V70 BMAF Gold Medallists ~ National Road Relays, Sutton ParkTuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas everyone.A present? "North Street Grande" from Stackridge...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6VoChujccM
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Review of 2009
One of Exmouth Harriers all-time greats, Cathy Newman, won the South West Veterans A C Grand Prix award for ladies for 2008, based on the average age graded performance for her four best performances over the year. Her average of 90.24% is something "The rest of us can only dream of", said World Masters Athletics Championships medallist John Perratt.
Last January, Exmouth Harriers bright young hope, Jamie Pearson, then 17 years old, ran superbly to win the gold medal in the Senior Boys' event at the Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships held in Plymouth.
Also in January, John Perratt was at the megaphone to start the South West Veterans A C Cross Country Championships at Sidmouth and presented the awards to the successful athletes after the event. In between, he decided to win the V70 category! In coming 2nd V65 after an excellent performance, his friend and archrival, fellow Harrier Ray Elston, enjoyed the rare priviledge of beating John - it's not very often that John gets beaten by anyone over the age of 65, not even by someone as outstanding as Ray!
Hugh Marsden won the Falkland Islands Half Marathon for a very impressive fifth consecutive year in February. A month later he came second in the Island's full marathon, but in a new personal best time.
March saw Exmouth based athlete Tom Merson, a good friend of Exmouth Harriers who often trains with us but runs in the colours of South West Road Runners and, more recently, Bristol and West A C, win the fifth and final round of the Ironbridge Runner 3K Series at Exeter Arena, and with it the overall series of five races. The Harriers overall series winners were V60 Roger Rowe, V65 Ray Elston and, of course, V70 John Perratt. Jim Wyatt was 2nd V65.
This month also saw the conclusion of another winter series, the Brooks Westward Cross Country League, with the final event at Redruth. After coming 2nd at the last two rounds at Bideford and Bovey Tracey, U17 Jamie Pearson finally beat both the overall series winner, Tom Gill of Tavistock A C, and the series runner-up, J Waldie of Cornwall A C, for a thoroughly well-deserved 3rd place over the series. Ray Elston did not take part at Redruth, but had already completed the required 5 out of 6 races for 3rd V60 over the series.
Tom Merson came 2nd at the 25th Great West Run Half Marathon at Exeter in May, a mere two seconds behind defending champion Kairn Stone of Newham and Essex Beagles. Jamie Pearson, still only 17, produced another brilliant performance to come 1st U20 and 6th overall. Andy Kennedy was 3rd V50.
May also included a momentous event for Exmouth Harriers at this year's BMAF Road Relays, with Ray Elston, Mick Allen and John Perratt winning the first national relay title ever to grace the club. They won the V70 event, despite Ray being tripped at the start and completing the 1st leg covered in blood! John also won the individual gold for the fastest V70 leg of the day!
The first running of Exmouth Harriers' new event, the 5 1/2 mile Beach Race, took place in June. Although the race only attracted 30 entries, all who ran it said it was a great race so the club are keen to run it again next year, hopefully with a much bigger field. The winner, Jamie Pearson, ran away from the other competitors. This race also saw the dawning of the career of another bright young prospect, Duncan Taylor (son of Adrian) who finished in 3rd place at the tender age of 14! Surely another name to watch out for in the future.
In June, Jamie Pearson came 2nd U20 at the hilly Bampton 10K. Hugh Marsden was 2nd V50 and Roger Rowe came 1st V60.
Dave Stone was 2nd M35 at the Torbay Half Marathon, also in June. Jamie Pearson was 1st U20, with Hugh Marsden 2nd V50.
Two Harriers won all five events they took part in at the South West Veterans' A C Track & Field Championships at Exeter Arena. John Perratt's M70 golds came in the 800m, 1500m and 5,000m. Andy Kennedy achieved his M50 golds in the 10,000m and the 2,000m steeplechase.
Hannah Bown was the 1st lady in the Killerton Kanter 10K Cross Country Race.
On to July and the 4 x 2 1/2 miles Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge. Exmouth's M60 team (average age 66) of Roger Rowe, Ray Elston, Les Turner and Jim Wyatt won their category for the fifth consecutive year, i.e. on every occasion since its introduction! The M40 team comprising Pete McKeown, Jon Croome, Andy Johnson and Hugh Marsden came third in their category. Roger Rowe, who ran the fastest leg for the M60 team, has not raced again since this event due to a combination of an ongoing foot injury and a serious overload of building and decorating work at his home. He is, however, still capable of winning almost any V60 race in the South West region and we hope to see him again gracing the Harriers' colours in the near future, especially at the national relays.
Hugh Marsden was 1st V50 at the hilly Charmouth Challenge 8 miles multi-terrain course.
In August, the ladies team of Hannah Bown, Emma Dupain, Dawn Teed and Lorraine Gilson won their category at the Totnes 10K off-road race. Dave Stone, Hugh Marsden, Carlos Payan, Adam Miller, Paul Samways and Pete McKeown came 2nd in the men's team event. Hugh Marsden won the individual award for 1st V50, John Perratt was 1st V70 with a new course record and Ray Elston came 2nd V70.
Dave Stone was 3rd at the Sidmouth Festival 10K Run, with Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 2nd V60.
Lorraine Gilson was 1st FV 50 at the Tywyn Mid-Wales Race the Train 14-mile multi-terrain event first held 25 years ago. Although not winning an award, Hugh Marsden was one of the select band of runners who succeeded in beating the train.
Jamie Pearson was 1st U21 at the challenging Jurassic Coast 10K multi-terrain event at Budleigh Salterton.
Carlos Payan was 2nd M30-34 at the Torbay Regatta 10K and John Perratt was 1st M65.
In September, Tom Merson won the Devon County A A 10,000m Track Race at Exeter Arena by the huge margin of nearly 4 minutes and Dave Stone came 2nd. John Perratt was 1st M70 and Andy Johnson was 2nd M45.
A superb performance saw Dave Stone win the 7 1/2 miles multi-terrain Ivybridge Beacon Challenge.
The first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series took place in October and was won by Tom Merson. Dave Eveleigh, who has been battling a lengthy illness, made a fantastic effort to produce a time over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season.
Dave Stone took 3rd place in the Eden Project Marathon.
Exmouth Harriers did well at the first South Molton Struggle, a 12K multi-terrain course. Bob Woodall was 1st V60, Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 3rd V65. Bob, a retired policeofficer, has now won several awards since "breaking into" the V60 category!
John Perratt was 1st South West V70 at the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets A C Championships at the Isle of Portland. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65.
Hugh Marsden was 3rd V50 at the first round of this season's Brooks Westward League Cross Country series at Central Park, Plymouth.
