John Perratt writes...
We had a really good weekend at Cardiff. The facilities were tremendous and it turned out a very relaxing break. We were also glad to be running indoors as it was bitter outside. The thoughts of you all doing the Plymouth 10 were of great comfort to us during the day.
Unfortunately there were a few gaps where a lot of top Vet athletes did not put in an appearance but that didn't take away any of the pleasure. The laps of course are only 200m with tight banked bends at either end of short straights. The spectators are in an elevated position looking down on the track and in various odd places they were throwing things and jumping up or along. The meeting was very well organised and ran on time like clockwork.
I had a super run in the 1500. I felt totally relaxed and in control throughout the race, taking the lead at around the half way point. I finished the last 2 laps (400m!) strongly and clocked up 5.22 which converts to 86.20 % (87.20% next week). You get a nice springy stride from the wooden surface
On the Sunday it was time for the 3000 but they put us in with the 55's and 60's so the start was a bit hectic and it came down to more of a race against the clock than your opponents. To get out of the melee I got to the front of our group and ran well for about 9 of the 15 laps. After that it was a question of hanging on, which wasn't so much fun. Anyway the result was the same so can't complain. Two Gold medals with the time on the 3k at 11.22 giving a percentage of 86.87% (87.86% soon!) made the whole exercise worthwhile.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Plymouth Hoe 10
Plymouth Hoe is beautiful even on a wet winter's day, but in the bright sun that welcomed a huge field of 651 athletes to the Plymouth Hoe 10 road race, it was simply stunning. There was a downside of course, it was cold with a chilling North wind.
The race was the first in what is hoped to be a regular series between Devon and Cornwall athletes, this time with Cornwall running out as winners of the men's race, whilst Devon's women proved triumphant in the ladies race.
From Eastern side of the county and scoring for the Devon team, Mark Cowan from Exeter Harriers was 9th overall in 55:32.
Outside of the County team challenge, Exmouth Harriers were represented by Roger Rowe, running his penultimate race as a Vet/55 before moving up into the Vet/60 category. He narrowly beat new 55+ Plymouth Harriers athlete Mike Beatty in 1:02:44 to Beatty's 1:02:57. Roger overcame a fall in the third mile to finish strongly on the undulating course in 56th place in the field.
Les Turner, also from the Harriers completed in a solid 1:27:48 in 422nd place.
(Roger R)
The race was the first in what is hoped to be a regular series between Devon and Cornwall athletes, this time with Cornwall running out as winners of the men's race, whilst Devon's women proved triumphant in the ladies race.
From Eastern side of the county and scoring for the Devon team, Mark Cowan from Exeter Harriers was 9th overall in 55:32.
Outside of the County team challenge, Exmouth Harriers were represented by Roger Rowe, running his penultimate race as a Vet/55 before moving up into the Vet/60 category. He narrowly beat new 55+ Plymouth Harriers athlete Mike Beatty in 1:02:44 to Beatty's 1:02:57. Roger overcame a fall in the third mile to finish strongly on the undulating course in 56th place in the field.
Les Turner, also from the Harriers completed in a solid 1:27:48 in 422nd place.
(Roger R)
Friday, February 18, 2005
Ironbridge Runner saves Devon Race Series
New sponsors have stepped in to save the Devon Race Series. The series, won for the past two years by South Devon AC's Dave Severn, had been abandoned for 2005 because of the lack of support. However, Exeter's specialist athletics shop, Ironbridge Runner, have stepped in to back a new, shorter series which has already caught the imagination of local clubs.
Ironbridge Runner will support a seven-race series for 2005, with runners able to count their best four scores.
The series opens with the March Hare 10k at Plympton on March 20 followed by the Bideford 10k on May 22 and the Bampton 10k on June 18.
Round four is the Chudleigh Carnival Six on July 15. The Torbay Royal Regatta 10k hosts the fifth round on August 21, with the Torrington Back In Five listed as round six on September 4. The final round and presentations will be at the Honiton 12k on the 9th October.
