British 100k Championships

Imagine the scene... there was I this afternoon, just back home after a day out in Exmouth, when a breathless Heather Foundling-Hawker come running up our drive shouting, "I did it Roger... I did it". "Did what", I shouted back. "I won the 100k Championships on one leg!"

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Heather has been a friend for ages, originally as we often paced each other in races, and then following a serious injury about 18 months ago, I tried to help her recover with advice, massage and a bit of training together. She became very much a friend of the family, and for ages has been working to recover from the foot injury she had suffered.

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On Sunday she ran the Celtic 100k race in Galway and came away with a second place in the race (to Irish athlete Helena Crossan) so ended the race as the new British 100k Champion, and with Angie Sadler winners of the team title.

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Although not yet firing on all cylinders, Heather is an amazingly determined competitor as anyone, male or female, will agree who have tried to race her in the closing miles of a race.

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She intends now to race the Edinburgh Marathon in May before the World 100k Championships in Belgium later in the year.

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She asked to be remembered to her many friends in the Harriers.

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The race report:
A sunny and cool day greeted competitors at the Celtic 100k race, which took place in Galway, Ireland on 28 March. The 100km (62.1 miles) road race incorporated the 2009 Anglo Celtic Plate competition between the home nations of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

The Mayor of Galway, Councillor Padraig Conneely, was on hand to start the race at 08:00. The event was overseen by race director and organiser, Richard Donovan.

In the men's competition, England's Jez Bragg ran a stellar race to take the individual title in a world class 6:58:00. The winning time, a PB for Bragg, meant he ran each mile at an average pace of under 6 minutes 44 seconds. He was followed by Germany's Stefan Hinze and England's Allen Smalls in second and third place, respectively. The Anglo Celtic Plate team competition was retained by England with Scotland second and Ireland third.

Helena Crossan brought great cheer to the home crowd when she overtook England's Heather Foundling-Hawker in the latter stages to take the female title. Crossan, the Irish 100km record holder with a PB of 7:52:45 settled for a time of 8:11:04 on this occasion. Angie Sadler of England finished in third position to ensure England retained the Anglo Celtic Plate team title for women ahead of Scotland and Ireland.
(RR)

Teignbridge '10'

The Great West Teignbridge Ten is a 10-mile race that starts and finishes at Teign School, Kingsteignton. The route starts with approximately 1½ miles around the upper end of the village, followed by two slightly undulating rural laps through Sandygate and Fosterville, then via Preston Manor and back to Kingsteignton.

The race was won by Alan Ryder of Erme Valley Harriers in 57:00 and there were 262 finishers, including five Harriers.

Andy Kennedy ran well to lead the Harriers home in 65th place in 1:10:31, followed by John Perratt, 2nd V60 and 96th overall in 1:15:03. Stan Mason came 182nd in 1:28:01 with Joan Mason 198th in 1:29:55. Denise Kennedy was 225th in 1:35:24.

(LT)

All sorts of SUCCESS (!)

[Hugh in the Falklands Marathon]

On Sunday, 15th March, Harrier Hugh Marsden ran an excellent Falkland Islands Marathon and came second, just as he did last year, but in a PB of 2:57:08. The conditions were reasonably warm, but not as balmy as last year, and the race was won by Lee Pattison in 2:55:51. The Argentinian Marcelo E DE Bernardis came 3rd in 2:57:22, several minutes faster than last year and only 14 seconds behind Hugh.

The fifth and final round of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 18th March, was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:56. Congratulations to Tom, who also won the overall series (4 out of 5 races to count) with 3 wins and a second place.

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Harriers athletes were very successful with 3 overall series winners and a second place, out of the 7 male categories. Roger Rowe was 1st V60 in 12:13, and also 1st for the overall series, having won all 5 rounds. Well done, Roger!

Congratulations, also, to Ray Elston, who was 1st V65 in 12:37 and 1st V65 overall, having won all the 4 events he contested. And to Jim Wyatt, 3rd V65 on the night in 13:42 and 2nd over the whole series.

Finally, John Perratt was 1st V70 in 12:25 (and he’s only 72!) and, like Roger, 1st overall in his category with 5 straight wins out of five. Well done, John!

Last Sunday also saw the final event of another winter series, the 6th round at Redruth of the Brooks Westward Cross Country League. Only 56 runners, around half the usual number, completed the senior men’s event that was won by Jim Cole of Tavistock AC in 26:12. Although there were no senior Harriers at Redruth, congratulations go to Ray Elston who was 3rd V60 over the whole series (5 out of 6 races to count).

Exmouth did, however, have rapidly improving Jamie Pearson in the Men U17 event. And, after coming 2nd in both of the last 2 rounds at Bideford and Bovey Tracey, Jamie finally beat both the overall series winner, Tom Gill of Tavistock AC, and the series runner-up, J Waldie of Cornwall AC, to win his category, together with his trophy for a thoroughly well-deserved 3rd place over the series, just 1 point behind J Waldie. Well done, Jamie! (Definitely one to watch in the future)

Finally, last Sunday, Harrier Mark Thompson took part in the Hogweed Hilly Half Marathon, a great race for those wishing to get away from it all across prime South Gloucestershire countryside, with hills that require runners to put their legs in gear and forget all about PB’s. 270 runners completed the race that was won by Tom Fisher in 1:19:00. Mark was 31st in 1:36:47 after an excellent race, following a recent viral infection.

(LT)

Ironbridge Runner Winter 3k Series - Final results

Tom Merson (Senior Man) 1st in three races, 2nd once - 1st overall

Roger Rowe (V60) 1st in all 5 races - 1st overall

Ray Elston (V65) 1st in the 4 races competed - 1st overall

Jim Wyatt (V65) 3 seconds and a third - 2nd overall

John Perratt (V70) 1st in all 5 races - 1st overall

(4 out of 5 races to count)

I hear from Peter Ferlie that there are still a few places left for the Great West Run (9:30am - Sunday, 3rd May). They will of course disappear very quickly, so if you would like to run enter now!

(RR)

Tom at Bath - Sunday 15th

Tom Merson marked his debut for Bristol & West AC with a personal best in the Bath Half Marathon. Merson shrugged off a 30 minutes delay at the start due to traffic congestion and unseasonably warm conditions to clock a time of 69mins 29secs for 18th place in a field of almost 11,000 starters, eight seconds quicker than he ran in Nottingham last September though clearly Merson has a lot more to offer.

Merson should also get a nice cash bonus in the team contest. While official results had still to be confirmed the initial feeling was the Bristol & West AC squad finished runners-up to Cardiff so will get a cheque for £50 each. Top Devon runner was new county champion Kairn Stone, who pulled clear of Merson in the second half of the race to finish 11th (68:29).

(Kevin's Column - Ironbridge Runner)

The Grizzly, and other races...

Wednesday, 4th March saw Round 4 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena on a cold evening with temperatures only just above freezing. The winner was David Wilkinson in 9:43, over ¾ minute slower than the winning time of 8:55 at Round 3 in December.

The first Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:35, followed by Roger Rowe in 12:10, John Perratt in 12:27, Ray Elston in 12:44, Jim Wyatt in 13:46 and Les Turner in 15:00. The fifth and final round, postponed from 4th February, will be held on Wednesday, 18th March.

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Last Sunday, the Grizzly 2009 duly took place and, fortunately for the participants, the weather was much less hostile than forecast. So although the strong, cold wind caused some discomfort at the more exposed locations, the rain / hail was limited to a few very short-lived showers. 1446 runners completed the full 20-mile event, including 15 Exmouth Harriers, who produced some excellent performances.

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The race was won by John Macfarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 2:19:21. Dave Stone had a superb run to lead the Harriers home in 40th place in 2:49:01. Well done, Dave!

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Adam Miller, 53rd in 2:52:21, Jon Croome, 63rd in 2:55:21 and Paul Champion, 214th in 3:16:01 all ran excellent races. Joe Pascoe was 144th in 3:08:59, Ben White 295th in 3:23:27 and Hannah Dupain 296th in 3:23:34. Lorraine Croome came 452nd in 3:35:56, Terry Oldham 521st in 3:41:47 and Emma Dupain 531st in 3:42:15. Dawn Teed was 542nd in 3:42:52, Lorraine Slight 718th in 3:55:20 and Matt Mason 765th in 3:58:04.

