Last Sunday, an exceptionally large contingent of seventeen Harriers was among the 448 runners who completed the Totnes 10k off-road race. All finished the course in good individual times and returned with a nice collection of trophies between them to show for their efforts.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
(LT)
1 comment:
Yay! Well done, ladies! and well done, gents! What scorching times you clocked!
If anyone's running the Paignton race (this weekend?), do say hi to a very nice Bedford Harrier, Jeanette Cheetham (V40+), if you see her-- or, for that matter, her identical twin, Jacinta (and believe me, they ARE identical)!
Best wishes and take care,
Mandy
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