Weekly Update - 10th June 2026

Cambridge Harriers Glenhurst Handicap #99 (Wed. 3rd June) 

Twenty-two runners took part in the 99th running of this long-standing club institution, writes Clem Dixon. For those who have never experienced it, the event consists of a 3.3-mile circuit from the clubhouse, with staggered starts based on predicted finishing times so that everyone crosses the line at roughly the same time. The run is then followed by a buffet and a visit to the bar.

This month, Melanie Johnson was first across the finish line, while Russell Buchanan and Julie Backley recorded the fastest male and female net times respectively.

Why not join us on 1 July as we celebrate the 100th edition of this unique event?

Assembly League #3, Crystal Palace Park (Thur. 4th June)

This month it was the turn of Crystal Palace Park to host the Assembly League, a hilly two lap course totalling 5k, writes Clem Dixon. James Macdonald, Duncan Hope and Jonathan Sargent were our first three finishers. Among the eleven Harriers there were two running for the club for the first time (I think), welcome Alex Moser and Alex Rowland-Popplewell. Inaccuracies in Assembly League results have long been something of a standing joke but perhaps unfairly: Alex Moser arrived too late to get a number, he ran anyway and miraculously he appears in the results with the correct time and position! 

Harvel 5, Harvel, Kent (Sat. 6th June)

Ten club runners took on the popular Harvel 5, a long-established event set on the edge of the North Downs, renowned for its scenic countryside and friendly atmosphere. The five-mile route combines road and trail sections, while the finish on the village green adds to the charm and character of this much-loved race.

Stephen Thompson led the club home, finishing 39th overall in an impressive 31:50. He was followed by Ben Thompson, who crossed the line in 33:03, and Graham Maynard in 38:37. Becki Hilton-Hanns was the club’s first female finisher, recording a time of 40:27.

South of England Senior & U20 Championships, Bedford (Sat. 6th / Sun. 7th June)

It was good to see a healthy entry from club athletes at these championships despite the required journey to Bedford to compete, reports Mick Bond,

Sprints: Emily Cadman took silver in both the Under 20 100 and 200, though the cold, wet and windy conditions took the edge off her times (11.92 & 24,38). Doyin Aderinto made the final of the senior women's 100, finishing 6th in 12.03.

Hurdles: There was gold for Elijah Olaleye, running up and age group in the U20 400 hurdles, plus silver and a club record of 14.80 in the 110 hurdles. Training partner Lily Gayle matched Elijah with silver in the Under 20 women's 100 hurdles, in a season's best of 14.33, whilst Gabby Noyce battled well against the windy conditions to take third in the Under 20 women's 400 hurdles.

Middle Distance: The championships also featured an Under-16 1500m steeplechase event, and it was great to see two club athletes on the start line. Ayotunde Dauda produced an outstanding performance to claim victory on his steeplechase debut, crossing the line in 4:39.85. Austin Richards also ran strongly to secure fifth place in 4:56.15.

In the Women's Under-18 2000m steeplechase, Meredith Cummins showed great resilience after an early fall while exiting the water jump. Despite the setback, she recovered well to finish fifth in 7:59.61.

Swansea Half Marathon (Sun. 7th June)

Congratulations to James Macdonald and Rose Baker on representing the England Athletics Masters team at the Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday.

James produced an excellent performance, finishing 39th overall and securing 4th place in the M45 category with a time of 1:13:59.

Rose also ran well, finishing 6th in the W60 category with a time of 1:41:17.

Coombe Hill Fell Race, Wendover (7km, 220m ascent, category BS) (Sun. 7th June)

There were seven Harriers (plus one relative) at this great little race in the Chiltern Hills, it might have been more without the engineering works on the railway, writes Clem Dixon. At the pre-race briefing the organiser apologized for having had to put the price up this year: it is now £7 (£5 for members of the Fell Running Association) and that includes a free pint!

John O'Mahony was our first finisher and has opened up a 12 point lead in our annual fell running Grand Prix competition with James Floyd next, surprising everyone, including himself, by finishing ahead of both Dan Allinson and Christian Poulton. Christian was harbouring thoughts of winning his age category having had a recent milestone birthday, but he was 12 seconds adrift of the first M60. We did however have one age group winner: the minimum age in this race is just 14 and Sophie Floyd won the female under 16 category, although with the prizes on offer largely being alcohol based it was father James who ended up being the main beneficiary.

Emma Brown was taking on a fell race for the first time and finished with a smile on her face and an appetite for more. And before you jump to claim that this wasn't a proper fell race, she has signed up for Pen y Fan too! (11 July, entries still available if you fancy joining us).