The race itself is set in the heart of the Trossachs in Central Scotland, and on traffic free tarmac and undulates 6km along the loch before returning along the same route and was won by J Kealy of Ron Hill Cambuslang in 41:02. Weather was a bit dreich, but the 234 runners were in fine form. I set off at a good pace running with three members of the Wee County Harriers till the turn, from there I could just keep them in my site until the 10K mark when I started to struggle with the pace. Still more than happy with my time of 47:11 in 14th position overall.
Adrian Kearns
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race
After finishing runner up in the Grizzly earlier this month, Exmouth Harriers' Anthony Hatchard went one better in Easter Monday's Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race. Anthony went with the blistering early pace, and kept going when the earlier leaders began to slow, to win in 38 minutes and 48 seconds. He was 17 seconds ahead of second placed Martin Shapland of South West Road Runners, who just pushed Paul Froud of Brighton & Hove AC into third.
The 59th running of this historic race, which follows a 7.1 mile route down the Exe Valley before climbing past Knighthayes to finish in the People's Park in Tiverton, attracted 95 entrants and the run took place in cool conditions, which were ideal.
Phil Hatchard was the second Harrier home in 44:21 (15th male), followed by Andrew Johnson (17th in 45:30). Ray Elston was the winner of the male veteran age 65 category, finishing 32nd in 49:50.
(Andrew Johnson)
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Teignbridge 10
Roger and John at the prizegiving. Roger winning the SuperVet/60 category, with John in second. John however was awarded the Devon Gold for SuperVet/65, Roger winning the Vet/60 Gold.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Hugh sets the Marathon Standard
HUGH MARSDEN of Exmouth is the first winner of the Stanley Marathon and has received £1,000 for his efforts.
Sponsored and co-ordinated by Standard Chartered Bank, the event, believed to be the world’s most southerly marathon, attracted a total of ninety-two entries, including six from overseas.
Runners competed in three categories - the men and women’s marathon and the relay event.
Kelly Angus, fastest woman, also received a cheque for £1,000 while the Football Club’s relay entry picked up the £800 team prize.
Photo: Standard Chartered Bank manager Nick Hutton presents Hugh Marsden with his prize money.
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Monday, March 21, 2005
Westward League - Final Race
In the final round of the 2004/5 Westward Cross Country League, held last Sunday at the Rolle College Sports Ground in Exmouth, Exmouth Harriers occupied two of the top three positions in the men's race. Dave Stone secured a rare victory over club mate Anthony Hatchard, powering past him in the final descent after Hatchard had overtaken him on the climb, to finish second to Hatchard's third. Steve Thompson finished 9th, Jon Croome 14th, Shaun Lock 15th and Phil Hatchard 18th, to make it an excellent day for the Harriers. Also in the men's race Tim Gent finished 24th, John Perratt 30th, Jim Wyatt 42nd and Les Turner 43rd.
After Sunday's run, prizes were presented for performances over the six race winter series, which began in Cornwall in October. Exmouth men were third team in the Senior Male category and Hannah Dupain was 10th in the women's rankings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Exmouth's Hugh Marsden added to his victory in the Cape Pembroke Half-Marathon earlier this year by winning the inaugural Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands last Sunday. Hugh recorded a time of 3 hours and 7 minutes on a hilly course in cold and windy conditions to finish 3 minutes in front of second place. Thirty-one men, nine women and thirteen relay teams entered the race which begin at the Port Stanley branch of the Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the race.
(Andrew Johnson)
After Sunday's run, prizes were presented for performances over the six race winter series, which began in Cornwall in October. Exmouth men were third team in the Senior Male category and Hannah Dupain was 10th in the women's rankings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Exmouth's Hugh Marsden added to his victory in the Cape Pembroke Half-Marathon earlier this year by winning the inaugural Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands last Sunday. Hugh recorded a time of 3 hours and 7 minutes on a hilly course in cold and windy conditions to finish 3 minutes in front of second place. Thirty-one men, nine women and thirteen relay teams entered the race which begin at the Port Stanley branch of the Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the race.
(Andrew Johnson)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Duchy Marathon & Duchy 20
Three Exmouth Harriers were racing on the road in Cornwall over the weekend.
Andrew Johnson took part in the Duchy Marathon, which is run over two laps around Redruth, the north Cornish coast, Pool and Camborne. Aided by virtually wind-free conditions, Johnson went through 20 miles in 2 hours and 27 minutes, but he faded badly over the final 10 kilometres to finish in 3:19:27, losing four places to finish in 21st place.