Full details from the website: www.devonroadraceseries.co.uk.
(Express & Echo)
Ironbridge Runner will support a seven-race series for 2005, with runners able to count their best four scores.
The series opens with the March Hare 10k at Plympton on March 20 followed by the Bideford 10k on May 22 and the Bampton 10k on June 18.
Round four is the Chudleigh Carnival Six on July 15. The Torbay Royal Regatta 10k hosts the fifth round on August 21, with the Torrington Back In Five listed as round six on September 4. The final round and presentations will be at the Honiton 12k on the 9th October.
Full details from the website: www.devonroadraceseries.co.uk.
(Express & Echo)
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
... from Port Stanley to Paignton
On Sunday 13th Feb, Exmouth Harriers' Hugh Marsden won the annual Cape Pembroke Half Marathon in the Falkland Islands. The race, which is organised by the Stanley Running Club starts in Port Stanley, the capital of the Islands, and finishes at Victory Green. Hugh beat 50 other runners (and 20 walkers) in 1 hour 18 minutes and 8 seconds.
In Saturday's Paignton round of the Westward Cross Country League (12th Feb), Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent run of form to finish 6th in the women's race. Run over 4.75 kilometres on the Clennon Valley playing fields, Camilla overcame a strong wind and patches over very sticky mud to record a time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Hannah Dupain and Lorraine Croome also performed well for 13th (19:09) and 21st (20:33) respectively.
Exmouth's men were led home by Anthony Hatchard, who finished the 8.5 men's kilometre race in 17th position (29:04). The other Harriers who took part in the men's race were John Croome (44th in 32:55), Phil Hatchard (48th in 33:34), Andrew Johnson (51st in 33:55), Lee Russell (73rd in 36:26) and Les Turner (91st in 41:38).
(Andrew Johnson)
In Saturday's Paignton round of the Westward Cross Country League (12th Feb), Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent run of form to finish 6th in the women's race. Run over 4.75 kilometres on the Clennon Valley playing fields, Camilla overcame a strong wind and patches over very sticky mud to record a time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Hannah Dupain and Lorraine Croome also performed well for 13th (19:09) and 21st (20:33) respectively.
Exmouth's men were led home by Anthony Hatchard, who finished the 8.5 men's kilometre race in 17th position (29:04). The other Harriers who took part in the men's race were John Croome (44th in 32:55), Phil Hatchard (48th in 33:34), Andrew Johnson (51st in 33:55), Lee Russell (73rd in 36:26) and Les Turner (91st in 41:38).
(Andrew Johnson)
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Fulfords 5 Report [Click for full results]
Hopes were high of a local victory in last Sunday's Fulford 5 road race, which took in two laps of Exmouth town centre and sea front, as Dave Stone kept with the leading group in the early stages. Mark Cowen of Exeter Harriers then pulled away from the pack to win the race with half a minute to spare in 25 minutes and 51 seconds. Rob Smyth of Loughborough finished second and Tari Agui, also of Exeter Harriers was third. Stone worked hard to keep the leaders in sight, eventually finishing fifth in 27:15.
The day was perfect for running - dry and cold with little wind - and the ideal conditions brought a large field of 246 finishers. Second Harrier home and 15th overall was Roger Rowe (30:25), who was first veteran over 50. John Perratt was the leading veteran over 60, finishing in 32:00. Also in the Vet 60 category, Ray Elston and Les Turner maintained their recent current good form with both improving their best times for 5 miles - Elston finishing in 33:39 and Turner in 39:30. In his first race for Exmouth Harriers, Adrian Kearns ran an excellent 31:09 for 20th position.
Judy Oakley was the winner of the women's race. The City of Portsmouth AC runner finished in 31:11, with Jaine Swift of the Women's Running Network close behind in 31:35. Exmouth's Jenny Timms was the sixth female finisher in an excellent 32:36, improving a minute on her previous personal best. Hannah Dupain of Exmouth Harriers was the next lady to finish in 32:56.