Exmouth Harriers produced some great team and individual performances at the Parrett Trail Relays. The men's team of Hugh Marsden, Adam Miller, Mike Musgrove, Joel Morter, Dave Stone and Jamie Pearson were runners-up to Yeovil in a much faster race than last year. Hugh and Jamie both won their stages, Jamie with a new course record for the leg. The mixed team comprising Andy Johnson, Lorraine Gilson, Steph French, Jon Croome, Terry Oldham and Pete McKeown won their category with Jon Croome and Pete McKeown both winning their stages. The Exmouth ladies team of Emma Dupain, Lucy Hodgson, Lorraine Croome, Jenny Timms, Hannah Bown and Camilla Matheson had to settle for 2nd place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team. Emma Dupain won her leg.
Dave Stone came 2nd in the Dartmoor Vale Marathon at Newton Abbot which also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. However, since he was the first Devon runner to finish he became the Devon Men's Marathon Champion for 2009.
Jon Croome, Pete McKeown, Jim Pyne, Lorraine Croome, Paul Champion and Bob Keast completed the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon), the originator of the 2-day mountain marathon type event that first took place over 40 years ago. A fine achievement by all of them, it was particularly special for Bob Keast, only a year after his hip replacement operation.
By coming 6th at the Luton Marathon, his 7th marathon in the last 12 months, Dave Stone has now accomplished his target of completing 40 marathons before reaching his 40th birthday in February, 2010 - a great achievement!
The saddest moment of the Exmouth Harriers' year came at the end of June, when Sue Wilkin suffered a horrific injury and broke her ankle very badly at the Endurance Life Classic Quarter Coastal Ultra Series in Cornwall. She had to be air-lifted to hospital by the Air Ambulance and was told that she would never be able to run again. She is, however, far too stubborn to accept this advice, so has been working very hard to speed up her recovery as much as possible - and prove the medical experts wrong. So far things are going well, but she must avoid the temptation to push too hard and suffer a setback. All the club wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery and the achievement of her goal of running again, as soon as possible.
On Sunday 20th December 2009 six intrepid Exmouth Harriers, namely, Dave Stone, Ray Elston, Andy Kennedy, Phil Quick, Andy Johnson and Pete McKeown were amongst nearly 200 runners who braved the icy conditions to warm up for the start of the Wellington Monument Race 2009. With only a few minutes to the off, in temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius, the race was cancelled due to the extremely icy road conditions. The race organisers, in consultation with the Police, decided that there was too much ice on the roads to enable the race to start in anywhere near save conditions. There were grave concerns for both runners falling and collisions likely with motor traffic using the same route. Some runners were understandably disappointed but several runners had already taken tumbles just negotiating their way from the race Headquarters in the local school to the start line in the centre of the village. The organisers took the only safe option in the circumstances. Better wait for next years race than nurse a possible sever injury over the festive period.
And finally a reminder to those ladies who would like to participate in a "WOMENS ONLY" running night in the new year. Lorraine Gilson is holding the initial session on Wednesday 13th January 2010 at 6.15pm at the Exmouth Rugby Club, Imperial Road, Exmouth, EX8 1DG, for a 6.30pm start. Any lady wanting to give it a try please contact Lorraine on the mobile phone number 07977544611. If you do not try running you can not say you do not like it, so give it a try. This will be a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement, not an elite squad. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.
Anyone else who fancies running come along on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Check out the Exmouth Harriers web-site "exmouth-harriers,co,uk".
Annual resume prepared by Les Turner.
Last January, Exmouth Harriers bright young hope, Jamie Pearson, then 17 years old, ran superbly to win the gold medal in the Senior Boys' event at the Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships held in Plymouth.
Also in January, John Perratt was at the megaphone to start the South West Veterans A C Cross Country Championships at Sidmouth and presented the awards to the successful athletes after the event. In between, he decided to win the V70 category! In coming 2nd V65 after an excellent performance, his friend and archrival, fellow Harrier Ray Elston, enjoyed the rare priviledge of beating John - it's not very often that John gets beaten by anyone over the age of 65, not even by someone as outstanding as Ray!
Hugh Marsden won the Falkland Islands Half Marathon for a very impressive fifth consecutive year in February. A month later he came second in the Island's full marathon, but in a new personal best time.
March saw Exmouth based athlete Tom Merson, a good friend of Exmouth Harriers who often trains with us but runs in the colours of South West Road Runners and, more recently, Bristol and West A C, win the fifth and final round of the Ironbridge Runner 3K Series at Exeter Arena, and with it the overall series of five races. The Harriers overall series winners were V60 Roger Rowe, V65 Ray Elston and, of course, V70 John Perratt. Jim Wyatt was 2nd V65.
This month also saw the conclusion of another winter series, the Brooks Westward Cross Country League, with the final event at Redruth. After coming 2nd at the last two rounds at Bideford and Bovey Tracey, U17 Jamie Pearson finally beat both the overall series winner, Tom Gill of Tavistock A C, and the series runner-up, J Waldie of Cornwall A C, for a thoroughly well-deserved 3rd place over the series. Ray Elston did not take part at Redruth, but had already completed the required 5 out of 6 races for 3rd V60 over the series.
Tom Merson came 2nd at the 25th Great West Run Half Marathon at Exeter in May, a mere two seconds behind defending champion Kairn Stone of Newham and Essex Beagles. Jamie Pearson, still only 17, produced another brilliant performance to come 1st U20 and 6th overall. Andy Kennedy was 3rd V50.
May also included a momentous event for Exmouth Harriers at this year's BMAF Road Relays, with Ray Elston, Mick Allen and John Perratt winning the first national relay title ever to grace the club. They won the V70 event, despite Ray being tripped at the start and completing the 1st leg covered in blood! John also won the individual gold for the fastest V70 leg of the day!
The first running of Exmouth Harriers' new event, the 5 1/2 mile Beach Race, took place in June. Although the race only attracted 30 entries, all who ran it said it was a great race so the club are keen to run it again next year, hopefully with a much bigger field. The winner, Jamie Pearson, ran away from the other competitors. This race also saw the dawning of the career of another bright young prospect, Duncan Taylor (son of Adrian) who finished in 3rd place at the tender age of 14! Surely another name to watch out for in the future.
In June, Jamie Pearson came 2nd U20 at the hilly Bampton 10K. Hugh Marsden was 2nd V50 and Roger Rowe came 1st V60.
Dave Stone was 2nd M35 at the Torbay Half Marathon, also in June. Jamie Pearson was 1st U20, with Hugh Marsden 2nd V50.
Two Harriers won all five events they took part in at the South West Veterans' A C Track & Field Championships at Exeter Arena. John Perratt's M70 golds came in the 800m, 1500m and 5,000m. Andy Kennedy achieved his M50 golds in the 10,000m and the 2,000m steeplechase.