Roger Rowe and Caroline Prescott took part in the Duchy 20, which takes in one-and-a-half laps of the marathon route. Rowe, who turns 60 in a fortnight, finished 8th in 2:10:58. Roger who was 5th Vet/55 in the 2003 London marathon, used the Duchy 20 as a stepping stone to a hopefully higher-placing as a SuperVet/60 in the 2005 London Marathon to be held on the 17th April.
Prescott was the 4th woman to finish, recording a time of 2:38:18.
Express & Echo - 17th March 2005
Andrew Johnson took part in the Duchy Marathon, which is run over two laps around Redruth, the north Cornish coast, Pool and Camborne. Aided by virtually wind-free conditions, Johnson went through 20 miles in 2 hours and 27 minutes, but he faded badly over the final 10 kilometres to finish in 3:19:27, losing four places to finish in 21st place.
Roger Rowe and Caroline Prescott took part in the Duchy 20, which takes in one-and-a-half laps of the marathon route. Rowe, who turns 60 in a fortnight, finished 8th in 2:10:58. Roger who was 5th Vet/55 in the 2003 London marathon, used the Duchy 20 as a stepping stone to a hopefully higher-placing as a SuperVet/60 in the 2005 London Marathon to be held on the 17th April.
Prescott was the 4th woman to finish, recording a time of 2:38:18.
Express & Echo - 17th March 2005
The Grizzly Report
Around 1,500 runners took on the challenge of the Saucony Grizzly - reputed to be the toughest multi terrain race in Europe - over 20 miles of cliffs, bogs and pebbly beaches.
The winner on Sunday, claiming his third Grizzly victory, was Plymouth postman Neil Holmes.
Although his winning margin was three and a half minutes, the 40-year-old Erme Valley Harrier did not have an easy ride in the early stages because of the fast pace set by a breakaway group of three, which included local jockey Paul Holley from the home club, Axe Valley Runners.
Holmes was adrift in fourth place and for a while it looked as if it just wasn't going to be his day. However, the experience of running in nine previous Grizzlies and never finishing outside the top three, eventually showed. The early fast pace took its toll and Holmes gradually closed.
Between 10 and 13 miles, Holley and Holmes - the two race favourites - battled it out at the front, but then Holmes pulled away to finish in 2.12.08.
"I thought the start of the race was a bit too quick," Holmes said afterwards. "But all the time I could see the leaders I wasn't worried.
"I knew Paul Holley would probably be the biggest threat; he ran very well to win the Dalwood Three Hills recently and beat me by three minutes. But I felt strong at eight miles and they started to come back to me."
The surprise runner-up was Anthony Hatchard, of Exmouth Harriers, competing in not only his first Grizzly, but his longest race ever.
Staying off the fast, early pace paid off for him, too, and the 28-year-old also worked his way through the field, moving up from ninth position over the final five miles.
In her fourth Grizzly, first lady home was Sharon Daw, from East Cornwall Harriers. After finishing third for the past two years, she threw her arms up in delight as she finished in 2.38.41 - 57th overall.
Her morning's work had started long before she lined up for the tough, 20-mile race. The mother of two, who has a farm near Callington, had been up at 6am helping to milk 50 cows.
Local club runners finishing in the top 50 out of the 1,488 finishers - 2nd Anthony Hatchard (Exmouth H) 2.17.39; 14th Dave Stone (Exmouth H) 2.26.10; 15th Steve Hockings-Thompson (Exmouth H) 2.26.26; 19th Kevin Hawker (Honiton RC) 2.28.50; 20th Ian Andrews (SWRR) 2.28.54; 23rd Rod Hole (SWRR), 2.29.35; 29th Paul Holley (Axe Valley Runners) 2.30.27; 40th Tarow Agui (Exeter H) 2.35.01; 46th Jonathan Croome (Exmouth H, 2.35.38.
(Express & Echo - 15th March 2005)
The winner on Sunday, claiming his third Grizzly victory, was Plymouth postman Neil Holmes.
Although his winning margin was three and a half minutes, the 40-year-old Erme Valley Harrier did not have an easy ride in the early stages because of the fast pace set by a breakaway group of three, which included local jockey Paul Holley from the home club, Axe Valley Runners.
