Bournemouth Athletic Club

Arthur Riley Shows Strength on Challenging Yeovil Half Course

Richard Brawn — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:05:38 +0000

Arthur Riley was looking to see some improvement on his time from last year at the Yeovil Half Marathon

Arthur Riley continued his impressive progression in Bournemouth AC colours with a strong run at the Yeovil Half Marathon, tackling a testing course and competitive field to finish 19th overall in 1:20:51.

Since joining the club, Arthur has quickly established himself as a consistent and versatile performer. His 35:44 at the Lordshill 10k last summer marked him out as one to watch, before he stepped up superbly in distance to record 2:54 at the New Forest Marathon alongside his brother Fergus. He followed that with a sharp 1:19:49 at the Run Bournemouth Half Marathon in October, underlining both his endurance and speed.

The runners gather on the start line of the Yeovil Half Marathon

Perhaps most remarkable, however, was his completion of the Arc 100 at the Arc of Attrition by UTMB earlier this year. Covering 104 miles of the South West Coast Path with over 20,000 feet of elevation, Arthur, alongside brothers Fergus and Hamish, conquered one of the toughest ultras in the UK. In a race where more than half the field failed to finish, the trio showed real grit and determination to complete the challenge in just over 33 hours.

Back on more familiar territory at Yeovil, Arthur faced a half marathon course that was far from straightforward. Starting and finishing in the town centre, the route wound through closed roads before heading into Yeovil Country Park and then out towards Montacute House, returning via quiet but undulating country lanes. With around 800 feet of elevation, pacing was always going to be key.

The lead contenders set off on their way

Arthur set off confidently, settling into a steady rhythm of around 6:05 per mile through the opening five miles. The sixth mile presented the first real test with a sustained climb, which he handled well in 6:20, backing that up with a solid 6:19 for mile seven. Regaining momentum, he posted a 6:06 for mile eight before encountering another incline in the ninth.

The toughest section followed, with consecutive uphill miles of 6:49 and 6:33. Showing good judgement, Arthur managed his effort well over this demanding stretch, ensuring he had enough left for the closing stages.

Arthur in the black top (1055) finds a group to go with

With the terrain finally relenting, he made the most of the downhill run-in, clocking a brisk 5:57 before finishing strongly with a 6:11 final mile to secure his 1:20:51 finish time. His effort earned him 7th place in the highly competitive senior men’s (23–34) category, a commendable result on such a challenging course.

That was an improvement on his time of 1:22:44 from last year so that was pleasing for Arthur as it shows he’s moving in the right direction.

The race itself was won by Steven Reynolds of Truro Running Club in 1:10:48, ahead of George Paton (1:12:13) and Adam Fieldhouse, who took third in 1:12:56 after a close contest. Thomas Addison-Wood finished fifth in 1:13:00, with James Izard sixth (1:13:23) and Johnny Suttle seventh (1:14:25). Duncan Staddon was first veteran, placing eighth overall in 1:15:52 in the 45–49 category.

Arthur was up for the fight and showed hunger for it

In the women’s race, Hannah Blundy produced an excellent run to finish first in 1:18:07, placing 13th overall. Hannah Biggs was second female in 1:28:45, just ahead of third-placed Rose Jones (1:28:52). Agnieszka Phillips took fourth female and first veteran honours in 1:29:35.

A well-supported 10k race also took place, with Lester James of Team Bath taking victory in 32:28. Matthew Adams was second in 34:57, just ahead of Casper Rawbone in 34:58. Sharon Hutchings led the women’s field in 40:44, finishing 25th overall, with Jenny Morgan (41:19) and Rosie Campbell-Barnard (43:35) completing the podium.

It was a pleasing outcome in the end for Arthur

For Arthur, this was another strong and controlled performance, demonstrating his ability to handle varied terrain and maintain composure through the tougher sections of a race. With his blend of endurance from ultra distances and proven speed over shorter events, he continues to be a valuable asset to the Bournemouth AC squad.

Fleet Answers the Marathon Question for Bournemouth AC Quartet

Richard Brawn — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:44:31 +0000

Adam Corbin was one of four Bournemouth AC members using the Fleet Half Marathon as a barometer for their marathon training

The Fleet Half Marathon has long held a reputation as a proving ground for spring marathon hopefuls, and this year was no exception. With the London Marathon and Manchester Marathon looming on the horizon, Bournemouth AC’s quartet of Rob McTaggart, Adam Corbin, Mike Akers and Sanjai Sharma arrived in Fleet looking to take stock of their fitness under race conditions.

Rob McTaggart had been putting in the hard yards ahead of the London Marathon

Fleet’s course is rarely straightforward. While it lacks any truly punishing climbs, it offers very little in the way of sustained flat running either, forcing athletes to constantly adjust rhythm and effort. That subtle relentlessness, combined with the knowledge that marathon form is being revealed mile by mile, gives the race its distinctive edge.

Sanjai Sharma was stepping his training up ahead of the London showdown

The 2026 Fleet Half Marathon gets underway

Tag was always likely to be high up the field

Tag was going at a remarkably fast pace

For Rob McTaggart, preparations for London have been both consistent and creative. A win at the Lytchett 10—completed mid–long run—and a runner-up finish at the Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon at the end of a 23-mile effort pointed to an athlete building strength in the right way. At Fleet, he translated that into a composed and high-quality performance.

Tag had managed to get into tremendous shape once again

Tag was on the road to an impressive half marathon time

Opening with splits of 5:13, 5:15 and 5:07, Tag settled quickly into a demanding rhythm. His pacing remained impressively controlled through the middle miles—5:18, 5:20, 5:09—before a particularly strong 5:05 at mile seven suggested he was moving well within himself. Even as fatigue began to creep in over the closing stages, his consistency never wavered significantly, closing with 5:27 and 5:22 to stop the clock at 1:09:07. That earned him 9th place in a high-calibre field, with an average pace of 5:16, and confirmed that his London preparations are firmly on track.

Tag approaches the finish of the race

Tag got round in a lightning quick 1 hour 9 minutes

Adam Corbin’s form had been really good throughout his training block

Adam Corbin’s build-up to Manchester has been less conventional. Balancing training with family commitments, he has leaned more towards shorter, sharper efforts, including a series of strong parkrun performances—most notably an 18:03 at Highcliffe Beach. With his half marathon best of 1:17:26 dating back to 2022, the question was whether he could convert that speed into endurance.