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Sue Wilkin was 1139th in 4:32:25 with Les Turner 1140th in 4:32:58. However, on an age-graded basis, Sue was in the top 750. And this was despite waiting several minutes while Les, who managed to get well and truly stuck in the deepest bog and was “claimed” by the Lean, Mean BogStalker, had to be pulled out and rescued by several stout-hearted helpers.

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The 9-mile Grizzly Cub run was won by Martin Owen in 1:04:34. Congratulations to Harrier Jim Wyatt who had a great race for 1st V65 and 55th overall in 1:33:31, out of the 277 finishers.

(LT)

Recent races...

On Sunday, 22nd February, John Perratt took part in the Dalwood Three Hills Challenge. The race, which starts at the village hall in Dalwood, near Honiton, is 10 miles and largely off-road with only three hills – but each one is 500’ high! 158 runners completed the race that was won by James Denne of Honiton Running Club in 1:12:40. John was 1st V70 and 81st overall in 1:40:43.

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Our man in the Falklands, Hugh Marsden, has just won the Island’s Half Marathon for a very impressive fifth consecutive year!! The Falklands’ weather was quite nice for a change and Hugh took full advantage to run 2 minutes faster than last year and win the race in 1:19:31, beating the runner-up by nearly 7 minutes. Congratulations to Hugh, who will be taking part in the full Falklands Marathon on 15th March.

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Eight Harriers were among the field of 1000 runners who completed the Bideford Half Marathon last Sunday. The race was won by Kairn Stone of Newham & Essex Beagles in 1:10:48. Adam Miller was the first Harrier to finish, 61st in 1:26:38, just 8 seconds ahead of Adrian Kearns, 64th in 1:26:46. Andy Johnson came 147th in 1:33:15, Terry Oldham 291st in 1:42:33 and Dawn Teed 359th in 1:45:33. Lorraine Slight ran superbly for 2nd FV50 and 376th overall in 1:46:21, Lissie Lingard was 636th in 1:58:28 and Corinna Stephens 981st in 2:32:41.

(LT)

Ho, Ho, Hoe...

[Tom leaving Kairn Stone for dead, second time up the Hoe hill]

[Andy, enjoying it rather too much]

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The Plymouth Hoe 10 (miles) Race, which started and finished at the Brickfields, Devonport, was also the annual Peninsula Challenge between Devon and Cornwall. The first of the 558 runners to finish, Jim Cole of Tavistock A C in 52:06, led home the victorious Devon County squad that included Exmouth athlete Tom Merson who was 2nd in 52:13.

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Although Devon won the men’s race easily, the women’s event could not have been closer. Devon and Cornwall finished on the same number of points, but the Duchy were awarded the title on countback.

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Harrier Andy Johnson had an unusual experience. He completed the race in 1:08:29, but was not included in the official results list. Had he appeared there, he would have come 110th.

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Exmouth Harriers were well represented by eleven runners in the 9th Sidmouth Four Trigs Challenge, out of the field of 92 who completed the race. The 15 – 16 mile Fell Runners’ Association Cat. B course started and finished at Sidmouth Sailing Club and visited each of the four Triangulation Pillars around the Sid Valley, with what the organisers described as “…an obscene amount of climb involved!” The hardest part of the event, however, was trying to finish the enormous Hayman’s pasty that was given to each runner to restock the energy reserves after the race.

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The event was won by Edd Charlton-Weedy in 2:19:07 and the first Harrier to finish, after a superb, strong run, was Jon Croome, 4th in 2:27:34. Paul Champion also had an excellent race to come 28th in 3:01:00, Lorraine Croome was 40th in 3:14:08 and Tim Gent was 43rd in 3:19:45. Dawn Teed, Lorraine Slight and Terry Oldham were 62nd equal in 3:44:09. Nicky Crook ran really well and was 66th in 3:45:12, with her coach Steve Merry 67th in 3:45:30. Sue Wilkin also had a very good race to come 78th in 4:04:23 and Les Turner was 79th in 4:05:10. Sue would have been several minutes faster without the handicap of having to drag Les around the course behind her – he did finish all his pasty, though!

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Last but not least, Exmouth Harrier John Perratt took part in the South West Veterans A C 5K Road Championships at Barton St David, Somerset. There are no prizes for guessing that he was 1st V70 and his time was 22:19.

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(LT)

Brooks Westward XC League - Round 5

Round 5, the penultimate race of the 6-round Brooks Westward Cross Country League 2008/09 series, was held on Sunday, 8th February, at Bovey Tracey in the picturesque National Trust grounds of the Parke Estate.

The race involved four laps of the course that commenced with a small loop around the flood plain of the river before rising steeply along the muddy track into the Blackmoor Copse. Several hundred metres along the wooded ridge, the course took a dogleg right turn down a steep incline back towards the river. At the bottom, another sharp dog-leg right turn took the runners back to the starting loop.

93 runners, including six Harriers, completed the senior men’s category that was won by O. Shilston of Cornwall A C in 34:06. Hugh Marsden led the Harriers home in 29th place, in 39:54. Bob Woodall was 68th in 48:32 and Lee Russell 77th in 50:24.

John Perratt was 3rd V60 and 79th overall in 50:35, Ray Elston 82nd in 51:29 and Jim Wyatt 87th in 53:23. Congratulations to Ray Elston, who has now completed all of the first five events and is already assured of 2nd or 3rd V60 over the series, dependent on the results of other runners in the final race at Redruth on Sunday, 22nd March. As the awards are based on the best five races out of the six-race series, Ray does not need to take part in the final event. And if Jim Wyatt, who has only completed four races so far, runs well at Redruth, he could achieve 3rd or 4th V60 over the series.

Jamie Pearson is having to battle really hard for a top three place over the whole series in the U17 men’s category. On this occasion he was 2nd in17:55 behind the strong Cornwall A C runner, J. Waldie. It looks likely that these two athletes will take 2nd and 3rd place over the series behind Tom Gill of Tavistock A C, but everything again depends on the results at Redruth.

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(LT)

Blackmore Vale 13.1 & Fulfords '5'

A freezing cold Sunday morning in Dorset was the setting for the annual Blackmore Vale Half Marathon. The race starts in the village of Bishops Caundle before heading out along quiet country lanes with plenty of hills, including a long drag up the final mile to the finish. 550 runners took part and the race was won by Doug Hall of VOTwo in 1:13:58, with Sara Winter the first lady in 1:22:01. Exmouth Harriers Jenny Timms and Mark Thompson were 64th in 1:30:25 and 68th in 1:30:52, respectively.

Although the weather stayed dry for this year’s Fulfords’ Great West Run Five Mile Road Race, the runners had to endure a bitterly cold wind, particularly along Exmouth’s exposed sea front. Congratulations to the winner, Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 25:26.

Twelve Harriers competed in the race and it was good to see the group led home by its two youngest runners – hopefully this bodes well for the future! Seventeen-year old Jamie Pearson, continuing his rapid development, was 6th in 27:43. Even younger Adam Cornish, still sixteen, was 23rd in 30:45. Well done, Jamie and Adam!!

Andy Kennedy was 42nd in 33:24, Emma Dupain 51st in 33:44 and Lee Russell 80th in 35:09, all turning in excellent performances.

Also outstanding were John Perratt, 1st V70 and 81st overall in 35:22, Ray Elston, 1st V65 and 100th overall in 36:51 and Jim Wyatt, 3rd V65 in 38:22. Congratulations to the three award winners!

Ben White was 85th in 35:59, Nicky Crook 159th in 40:35, Stan Mason 175th in 42:21 and Joan Mason 178th in 42:31.

As on previous occasions, the race followed the lead car provided by Fulfords, who have now sponsored the event for at least ten years. Before presenting the awards, Bob Keast said how grateful the Club are for the continued support of Fulfords, who provide assistance on race day as well as sponsoring the event. He also thanked the Air Cadets, who turned out in force to do a great job once again, St John Ambulance, the police and all the members of the Harriers who helped out on the day. Without all this assistance, we could not put on the race.