Holmes was adrift in fourth place and for a while it looked as if it just wasn't going to be his day. However, the experience of running in nine previous Grizzlies and never finishing outside the top three, eventually showed. The early fast pace took its toll and Holmes gradually closed.
Between 10 and 13 miles, Holley and Holmes - the two race favourites - battled it out at the front, but then Holmes pulled away to finish in 2.12.08.
"I thought the start of the race was a bit too quick," Holmes said afterwards. "But all the time I could see the leaders I wasn't worried.
"I knew Paul Holley would probably be the biggest threat; he ran very well to win the Dalwood Three Hills recently and beat me by three minutes. But I felt strong at eight miles and they started to come back to me."
The surprise runner-up was Anthony Hatchard, of Exmouth Harriers, competing in not only his first Grizzly, but his longest race ever.
Staying off the fast, early pace paid off for him, too, and the 28-year-old also worked his way through the field, moving up from ninth position over the final five miles.
In her fourth Grizzly, first lady home was Sharon Daw, from East Cornwall Harriers. After finishing third for the past two years, she threw her arms up in delight as she finished in 2.38.41 - 57th overall.
Her morning's work had started long before she lined up for the tough, 20-mile race. The mother of two, who has a farm near Callington, had been up at 6am helping to milk 50 cows.
Local club runners finishing in the top 50 out of the 1,488 finishers - 2nd Anthony Hatchard (Exmouth H) 2.17.39; 14th Dave Stone (Exmouth H) 2.26.10; 15th Steve Hockings-Thompson (Exmouth H) 2.26.26; 19th Kevin Hawker (Honiton RC) 2.28.50; 20th Ian Andrews (SWRR) 2.28.54; 23rd Rod Hole (SWRR), 2.29.35; 29th Paul Holley (Axe Valley Runners) 2.30.27; 40th Tarow Agui (Exeter H) 2.35.01; 46th Jonathan Croome (Exmouth H, 2.35.38.
(Express & Echo - 15th March 2005)
CLUB AWARD !
We've just heard that the club, nominated for the inaugural 'Offtrack Club' in the South West has been awarded the accolade, and has been put forward as 'regional winners' as a nominee for a National award.
So what does it mean? Apart from being recognised as the 'top' non-track club in the South West, we get a financial bursary (details yet to be known) and a trophy. That'll look good in our trophy cabinet!
This recognises the contribution the club has made to 'off-track' athletics in our region, no doubt coloured by our successful hosting of the 2004 SEAA Cross Country Championships, as well as our three regular races and perhaps too, that the Westward League Cross Country series is now organised by members of the Harriers.
And it certainly helps that members of the club continually figure in local, regional and national prize lists.
All in all a great compliment to the whole club...
Well done everyone.
Roger R.
So what does it mean? Apart from being recognised as the 'top' non-track club in the South West, we get a financial bursary (details yet to be known) and a trophy. That'll look good in our trophy cabinet!
This recognises the contribution the club has made to 'off-track' athletics in our region, no doubt coloured by our successful hosting of the 2004 SEAA Cross Country Championships, as well as our three regular races and perhaps too, that the Westward League Cross Country series is now organised by members of the Harriers.
And it certainly helps that members of the club continually figure in local, regional and national prize lists.
All in all a great compliment to the whole club...
Well done everyone.
Roger R.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Ironbridge Winter 3k Series - Results
With the final races last night at Exeter Arena, I am glad to report success for a number of Harriers competitors over the series. To recap, to figure in the final standings each competitor was required to complete 3 out of the 4 races - in October, November, February and March (which ruled Roger out as he only completed the final two).
1st Lady overall - Hannah Dupain
3rd Lady V35 - Mandy Marvin
2nd Man V40 - Andrew Johnson
1st Man V45 - Lee Russell
1st Man V65 - John Perratt
In the final races last night, pride of place must go to Lee, who powered his way to claim his position with a gutsy and well-measured effort. Hannah 'pipped' John in their race, well clear of her competition. Mandy, although not at all fit at present, gamely stuck to the task in hand -- to see her face at the prize-giving was lovely; it's really nice when someone wins an unexpected prize!
Andrew and Roger quitted themselves well in a (very) fast 'B' race. Andy is to run the Duchy Marathon next Sunday, whilst Roger continues his preparation for 'London' with the Duchy 20.
Race sponsor Peter Ferlie mentioned a 3k Summer series will be held this year. So watch this space for details in due course.