Hannah Bown was the 1st lady in the Killerton Kanter 10K Cross Country Race.
On to July and the 4 x 2 1/2 miles Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge. Exmouth's M60 team (average age 66) of Roger Rowe, Ray Elston, Les Turner and Jim Wyatt won their category for the fifth consecutive year, i.e. on every occasion since its introduction! The M40 team comprising Pete McKeown, Jon Croome, Andy Johnson and Hugh Marsden came third in their category. Roger Rowe, who ran the fastest leg for the M60 team, has not raced again since this event due to a combination of an ongoing foot injury and a serious overload of building and decorating work at his home. He is, however, still capable of winning almost any V60 race in the South West region and we hope to see him again gracing the Harriers' colours in the near future, especially at the national relays.
Hugh Marsden was 1st V50 at the hilly Charmouth Challenge 8 miles multi-terrain course.
In August, the ladies team of Hannah Bown, Emma Dupain, Dawn Teed and Lorraine Gilson won their category at the Totnes 10K off-road race. Dave Stone, Hugh Marsden, Carlos Payan, Adam Miller, Paul Samways and Pete McKeown came 2nd in the men's team event. Hugh Marsden won the individual award for 1st V50, John Perratt was 1st V70 with a new course record and Ray Elston came 2nd V70.
Dave Stone was 3rd at the Sidmouth Festival 10K Run, with Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 2nd V60.
Lorraine Gilson was 1st FV 50 at the Tywyn Mid-Wales Race the Train 14-mile multi-terrain event first held 25 years ago. Although not winning an award, Hugh Marsden was one of the select band of runners who succeeded in beating the train.
Jamie Pearson was 1st U21 at the challenging Jurassic Coast 10K multi-terrain event at Budleigh Salterton.
Carlos Payan was 2nd M30-34 at the Torbay Regatta 10K and John Perratt was 1st M65.
In September, Tom Merson won the Devon County A A 10,000m Track Race at Exeter Arena by the huge margin of nearly 4 minutes and Dave Stone came 2nd. John Perratt was 1st M70 and Andy Johnson was 2nd M45.
A superb performance saw Dave Stone win the 7 1/2 miles multi-terrain Ivybridge Beacon Challenge.
The first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series took place in October and was won by Tom Merson. Dave Eveleigh, who has been battling a lengthy illness, made a fantastic effort to produce a time over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season.
Dave Stone took 3rd place in the Eden Project Marathon.
Exmouth Harriers did well at the first South Molton Struggle, a 12K multi-terrain course. Bob Woodall was 1st V60, Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 3rd V65. Bob, a retired policeofficer, has now won several awards since "breaking into" the V60 category!
John Perratt was 1st South West V70 at the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets A C Championships at the Isle of Portland. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65.
Hugh Marsden was 3rd V50 at the first round of this season's Brooks Westward League Cross Country series at Central Park, Plymouth.
Exmouth Harriers produced some great team and individual performances at the Parrett Trail Relays. The men's team of Hugh Marsden, Adam Miller, Mike Musgrove, Joel Morter, Dave Stone and Jamie Pearson were runners-up to Yeovil in a much faster race than last year. Hugh and Jamie both won their stages, Jamie with a new course record for the leg. The mixed team comprising Andy Johnson, Lorraine Gilson, Steph French, Jon Croome, Terry Oldham and Pete McKeown won their category with Jon Croome and Pete McKeown both winning their stages. The Exmouth ladies team of Emma Dupain, Lucy Hodgson, Lorraine Croome, Jenny Timms, Hannah Bown and Camilla Matheson had to settle for 2nd place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team. Emma Dupain won her leg.
Dave Stone came 2nd in the Dartmoor Vale Marathon at Newton Abbot which also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. However, since he was the first Devon runner to finish he became the Devon Men's Marathon Champion for 2009.
Jon Croome, Pete McKeown, Jim Pyne, Lorraine Croome, Paul Champion and Bob Keast completed the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon), the originator of the 2-day mountain marathon type event that first took place over 40 years ago. A fine achievement by all of them, it was particularly special for Bob Keast, only a year after his hip replacement operation.
By coming 6th at the Luton Marathon, his 7th marathon in the last 12 months, Dave Stone has now accomplished his target of completing 40 marathons before reaching his 40th birthday in February, 2010 - a great achievement!
The saddest moment of the Exmouth Harriers' year came at the end of June, when Sue Wilkin suffered a horrific injury and broke her ankle very badly at the Endurance Life Classic Quarter Coastal Ultra Series in Cornwall. She had to be air-lifted to hospital by the Air Ambulance and was told that she would never be able to run again. She is, however, far too stubborn to accept this advice, so has been working very hard to speed up her recovery as much as possible - and prove the medical experts wrong. So far things are going well, but she must avoid the temptation to push too hard and suffer a setback. All the club wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery and the achievement of her goal of running again, as soon as possible.
On Sunday 20th December 2009 six intrepid Exmouth Harriers, namely, Dave Stone, Ray Elston, Andy Kennedy, Phil Quick, Andy Johnson and Pete McKeown were amongst nearly 200 runners who braved the icy conditions to warm up for the start of the Wellington Monument Race 2009. With only a few minutes to the off, in temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius, the race was cancelled due to the extremely icy road conditions. The race organisers, in consultation with the Police, decided that there was too much ice on the roads to enable the race to start in anywhere near save conditions. There were grave concerns for both runners falling and collisions likely with motor traffic using the same route. Some runners were understandably disappointed but several runners had already taken tumbles just negotiating their way from the race Headquarters in the local school to the start line in the centre of the village. The organisers took the only safe option in the circumstances. Better wait for next years race than nurse a possible sever injury over the festive period.
And finally a reminder to those ladies who would like to participate in a "WOMENS ONLY" running night in the new year. Lorraine Gilson is holding the initial session on Wednesday 13th January 2010 at 6.15pm at the Exmouth Rugby Club, Imperial Road, Exmouth, EX8 1DG, for a 6.30pm start. Any lady wanting to give it a try please contact Lorraine on the mobile phone number 07977544611. If you do not try running you can not say you do not like it, so give it a try. This will be a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement, not an elite squad. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.
Anyone else who fancies running come along on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Check out the Exmouth Harriers web-site "exmouth-harriers,co,uk".
Annual resume prepared by Les Turner.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Last week and weekend...
On Monday 7th December 2009 Round 3 of the Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events took place at Exeter Arena. The weather conditions were particularly foul which could account for the fact that the number of competitors was down from 110 from the previous round a month ago to 89.
Despite the strong wind and the driving rain, which was quite heavy at times, some of the runners managed to produce some excellent times.