5 27:15 STONE, Dave (In the lead group for ages, great effort)
15 30:25 ROWE, Roger (1st Vet/50)
20 31:09 KEARNS, Adrian (1st race in Harriers colours)
38 32:00 PERRATT, John (1st Vet/60 - and I think a club record V/60 & V65)
41 32:10 SHUTT, Ed (great to see Ed back in the yellow and blue)
45 32:36 TIMMS, Jenny (a personal best by around a minute)
47 32:44 GENT, Tim
51 32:56 DUPAIN, Hannah
63 33:39 ELSTON, Ray (1st time under 34 minutes)
68 34:25 RUSSELL, Lee
81 35:10 DUPAIN, Nigel
102 37:23 WYATT, Jim
125 39:39 TURNER, Les (Les breaks 40 minutes for the first time)
126 39:49 JONES, Hannah
217 48:27 HARRISON, Nigel
224 48:48 CROOK, Phil
(Andrew Johnson / Roger Rowe)
The day was perfect for running - dry and cold with little wind - and the ideal conditions brought a large field of 246 finishers. Second Harrier home and 15th overall was Roger Rowe (30:25), who was first veteran over 50. John Perratt was the leading veteran over 60, finishing in 32:00. Also in the Vet 60 category, Ray Elston and Les Turner maintained their recent current good form with both improving their best times for 5 miles - Elston finishing in 33:39 and Turner in 39:30. In his first race for Exmouth Harriers, Adrian Kearns ran an excellent 31:09 for 20th position.
Judy Oakley was the winner of the women's race. The City of Portsmouth AC runner finished in 31:11, with Jaine Swift of the Women's Running Network close behind in 31:35. Exmouth's Jenny Timms was the sixth female finisher in an excellent 32:36, improving a minute on her previous personal best. Hannah Dupain of Exmouth Harriers was the next lady to finish in 32:56.
5 27:15 STONE, Dave (In the lead group for ages, great effort)
15 30:25 ROWE, Roger (1st Vet/50)
20 31:09 KEARNS, Adrian (1st race in Harriers colours)
38 32:00 PERRATT, John (1st Vet/60 - and I think a club record V/60 & V65)
41 32:10 SHUTT, Ed (great to see Ed back in the yellow and blue)
45 32:36 TIMMS, Jenny (a personal best by around a minute)
47 32:44 GENT, Tim
51 32:56 DUPAIN, Hannah
63 33:39 ELSTON, Ray (1st time under 34 minutes)
68 34:25 RUSSELL, Lee
81 35:10 DUPAIN, Nigel
102 37:23 WYATT, Jim
125 39:39 TURNER, Les (Les breaks 40 minutes for the first time)
126 39:49 JONES, Hannah
217 48:27 HARRISON, Nigel
224 48:48 CROOK, Phil
(Andrew Johnson / Roger Rowe)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
On your marks, get set... go! [click for full article and photos]
Children rise to challenge of Exmouth area cross country event
CHILDREN from St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton, are celebrating after they won the inaugural Exmouth area primary school cross-country trophy.
More than 300 children from nine primary schools took part in the challenge. There were four races in all. Pupils competed according to age group and sex, with races for children in years three and four and for pupils in years five and six.
Runners completed two laps of the half-mile course around Rolle College’s playing fields in Exmouth.
St Peter’s school walked away with the overall trophy after winning both boys’ events and the girls’ year three and four contest. The school received the winner’s trophy from Chairman Roger Rowe of Exmouth Harriers, the race sponsors. The first seven finishers in each race also received a trophy.
The event was organised by Jill Dupain, who is a teacher at Woodbury Salterton Primary School, and a member of Exmouth Harriers. Mrs Dupain said: "All the children were tremendous. It’s great to give the kids a chance to try a sport where co-ordination is not so important. Hopefully this will encourage them to take up athletics in the future. The race has been such a success we hope to hold it every year."
