Wells Harriers Fun Run to return in 2013 as 'The Not Quite 10k'

Despite facing a number of hurdles, the popular Wells Harriers Fun Run is to go ahead – albeit slightly stunted this year.

The annual race has been forced to shorten its distance – meaning it’s traditional 10K, or 6.4miles, has been cut down to 5.92miles.

The race will now be referred to as “The Not Quite 10K”.

Last year the Wells Fun Run was scuppered as it clashed with a Classic Motorcycle Run booked for the same day, and could not go ahead at all.

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But this year after a lot of hard work from organisers, fears of the race not going ahead again have been quashed.

A major problem facing the race committee was the enforced change of course due to a change of traffic system on the Wells by-pass.

The original route went directly past the entrance to Morrisons store, and although Morrisons were fully co-operative in trying to find a solution, the financial implications involved with road closures and traffic light management made it untenable. Associated costs would have to have been passed onto the runner’s entrance fee, something that the Harriers did not want to happen.

Berni Mundy, of the Harriers said: “The race committee, aware that time is running out, have been burning the midnight oil in an attempt to develop a solution. A new course has been devised, and thanks to the cooperation of farmer Mike Phelps, will be implemented.

It is slightly shy of the original 10K, hence the tag line for the event of The Not Quite 10k Fun Run. Although the course has been changed much of the original route remains. Wells City Harriers were adamant that the traditional start in the market place and the finish along by the moat should be retained.

The revised course ensures that this happens. Final confirmation of the exact route will be published in the very near future and will contain a small element of runner friendly mixed terrain.”

The popular fun run attracts both serious competitors as well as genuine fun runners.

Originally started in October 1982 and more or less a regular fixture since in one form or another, the Wells Fun Run will take place on its more recent May Bank Holiday slot and will take place on Sunday, May 26 this year.

Full details of course and entry procedures will be published shortly and as usual the Harriers hope as many local people, especially first timers, will don their running kit and take part. It is also planned to incorporate a corporate a team challenge, and with the increase in local supermarkets in the area a ‘supermarket dash’.

Berni Mundy is coordinating sponsorship and advertising. Anyone wishing to contact him with regards to either can do so by emailing odeberni@aol.com.

Look out for updates on the race and training advice in the Journal over the upcoming weeks.