Devon Schools and SW Vets XC Championships

Harrier Jamie Pearson ran superbly at the Devon Schools’ Cross Country Championships, Staddiscombe Playing Fields, Plymouth. Jamie, an Exmouth Community College member of the Exeter & East Devon squad, took the gold medal in the Senior Boys’ event with a magnificent 6-second victory in 22:56 over second placed Elliot Buckner of South Devon in 23:02. Well done, Jamie!

Two of Jamie’s training partners, Adam Cornish and Matt Sharp, also took part in the championships. Adam was 14th in the Senior Boys’ event in 25:23. Matt came 35th in the Inter Boys’ race in 19:00. As a result of their achievements, Jamie and Adam will go on to represent Devon Schools at the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships.

The South West Veterans’ A C Cross Country Championships were held simultaneously with those of the Sidmouth Running Club at Pinn Barton Farm, Muttersmoor, Sidmouth. Fortunately, the extremely strong winds and heavy rain the previous night had relented to leave an ideal morning for racing. And although some parts of the course were very wet and slippery, most of the ground was reasonably firm.

Five Harriers took part in the Championships and three of them won medals. 26 runners completed the three-lap (6K) event that was won by Daniel Clapp of Axe Valley Runners in 25:44. Ray Elston produced an excellent performance to come 2nd V65 and 12th overall in 29:50. John Perratt was at the megaphone to start the race and presented the awards at the Sidmouth Sailing Club afterwards. In between, he decided to win the V70 category and came 14th overall in 31:33! Les Turner was 3rd V65 and 17th overall in 33:57. Congratulations to the three of them.

There were 24 finishers in the four-lap (8K) event that was won by Graham Hill of Sidmouth Running Club in 30:58. Exmouth’s Andy Kennedy was 14th in 38:40 and Lee Russell was 17th in 42:32.

(LT)

First Chance 10k

[Rog nearing the finish]

Last Sunday, eleven Exmouth Harriers took part in the First Chance 10K in Exeter, that hugs the river and canal along the paths and cycleways. The runners were very fortunate that the heavy sleet a couple of hours earlier did not return, and the race was completed in blue skies and sunshine. They did, however, have to put up with the fresh breeze that often blows across the plains and slowed them down on the last half of each of the two laps involved in this event.

The race was completed by a field of 486 runners and the winner was Jim Cole of Tavistock A C in 32:20. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish, after an outstanding performance, was Adam Miller, 40th in 39:22. Well done, Adam! Paul Samways was next, 45th in 40:02 with Chris Dupain 63rd in 41:27. Congratulations to Roger Rowe, who is still producing the goods and was 1st V60 and 70th overall in 42:02, after another excellent performance.

Andy Johnson came 83rd in 42:31, Duncan Parkes 107th in 43:50 and Emma Dupain 112th in 44:09. The evergreen John Perratt was 1st V65 and 131st overall in 44:53 after another solid performance. Well done, John! Nigel Dupain came 160th in 46:19, Jim Wyatt 229th in 50:18 and Les Turner 315th in 55:36.

(LT)

Kellie in Oz

Hi to everyone who remembers me. Hope everyone is running and training well. Also I hope you all had a great Chrissie and have a safe and Happy 2009. My training has had a bit of an interruption as I have just had my first child. We had a little boy, Tyler Joseph Macknamara, born on the 6th December weighing 6pd14 or 3.1kg. He is now 6 weeks old and growing fast....too fast!

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I managed to run through my entire pregnancy and was out doing run/circuit training session the night before my waters broke. When I say "run" it was more like a glorified waddle. I think it was taking my over an hour to clock up 10km, but it was still good to be out there. With all the training I was certainly fit and strong enough to cope with the birth.

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Tried to get back into running a little too early.....darn athletes, too keen. I attempted to jog about 2.5 weeks after having him....don't recommend it. So I am waiting until the 6 week mark and should be back into it. Life back in Oz is good, although I do miss Exmouth and the long Sunday runs with the Harriers. That run up over the cliffs is one of the most beautiful in the world. Well best fly have "mum" stuff to do.

Lots of love, Kellie and Tyler

Bideford XC

Sunday 11th saw the fourth race in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League at Bideford. Due to the warmer conditions the off road sections of the course on grass turned slippery making the choice of footwear more important than at other recent events. Just five men from the Exmouth Harriers entered the races: Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsdon, Bob Woodall, Ray Elston and Jim Wyatt. Unfortunately the women from the club were unrepresented.

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The course started at the river estuary and made its way along roadways fronting riverside houses before taking to the lanes. The first obstacle was soon reached, namely the orchard, where the ground rose steeply. Between the trees the grass underfoot was slippery and was difficult to obtain purchase. At the top further lanes were encountered before a steep decline lead back toward the river estuary. Again purchase was difficult on this downward stretch. Further undulations followed along the side of the river before the turning point was reached and the runners continued their second circuit at the top of the orchard, fortunately missing the slippy steep incline. Back once more and the final push was again along roadways affronting riverside houses and into the finishing park.

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Jamie Pearson continued his challenge to top the under 17 category by finishing this race in second place in a time of 19 minutes and 13 seconds just 15 seconds behind the race winner.In the senior men category Hugh Marsdon finished in 24th place in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 55 seconds. Bob Woodall finished further down the field in 71st place in a time of 37 minutes and 24 seconds. Ray Elston finished just behind in 77th place in a time of 39 minutes and 54 seconds. Jim Wyatt completed the Harriers contingent in 81st place in a time of 42 minutes and 12 seconds. There were 86 finishers in this category.

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(RW)

Devon XC & Wellington Monument

The results of the Brooks Devon Cross Country Championships, which were held in conjunction with the third Brooks Westward League Cross Country event at Exeter Arena, show some outstanding performances by members of Exmouth Harriers.

Out of the seven Harriers who competed, there were four 1st places, one 2nd place, one 4th place and one 5th place, in the various categories. The 1st places went to Cathy Newman (W45), Dave Stone (M35), John Perratt (M70) and Ray Elston (M65). Jim Wyatt was 2nd M65, Jamie Pearson was 4th U17 and Bob Woodall was 5th M55. Well done, everyone!!

Exmouth Harriers also produced some excellent results at the Wellington Monument 10K Race on 21st December. Out of the five Harriers who competed, three won their categories.

193 runners completed the race that was won by Peter Monaghan of Torbay AC in 36:09. Jamie Pearson was 1st U18 and 2nd overall in 36:39 after a fantastic finish that saw him move from 8th place up to 2nd whilst climbing the hill at the end of the race. Well done, Jamie, what a performance!!

Dave Stone was 1st senior man and 3rd overall in 36:40, just 1 second behind Jamie! Congratulations to Dave and also to John Perratt who was 1st MV 70 and 109th overall in 50:00. Andy Kennedy was 48th overall in 44:48 and Corinna Stephens was 174th in 62:24.

A very Happy Christmas to all

Christmas Wallpaper...

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Reindeer and Hogs

Last Saturday, after a night of prolonged, heavy rainfall, Sidmouth Running Club, the organisers of the Reindeer Run at Otterton, had to reduce the multi-terrain course from 10K to around 8K due to the very severe flooding. Although the rain had stopped well before the 10.00am start and the weather remained dry throughout the race, the water level on the flooded roads just got higher and higher, for longer and longer stretches, after the river burst its banks and the water poured down through the fields onto the road.

The runner who coped with all the mud and water best to win the race was James Denne of Honiton Running Club in 30:57, beating the other 161 finishers. Jon Croome, the first of the seven Harriers to finish, was 10th in 35:09, just 8 seconds in front of Jim Pyne who was 11th in 35:17. Andy Kennedy was 53rd in 41:15, Lorraine Croome 57th in 41:53, Lissie Lingard 90th in 47:00, Kevin Lingard 105th in 48:07 and Les Turner 119th in 51:12.

Jon and Lorraine Croome were runners up in the married couples category, despite the fact that their accumulated time was less than that of the winners, Steve and Judy Davey from Honiton. The reason was that the cross country scoring method was used where the winner gets 1 point, 2nd two points and so on, and the pair with the lowest number of points is the winner.

