THE final event of the 2015 Somerset Series saw four Minehead Running Club members enter the Brent Knoll Race, one of the toughest runs on the calendar.
Altough less than six miles in length, the route starts on a flat but boggy path and climbs and descends Brent Knoll before a sprint back along the boggy paths.
Sunday’s run was even more treacherous than usual, with 60mph gusts blowing runners sideways on top of the knoll.
Matthew Bowden was first home in 18th place in 47.51, Chris Clement was next in 50.20 for 31st place, with Jo Taphouse three places behind and third lady in 50.45 and Phil Taphouse 73rd in 59.04.
In the series itself, Jo won the ladies’ section with 19 points from her ten races, and clubmate Hazel Hole was second with 42 points, winning the inaugural Ann Hutchinson Trophy for best female veteran, awarded in memory of a great supporter of the Somerset Series.
Matthew was fifth in the strong men’s series with 113 points.
The day before, Matthew took on his first ever park run, taking on the tough Reigate Park Run in Surrey and finishing 16th in 21.10 on an undulating and soggy course.
On November 15, Derek White travelled to Spain for the Valencia 10k, which attracted more than 21,000 runners.
He ran a fine race, completing the course in 51.06 and winning the male over 70 category, although he was unaware at the time so was unable to collect his trophy.