This event involved six races and the winner of the A race and overall winner on the night was Exmouth based Tom Merson running in the colours of Bristol & West AC. Tom produced a superb time for the conditions of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, just two seconds slower than his previous best in the series. It was a very hard earned victory because second placed Pete Freedman of Tavistock AC was awarded exactly the same time.
The four Exmouth Harriers who competed were again led home by Andy Johnson, this time recording 11 minutes and 28 seconds.
Lee Russell was next in 12:37, with Jim Wyatt finishing in 14:42. Les Turner completed the quartet in 15:39 and the last runner to finish was Dennis Commissar of South Devon AC in 20:40.
The weather for this year's Reindeer Run 10K at Otterton, which was staged on Sunday 13th December, could not have been more different from the heavy rainfall and very severe flooding that caused last year's course to be changed and shortened to around 8K.
This year, the biggest problem for the runners was being blinded by the dazzling sunlight and sunglasses would have been extremely helpful on the day.
Despite the glorious weather, there was still plenty of mud for the runners to enjoy and wading along the river under the road bridge towards the end of the race with the icy water approaching the top of the thighs was enough to freeze anyone's assets, recession or no recession!
The race was won by Chris Jones in 38 minutes and 5 seconds. Mike Musgrove was the first of the five Exmouth Harriers to finish after an excellent performance, coming 5th in 40:11. Jim Pyne was 8th in 41:34, followed by Alex Hooper who came 22nd in 44:29. Kevin Lingard was 127th in 57:27, with Les Turner 136th in 58:47. 222 runners completed the event and the last runner finished in 1:30:20.
The New Year, 2010, sees the Exmouth Harriers commencing a "ladies only" section on a Wednesday night, starting from their base at the Exmouth Rugby Club. It will a chance for all those ladies to back up their New Year's Eve resolution and put their idea into practice to commence to run and keep fit. Lorraine Gilson will be pleased to see all the ladies keen to take up the challenge. This will not be an elite squad, those faster athletes are welcome at club at any time, but a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.
(RW & LT)
Despite the strong wind and the driving rain, which was quite heavy at times, some of the runners managed to produce some excellent times.
This event involved six races and the winner of the A race and overall winner on the night was Exmouth based Tom Merson running in the colours of Bristol & West AC. Tom produced a superb time for the conditions of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, just two seconds slower than his previous best in the series. It was a very hard earned victory because second placed Pete Freedman of Tavistock AC was awarded exactly the same time.
The four Exmouth Harriers who competed were again led home by Andy Johnson, this time recording 11 minutes and 28 seconds.
Lee Russell was next in 12:37, with Jim Wyatt finishing in 14:42. Les Turner completed the quartet in 15:39 and the last runner to finish was Dennis Commissar of South Devon AC in 20:40.
The weather for this year's Reindeer Run 10K at Otterton, which was staged on Sunday 13th December, could not have been more different from the heavy rainfall and very severe flooding that caused last year's course to be changed and shortened to around 8K.
This year, the biggest problem for the runners was being blinded by the dazzling sunlight and sunglasses would have been extremely helpful on the day.
Despite the glorious weather, there was still plenty of mud for the runners to enjoy and wading along the river under the road bridge towards the end of the race with the icy water approaching the top of the thighs was enough to freeze anyone's assets, recession or no recession!
The race was won by Chris Jones in 38 minutes and 5 seconds. Mike Musgrove was the first of the five Exmouth Harriers to finish after an excellent performance, coming 5th in 40:11. Jim Pyne was 8th in 41:34, followed by Alex Hooper who came 22nd in 44:29. Kevin Lingard was 127th in 57:27, with Les Turner 136th in 58:47. 222 runners completed the event and the last runner finished in 1:30:20.
The New Year, 2010, sees the Exmouth Harriers commencing a "ladies only" section on a Wednesday night, starting from their base at the Exmouth Rugby Club. It will a chance for all those ladies to back up their New Year's Eve resolution and put their idea into practice to commence to run and keep fit. Lorraine Gilson will be pleased to see all the ladies keen to take up the challenge. This will not be an elite squad, those faster athletes are welcome at club at any time, but a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.
(RW & LT)
Monday, December 07, 2009
Weekend Races...
On Sunday 29th November 2009 Exmouth Harrier, Carlos Payan, took part in the San Sebastian Marathon in Spain. The weather conditions were cold for the location and windy, but ideal for running the very flat fast course. There were a total of 2615 entrants of which 2,394 crossed the finishing line.
The first runner completed the course in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 29 seconds with Carlos Payan finishing in 315th place in a time of 2hr 57min and 29 secs.. The final competitor crossed the finishing line in 4hr 40min and 20secs. There was a good quality of entrants for this event as can be seen from the fact that 450 runners completed the course in under three hours.
Friday 4th December 2009 Exmouth Harriers finished their running year with a festive meal and disco at the Exmouth Rugby Club. A superb meal was provided by JoniBoy Bamsey's own enterprise "jono's catering". Before the jitterbugging commenced the club awards were announced and the female athlete of the year went to Lorraine Gilson and the male athlete of the year went to Jamie Pearson. Paul Champion was rewarded by his years endeavours for the club with the Chairman's trophy. The late night, alcohol and hearty meal were anything but conducive to running so all activities were put on hold for Sunday.
On Sunday a brace of Exmouth Harriers, namely Dave Stone and Adrian Kearns, made the long trek to the south Midlands to take part in the ninth Luton Marathon and Three Stage Relay. Unlike last year when the event was cancelled due to extreme icy conditions which caused a vehicle to block part of the course the weather was more favourable to the runners. After a heavy down pour just hour before the race and much rain preceding this the race started at 11.00am in dry but windy conditions. Leaving the sport centre at Brammingham Wood, the race HQ, the route headed out toward the main A1082 road toward Bedford before turning left through the small village of Streatley and back toward Luton via the village of Lower Sundon. Although the course was mainly flat with slight undulations a strong head wind was experienced after leaving Streatley for about three miles before entering Luton at Sundon Park. Running through the built up areas the competitors were given a respite from the wind as they made their toward the Purley Centre and the completion of the first of three laps of the course.
Bearing in mind the three lap course this meant that the runners were facing nearly one third of the twenty seven plus miles into a strong head wind. Dave Stone made his intentions of a quick race from the start staying within striking distance of the leaders. By the completion of what would have been a half marathon Dave had clocked up an impressive time of 1 hour and 22 minutes which spurred him on. Dave Stone finally completed the race in overall 6th position in a time of 2 hours 44 minutes and 34 seconds. Adrian Kearns followed finishing in 57th position in a time of 3 hours 12 minutes and 52 seconds. Dave has now completed forty marathon races before reaching the grand old age of 40 years in February 2010. A great achievement of which he was particularly pleased as his finishing time was just quicker than his own anticipated time.
