Many thanks to all competitors, marshals, helpers and supporters of the 29th Wellington Monument Race on Sunday 20th December 2015. 

Full results have been emailed to all competitors for which we held valid e-addresses. Please contact us by email if any runner has not received this. 

Results will shortly also be available to downlaod in pdf form via the www.tauntonac.org website at the WMR sub-page

Both wind and rain held off for the most part, making for good running conditions on a mild winter’s morning, however there were a few soggy Santa’s and all runners were grateful for a warming cup of mulled wine and a mince pie upon completion of their race.

The 6.27 mile race followed the usual route, starting from the Catherine Wheel pub in the village, then climbing the gruelling 16% incline hill toward Simonsburrow before levelling out and circling the Wellington Monument and descending back along the same route.

Overall race winner was James Baker of Chichester Runners LAC who sped round the hilly course in 36.13 minutes, 45 seconds ahead of Andrew Smith (37.03) and followed closely by Christian Hewitt (37.14) from Tiverton Harriers in third. Winning their age categories and coming in 4th and 5th respectively were Peter Monaghan of Torbay AAC (V50) and Ben Tull (U20, Taunton AC), who along with Matthew Evans in 6th also all dipped below the 38 minute mark.

Sneaking into the top 20 overall was Ladies Race winner Naomi Flanagan from Torbay AAC in 41.38, an impressive time for such a testing course. Under 20 runner Lydie Jenks from Tavistock was 2nd overall with a time of 46.11, followed by Somer Horsfield (also U20) from Exeter Harriers in 47.08.

Runners from all over the Westcountry as well as some travelling from further afield from Sussex and The Midlands made up the field.  This year’s Team shield with all four of their scoring members finishing within the top 20 overall, went to Ben Tull, Danny Doyle, Nick Daniels and Will Nicole of TAUNTON AC

It was great to see 13 Local Hemyock runners taking part this year, and Andy Bussell and Mary Shannon retained their Cups from last year as fastest local finishers in 39.24 and 54.37 respectively. A summary of all age category prize winners is appended overleaf.

Race organiser’s Taunton AC would like to thank all our generous Sponsors includingSheppy’s Cider, who provided the special edition bottles of Sheppy’s Cider presented to all finishers, as well as to event sponsorship fromTaunton School,Timpson,Hummingbird Care, andTonyPrice-Intersport.

Official Event photographs on the day were taken by Rob Barker, with a wide selection of photos now available to participants at ROB BARKER IMAGES.COM 

 Notes to Media Editors : (For photographs please contact Rob Barker direct via contact details at the above web site link)

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The Wellington Monument race is an annual race of 6.27 miles (10090 metres) promoted by Taunton Athletics club. 

Now in its 29th year, all standards of runner take part. So don't be put off if you are a new runner, and feel free to wear Christmas theme fancy dress or the odd piece of tinsel.

Starting from the Catherine Wheel public house in Hemyock village square, the route then climbs to and circles the Wellington Monument, returning along the same road to finish at the local village primary school. One mile of firm stone track, a steep ascent and descent of approximately 1/2mile form part of this undulating, hilly, scenic and rural course The Course is accurately measured and R.R.C certified distance of 6.27 miles within AAA and UKA standards.  (Sorry but the hilly nature makes this race un-suitable for all wheeled carriages and wheelchairs)

Prize Presentations including the "John Cooksley" memorial challenge shield and other perpetual awards (to the overall male and female winners, and to first local and first Junior male and female) will take place in the school hall shortly after the race, and include Commemorative award, hot toddy & mince pie to all finishers. Plus individual prize awards to (Only one prize per runner) :   

1st, 2nd and 3rd placed Male finishers; 1st 2nd and 3rd Female finishers

overall, and Category prize to

1st place in each age class (excl. winners of 1, 2, 3 positions overall)

MEN: Junior Man U20, and Veteran Man over V40, V45, V50, V55, V60, V65, V70 ; and

LADIES: Junior Lady U20, and Veteran Lady over V35, V40, V45, V50, V55, V60, V65.  

Plus 1st Local (Hemyock) Man and Lady. 

Further information will appear at http://tauntonac.org 

Entry is limited to 300 places . On-line entry available for first-time this year. So don't delay - to avoid disappointment. ENTER TODAY!

Entries can be made here via FullonSport, but alternatively also still by post as in past years if you prefer.  

A paper entry form will be available in due course, but save yourself some postage and delays in Christmas post by applying on-line.  On-line entries are easier for you and for the race organisers.  If needed, printed forms will be available shortly via the Race web-site link below. 

All entries received will be confirmed by email together with further race details, and up-dates posted via WM link on the Race web-site 

Race Numbers are to be collected at entry desk at Hemyock Primary School HQ from 9am onwards on the morning of Race Day.

ENTRY FEES: Attached (with EA Licence) £10.00 Unattached £12.00 Entries accepted on-line (unless full) until 13:00 pm 19th December 2015.

Entries on Race day (UNLESS FULL) up to 10.15am at £12.00 Attached or £14.00 Unattached

IMPORTANT NOTICE:   No Refunds -  If race cancelled, then ‘Plan B’ is to move it to Sunday 17th January 2016

Results & race information will be available via WM race link on the Taunton AC website: (www.tauntonac.org)                                              

Entrants entering on-line or sending entries by post and received by organiser by 19th December do not need to register on the day.

HOWEVER - on Race Day please come to the Numbers Allocation Desk between 9.00 to 10.15 am  to pick up your RACE NUMBER. 

DIRECTIONS

Hemyock is found by leaving the M5 at junction 26, follow the Wellington turning to the roundabout, turn left along the A38 for 1.1/2 miles.

Turn left into Monument Road, follow the road to the very top of the hill to a crossroads, go straight across and follow signs for Hemyock.

Carry on through the village via Station Road until you enter the village square, passing and keeping the Catherine Wheel Inn on your extreme left follow the road around to the right, passing a garage and then turning left opposite a cemetery on your right hand side into Parklands.

The race headquarters are located at Hemyock CP School easily found at: Parklands, Hemyock, Cullompton, Devon EX15 3RY 

MAP VIEW (via Google Maps) 

The Wellington Monument (location) forms the Half way point of the race, before returning to Hemyock Primary School forming the finish