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On Sunday, 14th December, Harrier Andy Johnson had an earlier start - 9:30am - for the 49th running of the Hog's Back race, at Guildford, Surrey. After raining constantly all day Saturday, the runners were fortunate to be rain-free and flood-free, but the whole race was run in mist. There were a couple of short, sharp inclines in the first couple of miles, which were harder than the Hog's Back itself - a long drag up from miles 2 to 3.3. They then dropped for the next mile, and around a dozen runners swarmed past him. As the route levelled off, he maintained a fairly steady pace but couldn't maintain this in the final mile along the long entrance drive to the Losely House stately home, which didn't looks quite so impressive in the mist. He finished 96th out of 644 in 54:27 for the 7.9 mile course.

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(LT & AJ)

Christmas Awards (and some races too)

[Les Turner receives the President's Shield from Roland Young]

First, an apology. In last week’s edition of the Journal, the male athlete of the year (2007) was incorrectly named as John Perratt when it should, of course, have been Ray Elston. Apologies to both Ray and John, who has won the award in the past, but not on this occasion.

Fast forward a year to the Harriers’ Christmas Dinner which was held at the Rugby Club last Friday. The event was a massive success, thanks largely to the efforts of chef Jon Bamsey (alias the Club secretary) and all those who assisted him in setting up the tables, preparing and serving all the food, washing up and clearing away afterwards, etc. On behalf of the whole Club, many thanks to Jon, Steve Merry, Phil Crook, Bob Woodall, Phil Bater, Paul Champion, Sammy Merry, Kayleigh, Hugh Marsden (who helped on Thursday, but unfortunately missed the party due to illness), Jono, Laura, Charlotte and Alice.

[The Kitchen Crew]

Many thanks, also, to unofficial compere Phil Crook who again did a great job organising the raffle and making sure everything went with a swing.

The annual awards for 2008 were presented by Club president Roland Young in the absence of chairman Bob Keast, still unable to attend any functions while recovering from his hip operation.
All members can vote for the athletes of the year, so these awards are valued very highly by the recipients. Congratulations to female athlete Julie Gellender and male athlete Hugh Marsden, who have both had brilliant seasons.

This year’s president’s award went to Les Turner for keeping everyone, both inside and outside the Club, informed of all that’s happening, and assisting with the work involved at the Bicton Blister, etc.

The president was able to pass on the welcome news that Michelmores Solicitors, Sidmouth, have very generously contributed £250 to offset the loss that arose from the theft of trophies, etc., which had to be replaced. This means that the Devon Air Ambulance will now receive £250 more, so very many thanks to Michelmores on behalf of both the Club and the Air Ambulance.

Of course, athletics clubs are not just about annual general meetings and Christmas parties and there are a few races to report, as well.
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Wednesday, 3rd December, saw Round 3 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena on a very crisp evening with temperatures around freezing and a rather slippery track. The winner was Jack Bancroft of Exeter Harriers in 8:55, just 4 seconds ahead of Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:59. First Exmouth Harrier home was Roger Rowe in 11:48, followed by John Perratt in 12:29, Lee Russell in 12:50, Les Turner in 15:17 and Dave Eveleigh in 15:58.
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The third of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at Exeter. 137 runners completed the men’s event that was won by K Haywood of Bideford AC in 28:05. The Exmouth Harriers’ contingent was led home by Dave Stone, 16th in 31:12. Next came Hugh Marsden, 58th in 35:02 and Bob Woodall, 106th in 40:05, just 1 second in front of Andy Kennedy, 107th in 40:06. John Perratt was 3rd V60 and 113th overall in 41:11, Terry Oldham 117th in 41:40, Lee Russell 122nd in 42:35, Ray Elston 125th in 43:34 and Jim Wyatt 130th in 45:03. Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson was 5th in 19:04 in the U17 men’s event that was won by T Gill of Tavistock AC in 18:20. 27 runners completed the race.

The ladies’ event was won by K Humphreys of Exeter Harriers in 20:10. Exmouth Harrier Cathy Newman was 2nd FV45 and 12th overall in 21:02, exactly the same time as the 1st FV45. Lorraine Slight was 57th in 25:57, out of the field of 76 runners.
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Last Saturday, Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson ran “45 miles of sheer pleasure” at the Beacons Ultra race in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. The route is a real mix of picturesque canal towpath, ancient mining tramroads and high mountain passes. Mark came 10th in 9:27:15 out of the 50 runners who completed the race. The winner was Mark Palmer of Team Tan in 6:38:00.

(LT)

Last Weekend's races...

The Dupain family enjoyed a 340 mile round trip to run 10 miles in Wales on 23rd November. The event they contested was the Sospan 10 miles multi terrain race, held in Llanelli in the beautiful Pembrey Country Park. It started on park roads, continued into pine forests, then along a lovely beach (but very windy!!) and back into the pine forest to the finish.

Chris was the first home in 1:14, followed by Emma in 1:17, then Ben in 1:21 and Nigel in 1:24. It was so nice to meet new clubs and they were all very impressed that a contingent from Exmouth had made the journey to South Wales.

The 11 mile Bicton Blister and its little brother, the 5 mile Blister Lite, did not exactly get off to the best possible start when the trophies, drinking cups, safety pins etc. were stolen on Friday night. We were however extremely grateful to Radio Devon, Gemini FM, Exeter FM and the Express & Echo for their assistance in publicising the theft and helping us in trying to recover the items. But despite all the problems we had on Friday with the theft, we are very pleased that we will still be able to make a healthy contribution to the Devon Air Ambulance.

345 runners completed the main Blister event that was won by Jim Cole of Tavistock AC in1:07:26. The first Harrier to finish after a great performance, Dave Stone, won the award for 3rd man in 1:09:19. Only 3 minutes later in 6th place in 1:12:31 after an outstanding run, 17 year old Jamie Pearson is definitely one to watch for the future.

Adam Miller was 22nd in1:18:16, Jon Croome 29th in 1:20:32, Bob Woodall 103rd in 1:30:05 and Lorraine Croome 151st in 1:35:25. Ray Elston was 2nd V65 and 178th overall in 1:38:47, Lorraine Slight was 202nd in 1:41:33 and Jim Wyatt was 311th in 1:58:27.

The first lady to finish was Helen Dyke of Torbay AC in 1:18:59. The first men’s team was Exmouth Harriers comprising Dave Stone, Jamie Pearson, Adam Miller and Jon Croome. The first ladies’ team was South West Road Runners and the first male vet team was Sidmouth Running Club.

Although only 48 runners completed the 5 mile Blister Lite, the event was very popular in that the ages ranged from 11 to 77! The winner was Ben Trigg of Erme Valley Harriers in 39:53 and the award for 1st lady went to Emma Kiernan of Axe Valley Runners in 44:25. But when it came to age graded performance, 71 year old Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 6th in 45:57, was well out in front with a grading almost 8% higher than the next highest graded competitor in this race.

The Committee would like to thank race director Roland Young and all those Club members who assisted him with setting up and dismantling the course, parking, dealing with late entries, marshalling, manning the water station, timekeeping and producing the results. Our thanks also go to the Exmouth Air Cadets, St John Ambulance, the police and Ironbridge Runner with Helly Hanson for their help and support.

Weekend races and a photo for Steve, Phil, Ray...

The BBC Children in Need Colyton Fiver, which used to be a 10K race but has now been changed to 5 miles, was held on Sunday, 23rd November. The winner was Wayne Stephens of Bideford AAC in 27:32 and 148 runners completed the race. Exmouth Harriers normally have several runners at this event, but on this occasion Lee Russell was their sole representative and was 54th in 37:59.

On Sunday 30th November, the Harriers will be hosting the Bicton Blister, supported by Ironbridge Runner with Helly Hanson. The charity we have chosen to support is the Devon Air Ambulance. There are two important changes regarding this year’s event. First, the venue is Bicton Arena, not Bicton College. Second, as well as the main 11-mile Bicton Blister, there will also be a shorter “Blister Lite” race of approximately 5 miles.

Entry for the Bicton Blister costs £10 attached / £12 unattached, and for the Blister Lite £7 attached / £9 unattached, and both events cost £2 extra for entries on the day.

All members of the Club who are not racing themselves and can help out at the event are requested to contact Roland Young (01395 278455) in advance.

Exmouth Station from the signal box at the other end of the platforms. A very early photograph judged by the height of the chimney on the engine.

The viaduct being destroyed

... and to finish my viaduct postings, here is the whole thing being flattened in the early 1970s. Might have taken ages to build, but it didn't take long to destroy!