At a more leisurely pace and closer to home six members of the Exmouth Harriers competed in the Brooks Westward League Cross Country race staged at the Exeter Race Arena. The exceptionally prolonged rain of late had caused the whole course to be extremely waterlogged with the many twists and turns being deep sticky mud especially for the last race of the day, the senior men's event. Most of the course had seen six earlier events in the afternoon race around some of the course making going very heavy and extremely rutted. The weather on the day was kind to the competitors with little light rain and when the Exmouth Harriers all lined up for the senior men's event at 2.15 pm the skies were cloudless with the sun making temperature spring like but with a brisk wind. The initial start was an uphill run with several ninety degree turns. Before nearing the crest of the hill a long straight downhill section brought the runners back to beyond the start where a tight, near, one hundred and eighty turn around a tree saw the runners racing back along an incline into a head wind back towards the top of the course. Sections of this uphill climb, along the top bank of a local stream, were particularly boggy with soles of running wear sinking deep into the tufted grass so that ankles were covered with deep liquid mud. Two more one hundred and eighty degree turns were negotiated before the runners reached the top of the hill and the descent back toward the starting point.
After three and a half more laps the finish was in sight with the runners having completed nearly nine kilometres around the overall course.
The race winner was K. Haywood of Bideford AC in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 17 seconds.
Jamie Pearson lead the Exmouth Harriers contingent home in 34th position in a time of 35 minutes and 12 seconds.
Bob Woodall followed in 91st position, being in second place in the V60 category, in a time of 42 min 29 sec..
Andy Kennedy finished in 101st position in a time of 42 min 53 sec..
Phil [Twinkle] Quick in his first cross country event for several years, finished on the heels of Andy in 102nd position in a time of 42 min 54 sec..
Lee Russell finished in 116th position in a time of 46 min 15 sec..
John Perratt finished 120th position in a time of 48 min 30 seconds.
The final runner to complete the race, in 130th position in a time of 61 min 24 sec. was M. Lee from Erme Valley Harriers.
(RW)
Friday, December 04, 2009
Another train...
Long time since I published an old photo from the Budleigh Salterton/Exmouth line... so here's one of an engine in Tipton St. Johns (sic) station, just a few yards from the Golden Lion pub (bit pricey these days). Houses, of course, are now built on the old line/sidings, but the old route can be easily seen.Sunday, November 29, 2009
Bicton Blister 2009
Sunday 29th November 2009 saw the Exmouth Harriers host the Bicton "Blister" and its baby brother the Bicton "Lite".
The "Blister" challenges runners to undertake, this year, a nine point seven-five mile course, over the testing terrain of Bicton Common, Woodbury Common and Dalditch. The "Lite" follows the same course for the first few miles before returning to Bicton College after covering a distance of five miles.
The event started between the buildings of the Bicton College,in light rain, and exited the grounds towards Blackberry Farm along the tarmac roadway heading towards Crook Plantation where the route went off-road with a vengeance. The rain abated quite quickly but within the first
mile of the start the runners experienced deep puddles forcing all to take an early cold foot bath.
Throughout the next seven or so miles off-road runners experienced severe descents and ascents along river pebble based tracks, soft sand and clinging mud, which attempted to suck the shoes from the feet. Waterlogged tracks under more than 300 millimetres, 12 inches, of muddy water loomed ahead with no alternative to avoid another cold footbath. One stretch of the course ascending to the area known to the Marines as the 'sheep dip' is actually the bed of a flowing stream. The only consolation being that the running water washed the oozing mud from the shoes. More deep puddles through which to charge and more clinging mud to run through before the course emerged back on the tarmac at Crooks plantation. Just the last mile or so of undulating road before the finish at Bicton College after careering through the last two puddles.
In all 16 Exmouth Harriers entered and completed the events, 12 in the "Blister" and 4 in the "Lite".
In the Blister race a resident of Exmouth,Tom Merson sporting the colours of South West Road Runners, crossed the finishing line in first in an impressive time of 61 minutes and 31 seconds.
Just two minutes later and only one second behind the second finisher, Dave Stone, for Exmouth Harriers, finished in third overall place in a time of 63mins 33seconds, followed closely in 5th position by Jamie Pearson, again for the Exmouth Harriers in a time of 65mins 40secs.
The remaining runners for Exmouth Harriers finished valiantly as follows:-
Jon Croome finished in 28th position in a time of 71mins 30secs,
Mike Musgrove finished in 31st position in a time of 71min 34secs.
These first four Exmouth Harriers took the first place in the race team event.
Adam Miller finished in 36th position in a time of 72mins 26secs,
Joel Morter finished in 74mins 19secs,
Alex Hooper finished in 52nd position in a time of 75mins 10secs,
Bob Woodall finished in 116th position in a time of 83mins 32secs, giving him the third prize in the V60 category,
Lorraine Croome finished in 160th position in a time of 87mins 29secs,
Lorraine Gilson finished in 230th position in a time of 95mins 50secs,
Jim Wyatt finished in 237th position in a time of 97mins 3secs,
Completing the Harriers contingent Stan Mason finished in 281st position in a time of 103mins 59secs.
The final competitor to cross the finishing line was Angela Murray, an unattached runner, in 356th position in a time of 136mins 9secs.
In the "Lite" race Mark Shobbrock of Instinctive Sport, finished in first place in a time of 33mins 34secs,
Andy Kennedy for Exmouth Harriers finished in overall 3rd position in a time of 35min 38secs,
John Perratt for Exmouth Harriers finished in 14th position in a time of 39min 46secs, taking the first place award in the V70 category,
Corinna Stephens for Exmouth Harriers finished in 24th position in a time of 42mins 55secs,
Les Turner completed the Exmouth contingent in 32nd position in a time of 44mins 59secs.
The final competitor to complete the "Lite" was Mark Waddicor of South West Road Runners in 78th position in a time of 105mins 38secs..
(RW)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Colyton Fiver
Sunday 22nd November 2009 saw six members of the Exmouth Harriers running club take part in the Colyton Fiver, a five mile road race to raise funds for the Children in Need Appeal. Barring for the first male and female runner to complete the course there were no awards presented at the end of the race as all proceeds were donated to the fund.
Throughout the duration of the race the weather conditions were mainly dry and sunny although one of the lanes was under 225 millimetres of water, (9 nine inches) following the recent heavy rainfalls.
The overall winner was Peter Monaghan of Torbay ACC in a time of 28 minutes and 18 seconds.
.
The first Exmouth Harrier to cross the line was Paul Samways in a time of 31.34. Andy Kennedy finished in 32nd position in a time of 35.08. Phillip Quick finished in 36th position in a time of 35.49. Lee Russell finished in 47th position in a time of 37.28. John Perratt finished in 51st position in a time of 38.19. Les Turner finished in 102nd position in a time of 44.49. The final runner to cross the finish line was Harry Moore from the Axe Valley Runners in a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 46 seconds.