Adam’s prospects of a half marathon PB were high

Adam had the speed and hoped he could find the endurance

The answer, emphatically, was yes. Running with control throughout, Adam produced splits largely in the 5:30–5:45 range to finish in 1:15:01. The performance not only delivered a two-and-a-half minute personal best, but also saw him pass 10 miles in under 57 minutes—quicker than his standalone best at that distance. It marks him out as being in the form of his life and suggests a potential well inside 2:40 for the marathon, provided endurance holds in the latter stages.

A great result was always on the cards for Adam

Adam delivered a superb 1:15 time

Mike Akers was hoping for a faster time than he managed at Farnborough in February

Mike Akers, also Manchester-bound, came into the race off a solid 1:22:46 at the Farnborough Winter Half Marathon and a training block that had included consistent long runs and interval work. His race unfolded in a measured fashion, opening with miles in the 6:00–6:10 range before easing slightly to around 6:15 through the middle section. A closing mile of 6:03 demonstrated that there was still strength in reserve.

Mike was hoping to get close to 1:20

Mike battling it out with Carly Scoble of Ryde Harriers

Mike gave it everything he had on the day

His finishing position of 177th out of 2,501, including 26th in the M40 category, came with an average pace of 6:08. While not quite a personal best, it represents some of his strongest running in recent years and points towards a realistic sub-2:50 target in Manchester.

Mike’s fitness was around where he wanted it to be

Mike makes a break for the finish line

Sanjai Sharma usually looks to get under 1 hour 35 minutes

For Sanjai Sharma, the focus was on building from his 1:36 at the Wokingham Half Marathon earlier in the year. His Good For Age place for London was secured with a 3:26 at the Loch Ness Marathon.

Sanjai ran strongly and stayed composed throughout

His 1:34:01 finish—good for 611th overall and 8th in the M60 category—represented a decent level of fitness. Matching his best form from last season, Sanjai executed a well-judged race that keeps his London preparations firmly on course.

At the sharp end of the race, Adam Clarke of Aldershot Farnham & District took victory in 1:05:43, followed by Chris Davies (1:06:44) and Max Walker (1:06:46). John Hutchins of Woking AC claimed the first M40 prize, narrowly ahead of Tag.

Sanjai finds the energy for a sprint finish

Tobi Loughlin of Team Bath was fourth in 1:08:15, with William Ewens taking 5th in 1:08:20 and Robert Wood sixth in 1:08:45. Further down the field, there were strong performances from local and regional runners, underlining the depth of competition that makes Fleet such a valuable benchmark.

It was a run that confirmed Sanjai was on track with his marathon preparations

Rupert Allison of Twemlow Track Club did well to finish 17th in 1:10:58 and Brian Underwood of Poole AC came 23rd in 1:11:32 and he was first M50. Jack Galloway of Twemlow Track Club took 34th place in 1:12:32.

Sanjai heads toward the line for a 1:34 finish

Chelsea Baker was first female in 1:13:21, which put her in 43rd place overall. Charlotte Purdue was second female in 1:14:30 which put her in 60th place. Lucy Morrison was third female in 1:15:46, which put her in 78th place overall.

Charlie Williams of Egdon Heath Harriers was 88th in 1:16:31 and Chris Wood of Twemlow Track Club came 91st in 1:16:36. Adam Davies of Egdon Heath Harriers finished 126th in 1:18:01.

Sanjai was immediately whisked off on a family holiday after the race

All the signs were positive for Tag after his 9th place finish

For Bournemouth AC, the takeaways are clear. With London and Manchester approaching rapidly, all four athletes demonstrated encouraging form. Tag looks poised for a significant run in London, Adam has unlocked a new level of performance, Mike is trending towards his marathon goals, and Sanjai continues to deliver consistency where it matters most.

Mike showed plenty of fight in his Fleet Half Marathon race

Fleet, as ever, has done its job.

Brown Delivers as Butcher Breaks Through at Fast and Furious Eastleigh 10k

Richard Brawn — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:37:41 +0000

The Eastleigh 10k represented an opportunity for Harry Butcher to lay down a marker

The 41st running of the Eastleigh 10k once again lived up to its reputation as one of the fastest and most competitive road races on the calendar, attracting a deep field of 2,480 runners to its famously flat and PB-friendly course.

Bournemouth AC were represented by Matt Brown and rising junior Harry Butcher, both delivering performances of real quality and maturity.

Matt Brown was well capable of a sub 35 minute 10k

Matt Brown, no stranger to the distance, arrived in solid form following a sequence of consistent outings. His recent 34:43 at the Boscombe 10k came shortly before his outstanding 2:40:11 marathon PB in Valencia, while last year’s marks of 34:42 (Winchester) and 35:06 (Bournemouth Bay) underlined his reliability. Notably, his lifetime best of 32:34 was set on this very course back in 2021.

The runners gather on the start line at the Eastleigh 10k

The lead contenders head off on their way

It was all set for a fast and furious encounter

Matt sets off on his way taking his usual measured approach

Employing his trademark heart rate–controlled pacing strategy, Matt executed his race with precision. He opened with a controlled 5:29 mile, followed by 5:34, before negotiating the course’s only notable undulation in mile three with a steady 5:42. Maintaining composure, he clocked 5:38 for mile four before finishing strongly, closing with splits of 5:32 and 5:28.

Caitlin Peers, now in Southampton colours, was also racing

It was a strong and controlled performance from Matt

Matt upped the pace to around 5:30 in his last two miles

Matt approaches the finish of the race

His evenly judged effort saw him pass halfway in 17:24 before accelerating to a 17:08 second half, stopping the clock at 34:29. This secured him 43rd place overall and an average pace of 5:34 per mile—an excellent run on a highly competitive day.

Matt ended up crossing the line in 34:29

Harry Butcher was an exciting new talent emerging from the Bournemouth AC ranks

Harry had been impressing in training with the road runners group

Seventeen-year-old Harry Butcher continues to show impressive development, producing a standout performance that belied his relative inexperience over the distance. Having previously recorded 40:55 at the Run Bournemouth Supersonic 10k, alongside promising shorter-distance times, this represented a significant step forward.

The way in which Harry paced his run showed great maturity

Harry demonstrated composure early on, opening with 6:11 before running 6:20 and 6:14 through the hilly third mile. From there, he showed notable strength and confidence, stepping up the pace with 6:03 and 6:07 before a particularly strong 5:37 sixth mile. He finished with an eye-catching final push at 4:54 pace.

Harry demonstrated a tremendous turn of pace at the end of the race

His finishing time of 37:42 earned him 118th place overall and marked a substantial improvement, highlighting both his endurance and race awareness. It was a composed and intelligent performance, suggesting considerable potential for further progression.