AGM & Race Reports

Exmouth Harriers held its Annual General Meeting at Exmouth Sports Centre on Friday, 14th November, in the absence of Chairman Bob Keast, who was unable to attend, having only returned home from hospital the previous day, following his hip operation. All the Club wish him a very speedy recovery and his speech was read out by secretary Jon Bamsey.

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The races hosted by Exmouth Harriers in 2007/2008 started as always with the Bicton Blister, another well organised and well received race, sadly in many ways the last one at Bicton College. We have had a long association with the college, both through cross-country, South West Championships, Westward League and twice the Southern Area Championships, as well as the Bicton Blister.
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The Christmas party at the Manor Hotel was not well supported, but those that were there had a good time. The athlete of the year awards went to Cathy Newman and Ray Elston, with the Chairman's award going to Jan Moulton, who has now migrated south to Australia. She is the longest serving member of the Harriers, and missed by all. This year the party is returning to the Rugby Club, with Jon Bamsey leading the “catering crew”, thanks in advance Jon.
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2008 dawned bright with the Fulfords GWR 5 again being the jewel in the crown, with ever-increasing numbers, and support. The swapping of the start and finish proved a master stroke, allowing the start to clear the roundabout more quickly and the finish allowing a safer environment for the timekeepers and stewards.
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March saw our first ever race at Bicton Arena, the Westward League cross-country. We have for many years hosted the final race in the series, numbers are always down and this year was no exception. The course around the perimeter of the large field was designed by Paul Champion and Roland Young, and a great course it is. Hard yes, but “real cross-country”. We received a few complaints because it has the greatest distances across the Westward league, but more compliments on the location.
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June did not see the Manor Hotel 10k, which had become “just another 10k”. We have over the last couple of years also become increasingly concerned about traffic at this time of year, which prompted the earlier start. What about 2009? Devon Cliffs at Sandy Bay have confirmed their willingness to host a “beach race” on Sunday 7th June (low water is at 13:15), something a bit different!
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The summer flew by, perhaps because it never got started, and then we arrived at Saturday 11th October, which means only one thing in Exmouth Harriers Land, “the Parrett Trail relay”. Every year this event of 6 legs attracts Exmouth Harriers in numbers, this year we had 4 teams, and didn't we do well! 1st for the ladies, 2nd for the men, and 2nd and 4th for the mixed teams. 24 runners plus support crew, a great feat of organisation thanks to Dawn Teed, Steve Merry and Hugh Marsden.
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On 19th October Jenny Timms won the Dart Vale Marathon to become the Devon Marathon Champion, well done Jenny!
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November saw us back at Bicton Arena with the 2nd leg of the Westward league cross-country, greater numbers than last time, and some great races, but it was very cold. Thanks to all that helped on the day.
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The chairman said a big thank you to all the committee members who work so hard on behalf of everyone to keep the club running. He was particularly grateful to Pete Hutcheson and Penny Newton, who although no longer club members still help with timing at our races. Finally, he wished everyone a healthy year, and the achievement of all of their goals.
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Treasurer Paul Champion reported that the financial position of the Club remains healthy, with liquid assets showing a slight increase of around £500 over the year. Steve Merry was once again thanked for his work raising money for the Club through the bonus ball scheme. He was, however, concerned that the number of members participating and the amount of money raised were declining and he appealed for more members to support this activity.
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A proposal to increase the annual membership subscription (for competing athletes) to £28, but with a discount of £5 (to £23) for payment before 31st January 2009 was approved. In the past, members have been given a year to pay their subscriptions, but the fees for affiliation to England Athletics have to be paid in April, regardless of whether or not the members have paid the clubs. So earlier payment by members must be encouraged in order to save the Club money.
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It was agreed that the Club would continue its affiliation to the South of England Athletics Association.
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The management of the Club remains very stable, but Steve Merry, who has done so much to support the Club over the years, now becomes Ladies Team Manager as well as continuing as Membership Officer. Also, there are two welcome additions to the committee, Lorraine Slight and Jamie Pearson. So although only a small club with less than 100 members, Exmouth Harriers is now run by a committee that includes competing athletes with ages ranging from 17 to 65, a span of 48 years! And the Club can accommodate and would heartily welcome any new members who would like to add the benefits of organised coaching and team activities to their running.
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Terry Oldham put forward the idea of Exmouth Harriers hosting a relay race similar to the Parrett Trail Relays, but taking place along the East Devon Way. He suggested that it could finish with a lap of the Imperial Road running track and, possibly, include a social function at the Rugby Club, e.g. a BBQ. The idea was discussed and broadly welcomed, a further suggestion being that the route could be extended by taking in part of the South West Path and having a circular route starting and finishing at the Club.
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Race Reports
Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events was held at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 5th November and the winner was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:56. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:17, followed by Roger Rowe in 11:46. Hannah Dupain and Lee Russell both finished in 11:58, with John Perratt next in 12:15. Ray Elston came home in 12:29, 4 seconds ahead of Nigel Dupain in 12:33. Jim Wyatt finished in 13:24.
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The Tavy 7 (miles) Race at Tavistock on 9th November was won by Harry Wiltshire of Tavistock A C in 38:33. Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson was 50th in 47:02 and 630 runners completed the race.

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No fewer than 13 Exmouth Harriers competed in the Drogo 10 (miles) tough, hilly cross-country race that starts and finishes at Castle Drogo. It was a lovely day for a change, but very slippery in places. The winner of yet another race was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 1:00:32, beating the other 415 runners. Well done, Tom!
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There were also some excellent performances from Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsden, Pete McKeown and Hannah Dupain. Jamie was 20th in 1:08:49 with Hugh Marsen 22nd (and 3rd V45) in 1:09:02. Pete McEown was 43rd in 1:14:39, Adam Miller 50th in 1:15:57 and Hannah Dupain 112th in 1:24:04. Paul Champion was 124th in 1:25:42, Terry Oldham 204th in 1:34:04, Dawn Teed 243rd in 1:37:52 and Lorraine Slight 256th in 1:39:29. Nigel Dupain came 288th in 1:42:52, Lissie Lingard 293rd in 1:43:33, Kevin Lingard 296th in 1:44:05 and Sue Wilkin 328th in 1:50:47.

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Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone produced a superb performance in the tough Cornish Marathon, where he came 3rd in 2:57:20, just 11 seconds behind 2nd placed Andy Drake-Norris of Tamar Trotters. The winner was Shaun Milford of Newquay Road Runners in 2:45:22 and 213 runners completed the race.

For the train buffs...

Exmouth Station from the ticket barrier, taken in the early 1960s. The houses in Halsdon Road have, of course, hardly changed. Speaking for myself I'd rather look out on the station and railway than a grass bank, as they do now. But the original fence is still there in places.

Last weekend's events

The organisers of the Snowdonia Marathon are extremely proud of all those runners, supporters and staff who took part this year and braved the horrendous weather conditions (the worst in the 26 year history of the race with 60 m.p.h. winds, rain, hail, etc.) to produce a memorable event. The race was won by Martin Cox in 2:44:37 and the 1183 finishers included hardy Harrier Mark Thompson who came 265th in 3:49:42. Well done Mark, and all the other runners!

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Three Harriers took part in the Templer 10, a ten-mile multi terrain race on roads, tracks and fields incorporating the picturesque Stover Park. Paul Samways was 29th in 1:03:57, Adrian Kearns was 31st in 1:04:35 and Duncan Parkes was 59th in 1:11:29. The winner was John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 53:19 and 205 runners completed the race.

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The second of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at Bicton Arena, hosted by the Harriers. 125 runners completed the men’s event which was won by Tom Merson (from Exmouth) of South West Road Runners in 31:03. The first of the Harriers to finish was Hugh Marsden in 44th place in 36:11. Andy Kennedy was 91st in 42:52, just 5 seconds ahead of Bob Woodall, 92nd in 42:57. Ray Elston was 3rd V60 and 106th overall in 45:21 with Terry Oldham 107th in 45:28. Jim Wyatt was 118th in 48:14.

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Jamie Pearson represented Exmouth in the U17 men’s event and was 5th in 25:59 out of the field of 27 runners. The winner was T Gill of Tavistock A C in 24:24.