Race Results:
Year three and four girls:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Joseph’s School, Exmouth
Year three and four boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - St Joseph’s School, Exmouth,
3rd – Woodbury Salterton Primary School
Year five and six girls:
1st – The Beacon School, Exmouth,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton
Year five and six boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Primary School,
3rd – The Beacon school, Exmouth
Report and photos (click above) from Exmouth Journal
CHILDREN from St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton, are celebrating after they won the inaugural Exmouth area primary school cross-country trophy.
More than 300 children from nine primary schools took part in the challenge. There were four races in all. Pupils competed according to age group and sex, with races for children in years three and four and for pupils in years five and six.
Runners completed two laps of the half-mile course around Rolle College’s playing fields in Exmouth.
St Peter’s school walked away with the overall trophy after winning both boys’ events and the girls’ year three and four contest. The school received the winner’s trophy from Chairman Roger Rowe of Exmouth Harriers, the race sponsors. The first seven finishers in each race also received a trophy.
The event was organised by Jill Dupain, who is a teacher at Woodbury Salterton Primary School, and a member of Exmouth Harriers. Mrs Dupain said: "All the children were tremendous. It’s great to give the kids a chance to try a sport where co-ordination is not so important. Hopefully this will encourage them to take up athletics in the future. The race has been such a success we hope to hold it every year."
Race Results:
Year three and four girls:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Joseph’s School, Exmouth
Year three and four boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - St Joseph’s School, Exmouth,
3rd – Woodbury Salterton Primary School
Year five and six girls:
1st – The Beacon School, Exmouth,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton
Year five and six boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Primary School,
3rd – The Beacon school, Exmouth
Report and photos (click above) from Exmouth Journal
Express & Echo's report of the 'Bimble'
HATCHARD FIRST AND SECOND!
Exmouth Harrier Anthony Hatchard was the first competitor to finish the Broadclyst Bimble - but he didn't win.
Hatchard crossed the line in 1hr 30min 34sec, but sportingly everyone agreed that first place should be awarded to Erme Valley Harrier Neil Holmes who, as the race leader, was unfortunately directed to run the original course, which was later altered by a National Trust warden as a safety measure before the other runners came through.
The race name implies a friendly jaunt through the East Devon countryside, but in fact the organisers go out of their way to create a challenging multi-terrain event over the half-marathon distance.
Around 10 miles of the course were through undulating woods and fields in National Trust property which, despite the absence of recent rain, were muddy underfoot. Fortunately, the weather this year was dry.
More than 200 runners took part, including 10 Exmouth Harriers, who all performed well.
After Hatchard, who continued his recent good form for second place, came Dave Stone fourth (1:31:38), just ahead of Hugh Marsden (1:32:03), who ran a brilliant race to win the first male veteran prize.
Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent progress to finish second lady, just behind the winning woman (1:52:22, 50th overall). Other performances by Harriers: 25th Shaun Lock (1:46:00); 27th Phil Hatchard (1:46:38); 35th Steve Merry (1:48:50, who was 2nd veteran over 50; 84th Bob Keast (2:03:09); 110th Nicky Kelly (2:09:55) and 142nd Dawn Teed (2:20:59)
(Andrew Johnson)
Exmouth Harrier Anthony Hatchard was the first competitor to finish the Broadclyst Bimble - but he didn't win.
Hatchard crossed the line in 1hr 30min 34sec, but sportingly everyone agreed that first place should be awarded to Erme Valley Harrier Neil Holmes who, as the race leader, was unfortunately directed to run the original course, which was later altered by a National Trust warden as a safety measure before the other runners came through.
The race name implies a friendly jaunt through the East Devon countryside, but in fact the organisers go out of their way to create a challenging multi-terrain event over the half-marathon distance.
Around 10 miles of the course were through undulating woods and fields in National Trust property which, despite the absence of recent rain, were muddy underfoot. Fortunately, the weather this year was dry.