Harry sprints in for a new PB of 37:42

Jack Rees of Guernsey was leading the race

Jack Rees arrives to take the win in 31:02

At the sharp end of the race, 19-year-old Jack Rees of St Martins took victory in 31:02, ahead of Alex Matthews (31:17) and Daniel Gaffney (31:31). Thomas Aspin (31:37) and M50 athlete Will Green (31:44) completed the top five in a tightly contested race.

Alex Matthews of Aldershot, Farnham and District took second place

In the women’s race, former Bournemouth AC athlete Caitlin Peers delivered an outstanding run to take first place in 35:24, finishing 63rd overall. Erin Willmers (36:26) and Tina Christmann (36:30) completed the podium.

Caitlin and Jack show off their winners trophies

There was further local interest with former Bournemouth AC member Trev Elkins finishing 89th in 36:36, placing 7th in the M45–49 category.

Caitlin (pictured here with Alex Webb) showed signs of great progression

Overall, it was another superb edition of the Eastleigh 10k, with fast times throughout the field. For Bournemouth AC, Matt Brown’s controlled execution and Harry Butcher’s breakthrough performance provided plenty of encouragement as the season gathers momentum.

From Routine Run to League Battle at Bournemouth Bay Half

Richard Brawn — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:00:38 +0000

Rob McTaggart has a history of great results at the Bournemouth Bay Run, always arriving at the peak of his powers

The Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon has long been something of a staple on the local calendar — a chance for Bournemouth AC runners to stretch the legs in a familiar setting, often as part of a bigger spring marathon build, or simply to enjoy a race on home turf. This year, however, the race carried a little more weight. For the first time, it featured as a Dorset Road Race League fixture, and that alone gave proceedings a sharper edge.

Rich Brawn was incorporating the Bay Half into a long run

That added significance did, however, come with its own logistical headache. Road Runners head honcho Rich Nelson found himself working somewhat in the dark without access to the entry list, making team selection more a case of educated guesswork than careful planning. There were some certainties; Rob McTaggart would be there, inevitably incorporating it into one of his characteristically brisk long runs, while Luke De-Benedictis had already signed up. Rich Brawn and Clint Taylor were also in the mix, both looking to use it as part of marathon preparation. Beyond that, it was a case of hoping a few more yellow and blue vests would emerge on the start line.

Matilde Blagden was running her first ever half marathon race

There was also a welcome return on the women’s side, with Sam White making her first race appearance since 2024 — a sight that added a touch of familiarity to an otherwise slightly uncertain turnout.

Luke De-Benedictis had been in tremendous form of late

Elsewhere, other clubs had clearly been more organised. Poole AC, in particular, arrived well-armed, spearheaded by the in-form Charlie Collins, whose recent cross country exploits marked him out as the man to beat. With strong support from Thomas Corbin and Lewis Clarke, they looked well positioned from the outset. Egdon Heath Harriers had Jonathon Churchill in their ranks, while Twemlow Track Club assembled a formidable quintet.

Nathan Mearns was aiming for a sub 1:30

Pre-race routines varied — some more conventional than others. Rob McTaggart had already logged 10 miles before the gun, while Rich Brawn had seven in the legs and very nearly didn’t make the start at all, having managed to get himself locked inside the gym. A last-minute scramble, involving a climb over the railings, ensured both made it to the line with seconds to spare — not ideal preparation, but perhaps fitting for the slightly chaotic build-up.

Rob McTaggart ran 10 miles before starting the race

Once underway, the race unfolded over a scenic but deceptively testing course. From Bournemouth Pier, the route traced the promenade west before climbing up through the chines, looping along the clifftop, and stretching all the way out towards Hengistbury Head before returning via the Overcliff and Boscombe. The conditions were unusually kind. Light winds and bright sunshine made for near-perfect racing weather, even if the exposed sections and testing climbs still demanded respect.

Clint Taylor was keen to give it a good go

At the sharp end, Charlie Collins wasted little time asserting control. He set a strong pace early on and never looked in danger, eventually taking a convincing victory in 1:10:39 — a significant improvement on his previous outings over the distance.

Behind him, Rob McTaggart executed his “training run” with typical authority. Settling into a pace that most of the field could only admire from a distance, he cruised through the early miles and, despite running solo for much of the second half, secured second place in 1:12:35. When combined with his pre-race mileage, it amounted to a 23.36-mile effort at an average of 6-minute pace — an outstanding day’s work by any standard.

It was a solo forage in second place for Tag

Lewis Clarke completed the podium in 1:13:06, with Tommy Corbin just behind in fourth. Twemlow’s Rupert Allison and Egdon’s Jonathon Churchill also featured prominently in the top six, underlining the depth of competition across the league.

It was a very strong and fast paced long run from Tag

Luke De-Benedictis ran well to finish in 1:17:44

For Bournemouth AC, Luke De-Benedictis continued his fine run of form. Although unable to quite match his 2024 performance, his 1:17:44 for 13th place was another solid showing, particularly given the strength of the field.

Luke sprints to the line to take 13th place

Further back, Karl Welch marked his return to racing with a strong run of 1:19:52, finishing as the club’s third scorer. It was an encouraging performance after time away from competition.

Karl Welch turned up unexpectedly to bolster the side

For Rich Brawn, this was never going to be a day for heroics. Still feeling the effects of a tough outing at the MK20 the previous week, the plan was simply to log a solid effort at something approaching marathon pace. That ambition faded fairly quickly. By five miles in, the pace had drifted, and the legs were already protesting. The long drag along the Overcliff proved particularly unforgiving, coming deep into what was effectively a much longer run.

Karl was pleased to get round in under 1:20

Rich Brawn found a bit of energy to pick the pace up in the last couple of miles

A late rally at least salvaged a respectable finish, with 1:27:20 on the clock — not a time to write home about, but a useful session in the bank all the same. Sometimes the bigger picture matters more than the stopwatch.

Rich had clocked over 20 miles before he reached the finish line

Rich struggled to find the pace he wanted on already tired legs

Nathan Mearns completed the scoring team for Bournemouth AC, battling through to 1:32:14 after a slightly over-enthusiastic start caught up with him in the latter stages. It secured the team a finish, but not the result they might have hoped for on home soil, with Poole AC taking top honours ahead of Twemlow, and Bournemouth AC having to settle for third in the standings.

Nathan Mearns started off fast but ran out of gas part the way through

Clint Taylor followed in 1:45:04, later joking about making this an annual fixture “until it goes well,” while Nick Pepin got round in 2:09:57.