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The ladies’ event was won by J Burns of City of Plymouth in 27:11. Exmouth Harrier Emma Dupain was 27th in 32:16 and Lorraine Slight was 44th in 35:25. 66 runners completed the race.

It's a Dupain World

Harrier Emma Dupain was very excited when she completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in 1:38:20, coming 938th out of 5796 finishers and beating her PB by 4 mins. The winner was Simon Jones in 1:07:47. Emma and Ben White have continued to fly the flag for the Harriers in Wales. Recently they competed in the Swansea 10k and finished in 52:08. Rather slow, but they completed the race pushing a wheelchair all the way! Rog, the teenage boy who is severely disabled that Emma looks after in the evenings, was thrilled to go so fast in his chair and to get a medal and t-shirt. They started half way back in the starting pack (all runners, not just those with wheelchairs) and were proud that they got all the way round without being overtaken by any other runners!!! Congratulations, Emma, Ben and Rog! You can push me any time you like, I could do with a new PB!

Chris Dupain’s birthday treat was to run the Guide Dog Gallop (organised by Axe Valley Runners) at All Saints near Axminster with his dad!!! It was 7 miles, mainly on roads, finishing across some wet fields. Chris came 6th in 46:14 and Nigel 12th in 51:54. A new run for them both and good except for the rain!!

The organisers of the Snowdonia Marathon are extremely proud of all those runners, supporters and staff who took part this year and braved the horrendous weather conditions (the worst in the 26 year history of the race with 60 m.p.h. winds, rain, hail, etc.) to produce a memorable event. The race was won by Martin Cox in 2:44:37 -- the 1183 finishers included hardy Harrier Mark Thompson who came 265th in 3:49:42. Well done Mark, and all the other runners!

For Steve...

The Exmouth viaduct (seen from the opposite direction on my posting of the 24th September). In 2008, virtually the same view can be seen -- without the viaduct of course -- from my mum-in-law's sitting room in Hometor House (see below)! The building on the right is, of course, still there and hardly changed.
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Dartmoor Vale Races

The Dartmoor Vale Races consist of a fun run, 10K, half marathon and marathon. All the races start and finish at Newton Abbott Racecourse. This is Devon’s only marathon and therefore incorporates the Devon Championship for this distance.

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Jenny Timms became the new Devon marathon ladies champion by winning convincingly in 3:28:03, and it was another 18 minutes before the second lady crossed the finish line. Jenny said “That was quite unexpected. I felt pretty strong all the way around and I’m delighted to win”. Congratulations, Jenny!! The new men’s champion is Alan Ryder of Erme Valley Harriers, who won in 2:48:39. Adrian Kearns was 14th in 3:17:18 and Peter McKeown was 18th in 3:24:04. 107 runners finished the marathon.
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The half marathon was completed by 289 runners. The winner was John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 1:10:50 and Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners was 2nd only 33 seconds later in 1:11:23.

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Two Harriers took part in the 10K race that was won by Wayne Stephens of Bideford A A C in 34:12. Mark Thompson was 22nd in 40:25 and Jim Wyatt was 96th in 48:30 out of the field of 357 finishers.

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(LT)

Exmouth Station (RIP)

Where the Sports Centre now stands (and possibly Asda in the future) was once an impressive Southern Railway Station. Demolished to make way for both Marine Drive (the old line to Littleham) and the aformentioned SC together with the roundabout, the old Station was an impressive sight. I remember laughing crowds of Exonians pouring out of the forecourt on the way to the beach -- no-one, unless they were 'rich' could afford a car! We certainly couldn't.

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More of the station when no races to report upon.

(RR)

Honiton 12k

This year’s Honiton 12K race was the last. Next year it will be replaced by a new 10 mile event over an “undulating” one-lap course on quieter roads, with a lot more beautiful rural scenery and a couple of long, flat sections where “enthusiastic” competitors can make up for the more undulating parts. This year’s winner was Adam Carlson of Torbay A A C in 41:02 and the field of 142 runners included two Exmouth Harriers. Adrian Kearns was 14th in 48:38 and Lee Russell was 72nd in 59:23.

Westward League - St. Austell

Last weekend also saw 107 runners complete the men’s category in the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events, at St Austell in Cornwall, including eight Exmouth Harriers. The senior men’s event was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 31:44 and Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson was 21st in 35:16. Hugh Marsden was 44th in 37:13, Bob Woodall was 93rd in 44:45, Ray Elston was 3rd V60 and 99th overall in 46:15 and Terry Oldham was 102nd in 47:57.

The winner out of the field of 64 runners in the ladies’ event was B Alston of Cornwall A C in 22:35. Exmouth’s Lorraine Slight was 41st in 29:04, Stef French was 3rd LV35 and 42nd overall in 29:17 and K Smith was 64th in 38:15.

Parrett Trail Relay Race

Saturday, 11th October

Results available at:http://www.parrettrace.btik.com/p_Home.ikml

Exmouth Harriers took what must have been their biggest squad in any event for many a year to the Parrett Trail Relay, a well-established six leg trail relay from the mouth of the River Parrett on the North Somerset coast, across Somerset to just over the border in Dorset, close to the source of the river at Winyards Gap. The route is approximately 53 miles long.

This year, Exmouth fielded a men’s team, a ladies team and two mixed teams (out of the total of 28 teams), twice the number the club had last year and they again produced some brilliant results.

The ladies team was awesome and they won their category in only 7:03:18, taking 36 minutes less than they took in winning it last year and increasing their margin of victory from 32 seconds last year to over 42 minutes over 2nd placed Honiton this year!

Their victorius team comprised Julie Gellender (leg 1 – 10.5 miles), Emma Dupain (leg 2 – 7.9 miles), Lorraine Croome (leg 3 – 8.5 miles), Dawn Teed (leg 4 – 8.6 miles), Hannah Dupain (leg 5 – 8.6 miles) and Cathy Newman (leg 6 - 8.6 miles). Julie Gellender, Emma Dupain, Lorraine Croome and Cathy Newman all won their legs and Dawn Teed and Hannah Dupain were both second. Well done, Exmouth Ladies, on a fantastic team performance!!

Twelve teams contested the men’s event and Exmouth, while unable to match the ladies, still produced a great performance, coming 2nd in 6:04:46, only 5 ½ minutes behind the victors Yeovil Town (5:59:17) and over 24 minutes ahead of 3rd placed Trull Troggers. Hugh Marsden (leg 1) and Dave Stone (leg 5) both won their legs and Adam Miller (leg 2) was 2nd. The other Exmouth runners were Jamie Pearson (leg 3), Jon Croome (leg 4) and Tony Hatchard (leg 6). Congratulations to the men’s team.

The first of the Exmouth mixed teams to finish were 2nd in the category. It comprised Adrian Kearns, Terry Oldham, Stef French, Jim Pyne, Paul Champion and Camilla Mathison. Their time was 7:00:55 and the category with 10 teams was won by Crewkerne in 6:49:16. Adrian Kearns, Terry Oldham, Jim Pyne, Paul Champion and Camilla Mathison all came 2nd in their legs.

Exmouth’s other mixed team were 4th in the category and they, too, produced a leg winner (Pete McKeown – leg 6) and a 2nd place (Chris Dupain - leg 3). The other runners were Andy Johnson, Nicky Crook, Lorraine Slight and Sue Wilkin.

All in all, it was a great day out for the club. Well done, everyone!!

(LT)

Portland 10k

South West Veterans 10k Championship

Sunday morning saw the SWV 10k at Portland with Jim, Roger and John representing the Harriers. Jim beat all comers in the V65s (48:14) for the gold (the second gold in the photo was from the SWV 5 mile championship a fortnight ago), Roger the silver in the V60s (40:56) and John the gold in the V70s (47:07). A beautiful, warm day with the Island looking its best. A treat.

(RR - photos MR)

A train... for Ray & Phil

... and anyone else with a memory. Not exactly an unusual picture, you might think, ah, but! This is a photo taken in the early 1960s of a two-carriage train working up the incline from Tipton St. John towards the Bowd and Sidmouth. This stretch of line is now a footpath on which many of us have run. Only around a mile-and-a-half from Tipton to the Bowd, but a treat.