1st Lady overall - Hannah Dupain
3rd Lady V35 - Mandy Marvin
2nd Man V40 - Andrew Johnson
1st Man V45 - Lee Russell
1st Man V65 - John Perratt
In the final races last night, pride of place must go to Lee, who powered his way to claim his position with a gutsy and well-measured effort. Hannah 'pipped' John in their race, well clear of her competition. Mandy, although not at all fit at present, gamely stuck to the task in hand -- to see her face at the prize-giving was lovely; it's really nice when someone wins an unexpected prize!
Andrew and Roger quitted themselves well in a (very) fast 'B' race. Andy is to run the Duchy Marathon next Sunday, whilst Roger continues his preparation for 'London' with the Duchy 20.
Race sponsor Peter Ferlie mentioned a 3k Summer series will be held this year. So watch this space for details in due course.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Bideford Half Marathon - 6th March 2005
The Bideford Half Marathon is run over a beautiful rural course, with the first half following an undulating country road to Great Torrington and the second half taking runners north along the Tarka Trail cycle route. This year the event took place on a clear - but cold - winter day.
Dave Stone, with just 6 weeks to go to the London Marathon, finished a creditable 4th in a pretty decent time too: 1 hour 14 minutes and 20 seconds. Dave was around 2 1/2 minutes adrift of the third place finisher, but he did lead home the Harriers to third in the team race.
In the male veteran 60 age category on one of his rare outings for the Harriers, Life Member Roger Cowd was second in 1:38:24. Again a very creditable time for the half-marathon for anyone, let alone a SuperVet/60 athlete. Great to see Roger going so well.
The other male Harriers taking part were Adrian Kearns (1:26:14), Andrew Kennedy (1:32:09), and Chris Isaac (1:49:34).
In the Women's race, Caroline Precott was the first Harrier home in 1:37:00, which ensured her fifth place in the female veteran 40 age category. The other female Harriers were Gill Saunderson (1:52:05) and Denise Kennedy (2:03:27).
(Andrew Johnson)
Dave Stone, with just 6 weeks to go to the London Marathon, finished a creditable 4th in a pretty decent time too: 1 hour 14 minutes and 20 seconds. Dave was around 2 1/2 minutes adrift of the third place finisher, but he did lead home the Harriers to third in the team race.
In the male veteran 60 age category on one of his rare outings for the Harriers, Life Member Roger Cowd was second in 1:38:24. Again a very creditable time for the half-marathon for anyone, let alone a SuperVet/60 athlete. Great to see Roger going so well.
The other male Harriers taking part were Adrian Kearns (1:26:14), Andrew Kennedy (1:32:09), and Chris Isaac (1:49:34).
In the Women's race, Caroline Precott was the first Harrier home in 1:37:00, which ensured her fifth place in the female veteran 40 age category. The other female Harriers were Gill Saunderson (1:52:05) and Denise Kennedy (2:03:27).
(Andrew Johnson)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Dalwood 3 Hills - 27th February
The Dalwood 3 Hills race does what it says on the tin. Starting from the village hall in Dalwood, near Honiton, the race covers ten miles, largely off-road, including three hills - and each hill is 500 feet high! Added to that, there were several dips in water that was particulary freezing this year.
Five Exmouth Harriers were among the 105 runners in last Sunday's race and three of them came home with prizes. Building on the excellent performances she has been putting in over recent weeks, Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 1.21.32. Finishing 19th overall, she beat second placed Lucy Owen of Bideford by 20 seconds. Judging by her recent form and improvement, this will surely be the first of many individual prizes for Camilla.
Steve Merry won the Male Veteran 50 prize in 1.21.02 (17th overall) and John Perratt was first Male Veteran 60 (42nd). Shawn Lock ran well to finish 10th in 1:17:31 and Dawn Teed finished 83rd in 1:41:53.
(Andrew Johnson)
Five Exmouth Harriers were among the 105 runners in last Sunday's race and three of them came home with prizes. Building on the excellent performances she has been putting in over recent weeks, Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 1.21.32. Finishing 19th overall, she beat second placed Lucy Owen of Bideford by 20 seconds. Judging by her recent form and improvement, this will surely be the first of many individual prizes for Camilla.
Steve Merry won the Male Veteran 50 prize in 1.21.02 (17th overall) and John Perratt was first Male Veteran 60 (42nd). Shawn Lock ran well to finish 10th in 1:17:31 and Dawn Teed finished 83rd in 1:41:53.
(Andrew Johnson)
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