Nathan completed the course in 1:32:14

Clint Taylor battles well as he heads along the prom

There were also notable efforts elsewhere in the club. Matilde Blagden, in her debut half marathon, showed real determination to break two hours, digging deep after a tough middle section to finish in 1:58:54. It was a valuable learning experience and a promising start over the distance for her. Sam White, meanwhile, marked her return with a 2:13:32 finish, pleased simply to get to the end in the warm conditions.

Clint got round in 1 hour 45 minutes

Matilde Blagden went out hard but couldn’t maintain the pace

In the women’s race, Lizzy Allison of Poole Runners led the way with a strong 1:26:06, followed by Becky Neal of Poole AC and Victoria Kirschner-Heavens, as Poole AC demonstrated their strength in depth by getting the best score out of the Ladies First Division clubs.

Matilde gave her all though and came away with a creditable sub two

Nick Pepin makes his way down the sunny promenade

From a league perspective, Poole AC’s dominance continued, with three wins from three in the men’s division. Twemlow Track Club sit second, with Bournemouth AC currently third. Individually, Rob McTaggart’s consistency sees him leading the standings, with Luke De-Benedictis also well placed in fourth.

Nick arrives at the finish in just under 2 hours 10 minutes

Nick puts in a final sprint for the line

It was a welcome sight to see Sam White back out there

All in all, the Bournemouth Bay Half proved to be more than just a training run this year. With league points on the line, it delivered a competitive edge to a familiar course — and perhaps a timely reminder that even on home ground, nothing comes easily.

Sam was pleased to complete the race in such warm conditions

Karl ended up third scorer for the BAC men’s team

Matilde put in a performance to be proud of in her first ever half

Riley Austin achieves podium finish at Bournemouth Bay 10k

Richard Brawn — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:28:49 +0000

Riley Austin is one of the Bournemouth AC youngsters who has the most potential

There was a lively seaside atmosphere for the Bournemouth Bay 10k, with 1,181 finishers taking on a scenic but testing coastal route on a bright spring day. Starting on the west side of Bournemouth Pier, runners headed east along the promenade towards Boscombe Pier, continuing on to Southbourne before tackling the decisive climb up Gordon’s Zig Zag. From there, the course swept back along the Overcliff before dropping down again at Boscombe Pier for a fast finish just short of the start line.

The runners gather on the start line for the Bournemouth Bay 10k

Leading the way for Bournemouth AC was Riley Austin, continuing his excellent season with a superb 3rd place finish in 35:44. Riley has shown impressive consistency across the winter, with standout performances in major cross country fixtures, and he translated that strength well onto the roads here with a composed and competitive run.

The lead group contained Riley Austin (black) and Jake Mowat (BAC vest)

Riley Austin (black) in the lead group

Riley Austin finished 3rd in 35:44

Jake Mowat had been in fine form of late

Jake Mowat also delivered a strong performance to finish 5th in 36:16. Going through the opening mile in 5:43, Jake settled into a solid rhythm with splits of 5:53 and 5:50 before tackling the climb at Gordon’s Zig Zag in 6:16. He responded well over the closing stages, finishing strongly with 5:45 and 5:38 miles to hold his position and edge a close finish on the line.

Jake found his rhythm and never looked back

Jake finds the energy for a sprint finish

Jake ended up taking 5th place in 36:16

Mark Richardson had the ability to produce a fast time

Mark Richardson continued his promising start in Bournemouth AC colours, finishing 16th overall in 38:44. His run was rewarded with 3rd place in the M50 category, underlining his strength in a competitive field.

Mark was even overtaking people with scooters

Mark Richardson heads down the finishing straight

Mark Richardson finished 16th in 38:44

Helen Beddoe was one of the club’s most improved runners last year

There was another excellent run from Helen Beddoe, who finished as 7th female in 45:09, placing 78th overall and 4th in the F35 category. Helen’s continued progression was evident once again as she delivered a controlled performance on a course that demands both endurance and strength.

Helen makes her way along the prom

Helen makes her final sprint for the line

Helen battles it out with David Crowther and Flo Ilsley

It was an enthralling battle at the end of the race

David Crowther was hoping to deliver a strong performance

Close behind was David Crowther, crossing the line in 45:10 (79th overall) to place 13th in the M40 category. David’s improvement over the past year continues to show, with another solid outing on familiar roads.

David makes his way down the very familiar seafront

David got over the line in a time of 45:10

Sian McIlwaine was also in action

Sian McIlwaine completed the course in 49:58, finishing 37th female and 205th overall, while Manuel Stone rounded out the Bournemouth AC contingent with a time of exactly 1:00:00. Manuel placed 536th overall and 6th in the M70+ category, demonstrating admirable consistency and commitment.

Sian (left) went on to finish in just under 50 minutes

Manuel Stone rounded the proceedings off for the Bournemouth AC contingent

At the front of the race, Harry Sinclair of Trafford AC took victory in 34:45, with Josh Halderthay second in 35:21 and Peter Rowat fourth in 36:05. In the women’s race, Vicki Ingham of Poole Runners was first home in 38:32 (14th overall), followed by Abigail Jones (39:53) and Hayley Martin of Twemlow Track Club (40:53), who also claimed the F45 category win.

Manny got round in exactly 1 hour

Riley Austin picked up a trophy for his third place finish

Overall, it was a strong showing from Bournemouth AC across the field, with performances to be proud of on a course that combined coastal beauty with a challenging sting in the middle.

Isaac and Amelia Spearhead Strong Showing from BAC in Bournemouth Bay 5k

Richard Brawn — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:58:08 +0000

Amelia Lawrence was leading the charge for the Bournemouth AC women in the Bournemouth Bay 5k

The 5k race at this year’s Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run once again brought the curtain down on a busy day of racing along the seafront, taking place in the afternoon after the half marathon and 10k had concluded. Runners were greeted by near-perfect conditions, with bright sunshine, comfortable temperatures and barely any wind – ideal for fast times on the flat coastal course.

A strong contingent from Bournemouth AC lined up, with a number of the club’s younger athletes eager to test their early-season speed against quality local competition.

Isaac May was leading contender from Bournemouth AC

Isaac May was first home for the club, continuing his impressive run of form with a composed performance to finish 4th overall in 16:25. The talented middle-distance runner, who has previously recorded a 16:12 parkrun and 4:29 at the Vitality Westminster Mile, once again showed his strength across disciplines. His run placed him just ahead of Poole Runners’ up-and-coming youngster Buddy Mitchell, underlining the competitive nature of the race at the sharp end.