Brixham 10k

The Brixham 10K race on 5th October was won by Kairn Stone of Newham & Essex Beagles, in 33:44. The field of 198 runners included two Exmouth Harriers. Dave Stone, the first to finish, was 8th in 37:12 and Jamie Pearson was 15th in 38:13.

Exeter Arena 3k (Race 1)

Results from a damp and cold evening at the track:

Andrew Johnson - 11:25
Roger Rowe - 11:29
Lee Russell - 12:11
John Parrett - 12:44
Ray Elston - 12:46
Jim Wyatt - 13:37

Our friend from Exmouth (who runs for SWRR) Tom Merson, won the 'A' race in 8:58, lapping some of the cream of the evening's crop.

The second evening of races will take place on Wednesday, 5th November.

(RR)

Littledown 5

The course was fairly pleasant - but a little narrow at the beginning for a fairly large field: suburban pavements and tarmac paths through parks. Well marshalled. Excellent weather on the day for late September. Not flat - it was one of those courses where you notice every little incline because there aren't any real hills, so it ends up feeling really tough but in a more hilly race you wouldn't notice those rises at all.

Andrew Johnson 32:27
Jim Wyatt 37:50 (3rd Vet/65 -- 1st SW Vet 65)

(AJ)

Another train...

It seems my 'train' post excited a bit of interest at a slack time for competition. So here is another of a main-line diesel at Ottery St Mary station in around 1960. Most of the station buildings are still there of course, but the line is long gone. One of my routes down to Budleigh Salterton (12 miles this way) takes in a good deal of the old line, and I always feel the 'breath' of the engines breathing down my neck!

Nostalgia ?

Especially for Ray, and for all (veteran) members of the Harriers... a photo of one of the last trains to come over the viaduct (now demolished) at the end of Exeter Road. As you can see it ran down the incline to the estuary and then on to Exmouth Station (which was a very grand affair then). The line was closed in 1967.

Message from John Perratt

Thanks for the report, Les, but you forgot to mention that you were the First South West Vet M65 in the New Forest Marathon which was the vehicle for the Club Championship. Your medal is on its way!

(JP)

Musbury, Truro & The New Forest

Three Exmouth Harriers really did the club proud at the Musbury Castle Challenge, a tough multi terrain race of just under 8 miles around the hills of East Devon with a nasty climb that starts the last quarter of the first mile. Congratulations to Exmouth’s Tony Hatchard who won the race in 49:23, beating 103 other finishers. Also to Hugh Marsden, who was 2nd V45 and 7th overall in 52:54 and Dawn Teed, who was 2nd Vet lady and 54th overall in 73:08. Tony’s fiancée Lisa James, running for Instinctive Sports, was 48th in 70:51.

Trevor Cope represented Exmouth Harriers at the Truro Half Marathon which was won by Jim Cole of Tavistock A C in 1:14:41. Trevor was 350th in 2:09:13 and 469 runners completed the race.

Exmouth’s Steph French ran well to come 545th in 1:50:08 out of the 1732 runners who finished the New Forest Half Marathon. The winner was Lee Rodriguez of Poole Runners in 1:13:31.

The New Forest Marathon was won by Keith Russell of Reading Roadrunners in 2:39:35. Les Turner finished the race in 324th place in 4:17:40. Although his time was a PB by just over 2 minutes, he didn’t run very well and almost failed to finish. 494 runners completed the race. Les ran 4:17:40... more later

(LT)

Sunday 7th September races

On 7th September, Stan and Joan Mason ran their first race since joining Exmouth Harriers, the Lichfield 10k Road Race, Staffs, on a gently undulating course with some hills between 4 and 7 km, run mainly on quiet country lanes. The winner was Thomas Payn of Winchester and District A C in 31:14 and 753 runners completed the race. Stan was 383rd in 52:58 and Joan was 478th in 55:49.

On the same day, Kevin Lingard and his daughter Lissie competed in The Dartmoor Dash, an approximately 5 mile undulating scenic course over tracks, rough moorland and occasional bogs in the very wet and muddy conditions. Neil Holmes won the race in 32:16 and there were 86 finishers, including Kevin who was 50th in 48:26 and Lissie who was 54th in 49:33.

Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone who continued his recent run of outstanding form by winning the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge in 52:50 and beating second placed Dave Severn of Torbay A C by nearly 2 minutes. His time was a new record for the course, 8 miles off road involving a long, uphill climb to the Beacon, then a gravely track back down to the finish. 122 runners completed the race.

(LT)

Devon 10,000 metres Championship

38 runners braved a wet and windy evening on Wednesday to compete in the Devon 10,000 metre championships at Exeter Arena. The light rain kept the runners cool, but running into a stiff breeze 25 times along the back straight of each lap was more challenging. Tom Merson of South West Road Runners won the men's championship, finishing 7 seconds ahead of John McFarlen in 31:38. Lucy Cartwright's 39:52 ensured her the women's title.

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Full results can be found at http://www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk/images/devon10k_results.xls

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Running in his first after an enforced three week break, Andy Johnson was last in the A race for around 2k... then running on his own (apart from being lapped on numerous occasions!) for the rest of the race. Aiming for kilometre splits of 4:10 and he ran:4:05, 4:08, 4:07, 4:08, 4:10, 4:10, 4:10, 4:13, 4:13 and 4:06. His finishing time of 41:35 left him 20th overall and 3rd of the 3 M45s.

(RR)

Chamonix Challenge...

A quartet of Exmouth Harriers have just returned from a highly successful encounter with Mont Blanc, where the races involved running, walking and clambering over boulders, by day and by night.

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Paul Champion completed the race which started at Chamonix (France) and passed through Courmayeur (Italy) and Champex (Switzerland) before returning to Chamonix (over 100 miles), for the second successive year. He lived up to his name by producing an even more magnificent performance than last year and confirmed that as well as being longer, this year’s courses had been made even tougher by the addition of a massive climb at the end.

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Paul found it particularly hard on the Saturday, when temperatures of 30o centigrade meant that he could hardly eat or drink anything until the temperature dropped in the evening when, fortunately, he managed to pick up several places. Despite this handicap, however, he achieved his objective by finishing 326th out of over 2,300 starters.
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Jon and Lorraine Croome, who completed the shorter but still incredibly hard route which started at Courmayeur and passed through Champex before finishing at Chamonix (over 60 miles), found it very tough and hot. They went round together in just under 25 hours and described it as a very spectacular and very rewarding experience. They really appreciated the great reception all the runners received at the finish at Chamonix.
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Sue Wilkin also undertook the Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix (over 60 miles) route and she, too, should be very proud of her achievement. As was only to be expected, she found the adventure even tougher than her clubmates, but couldn’t believe how strongly she was able to run the hills. She, too, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Congratulations to all four superstars, who were a real credit to their club!!

Dartmouth Regatta Road Race
On Saturday, 30th August, Hugh Marsden represented Exmouth Harriers at the 5 mile Dartmouth race, where another great performance saw him come 1st V45 and 7th overall in 31:58.

151 runners completed the race that was won by Peter Monaghan of Torbay A C in 29:37.

The Beast
The next day, Exmouth Harriers Terry Oldham and Lorraine Slight completed “The Beast”, Poole A C ‘s tough, 13-mile multi terrain event that starts and finishes at Corfe Castle, Dorset. The race was won by Mike Grist of Poole Runners in 1:24:43 and there were 486 finishers. Terry was 288th in 2:17:1 and Lorraine was 311th in 2:19:7.

(LT)

Exe 5k Series - Final Race

Last Thursday in the final race of the Exe 5k series, Jim Wyatt beat Mark Waddicor by exactly a minute (23:09 to Mark's 24:09), the result being that Jim was the overall winner of the V65 category in the series (2 wins to Mark's 1). WELL DONE JIM!

There is little doubt that weeks and weeks of work or the track have paid dividends.

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Peter McKeown, also completed the final race and came 2nd V40 in 18:42, and 2nd V40 for the series.

(RR)

Bank Holiday Weekend races

Friday:

On a perfect evening for racing, the Haldon Forest Flyer 4 ½ mile race was won by Ashley Humphreys in 24:57 and included eight Harriers. Paul Samways was 12th in 27:56, Duncan Parkes was 33rd in 31:07 and Hannah Dupain was 35th in 31:12. Bob Woodall was 53rd in 32:27, with Ray Elston 58th in 33:09 and Nigel Dupain 71st in 34:34. Les Turner was 119th in 40:02 and Kevin Lingard was 144th in 46:33. 161 runners finished the race.

