After an enforced break during the last two years, one hundred and fifty runners lined up to participate in a 10km cross country running event around Kilmersdon, Radstock and Haydon featuring the famous Jack and Jill Hill.

Since the last running in 2019, organisers Adrian Holborn and Des Rabbitts had introduced a number of changes to further improve the event.

The start line and race HQ was relocated to the village hall in Kilmersdon whilst the route had been modified yet retained the water crossings and other challenges associated with the event.

Somer’s members busily supported the event, from signing and marshalling the route to the selling of drinks and homemade cakes in the race HQ.

The winner was Elliott Avis from Team Bath AC in 40:22, fifteen seconds ahead from Wells City Harriers’ second placed, Alexander Coombs.

First lady home was Somer’s own Tori Ratcliffe in 47:19, whilst Somer also won both the men’s and ladies team awards. Other local clubs such as Avon Valley Runners, Westfield TT, and Frome Running Club were well represented though the field was drawn from across the West and Wales.

The organisers would like to highlight the support of Kilmersdon’s residents and the Village Hall. In addition, local businesses Homeworks Solutions and Dockys Deli sponsored the event as did the village’s own Jolliffe Arms, whilst local landowner Jeremy Padfield kindly provided a field to accommodate car parking.

After a two year gap, it was great to see runners of all abilities enjoying the beautiful Somerset countryside in glorious sunshine.

If you’re interested in exploring the local area with other runners of all abilities, Somer meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.15pm; contact them via their Facebook page.