The first Exmouth Harrier to cross the line was Paul Samways in a time of 31.34. Andy Kennedy finished in 32nd position in a time of 35.08. Phillip Quick finished in 36th position in a time of 35.49. Lee Russell finished in 47th position in a time of 37.28. John Perratt finished in 51st position in a time of 38.19. Les Turner finished in 102nd position in a time of 44.49. The final runner to cross the finish line was Harry Moore from the Axe Valley Runners in a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 46 seconds.
(RW)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday 15th November
On Sunday 15th, members of Exmouth Harriers were entered in several separate race events, namely the Cornish Marathon, the Drogo 10, and the Brooks Westward Cross Country League held at St Austell.
Dave Stone was the lone member of the Exmouth Harriers to enter the Cornish Marathon. From the mouths of competitors this is an extremely hard, hilly course, possibly one of the hardest marathons in Europe. Dave continued in the vein of his previous entries to this marathon and finished in an impressive 4th position in a time of 2hrs, 59mins, 40 seconds.
---oOo---
Eleven members of the Exmouth Harriers entered the Drogo 10, which is a 10 mile off road event staged around the slopes of Castle Drogo.
An impressive 517 runners completed the greulling course with the first home Mark HOPKINSON, of Taunton AC, in a time of 1hr, 02mins and 13 secs. The last runner completed the course in 2hrs, 32mins and 08secs. The event starts at the Castle Drogo and makes its way along the main drive, slightly uphill, before taking a sharp right turn down onto the infamous Hunters Path, which descends sharply to the river. After this the course is at its most demanding with wet, muddy, slippy and uneven surfaces. Most of the route being along a switchback through woodlands and forestry tracks or by the side of the river on waterlogged tracks. Going was made even more interesting by the recent heavy rains which had caused the streams flowing across the track to swell to varing depths. At Fingle Bridge, when energy levels are at a low, a sharp left turn brings the final steep ascent, back toward the finish, into view. Many competitors at this stage are reduced to walking the steep incline before the final stretch of course along the edge of the hill back to the finsh line at the castle.
For Exmouth Harriers Pete McKEOWN finished in 21st position in a time of 1hr, 13mins and 15secs. Pete was the 2nd to finish in his MV45 category. Adam MILLER finished in 34th position in a time of 1-15-38. Mike MUSGROVE finished in 38th position in a time of 1-16-13. Alex HOOPER finished in 62nd position in a time of 1-19-13. Duncan PARKES finished in 96th position in a time of 1-22-50. Emma DUPAIN finished in 145th position in a time of 1-26-46. Terry OLDHAM finished in 148th position in a time of 1-27-07. John PERRATT finished in 232nd position in a time of 1-34-22. John was the first in his V65+ category. Lucy HODGSON finished in 233rd position in a time of 1-34-29. Lorraine SLIGHT finished in 250th position in a time of 1-36-35. Dawn TEED completed the Harriers contingent in 275th position in a time of 1-38-16.
---oOo---
Bob Woodall and Ray Elston competed in the Brooks Westward League Cross Country race at Penrice School in St. Austell. The atmospheric conditions were ideal for the multi lap 9.5 kilometre course around the school playing fields but the conditions underfoot were extremely heavy after the recent downpours experienced building up to the day of the race. As the senior men's race was started after various other categories the ground was seriously cut up and the tight bends resembled quagmires. There were many 180 degree turns and twists and several short severe ascents with equally severe descents. The senior men's race was won convincingly by Tom Merson in an impressive time in the colours of South West Road Runners. Bob Woodall finished in 93rd place in a time of 44mins 37secs and Ray Elston, first in the v70 category, finished in 108th place some three minutes later.
(RW)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Winter 3K Series
Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events took place at Exeter Arena last Monday. 110 runners completed the event including five Exmouth Harriers.
Altogether, six races were held and the winner of the A race and overall event was Jack Bancroft of Wells City in 8:47.
The first Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:08. Lee Russell was next in 12:30 with John Perratt recording 12:46.
Dave Eveleigh came home in 13:50, just ahead of Jim Wyatt who took 13:54.
Altogether, six races were held and the winner of the A race and overall event was Jack Bancroft of Wells City in 8:47.
The first Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:08. Lee Russell was next in 12:30 with John Perratt recording 12:46.
Dave Eveleigh came home in 13:50, just ahead of Jim Wyatt who took 13:54.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has taken up jogging. By pure chance I've had sight of a copy of his training diary.......Day One
I have decided to take up jogging in order to eliminate the excess weight I have inherited from my predecessor. This morning I attended Hyde Park in the company of my friend Comrade Personal Trainer Smith. I can report here that he wanted me to jog for one mile without stop and that I wanted to jog no more than half a mile without stop and that we were therefore in complete agreement that I would not jog two miles without stop. Negotiations having been concluded to my satisfaction I then jogged one mile without stop. The following discussion then took place:
Comrade Personal Trainer Smith: “What I want you to do now is to run as hard as you can from here to that tree. By the time you arrive at the tree I want you to have worked so hard that you are actually in oxygen deficit.”
Comrade Me: “I can predict now and with confidence that any oxygen deficit I incur will be eliminated by the first quarter of 2015. Myself and the Chancellor have put in place prudent measures which will ensure that I emerge from oxygen deficit well before that old man over there by the bandstand.”
Comrade Personal Trainer: “No you misunderstand me. What I mean is that by the time you reach the tree you must be physically spent.”
Comrade Me: “I will not be physically spent but I will have invested physically to a greater degree than the Tories. If David Cameron were to sprint to that tree and still have some breath left then we will know that he intends to axe the jobs of thousands of nurses and teachers. I will sprint for the many and not the few.”
Comrade Personal Trainer: “Let me put it another way. I want you to go for bust.”
Comrade Me: “But I have abolished bust.”
Comrade Personal Trainer: “You have abolished going for bust?”
Comrade Me: “I never said that. I’m just getting on with the jog”
Day Two
Today during my morning training session I hit the wall. It was not my fault. I’m not sure who put the wall there but the bricks probably emerged in the American sub-prime market and the emergence of the wall overall could not have been predicted by anyone.
Day Three
Today I entered my first 10K race. At the registration desk I noticed a slim runner with a lawyerly presence who looked like he had done this sort of thing before. I therefore approached him and made the following suggestion: “I think it would be best for the running community overall if we agreed now that you take the lead for the first half of the race and then drop out and allow me to lead thereafter. Whilst you are leading I will try and stay on your shoulder and constantly snipe at you in a constructive way. I might even attempt to trip you up as a gesture of my complete support. Do we have a deal?”. The man looked at me, spat on the floor, turned around and walked off in a gesture of complete agreement. Nothing can go wrong now. I have been running for a week so it must be my turn to win.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
OMM & Templer '10'
Six Exmouth Harriers were among this year’s competitors in the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon). This event first took place over 40 years ago and was the originator of the 2-day mountain marathon type event. Teams of two competitors carry all their clothing, equipment, tent, sleeping bags and food, navigating their own route and including an overnight camp.