Sunday : Torbay Regatta 10k
Dave Stone really excelled in this year's 10k with a excellent 34:48 (7th overall), with Emma Dupain turning in a 45:56 and her dad Nigel Dupain, completing in 46:40.

Monday:

The Dupains were back in action again the following day at the Lustleigh Show 10k. Hannah was 2nd lady in 45:30 and the other times were Chris 47:00, Nigel 51:27 and Emma 51:40.

South West Vets Championship 5k
How can you manage to find a circular course that is uphill in every kilometer? Apart from around a half-mile of downhill running in the second kilometer, that is what faced competitors at Barton St. David (Somerset) on Bank Holiday Monday. And did it tell in the times on a warm and very humid day!

In the Vet/60s Peter Hamilton (Blackheath) easily outpaced Rog Rowe winning by 57 seconds in 19:10 to Roger's 20:07 (his 2nd slowest 5k of all time)! Peter too was way down on his expected finish time.

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Chris Woodcock (Blackheath & Sidmouth) cantered to an easy win in the Vet/65s in 21:49, whilst Eric Barber (Torbay) also won easily in the Vet/70s with a 24:49 showing.

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There were no entries in the V40, V45, V50s from Devon at all -- a real disappointment.

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(RR)

What happened last week?

Despite the awful weather on Saturday, 9th August, 235 runners turned up the next day for the Michelmores’ sponsored Sidmouth Festival 10k Run and their faith in the weather forecast was justified by near perfect running conditions. The overnight rain had made the multi terrain course a bit slippery but this did not prevent a very fast time of 40.07 by the winner, 22 year old Ashley Humphreys from Torbay.

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Dave Stone, the first Exmouth Harrier, had a superb race and finished in 3rd place just 40 seconds behind the winner. Well done, Dave! Next came Mark Thompson, 32nd in 48:40. Hannah Dupain came 55th in 51:53, with Emma Dupain 80th in 53:57. Ben White was 84th in 54:23. Congratulations to Ray Elston who was 1st V65 and 92nd overall in 55:22. Finally, Kevin Lingard came 150th in 62:27.

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120 runners completed the fifth race in the Yeovilton 5k Road Race Summer Series at the Yeovilton Air Base which took place on Wednesday 13th August and was won by Jon James of Wells City Harriers in 15:40. Exmouth Harrier Roger Rowe had his best result of 2008 so far, completing the 5k in 19:23 (6:14.3 pace) for 1st Vet/60. Jim Brumfield (Egdon Heath Harriers) however is getting quicker too, this time Roger beat him by less than 30 seconds.

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As always, it was a great evening with a large (and fast) field - Roger was 36th overall even at that pace, on a lovely sunny evening after a day of rain. There is just one more race in the series on the 10th September, but there is a small matter of the SW Vets 5k Championship before then on Bank Holiday Monday. Then Roger hopes for even more improvement before the SEAA Veterans Road Relays at the end of September.

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On Saturday, 16th August, two Exmouth Harriers competed in the Tywyn, Mid-Wales Race the Train that takes place alongside, as far as practicable, the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this the course uses a mixture of public roads, lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. The terrain varies all the time and was rain sodden in places, so the wise runners wore studs. The route also ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking.

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There were 822 finishers and the race was won by Gareth Raven of Sale Harriers in 1:18:15. Exmouth’s Hugh Marsden finished in 1:33:14, 2nd V45 and 18th overall, beating the train in the process. Dawn Teed came 521st in 2:11:32, 4 minutes quicker than the last time she ran the race. Well done, Hugh and Dawn!

Run Exe Summer 5k Series

7:30pm 7th August - Flower Pot Fields

Just 50 entrants for the second of this new summer series, just 5 of us from the Harriers. The course for the 5k is a double loop up and down the river from the FPF Car park, on tarmac and concrete paths, but with several very tight corners - four of 180 degrees and four of 90 degrees. Unfortunately that knocks the pace back quite a lot. Checking my Garmin watch after the race I noticed that my pace was down to 10 minute miles on two of these bends!

Results:Jim Cole of Tavistock won easily in 15:42 30 seconds ahead of Mike Zlotnik from Exeter Harriers.

Harriers results and placings:

Rog Rowe - 17th in 19:40 - 1st Vet/60
Hannah Dupain - 29th in 20:48 - 3rd Senior Lady
Emma Dupain - 31st in 21:50 - 4th Senior Lady
Benny White - 36th in 22:49 - 11th Senior Man
Jim Wyatt - 38th in 23:08 - 2nd Vet/60

Interesting to see that Jim beat arch-rival Mark Waddicor by over a minute, but having come behind him in the first race a month ago. The track work is paying dividends Jim!

(RR)

Bob Graham Round

How about this for endurance? Exmouth Harrier Jon Croome successfully completed the “Bob Graham Round” of 42 Lakeland peaks in less than 24 hours. This is one of the most demanding challenges in England with an ascent of approximately 28,500ft and a distance of about 74 miles. Congratulations, Jon, on an extremely impressive performance!!

(LT)

Wellington 10

The Wellington Ten gives runners a choice of two distances, 10 miles or 10 k. Both races follow similar routes, starting at the Sports Centre and then following a series of undulations through beautiful Somerset countryside. The two distances join again for the finish through Wellington and back to the Sports Centre.
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The longer event was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 55:01. Exmouth Harrier John Perratt was also among the field of 257 runners and came 1st V70 and 65th overall in 1:13:20.
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It took Philip Parry of Bristol & West A C 34:17 to win the 10k distance, completed by 244 runners. Mark Thompson was the Exmouth Harrier in this event, coming 30th in 43:01.

(LT)

Totnes 10k

A cloudy but warm Sunday morning saw in excess of 375 runners lining up for the Tones 10k race. Included in that number were a gaggle of a dozen Exmouth Harriers. As a novelty a firework, a rocket, was used to get the event underway.

The course dictates a fast start with runners racing around the perimeter of the cricket pitch toward the tarmac path where the course narrows and negotiates a series of right angled bends with central bollards positioned to catch the unaware. The course then follows the route of the river before entering the wooded area. Here there are many hazardous tree routes across the path and numerous areas of leg sapping mud and deep puddles, before the route ascending a steep hill, which even includes numerous steps. Descents were hampered by slippy stone and concrete surfaces, with still more ascents to follow.

The decision as to the type of footwear was immaterial as those opting for road shoes struggled to find adhesion in the mud, but those opting for off road shoes struggled with the twisting sloppy hard surfaces. Neither types of footwear appeared to give an advantage. The temperature was kind to the competitors and the first entrant home completed the race in a blistering time of 35 minutes and 38 seconds, only 9 seconds off the course record.

Dave Stone lead home the Exmouth Harriers contingent if overall 9th position in a time of 38-48, 3rd MV35, followed closely by Shaun Lock immediately behind in a time of 39-06. In overall 16th place finished Hugh Marsden in a time of 40-06, 1st MV45.

Jamie Pearson in his first outing for the Harriers finished in 20th place in a storming time of 40-12. Next Harrier to cross the finishing line in 38th position was Adam Miller in a time of 42-59, followed by Paul Samways in 46th position in a time of 44-13. Jo Darwood finished in 69th position in a creditable time of 46-19, provisionally the 7th female competitor to complete the race.

Bob Woodall wearing number 89 finished in 89th position in a time of 48-08. Ray Elston finished in position 120, to lead home the MV65 category in a time of 50-48, averaging a speed of 8-10.4 minutes per mile. In 153rd position was John Perratt in a time of 53-12 to take the lead MV70 position. Jim Wyatt, just eight positions behind, completed the race in 54-00 minutes taking the 2nd MV65 position. Last but not least of the Harriers was Dawn Teed in 191st position to complete in a time of 55-43.

All members of the Exmouth Harriers performed well on the day over an extremely difficult course which could be, on this occasion, likened to a cross country course and some members completed the race in both praiseworthy positions and times. In fact Exmouth Harriers carried off the team prize due to the brilliant results of Dave Stone, Shaun Lock and Hugh Marsden. A valiant effort from such a small club

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(RW)