Weston Athletic Club members were out in force last weekend taking part in the five-mile prom series and a number of marathons.

THERE were two races in the Weston Athletic Club championship last week. The first was this month’s five-mile prom series race run on its new course for the first time.

Chris McMillan put in a personal best performance against stiff competition, finishing sixth overall and first for the club in 26.57. Chris was closely followed by Kieron Summers who came eighth overall and second club member in a personal best time of 27.46. Nick Briffitt was third club member home in 29.32.

The top three female club members also had cause to celebrate as they achieved personal best times. Hannah Moore was first home in 35.20, followed by Katherine Roberts in 35.46 then Camilla Reece-Trapp in 36.32.

The one-mile prom race, which precedes the five mile race, is open to anyone aged between seven and 16 years. This month’s winner was Jaylan Bacon from North Somerset Athletic Club, who flew across the finish line in 5.19, just one second ahead of Callum Smith in second. Indeigh Winterson was first female finisher in 6.22.

The second championship race of the week was a members only race in Worlebury Woods. The five and a half mile challenging cross-country event was won by Chris McMillan in 35.35, followed by Kieron Summers in 37.45 and Guy Bradford came third in 39.41.

Debbie Jones was first female in 43.01, followed by Charlotte Fowler in 48.21 then Michelle Fryer in 49.30.

Club members travelled near and far to take on the challenge of an autumn marathon. Eight members attempted the daunting prospect of the Snowdonia marathon. Steve Kibblewhite beat his time from last year by six minutes crossing the line in 3.25.46. Wilf Huxtable knocked a massive 57 minutes off last year’s time finishing in 3.39.17, while David Elliott was 24 minutes quicker this year posting a time of 3.57.33.

Liz Nicholls tackled Snowdonia for the first time completing the course in 4.23.34. Elaine Eldridge finished close behind in 4.24.40, knocking three minutes off her previous time and Karen Potter finished in 5.08.34.

The inaugural Bristol to Bath Marathon saw 18 members in attendance. Darren Stacey maintained an excellent pace throughout to finish in 3.02.26, Kevin Minty was second for the club in 3.15.36 followed by Michael Reep in 3.32.31. John Hinchliffe came third overall in his age category in 3.36.41.

Carol O’Leary was first female and fourth overall in her age category in 3.57.17. Lesley Bowskill, Georgie Ford, Kath Amor and Sara Butcher crossed the line together in 4.47.35.

The race also marked a milestone for Derek Almond who took up running just over a year ago when he joined the club’s Christmas Cracker training group. He crossed the line with Clive Barker in 5.33.23.

The club member who travelled furthest was Rachael Vincent, who flew to Italy to compete in the Venice Marathon. Rachael took in the sights and soaked up the atmosphere as she ran among the canals and over many bridges to achieve a personal best of 4.08.33.

Entry is now open for the Hangover 10k on New Year’s Day. The fast course on country lanes around Kewstoke provides the ideal way to end the party season and put your new year’s resolutions to the test. Race HQ is Kewstoke Village Hall and the race starts at 11am. Entry is available on the club website and costs just £8 (£6 for affiliated runners).

For more information about this and the club’s other races, as well as becoming a member, visit www.westonac.co.uk