The Howling Misery – Saturday 13th December 2025
Renowned and feared as the club race usually run in the most testing conditions, Saturday’s Wilson Trophy truly took extreme conditions to the next level. While the course was relatively fine underfoot, the weather forecast really did live up to its billing with 40mph wind and driving, freezing rain making some of the worst conditions the race has ever been held in. Even getting up the hill to the start point was a struggle, the wind threatening to decant runners back down to Watermans Cottage. No chance of serious racing or course records today, the only goal was to get round in one piece!
The first handicap event of the season is always something to look out for and despite the conditions, the conceding nature of the start meant this one had some interesting and rewarding results. In first place, it was great to see Ashley Anderson over the finish line first as she has been training hard and running well in the races to this point, her finish nearly a minute ahead of Michael McLoone Jnr who also had an outstanding run on the day. In third was Lisa Boonsanong, another great run from her.
In the ladies event Evie Harrison continued her fine form of late to win a club race for the first time, although she was pushed close, her time of 36:44 was just enough to close out second lady Ashley in 37:15, with Lorna Mitchell in third place. Next home were Lynne Harrison, Jill Aikman and Clare Leung.
No surprise in the men’s race, with Stephen Trainer the only athlete on the day to manage round the course in under 30 minutes with 29:37, despite taking a full length dive into one of the many water features strategically placed around the route, his second club race win in a row. In second, Michael McLoone Jnr had a great run on the day for his time of 32:34, and Daniel Doherty continues his journey back to full fitness with a very respectable third place in 33:13.
Opinion remains divided among the Harriers about this one – best race ever, or something for season completists only? Answers on a postcard!
Thank you to Race Sponsors WILSONS COACHES
Next up: Lyle Run (1st Jan) / Harris Trophy (10th Jan, Coves Reservoir)
