[The Exmouth Harriers BMAF 2008 V60 team]
35 V/60 teams entered this year, and the Exmouth 'lads' came in a respectable 17th overall.
Roger took his accustomed place -- 1st leg runner -- but found the pace very hot (the 2008 race was the fastest in some years due, no doubt, to the cool weather). he struggled somewhat up the hill, but found from then on he could gradually move up the field. At the turn he was around 16th place in the V/60s, but running down the hill he quickly caught and passed the 'gaggle' in front driving home up the hill in 18:53 in 12th place overall.
Jim, taking on the mantle that Ray normally carries, was our 2nd leg runner. His gutsy performance against much faster men showed his grit and determination, but overall lost 9 places to the V/60 field in 22:54 a decent effort.
New team member Duncan (Linklater), new to such distances (3 x 3 miles) flew away as if he was going to pull everyone back in the first mile. But as always for the Sutton Park 'rookie' found the long hill not much to his liking. However, his strength and power saw his gain place after place to the field, and 4 places in the V/60s. Pulling away from his chasers came home in a great time of 19:46 -- a great 1st attempt at anchoring the team.
Our friends from Clydesdale - Bobby, Brian and Peter, like us all another year older, came in a brilliant 4th overall. This is quite exceptional as all three of them are over 65.
Here is a photo of both squads in front of the Harriers tent.
Many thanks to 'supporter in chief' Mandy Marvin and the date flapjack, and especially to Les Turner acting as driver and travelling reserve (never a great position to be in). And Mary for the photos and encouragement.
Overall, Oxford City were knocked off their perch (hooray) by Elswick, with Rotherham coming in 3rd, with the aformentioned Clydesdale boys in a close 4th (we almost feel they are honorary members of Exmouth Harriers, as they feel we are of Clydesdale Harriers)!
(RR)
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