one of the Clubs.

The Series was first promoted (as the CICA Six) in 1996, sponsored by a division of Clarks shoes and involving 6 Clubs and 6 races. It grew in the late 1990’s with support from adidas to 10, and then to 14, races, with 9 Clubs becoming involved. The Clubs active in its planning are Burnham-on-Sea Harriers, Cheddar Running Club, Crewkerne Running Club, Langport RC, Minehead Running Club, Quantock Harriers, Yeovil Town Road Runners, and Wells City Harriers, the originators of the idea. Taunton AC have also been involved in ensuring that a race in Wellington is now included in the Series.

The 2005 Series Review

A new main sponsor of the 2005 Series was signed up when Simon Reach of Taunton’s dedicated athletics shop ‘Running Forever’ agreed to support the Series to the tune of over £300. (www.runningforever.com) Other principle sponsors are the 9 organising Clubs, raising £280 towards prizes, and the County Athletic Association that increased its contribution in 2005 to £100.

The format for 2005 remained the same as previous years with competitors having to compete in at least 8 of the 14 races to achieve a position in the series rankings. All competitors that were in the rankings at the end of the year received a sponsor’s gift voucher. We added a new category for 1^st V70. The overall winners in 2005 were Mark Lewis of the Royal Navy Athletic Club and Jenny Moore of Yeovil Town Road Runners. For both, it was the first time of winning, although Jenny had been a close runner up in 2004.

In the women’s category, Jenny dominated throughout the year, her first complete season of competition. Last year’s winner Linda Cummins  (Yeovil Town RR) was absent due to a serious injury following the London Marathon, and we look forward to her return in 2006. Ursula Counsell (Bristol AC) chased Jenny all the way in 2005 and despite winning the final race at Brent Knoll could not overhaul her. Jackie Batten (Minehead RC) was 3^rd, Mikki Coates (Cheddar RC) 4^th and 1^st F45, and Gill Constable (Cheddar RC) 5^th and 1^st F55.

In the men’s category, Peter Rigler (Tipton AC) a three-times victor in the Series was always playing catch up with Mark Lewis, but was well clear of 3^rd place Tim Hawkins (Yeovil Town RR) and 4^th place Alastair Bartlett ( Avon Valley Runners). Mike Harvey in 5^th place was also 1^st V40 in the Series, and closely followed home by Les Lock (unattached) as 1^st V50. Les has finally seen the light after a number of years encouragement and has now joined one of the local Clubs! Give him a shout when you see his vest. 1^st V60 all year and at the end of the series was Brian Mountjoy-Row (Yeovil Town RR) who seems to be getting better with every race. Brian and Tim Hamblin (Wells Harriers) both chalked up 13 appearances, out of 14 in the Series. 1^st V70 home was one of our former sponsors, and one of the Series organisers, Roy Smart.

2006 Series

The races in the Series this year are the same as 2005, and details are now available. The same sponsors have been agreed. Series prizes will be made at the final race at Brent Knoll. Some of the races have accompanying shorter junior races, or Fun Runs – Babcary; Butleigh; Crewkerne; Ash Martock.

For any further information or details contact the individual clubs by seeing their websites or contact me at chair@wellscityharriers.org.uk or on 01749 812420. Many thanks to Brian Beale and Roy Smart in particular for their work on behalf of the Series, and to all the Clubs that ensure that we can offer a good range of races for Somerset athletes.