More than 200 runners took part, including 10 Exmouth Harriers, who all performed well.
After Hatchard, who continued his recent good form for second place, came Dave Stone fourth (1:31:38), just ahead of Hugh Marsden (1:32:03), who ran a brilliant race to win the first male veteran prize.
Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent progress to finish second lady, just behind the winning woman (1:52:22, 50th overall). Other performances by Harriers: 25th Shaun Lock (1:46:00); 27th Phil Hatchard (1:46:38); 35th Steve Merry (1:48:50, who was 2nd veteran over 50; 84th Bob Keast (2:03:09); 110th Nicky Kelly (2:09:55) and 142nd Dawn Teed (2:20:59)
(Andrew Johnson)
Monday, January 31, 2005
SW Vets XC Championship
Pinn Farm, Otterton
30th January
Two running from the Harriers:
John Perratt 39:48 1st Vet65
Les Turner 44:49 6th Vet60
30th January
Two running from the Harriers:
John Perratt 39:48 1st Vet65
Les Turner 44:49 6th Vet60
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Broadclyst Bimble
Sunday 30th January
A cool cloudy day welcomed 10 Harriers to this year's Bimble. Although the rain has been absent for some days, the course still proved to be somewhat 'sticky' in parts. The race covers the half-marathon distance, but only 3.5 miles are on the road, the remaining 10 miles is through National Trust property -- 'undulating' woods and fields.
Unfortunately, late in the race, due to a NT warden thinking that the course was too dangerous for the runners, after the leader Neil Holmes passed, he altered the course! Leaving poor Neil to charge on. Once recalled he made his way back up to 2nd place, with Anthony Hatchard from the Harriers finishing in 1st place. The race was awarded however to Neil, as his 'detour' was no fault of his.
Harriers results:
2nd Anthony Hatchard 1:30:34
4th Dave Stone 1:31:38
5th Hugh Marsden 1:32:03 (1st vet/40) A brilliant run I heard.
25th Shaun Lock 1:46:00
27th Phil Hatchard 1:46:38
35th Steve Merry 1:48:50 (2nd vet/50)
50th Camilla Sharpe 1:52:22 (2nd lady just 15 seconds behind the winner -- Camilla goes from strength to strength)
84th Bob Keast 2:03:09
110th Nicky Kelly 2:09:55
142nd Dawn Teed 2:20:59
There were 209 finishers
Andrew Johnson and Roger Rowe spent the morning running the Stonehenge Stomp -- 30k+ of track and paths around the famous monument -- in preparation for their Spring Marathons. Both finished in good heart in 2:33:53 (Roger) with Andy just a couple of minutes behind.
A cool cloudy day welcomed 10 Harriers to this year's Bimble. Although the rain has been absent for some days, the course still proved to be somewhat 'sticky' in parts. The race covers the half-marathon distance, but only 3.5 miles are on the road, the remaining 10 miles is through National Trust property -- 'undulating' woods and fields.
Unfortunately, late in the race, due to a NT warden thinking that the course was too dangerous for the runners, after the leader Neil Holmes passed, he altered the course! Leaving poor Neil to charge on. Once recalled he made his way back up to 2nd place, with Anthony Hatchard from the Harriers finishing in 1st place. The race was awarded however to Neil, as his 'detour' was no fault of his.
Harriers results:
2nd Anthony Hatchard 1:30:34
4th Dave Stone 1:31:38
5th Hugh Marsden 1:32:03 (1st vet/40) A brilliant run I heard.