Teams are totally self-supporting and no GPS or outside support is allowed. It is against the rules to reconnoitre before the event.
This is the premier UK event for testing teamwork, self-reliance, endurance, outdoor and navigational skills. Its reputation is worldwide, with entrants from 12 to 14 countries every year.
There are two different types of course split into seven different classes. The “Line” type (check points in a pre-designated order) with the Elite, A, B and C classes. And the “Score” type (Long, Medium and Short) which need higher levels of navigation skills to optimise points scored and ensure completion within the time allowed.
All the Harriers opted for the toughest Long Score class. There were 29 control points and a time limit of 7 hours for the Saturday, with 30 controls and a 6-hour limit for Sunday. Both days carried a penalty of 2 points per minute late.
The first Harrier to finish was Jon Croome and his partner in 8th place with 645 points. Pete McKeown and Jim Pyne were 29th with 575 points. Lorraine Croome and her partner came 144th with 330 points and Paul Champion and Bob Keast were 155th with 295 points. 179 teams completed this class.
Last Sunday, ten Exmouth Harriers were among the field of 207 runners who completed the Templer Ten (9.5 mile) multi-terrain race that starts and finishes at the Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton.
The course follows approximately two miles of road, then five miles of fields and paths around Stover Park, returning across the fields. It then goes back on the road for two miles or so, finishing with half a mile on off-road paths, returning along the riverbank to the finish.
The race was won by Neil Mytton of Plymouth Harriers in 55:10.
Jamie Pearson was the first Exmouth Harrier home in 5th place in 57:50. Adam Miller was 19th in 1:02:04 and Paul Samways was 27th in 1:03:50.
Joel Morter came 45th in 1:07:37 with Duncan Parkes 52nd in 1:09:05. Terry Oldham was 65th in 1:11:12 and Emma Dupain 72nd in 1:13:10.
Lorraine Gilson was 92nd in 1:17:27, Dawn Teed 110th in 1:21:03 and Kelly Woodgate 181st in 1:36:16.
Teams are totally self-supporting and no GPS or outside support is allowed. It is against the rules to reconnoitre before the event.
This is the premier UK event for testing teamwork, self-reliance, endurance, outdoor and navigational skills. Its reputation is worldwide, with entrants from 12 to 14 countries every year.
There are two different types of course split into seven different classes. The “Line” type (check points in a pre-designated order) with the Elite, A, B and C classes. And the “Score” type (Long, Medium and Short) which need higher levels of navigation skills to optimise points scored and ensure completion within the time allowed.
All the Harriers opted for the toughest Long Score class. There were 29 control points and a time limit of 7 hours for the Saturday, with 30 controls and a 6-hour limit for Sunday. Both days carried a penalty of 2 points per minute late.
The first Harrier to finish was Jon Croome and his partner in 8th place with 645 points. Pete McKeown and Jim Pyne were 29th with 575 points. Lorraine Croome and her partner came 144th with 330 points and Paul Champion and Bob Keast were 155th with 295 points. 179 teams completed this class.
Last Sunday, ten Exmouth Harriers were among the field of 207 runners who completed the Templer Ten (9.5 mile) multi-terrain race that starts and finishes at the Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton.
The course follows approximately two miles of road, then five miles of fields and paths around Stover Park, returning across the fields. It then goes back on the road for two miles or so, finishing with half a mile on off-road paths, returning along the riverbank to the finish.
The race was won by Neil Mytton of Plymouth Harriers in 55:10.
Jamie Pearson was the first Exmouth Harrier home in 5th place in 57:50. Adam Miller was 19th in 1:02:04 and Paul Samways was 27th in 1:03:50.
Joel Morter came 45th in 1:07:37 with Duncan Parkes 52nd in 1:09:05. Terry Oldham was 65th in 1:11:12 and Emma Dupain 72nd in 1:13:10.
Lorraine Gilson was 92nd in 1:17:27, Dawn Teed 110th in 1:21:03 and Kelly Woodgate 181st in 1:36:16.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Of Honiton... and the Great South Run
The old Honiton 12K (7 ½ miles) Road Race has been converted to a “standard” 10 mile race over an “undulating” one-lap course. A pity, in some ways, because it was one of the few road races mid way between the more common 10K and 10 mile distances. The main benefits are the quieter roads, a lot more beautiful rural scenery and a couple of long flat sections where “enthusiastic” competitors can make up for the more undulating parts.
The race starts and finishes at Honiton High Street and was won by Martin Colwill of Bideford AAC in 1:00:01. Exmouth Harrier John Perratt was 42nd in 1:18:47 and 102 runners finished the race.
The Bupa Great South Run (10 Mile Road Race) at Portsmouth was completed by over 13,600 runners, including two Exmouth Harriers. The men’s event was won by Mo Farah in 46:25. Exmouth’s Stan Mason came 3284th in 1:28:32 out of 7,743 finishers. Ines Monteiro of Portugal won the women’s event in 52:32. Joan Mason was 1316th in 1:34:37 out of 5,888 runners.
(LT)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Parratt Trail, et. al.
Posted from Charleston, South Carolina!
Congratulations to Dawn Teed and Hugh Marsden for organising another very successful day for Exmouth Harriers at this year’s Parrett Trail Relays, with some great individual and team performances.
The event comprises six stages that total approximately 53 miles. It follows the long distance path from the mouth of the River Parrett on the North Somerset coast and crosses the county to finish just over the border in Dorset close to the source of the river at Wynyard’s Gap.
The race starts at Steart (not mispelt) and the first stage ends at Bridgewater Docks (10.5 miles). Leg 2 goes from Bridgewater Docks to Burrow Mump (7.9 miles). The third stage is from Burrowbridge to Oath Lock (8.5 miles). Next, stage 4 goes from Oath Lock to Kingsbury Episcopi (8.0 miles). Leg 5 runs from Kingsbury Episcopi to Lower Stratton (Wigborough) (9.5 miles). Finally, leg 6 takes the runners from Over Stratton to Wynyard’s Gap (8.6 miles).
Exmouth men’s team (5:40:08) were runners-up to Yeovil Town (5:38:29) in a much faster race than last year. But despite improving their time by 24 minutes compared with 21 minutes by Yeovil, they again failed to beat their rivals, but only by less than two minutes in over 5 ½ hours of racing!
Exmouth’s team comprised Hugh Marsden (1:06:57), Adam Miller (49:07), Mike Musgrove (52:26), Joel Morter (55:17), Dave Stone (58:38) and Jamie Pearson (57:43).
