Doug Anderson Memorial 5k, Bedford Park, Bedford

25 July 2007, 7:30 p.m.

31:24 MARVIN, Mandy Exmouth Harriers LV35 (last race before I 'graduate' to the next vet rank, I imagine!) 229 of a field of 251 finishers.

Total rubbish I was! I didn't even make10-minute/mile pace, and I know I'm capable of better than that. There was a bit of a head-wind and it wasalso overcast and a bit close, but not enough to really throw one off. Guess it was just atired-after-work, lagging lead-legs day. I didn't exactly cover the club with glory, but it WAS very nice to run in Exmouth Harriers colours again. ‘You’ve travelled a long way!’ said a few marshals. ('No, it only took me that long', I thought.)

.

The kit occasioned a few conversations, as well, including one with the chip-time result man, who told me that he enjoyed one of the most 'spiritually uplifting' run she's ever had on the South Coast Path stretch from Exmouth towards Beer, about 12 years ago. And another man (the one who won the V60 category) told me, in admiring tones, that he keeps an eye on John Perratt's times.

.

Finding my RfL result in your last race report gave me a good laugh, Les! I could tell the bush telegraph had been busy. By the way, it was confirmed by others on Wednesday night that the RfL course was short, which explains my actually really good time (for me!)of the 28:05. Also explains why I had a 6-something time over one of the Ks and 4-something the next!

.

Take care... Mandy

Portaferry 10

Whilst on holiday in Northern Ireland, Andy Johnson took part in the Portaferry 10 Mile Road Race, which is run as part of the town’s gala week. The race was held on a very attractive rural route along the coast and the first nine miles were fairly flat, with the last mile mainly downhill. Andy came 35th in 1:06:00 out of the 281 finishers, and the race was won by Deane Fisher of Willowfield in 53:56.

Chudleigh Carnival 6

Four Exmouth Harriers took part in the Chudleigh Carnival 6 Mile road race which was won by Andrew Chambers of Exeter Harriers in 30:39. Adrian Kearns was 21st in 35:43, with Richard Selby 25th in 36:51. Andy Kennedy came 29th in 37:28 and Mark Thompson was 62nd in 41:18. 180 runners completed the race.

Race for Life - Bedford (22nd July)

Mandy Marvin writes:

"The Race for Life went well -- we've been blessed with good, brightweather today! 28:05, so I was fairly pleased withthat. Another one on Wednesday evening, actually (one that's organised by Bedford Harriers), so I shall have to see if Wednesday-me can beat Sunday-me!

(MM)

Yeovilton 5k - 11th July

Nice trip to Yeovilton for 'round 4' of the 5k series on what is probably the fastest 5k course in the country. Much to my surprise within a few minutes of my arrival Cathy Newman arrived with husband Pete; shortly followed by Lee, Darren and Jimmy from Exmouth. All professing their unfitness for the race (of course). It was rather humid, so the times were a bit slower than the previous races (judged by the V60 results).

Results:
Cathy Newman - 17:33 - 2nd lady (1st LV/45)
Darren Bradley - 18:03 [Darren and Jimmy running for
Jim Zaple - 18:08 [Cambuslang & Herne Hill respectively]
Roger Rowe - 19:06 (1st V/60)
Lee Russell - 21:05

Cathy's result equates with a WAVA percentage of over 89%

Othe Weekend Races

The Haytor Heller, a tough 6 mile cross country race, was won by Neil Holmes of Erme Valley Harriers in 42:12. The field of 158 runners included three Exmouth Harriers, with Shaun Lock the first to finish after an excellent race, in 8th place in 47:15. Duncan Linklater also ran very well to come 60th in 57:07 and Jim Wyatt continued his fine season with 1st V60 and 97th overall in 1:04:29.

Although it rained throughout the Wellington 10 Mile race on undulating country lanes, Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone had good reason to be pleased with his result, which was 3 ½ minutes quicker than the last time. The race was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 55:24 and Dave came 5th in 58:46. There were 253 finishers.

(RR)

Erme Valley Relays - Friday 6th July

Exmouth Harriers were represented by four teams in the 4 x 2.5 mile Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge.

The mens V50 team, Andy Kennedy (15:42), Phillip Quick (16:37), Bob Woodall (16:57) and Steve Merry (17:02) were 3rd in their category in 66:18.

The V60’s, John Perratt (16:33), Jim Wyatt (18:14), Ray Elston (17:17) and Roger Rowe (15:51) won their category convincingly in 67:55, beating their nearest rivals, Tamar Trotters, by 6 ½ minutes.

The ladies team, Emma Dupain (17:07), Ria Taylor (21:28), Jo Darwood (17:46) and Julie Gellender (16:32) completed the race in 72:53.

Exmouth’s mixed team, Nigel Dupain (17:49), Les Turner (20:26), Sammie Merry (26:09) and Les Turner (22:18) finished in 86:42.

(LT)

Steve's perambulations (!)

A brilliant performance enabled Harrier Steve Hockings-Thomson to win the Plymouth Standard Distance Triathlon. 89 triathletes completed the race, which consisted of a 1,500m open water swim in front of the Mount Batten Centre (great for spectators!), a 40km cycle around the South Hams, then a challenging 10km run that took in the climb of "Murder Hill" and the coastal road to Bovisand and Jennycliff.

Steve, a vet 40-45, came 9th in the swim section in 24:25, 4th in the bike in 1:14:04, and 2nd in the run in 47:32, giving him an overall time of 2:26:01 which was 37 seconds quicker than the first of his younger rivals, 2nd placed Keith Elliot.

(LT)