25th Shaun Lock 1:46:00
27th Phil Hatchard 1:46:38
35th Steve Merry 1:48:50 (2nd vet/50)
50th Camilla Sharpe 1:52:22 (2nd lady just 15 seconds behind the winner -- Camilla goes from strength to strength)
84th Bob Keast 2:03:09
110th Nicky Kelly 2:09:55
142nd Dawn Teed 2:20:59
There were 209 finishers
Andrew Johnson and Roger Rowe spent the morning running the Stonehenge Stomp -- 30k+ of track and paths around the famous monument -- in preparation for their Spring Marathons. Both finished in good heart in 2:33:53 (Roger) with Andy just a couple of minutes behind.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Devon Cross Country Championships
Sunday 16th January
The weather may have been spring-like for Sunday's Devon Cross Country Championships in Exeter, but underfoot this was a real winter event. While the day was bright and sunny, recent rain had left the hilly course very heavy with mud. Each race comprised a number of laps of the former County Showground at Exeter Arena, making the mud more difficult for the runners as the afternoon progressed.
In the women's race, over 8 kilometres, Camilla Sharpe finished a very creditable 8th place and Hannah Dupain was not far behind in 13th place. Emma Dupain finished third in the Under 20 women's event, which was run in conjunction with the senior women's race.
Eight Harriers took part in the men's event, held over 11 kilometres, with six to score towards the team championships. With several key team members absent, Exmouth Harriers finished second behind Tavistock AC. The Senior men's team were led home by Anthony Hatchard (who finished 11th overall) with Dave Stone (14th), Steve Hockings-Thompson (17th), Hugh Marsden (18th overall and third Vet 45), Andrew Johnson (33rd) and Tim Gent (34th) as the other scorers.
John Perratt - who won gold for the veteran 65 category - and Lee Russell also took part. Exmouth Harriers also picked up the veteran team bronze award through Hugh Marsden, Andrew Johnson and John Perratt.
(Sorry no photos this time).
The weather may have been spring-like for Sunday's Devon Cross Country Championships in Exeter, but underfoot this was a real winter event. While the day was bright and sunny, recent rain had left the hilly course very heavy with mud. Each race comprised a number of laps of the former County Showground at Exeter Arena, making the mud more difficult for the runners as the afternoon progressed.
In the women's race, over 8 kilometres, Camilla Sharpe finished a very creditable 8th place and Hannah Dupain was not far behind in 13th place. Emma Dupain finished third in the Under 20 women's event, which was run in conjunction with the senior women's race.
Eight Harriers took part in the men's event, held over 11 kilometres, with six to score towards the team championships. With several key team members absent, Exmouth Harriers finished second behind Tavistock AC. The Senior men's team were led home by Anthony Hatchard (who finished 11th overall) with Dave Stone (14th), Steve Hockings-Thompson (17th), Hugh Marsden (18th overall and third Vet 45), Andrew Johnson (33rd) and Tim Gent (34th) as the other scorers.
John Perratt - who won gold for the veteran 65 category - and Lee Russell also took part. Exmouth Harriers also picked up the veteran team bronze award through Hugh Marsden, Andrew Johnson and John Perratt.
(Sorry no photos this time).
Friday, January 14, 2005
The Exmouth Journal report on Jason's exploits
An Exmouth triathlete has claimed a place among the world's elite sportsman after completing one of sport's most gruelling endurance challenges.
Jason Sawyer, 35, of Byron Way, spent just under two weeks tackling the intense Deca Ironman competition, equivalent to ten triathlons.
The challenge included swimming 24 miles followed by a 1,120 mile bicycle ride before a 262 mile run to be finished within 14 days.
Jason was among 27 international muscle men to contest the event on the Pacific paradise island of Hawaii last month.
He completed the course in 12 days, 20 hours and 21 minutes to become one of only 61 people to complete the challenge since it was launched 15 years ago.
Now the Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer has claimed seventh spot among the world's top triathletes after taking 11th place in the Deca Ironman.
Jason, a married father of two, is already ranked as Britain's number one 'Ultra' triathlete.
He hopes to join the world 'Ultra' triathlete circuit in Austria, Germany, Canada and Lithuania later this year.
Jason said: "This year will hopefully see me trying to push my world ranking to the highest level.
Winter will be spent training hard and also trying to gain sponsorship for the coming season, given my new world and British ranking status.