Isaac was in magnificent form

Isaac finished 4th in 16:25

Finley Hurst Atkins possesses a great turn of pace

Finley Hurst Atkins also produced a strong display, dipping under the 18-minute mark once again to finish 9th in 17:54. Having run 17:58 at the Run Bournemouth Supernova 5k in October and placed 43rd at the South West Cross Country Championships earlier in the year, Finley continues to show steady progression and consistency.

Finley speeds along the prom to a top ten finish

Finley blasts down the finishing straight

Finley did well to finish 9th in 17:54

Aiden Blagden was also competing in the Bournemouth Bay 5k

Close behind, fellow junior Aiden Blagden made an assertive start and was well positioned through the early stages before the fast early pace began to tell in the second half. He battled on well to secure 12th place in 18:47, adding another solid run to a season that has included appearances at both the South West and Southern Cross Country Championships.

Aiden heads down the sunny promenade

Aiden finished 12th in 18:47

Amelia Lawrence was always likely to be a contender for the women’s win

One of the standout performances of the afternoon came from second-claim athlete Amelia Lawrence, who ran strongly throughout to finish 13th overall and first female in 18:52. With an impressive track background that includes 2:16.59 for 800m and 4:36.97 for 1500m, Amelia demonstrated both speed and strength to control the women’s race and take a well-deserved victory.

Amelia had demonstrated a lot of talent since arriving in Bournemouth

Amelia hits the home straight to record a brilliant victory

Charlie Powell (1301) was another talented Bournemouth AC youngster competing at the Bay Run

Charlie Powell was next across the line for the club, running a well-judged race to finish 15th in 19:06. Having gained valuable experience at the Southern Cross Country Championships earlier in the year, Charlie showed good pacing and resilience to maintain his position throughout.

Charlie battles it out on the prom

Charlie heads down the finishing straight

Jessica Long battling it out with a Poole Runners runner

There was an outstanding run from Jessica Long, who produced one of the club’s performances of the day. Running with confidence and control, she crossed the line 32nd overall and 6th female in a personal best of 20:40. The time represents a significant improvement on her previous best of 21:02 and reflects the strong form she has carried over from a winter that included 37th place at the South West Cross Country Championships.

Jessica heads down the finishing straight

Jessica clocked a terrific PB of 20:40

Lola Thomasson is another promising young BAC star

Another athlete to impress was Lola Thomasson, whose commitment over the winter cross-country season has clearly paid dividends. Having completed all four Wessex Cross Country League fixtures and added appearances in the Hampshire League, as well as finishing 59th at the South West Cross Country Championships this year, she produced a strong run here to finish 51st overall and 10th female in a time of 22:46, continuing her upward progression.

Lola was 10th female in 22:46

Flo Dootson heads down the promenade

Further back, Flo Dootson showed admirable determination to finish 63rd overall and 15th female in 23:45. Although she reported that her legs felt strong, her breathing proved more of a challenge on the day. Despite that, she dug in well to complete the race in a large field of 515 finishers, adding to what has already been a productive cross-country season.

Flo had some breathing difficulties but battled well

Flo got round in 23:45

Nikki McTaggart faced warmer conditions than she would normally prefer

Nikki McTaggart rounded off the Bournemouth AC team with a solid performance in 26:14. Despite usually finding warmer conditions difficult, she coped well with the sunshine to finish 29th female and 4th in the F35 category, placing 99th on gun time and 102nd on chip.

Nikki was 29th female and 4th in her age category

At the front of the race, Poole AC’s highly promising youngster Theo Cobley took victory in 15:51, continuing a season that has already seen him win the South West Cross Country Championships. Littledown Harriers’ Sam Shawyer was close behind in 15:54, with James Fraser of Hercules Wimbledon finishing third in 16:19.

Nikki clocked a time of 26:14

Overall, the Vitality Bournemouth Bay 5k proved to be another successful outing for Bournemouth AC, with a number of high placings, a women’s victory and a notable personal best highlighting a productive afternoon on home roads. With the track and summer road season now approaching, these performances suggest the club’s athletes are in encouraging early-season form.

Barcelona breakthrough for Barry as Louisa secures sensational sub-three

Richard Brawn — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:35:25 +0000

All the signs where to suggest that the Barcelona Marathon could be the best one yet for Barry Dolman

The spring marathon season took Bournemouth AC onto the streets of Catalonia this year, where Barry Dolman and Louisa Rowland lined up alongside a record-breaking field of more than 30,000 runners at the 2026 Zurich Marató Barcelona.

Both athletes arrived in Spain with very different stories behind them, but each would leave with a performance that reflected months – and in Barry’s case, years – of persistence and resilience.

Barry bounces back

Barry had every reason to be full of optimism when he picked up his number from the expo

Barry’s last 12 months have been anything but straightforward. After three months of meticulous preparation for the London Marathon last spring, a calf injury struck at precisely the wrong time, derailing what had promised to be a career-defining run. He battled through to finish, but the clock told a story that his fitness simply did not.

He refused to let that be the final chapter. A strong sub-2:55 in New York in November signalled that the engine was still very much intact, even if his personal best of 2:53:16 from September 2024 remained untouched.

This winter he returned to what worked. Wednesdays meant the now-familiar 5 x 2km session at quicker than marathon pace. Fridays brought a half marathon effort. Saturdays were reserved for parkrun, and Sundays for the kind of 32–35km long runs that quietly build the steel required for racing over 26.2 miles. By mid-January he was logging close to 80 miles a week, week in, week out.

The early season form was there for all to see. A 36:49 at Stubbington – achieved after already running half marathon distance earlier that morning – was impressive enough, but he went one better at the British Masters 10km Championships in Chichester, slicing that down to an outstanding 35:49.

And then there was Highcliffe Beach parkrun, where Barry finally got one over on training partner and clubmate Rob Spencer, clocking 17:51 on a course that rarely gives anything away. Those who know that stretch of sand and shingle will appreciate just how serious a performance that was.

Nerves before the gun

Even in the final week before Barcelona there was uncertainty. Barry had been nursing pain around the adductor where it meets the pelvis and abdominal wall, symptoms he suspected might point to adductor tendinopathy. Whether it was psychosomatic or simply one of those last-minute niggles that plague marathoners, the issue disappeared on race morning – a welcome relief as he toed the line in a packed city-centre start.

A race of patience and progression

There was a lot of traffic around in the early part of the race

Like Valencia in 2023, Barcelona began with congestion and caution. Barry’s opening mile of 6:53 was dictated more by traffic than by choice, followed by a 6:44 and 6:39 as he began to find daylight. At 5km he was buried in 3,419th place.

From there, he began a relentless march through the field.

