Dublin... and Drogo

[The Teign Valley below Castle Drogo]

Two Exmouth Harriers were among the 8428 runners who took part in the Dublin Marathon. Emma Dupain and Ben White ran together for the first 30 kilometres before Emma pulled away to finish 289th lady in 4:10:52. Ben came 1360th man in 4:14:39. Congratulations to both for their excellent performances and to Ben for completing his first ever marathon.

This marathon was unusual in that both the men’s and women’s events were won by Russians and both retained the titles they won in 2006. Aleksey Sokolov’s time of 2:09:07 was also a new Dublin Marathon men’s record time and Alina Ivanova’s winning time was 2:29:20.

The Drogo 10, which starts at Castle Drogo, is a really tough, hilly, ten mile cross country race, but the “10” could also refer to marks out of 10 for scenic splendour. The course drops away from the castle down to the Teign valley, then follows the river before some stiff climbing up the other side of the valley. At the top it's back down to the river and back along towards Fingle Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the route turns uphill and back towards the castle following the Hunters Path. The Hunter, whoever he was, must have had thighs like tree trunks because that path just goes up and up!! The finish is back at the castle.

First home out of the field of 314 was Jim Cole of Tavistock A C in 1:04:20. Rapidly improving Exmouth Harrier Joe Pascoe continued his excellent season with a superb run to come 7th in 1:09:27.

(LT)