Jason has resumed his fitness campaign back in Britain now but has recalled the endurance needed to complete the excruciating Deca Ironman course.
He said: "Twenty-four miles in a pool is a massive undertaking and after about eight hours the chlorine and constant immersion takes its toll on hands and feet.
"With aching shoulders and feeling very cold I exited the pool in the morning to start the 1,120 bike ride.
"For the next five days I would ride an average of 225 miles in every 24 hours, battling wind, fatigue, afternoon heat in the nineties and only having roughly three hours' sleep a day.
"After 1120 laps it was time to start the 262 mile run.
"I started the run well and for the first 75 miles all was looking good, but then, as for everyone in the race, the hard work starts to take its toll.
"This was now the time when everything was to be called on. Mental and physical strength in equal measures."
Jason's Deca Ironman success comes as he continues to compete in regular events for Exmouth Harriers athletics club.
His support crew during the Deca Ironman were parents Susan and Graham, aunt and uncle Sally and Richard, wife Sarah and children Joseph, six, and Todd, two.
Jason Sawyer, 35, of Byron Way, spent just under two weeks tackling the intense Deca Ironman competition, equivalent to ten triathlons.
The challenge included swimming 24 miles followed by a 1,120 mile bicycle ride before a 262 mile run to be finished within 14 days.
Jason was among 27 international muscle men to contest the event on the Pacific paradise island of Hawaii last month.
He completed the course in 12 days, 20 hours and 21 minutes to become one of only 61 people to complete the challenge since it was launched 15 years ago.
Now the Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer has claimed seventh spot among the world's top triathletes after taking 11th place in the Deca Ironman.
Jason, a married father of two, is already ranked as Britain's number one 'Ultra' triathlete.
He hopes to join the world 'Ultra' triathlete circuit in Austria, Germany, Canada and Lithuania later this year.
Jason said: "This year will hopefully see me trying to push my world ranking to the highest level.
Winter will be spent training hard and also trying to gain sponsorship for the coming season, given my new world and British ranking status.
Jason has resumed his fitness campaign back in Britain now but has recalled the endurance needed to complete the excruciating Deca Ironman course.
He said: "Twenty-four miles in a pool is a massive undertaking and after about eight hours the chlorine and constant immersion takes its toll on hands and feet.
"With aching shoulders and feeling very cold I exited the pool in the morning to start the 1,120 bike ride.
"For the next five days I would ride an average of 225 miles in every 24 hours, battling wind, fatigue, afternoon heat in the nineties and only having roughly three hours' sleep a day.
"After 1120 laps it was time to start the 262 mile run.
"I started the run well and for the first 75 miles all was looking good, but then, as for everyone in the race, the hard work starts to take its toll.
"This was now the time when everything was to be called on. Mental and physical strength in equal measures."
Jason's Deca Ironman success comes as he continues to compete in regular events for Exmouth Harriers athletics club.
His support crew during the Deca Ironman were parents Susan and Graham, aunt and uncle Sally and Richard, wife Sarah and children Joseph, six, and Todd, two.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Devon AA Grand Prix 2004
DEVON Grand Prix 2004 -- the Vet/40 title going to Hugh Marsden, and the Vet/55 title to Roger Rowe. Here is Hugh in full flow in the last mile of the Great West Run.
The First Chance 10k - 2nd January 2005 (click here for full results)
One of the more popular races of the year is the end of year 10km hosted by South West Road Runners along the River Exe, starting and finishing at the Quay.
It is traditionally known as the 'Last Chance' but this year was held on January 2, so was re-dubbed 'First Chance'. The race, however, has a limit of 500 entries and, unfortunately for many of our runners, was fully subscribed at the end of November, leaving latecomers with 'no chance'!
Above is a photo of the start... and 10k later Roger R finished in 38:46 for 1st V/55, in 31st place (6th on the age-related scales). Mary took quite a few photos of Harriers competing which you will find below. A lovely sunny day with little wind. Ideal in fact.
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