A series of downhill miles saw splits drop to 6:25 and 6:11, and by the time he slipped past the three-hour pacing group after seven miles, the race finally opened up. With space to stride, his rhythm improved immediately: 6:18 for mile eight, followed by controlled climbing miles of 6:34 and 6:30 to reach 10 miles in around 1:05:30.

Once Barry got into his stride he just kept moving through the field

Through halfway in 1:26:23 – almost identical to New York but feeling far more comfortable – Barry sensed something was building.

“I was starting to drop into the 19-minute 5km splits and still seeing under four-minute kilometres on the watch. At that stage you’re in that zone where you start to believe you can hold it.”

The decisive second half

The next section of the course offered gentle descents, and Barry used them. Miles ticked by in 6:15, 6:24 and 6:21, and by 25km he had climbed to 1,614th place. His pacing discipline was paying off; each 5km split hovered in the low-19-minute range.

Barry was flying in the second half of the race and feeling really strong

At 32km he checked his watch against the mental arithmetic he has carried since his PB run in Sydney.

“For 2:50 you’re looking for about 2:09 at 32k. I went through in 2:09:08, so I knew if I could just keep running four-minute kilometres I was golden.”

He did more than hold them. From 37km he sensed he could push again and aimed to dip under 19 minutes for the final 5km. The closing miles read like the splits of a 10km race: 6:11, 6:10, then a fierce closing effort of 6:02 and 6:04 before one last uphill grind in 6:14.

His final 5km of 18:49 sealed not just a negative split but the fastest half marathon he has ever run – 1:22:09 for the second half alone.

Barry crossed the line in 2:48:32, finishing 1,041st out of more than 24,000 finishers and 10th in the M55 category. The distance came up long at 26.5 miles so he actually went through marathon distance in an even more impressive 2:46:35.

“I don’t remember anyone overtaking me after halfway. According to the splits I passed over 2,000 people, which is crazy.”

It truly was a run for the ages from Barry

The result has huge implications beyond Barcelona. With the World Marathon Championships heading to Tokyo next year and qualification now based on ranking rather than time, Barry’s world ranking has leapt from 392nd to 134th – a move that could well secure him a coveted place on the start line.

Louisa delivers when it mattered

If Barry’s race was about progression and patience, Louisa Rowland’s was about control, composure and an unwavering commitment to the plan.

Louisa Rowland had trained well and was ready to roll

Her previous marathon in Brighton in 2024 had yielded a highly respectable 3:09:16, but Barcelona was always about one thing; breaking three hours.

Training had gone well, with long runs featuring extended blocks at quicker than marathon pace, but as every marathoner knows, the real question is never answered until race day.

Metronomic pacing

From the gun, Louisa executed to perfection. She reached 5km in 21 minutes, sitting 64th female, and 10km in 42 minutes, maintaining her place comfortably inside the top hundred women.

It was a real masterclass in pacing from Louisa

Her mile splits between nine and twelve all fell within a single second – four consecutive miles at 6:47 – and she passed 10 miles in 1:07:39 before hitting halfway in 1:28:38, firmly on course for her sub-three target.

Where many runners begin to falter after 30km, Louisa simply continued to tick off mile after mile at around 6:45 pace. At 30km she was 87th female; by 35km she had moved back up to 82nd.

Even the late uphill drags could not derail her rhythm. Two 6:52 miles through 24 and 25 kept the clock safely in her favour, and at 40km she was still on track at 2:49:55.

Sub three secured

Louisa got her reward for a smart and sensible strategy

Louisa crossed the finish line in 2:59:02, securing the sub-three barrier with just under a minute to spare and finishing 80th out of 7,396 women and 2,146th overall.

It had been an incredible journey with a happy ending for Louisa

In fact, she covered the official marathon distance in 2:57:31, with the course measuring long on her watch at 26.48 miles – an extra half kilometre that makes her pacing discipline even more impressive.

It was, quite simply, a masterclass in even pacing and mental control.

A pair of performances to remember

The result moved Barry up the rankings in the Age Group World Marathon charter

For Barry, Barcelona represents a breakthrough that validates months of heavy mileage and years of persistence through injury and near misses. For Louisa, it marks the successful transition from a promising marathon debutant to a sub-three-hour athlete – a barrier that still eludes the vast majority of runners.

The trusty Puma Fast R’s didn’t let Barry down

Between them, they delivered two very different but equally compelling performances on one of Europe’s biggest marathon stages, and in doing so provided yet another reminder that Bournemouth AC athletes continue to thrive wherever they race.

Davis dips under 80 minutes as Brooks delivers strong run at Bath Half

Richard Brawn — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:31:29 +0000

Jack Davis was in prime condition and ready to go and smash out a PB at the Bath Half

The 2026 GetPRO Bath Half Marathon once again attracted a field packed with quality, with more than 12,000 runners taking to the traffic-free streets of the historic city. Known as one of the fastest half marathon courses in the UK, the route is not without its challenges, most notably the sting in the tail as the race climbs back towards Royal Victoria Park in the closing stages.

For Bournemouth AC, Jack Davis and Harley Brooks were among those lining up on the start line, each with very different goals but both producing performances to be proud of.

Davis on a mission

The elite runners gather on the start line of the Bath Half

Ever since missing out on a sub-three-hour marathon by less than a minute at last year’s London Marathon, Jack Davis has been a man on a mission. The disappointment might have dented lesser athletes, but Jack responded in the best possible fashion. Just three weeks later he proved to himself what he was capable of by running a 2:59 marathon in training.

His progression continued throughout the year. A demanding outing at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Marbella saw him tackle a 2,000-yard swim, a 55.7-mile bike ride with over 5,000ft of climbing, and finally a half marathon. Jack closed that race with a 1:29:18 run to record an overall time of 4:53:56, underlining both his endurance and resilience.

More recently, a superb personal best of 35:16 at the Stubbington 10k in January confirmed that he was in excellent form heading into Bath.

A bold approach pays off

It was a field brimming with talent to contest the top placings

Jack is known for racing with intent rather than caution, and Bath was no exception. The opening mile, featuring an early downhill followed by a slight rise, was covered in a brisk 6:01 before he accelerated to 5:55 in mile two. A 5:58 third mile brought him through 5k in 18:34 – ambitious, but well within his capability.

He maintained the tempo through the next section of the race, clocking 5:55, 6:02 and 6:05 to reach 10k in 37:24. The only concern at that point was discomfort from a brand-new pair of Adios Pro 4 shoes which had begun to rub against his heel, but Jack pressed on regardless.

