Falklands, Bideford... and Exeter !

[A Falkland Scene]

Far away in the Falkland Islands, where it’s always very windy and this year’s race was no exception, Exmouth Harrier Hugh Marsden has just won the Falklands Half Marathon for the fourth consecutive year. Hugh is currently in great form and was over four minutes ahead of the runner-up. Later this month he will be attempting to win the Falklands Marathon, also for the fourth consecutive time. The field for this year’s full marathon is expected to include some international athletes, however, so Hugh will have to pull out all the stops to maintain his outstanding record in this event.

The Bideford Half Marathon was won by Steve Gallienne of Bideford A A C in 1:11:03 and the field of 826 runners included two Exmouth Harriers. Adrian Kearns had an excellent race to finish 39th in 1:24:06 and Trevor Cope was 624th in 2:02:25.

For those wanting something a little shorter and quicker, the Uni Hilly 5K Race was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 16:15. Two Exmouth Harriers were among the 73 finishers. Katie Comer was 44th in 26:32 and John Perratt was 1st V70 and 49th overall in 27:33.

(LT)

Have a look at the editor's 'Darwin Diary' Blog to see what was happening in the Falklands in 1833: http://darwinbeagle.blogspot.com/

(RR)