The Bicton Blister 2006

26th November dawned cold and clear after a wild night of rain, thunder and hail. By 9:30am the sun was making it's presence felt -- and for the rest of the day we enjoyed typical clear and sunny autumn weather. The reason that many make the pilgrimage to the lower Otter Valley in late November was obvious for all to see. The Commons in particular were at their most scenic, although a bit treacherous in the muddy bits due to the amazing amount of rain we have had over the previous night (week... month)!

Andy Chambers overcame Anthony Hatchard in the end to finish the 'around' 11 mile course in a creditable 1:04:20 with Anthony just 27 seconds behind. Ultra-star Heather Foundling-Hawker finished 18th place overall, and 1st lady, in 1:12:33 giving Jon Croome and Joe Pascoe a bit of a shock I should think. What power Heather hides in that tiny frame.

The results may be obtained by 'clicking' the title above.

(RR)

Sunday, 19th November races

Exmouth Harriers took full advantage of the glorious weather on Sunday to compete in events in Devon, Cornwall and Wales.

Nine Harriers featured in the Templer Ten, a 10 mile multi terrain event on roads, fields and off-road paths around the beautiful Stover area of Teignbridge. Exmouth’s Anthony Hatchard ran superbly to win the race in 52 mins 51 secs. Their next senior man was Joe Pascoe, 10th overall in 56 mins 47 secs, followed by Hugh Marsden, 12th overall and 2nd vet 45 in 57 mins 5 secs, another outstanding performance. Two senior men followed, Shaun Lock in 17th place in 58 mins 44 secs and Paul Samways 27th in 1 hour 7 secs. An excellent run by Richard Selby in 1 hour 29 secs gave him 1st vet 55 and 28th overall. Andy Kennedy, vet 45, was 39th in 1 hour 2 mins 4 secs and senior man Duncan Parkes came 62nd in 1 hour 6 mins 23 secs. Denise Kennedy, lady vet 50, was 223rd in 1 hour 29 mins 53 secs. 269 runners finished the race.

Five Harriers took part in the Colyton 10 K road race held to raise money for Children in Need. The winner was David Kemp, Royal Navy A C, in 33 mins 3 secs. Exmouth’s Roger Rowe produced his fastest November time for years, 38 mins 15 secs, for 15th place overall and 1st vet 60. John Perratt also ran very well and was 54th overall and 2nd vet 65 in 42 mins 35 secs. Lee Russell was 75th overall and 12th vet 50 in 44 mins 46 secs and Les Turner, vet 60, was 149th in 53 mins 3 secs. Vet 55 Ian MacDonald came 189th in 56 mins 22 secs. There were 286 runners.

Another great performance and Dave Stone, the lone Exmouth Harrier in the Cornish Marathon at Pensilva, finished 2nd overall and 1st senior man in 2 hours 52 mins 52 secs. The race was won by Lazloe Boden, Witney Road Runners, in 2 hours 49 mins 27 secs. 184 runners completed the race.

Finally, Hannah and Nigel Dupain travelled 350 miles to accompany Emma, who is at Swansea University, in the 10 mile multi terrain race in woods, sand dunes and along the beach at Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli, near Swansea. Daniel Gurmin, Swansea Running Club, won in 56 mins 48 secs. Hannah was 4th senior lady in 1 hour 14 mins 21 secs. Emma came 12th senior lady in 1 hour 23 mins 59 secs, the same time as Nigel. 360 runners took part.

On Sunday, 26th November, Exmouth Harriers will be hosting the Bicton Blister, which starts at 11 am. The race involves 11 miles of paths and tracks on East Devon Common Land and starts and finishes at Bicton College. Postal entries are closed, but runners are still very welcome to enter on the day.

Colyton 10k [Click for full results]

Colyton on a cold, clear sunny morning. Fine once warmed through, but it does take a long while to get the legs up to 'operating' temperature!

Results:

Rog Rowe - (15th) 1st Vet/60 - 38:15
John Perratt - (54th) 1st Vet/65 - 42:35
Lee Russell - (75th) 12th Vet/50 - 44:46
Les Turner - (149th) 5th Vet/60 - 53:03
Ian MacDonald - (189th) 17th Vet/55 - 56:22

Drogo 10 (click for results)

Not received any information on how things went at the Drogo '10'... save from Andy (1:16:38). Here he is pushing for the finish line. You have all my sympathies Andy; once on 'that' course is enough for me...

Click on the tile above for the results
(via the Tamar Trotters web site)