The next three miles were impressively consistent at 5:59, 6:05 and 6:03, bringing him to 15k in 56:21 and keeping him firmly on track for a sub-80-minute finish. A perfectly judged 6:00 tenth mile saw him reach 10 miles in almost exactly an hour, leaving everything to play for in the final 5k.

Grit on the final climb

The lead group containing Jake Smith (white vest), Alfie Manthorpe (grey vest) and Phil Sesemann (blue vest)

As fatigue began to bite, Jack’s pace drifted slightly with splits of 6:09 and 6:10 for miles 11 and 12, taking him through 20k in 1:15:31. Then came the decisive moment of the race: the notorious final climb back towards the finish, where many personal bests have unravelled.

For the first time all day, his pace slipped beyond seven-minute miles, but Jack dug deep, cresting the incline before launching a final push to the line. His 6:26 final mile was enough to secure a finishing time of 1:19:53, dipping under the 80-minute barrier in 223rd place overall in a field of exceptional depth.

Blisters from the new shoes were an unwelcome souvenir, but they did little to dampen what was a superbly executed and hard-earned personal best.

Brooks builds through the field

Harley Brooks was the Bournemouth AC member competing at the Bath Half

Harley Brooks approached the race with a more conservative strategy, using the event primarily as a fitness test rather than an all-out target. Having set a previous half marathon benchmark of 1:38:50 at the Great North Run, he set off at a steady pace, covering the opening miles between 8:10 and 8:20 per mile to reach 5k in 25:41.

Gradually increasing the tempo, Harley lifted his pace to around eight-minute miles over the next section, passing 10k in 50:46. By the third 5k segment he was moving well, reducing his pace further to approximately 7:45 per mile to hit 15k in 1:15:10.

He maintained that steady rhythm through the latter stages, reaching 20k in 1:39:40 before tackling the final climb. Thanks to his disciplined pacing, Harley was able to hold his effort together on the incline and avoid the dramatic slowdown that often characterises that last kilometre.

He crossed the line in 1:44:53, finishing 2,874th overall and comfortably ahead of expectations given that he had not specifically trained for the race.

Fast racing at the front

Joe Wigfield won the race in 1:02:07

The race itself was fiercely contested at the sharp end, with four of Britain’s leading distance runners battling for victory. Joe Wigfield eventually prevailed in a sprint finish, winning in 1:02:07 ahead of Phil Sesemann and Alfie Manthorpe, while last year’s champion Jake Smith placed fourth.

Alex Bell won the women’s race in 1:09:15

In the women’s race, Alex Bell led home a high-class field in 1:09:15 to take the win and secure her place at the World Road Running Championships.

A successful day in Bath

For Bournemouth AC, it was a highly positive day. Jack’s aggressive but ultimately rewarding race strategy delivered a landmark sub-80-minute performance, while Harley’s measured and intelligent pacing produced a strong and confidence-boosting run.

The top three were Alfie Manthorpe (3rd), Joe Wigfield (1st) and Phil Sesemann (2nd)

With spring marathon season approaching, both athletes will take plenty of encouragement from their performances on one of the country’s most prestigious half marathon stages.

It turned out Jack’s new shoes weren’t quite right for him

Newman shows them the way at Weymouth Half Marathon

Richard Brawn — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:43:52 +0000

It was time for Dave Newman to test how his marathon training was shaping up by having a go at the Weymouth Half Marathon

Dave Newman’s preparations for the London Marathon continued in emphatic fashion with a commanding victory at the Weymouth Half Marathon, where strong winds along the exposed seafront proved no match for the Bournemouth AC athlete’s relentless training base. 🌬️🏃‍♂️

Dave had been hitting some seriously big mileage in training

Dave has been building towards London with a level of mileage that would make even seasoned marathoners wince. In recent weeks he has been logging totals of up to 167 miles, and since mid-January every week has exceeded 136 miles apart from the lighter race week. On average, he has been hovering around the 150-mile mark, with most of those miles still being run at a brisk 6:00–6:30 pace – a workload that speaks volumes about both his durability and determination.

The conditions were windy but nothing could stop Dave from excelling

That strength showed from the outset in Weymouth. Dave set the tone early with opening miles of 5:25, immediately putting pressure on the rest of the field despite the stiff coastal wind. He then settled into a consistent rhythm, clicking off the majority of the race at just over 5:30 pace as the route traced its way along the blustery promenade.

Dave was going at a pace that very few other runners could live with

With the race entering its decisive stages, Dave demonstrated he still had plenty left in reserve. He lifted the pace to 5:18 for the 12th mile before producing a decisive 5:05 final mile to seal the win in style. His finishing time of 1:12:03, averaging 5:28 per mile, proved well beyond the reach of his rivals.

Shaun Dixon was also going for the race win

South West Vets’ Shaun Dixon was the only athlete able to keep Dave within sight for much of the race and claimed the runner-up position in 1:12:52. Behind them there was a sizeable gap to third-placed Mikey Mottram, who clocked 1:17:11, with Ashley Scott of South Coast Sharks (1:17:24) and Highgate Harriers’ George Scott (1:17:29) completing the top five. Egdon Heath Harriers teammates Steve Kellaway and Corey Stone followed in sixth and seventh with times of 1:17:46 and 1:17:56 respectively.

Corey Stone in the red Egdon Heath Harriers vest with Mikey Mottram (left) and Ashley Scott (right)

In the women’s race, last season’s Dorset Road Race League individual champion Emma Mogridge was first female in 1:30:27, finishing 48th overall. The next three women were separated by just seconds, crossing the line in 1:32:15, 1:32:13 and 1:32:32 in 72nd, 73rd and 74th places.

Dave managed to find some tremendous form

Dave was going at around 5:30 pace for most of the race

Dave’s victory continues a string of strong results over the past year. He recorded 1:15 at the Run Bournemouth Half Marathon last October and, prior to joining Bournemouth Athletic Club, captured the North Dorset Village Marathon title in just under 2:36, finishing ahead of clubmate Stu Nicholas on that occasion.

Shaun Dixon finished second in 1:12:52

George Scott of Highgate Harriers was 5th in 1:17:29

Jake Gibbs came 10th in 1:19:53

Steve Kellaway of Egdon Heath Harriers was 6th in 1:17:46

There was even a lizard spotted out on the course

Given the heavy training load he is carrying, Dave’s Weymouth run looks especially encouraging. Producing a 1:12 half marathon into a strong headwind while deep into a high-mileage block suggests he is already operating at – or perhaps ahead of – the level required for his likely sub-2:30 ambitions in London. With a couple more weeks of demanding training still to come before tapering, it will be fascinating to see just what he can deliver on the capital’s streets with such a formidable base behind him.

A man with a balloon hat was among the 1,263 competitors

If Weymouth was intended as a checkpoint on the road to London, it was one Dave passed with authority – and further evidence that he is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of a major marathon breakthrough.

This man had a motivational “Run like a zombie is chasing you” t-shirt

The were some pretty interesting outfits on display

Many thanks to Dorsetbays for taking so many fabulous photos and making them available online.

It was a victory that showed Dave Newman is on track for a quick marathon time

Dave takes his place on the top step of the podium

Emma Mogridge takes her place on the podium after finishing first female

There were some cute onlookers lining the course

And some not so cute ones too

Green Vests and National Tests: Bournemouth AC Runners Impress at UK Inter Counties

Richard Brawn — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:25:08 +0000

Riley Austin was one of several Bournemouth AC youngsters pulling on the green vest of Dorset at the UK CAU Inter Counties Cross Country Championships

Nottingham played host to one of the most fiercely contested events on the domestic calendar as the UK CAU Inter Counties Cross Country Championships brought together the very best athletes from across the country. As ever, Dorset’s green vests were worn with pride, and Bournemouth Athletic Club was well represented across the age groups in what is widely regarded as the highest standard of cross country racing outside of international competition.

Overseeing proceedings for Dorset’s youngest boys was BAC junior group coach Simon Hearn, who managed the Under 13 Boys team and guided them through the challenges of a deep and highly competitive field.

Under 13 Girls

A standout Bournemouth AC performance came from Allegra Ramirez, whose 9th place at the South West Regional Championships at RNAS Merryfield earlier in the year secured her selection. Allegra justified that faith with a strong run to finish 69th out of 316 in 12:56, a highly creditable result at national level.

Dorset’s scoring was led by Poole AC athletes, with Abigail Moors placing 44th (12:40) and Imogen Baisley 54th (12:48), as Madison Kindler of Essex took the title in 11:37 ahead of Sienna Lavine (Yorkshire) and Sophia Davies (Middlesex).

Under 13 Boys

Edward Davies ran for Simon Hearn’s Under 13 Boys team

In the boys’ race, Edward Davies battled gamely to finish 234th of 311 in 12:52 as Dorset placed 21st overall under Simon’s stewardship. The race was won by Luis Da Silva of Middlesex in 10:40, just ahead of Hampshire’s Paul Friedrich.

Under 15 Boys

Riley Austin was one of the faster members of the Dorset Under 15 Boys team

The Under 15 Boys race saw Riley Austin and Callum Pearson in action for Dorset. Riley, who enjoyed an excellent 2025 season including 3rd at the Dorset Schools’ Cross Country Championships and came 3rd, 3rd, 5th and 6th in the Upton Summer Series races. After a 22nd place at the Southern Championships in January, he travelled to Nottingham and delivered another fine UK Inter Counties display to finish 71st of 314 in 14:33.

Callum Pearson delivered a strong and mature performance

Callum Pearson’s selection came after a late call-up from the reserves, but he made the most of the opportunity. Starting eighth in the Dorset pen, he worked his way through to become the county’s fifth finisher, crossing the line 244th in 15:54 – an average of 6:08 per mile for the 2.58-mile course. His steady progress through the field reflected the hard training he had put in leading up to the championships.

Theo Cobley of Poole AC was Dorset’s first scorer in 34th (14:12), while Surrey’s Theo Creed edged a thrilling victory in 13:19, just one second ahead of Sussex’s Taylor Thom-Watts.

Under 15 Girls

Ellie Taylor underlined the great potential she has in the Under 15 Girls race

Bournemouth’s Ellie Taylor and Jessica Long represented Dorset in a high-quality Under 15 Girls race. Ellie, who had already finished 42nd at the Southern Championships and recorded the fastest female chip time at the Run Bournemouth Supernova 5k in October, ran strongly to finish 121st in 17:08.

Jessica Long played her part for the Dorset Under 15 Girls

Jessica Long, 37th at the South West Regionals, completed the course in 18:31 to place 238th of 313, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of junior cross country. The race was won by Gabrielle Pinder of the North East in 14:48, with Isabella Buchanan of Sussex second.

Under 17 Women

After a superb second place at the South West Regionals, Isabel Cherrett lined up in Nottingham hoping for another big performance. She delivered exactly that, finishing an impressive 25th of 268 in 19:39, once again demonstrating her consistency at major championships. Beth Lewis of Humberside took the title in 18:05, ahead of Kitty Scott (Surrey) and Devon’s Eleanor Foster.

Under 17 Men

Isaac May was competing for the Dorset Under 17 Men’s team

In the Under 17 Men’s race, Isaac May and Jacob Taylor donned the green vest. Isaac, who had finished 16th at the South West Regionals and 59th at the Southern Championships, placed 215th in 21:57 on a tough course.

Jacob Taylor was a second Bournemouth AC runner representing Dorset in the Under 17 Men’s race

Jacob Taylor, 118th at the Southerns, clocked 22:21 to finish 233rd, averaging 5:56 per mile over the 3.77-mile distance. Dorset’s leading finisher was Buddy Mitchell of Poole Runners in 21:30, while Rory Barclay-Watt of Devon took the win in 18:48.

Under 20 Women

Second-claim Bournemouth athlete Amelia Lawrence represented Kent in the Under 20 Women’s race. Although she did not quite find her best form on the day, she still placed 73rd of 144 in 25:27. It caps what has otherwise been an excellent cross country season, with strong showings in both the Hampshire and Wessex Leagues, as well as 7th place at the Southern Championships.

Isaac May finished 215th in a time of 21:57

Former Bournemouth AC member Erin Wells produced one of the top performances of the day, finishing 5th in 22:22, while Ava James of Sussex took the title in 21:40.

Under 20 Men’s and Seniors’ Highlights

Dorset also enjoyed success through Poole AC’s Charlie Collins, who continued his fine season by finishing 6th in the Under 20 Men’s race in 25:15 after dominating the Wessex League campaign over the backend of last year. Surrey’s Alex Lennon claimed the victory in 24:34.

Elsewhere on the programme, Jessica Gibson of Oxfordshire won the Senior Women’s race in 27:26, while the Senior Men’s title went to Kent’s James Kingston in 29:15.

The Inter Counties remains one of the toughest assignments in cross country running, with every county fielding its strongest available athletes. For Bournemouth AC’s young runners, simply pulling on the Dorset vest is an achievement in itself, and across the day the club’s representatives showed resilience, determination and no shortage of talent against the very best in the country.