Hugh and Jamie both won their stages and Jamie’s time was a new course record for his leg.
Congratulations to the Exmouth team who won the mixed event in 6:35:34. Second-placed South West Road Runners were almost touching, however - just ten seconds adrift in 6:35:44!! So it was just as well that Exmouth managed to run 25 minutes faster than last year.
The Harriers involved were Andy Johnson (1:15:31), Lorraine Gilson (1:04:14), Steph French (1:08:28), Jon Croome (51:38), Terry Oldham (1:12:52) and Pete McKeown (1:02:51). Well done to Jon Croome and Pete McKeown who both won their legs.
Despite running 18 minutes quicker than last year when they won their category by 42 minutes, the Exmouth ladies team (6:45:53) had to settle for second place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team (6:28:06).
Exmouth’s team were Emma Dupain (1:23:10), Lucy Hodgson (1:01:08), Lorraine Croome (1:01:53), Jenny Timms (58:42), Hannah Bown (1:12:52) and Camilla Matheson (1:08:08). Well done, Emma, who produced the only Exmouth leg that was faster than the South West Road Runners leg – despite some great performances by other Exmouth ladies.
The next day, Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone was in action again, this time at the Dartmoor Vale Marathon.
The race, which starts and finishes at Newton Abbot Racecourse, also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. It was won by John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 2:40:02.
Congratulations to Dave, who started very steadily, but found he was able to up the tempo sufficiently in the later stages of the race to finish in second place in 2:51:10. And as he was the first Devon runner to finish, he became the Devon Men’s Marathon Champion for 2009!!
92 runners completed the race.
The event comprises six stages that total approximately 53 miles. It follows the long distance path from the mouth of the River Parrett on the North Somerset coast and crosses the county to finish just over the border in Dorset close to the source of the river at Wynyard’s Gap.
The race starts at Steart (not mispelt) and the first stage ends at Bridgewater Docks (10.5 miles). Leg 2 goes from Bridgewater Docks to Burrow Mump (7.9 miles). The third stage is from Burrowbridge to Oath Lock (8.5 miles). Next, stage 4 goes from Oath Lock to Kingsbury Episcopi (8.0 miles). Leg 5 runs from Kingsbury Episcopi to Lower Stratton (Wigborough) (9.5 miles). Finally, leg 6 takes the runners from Over Stratton to Wynyard’s Gap (8.6 miles).
Exmouth men’s team (5:40:08) were runners-up to Yeovil Town (5:38:29) in a much faster race than last year. But despite improving their time by 24 minutes compared with 21 minutes by Yeovil, they again failed to beat their rivals, but only by less than two minutes in over 5 ½ hours of racing!
Exmouth’s team comprised Hugh Marsden (1:06:57), Adam Miller (49:07), Mike Musgrove (52:26), Joel Morter (55:17), Dave Stone (58:38) and Jamie Pearson (57:43).
Hugh and Jamie both won their stages and Jamie’s time was a new course record for his leg.
Congratulations to the Exmouth team who won the mixed event in 6:35:34. Second-placed South West Road Runners were almost touching, however - just ten seconds adrift in 6:35:44!! So it was just as well that Exmouth managed to run 25 minutes faster than last year.
The Harriers involved were Andy Johnson (1:15:31), Lorraine Gilson (1:04:14), Steph French (1:08:28), Jon Croome (51:38), Terry Oldham (1:12:52) and Pete McKeown (1:02:51). Well done to Jon Croome and Pete McKeown who both won their legs.
Despite running 18 minutes quicker than last year when they won their category by 42 minutes, the Exmouth ladies team (6:45:53) had to settle for second place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team (6:28:06).
Exmouth’s team were Emma Dupain (1:23:10), Lucy Hodgson (1:01:08), Lorraine Croome (1:01:53), Jenny Timms (58:42), Hannah Bown (1:12:52) and Camilla Matheson (1:08:08). Well done, Emma, who produced the only Exmouth leg that was faster than the South West Road Runners leg – despite some great performances by other Exmouth ladies.
The next day, Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone was in action again, this time at the Dartmoor Vale Marathon.
The race, which starts and finishes at Newton Abbot Racecourse, also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. It was won by John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 2:40:02.
Congratulations to Dave, who started very steadily, but found he was able to up the tempo sufficiently in the later stages of the race to finish in second place in 2:51:10. And as he was the first Devon runner to finish, he became the Devon Men’s Marathon Champion for 2009!!
92 runners completed the race.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A hiatus
I am away in foreign parts for a fortnight or so from the 19th… I will try to make the odd post, but may not be able to do so. Normal service will be resumed on my return.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Of Eden... and other races East
The Eden Project is a superb venue for the full and half marathon races that were held on Sunday as it is at the heart of the re-generation to return the area around St. Austell called the “Clay Country” that was scarred by industry and mineral extraction, including the “Cornish Alps” (large white spoil heaps), to its natural state and as the re-planting is undertaken, tracks and trails are being opened for public access.
It also has substantial infrastructure, facilities, car parking space and catering for a large event and is a magnificent example of how a disused clay pit has been adapted and turned into a world-class visitor attraction.
The Concept of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon is to showcase this regeneration
work and to give the competitor the opportunity to witness the extraordinary scenery - both man made and natural - this area has to offer.
Both races share the same start and finish areas within the Eden Project and are run simultaneously but separately. Both are multi-terrain with the marathon being 40% road, 60% trail and the half marathon 70% road, 30% trail.
Both courses are “testing” as the region is hilly and the trails are very stony. The full marathon course is a figure of eight with the crossover being in the Eden Project. The competitors initially run on the Western loop and on their return to the Eden Project after 13.1 miles, then run the Eastern loop.
The competitors in the half marathon just run the Eastern loop.
This gives an opportunity for spectators in Eden to see some of the races and to browse around the Eden Project. Alternatively, there are excellent viewing points for spectators out on the course.
In heavy drizzle that lasted all day, 306 runners completed the full marathon that was won by Pete Roper of Poole AC in 2:46:11. Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone ran superbly to take 3rd place in 2:59:55.
Harriers also featured in the half marathon that was won by Chris Thompson of Aldershot, Farnham & District in 1:18:41. Andy Kennedy was 192nd in 1:54:24, with Denise Kennedy 607th in 2:25:29, out of the field of 773 runners.
On the same day, three veteran Exmouth Harriers journeyed to South Molton to take part in the inaugural "Struggle" which is a 12 kilometre multi terrain course.
In persistent drizzle the race started close to the South Molton Rugby Club. The course climbed slightly along the tarmac road surface before quickly turning left into the Community woods and thereafter through the local recreation grounds, both surfaces still being tarmac.
At the top of this incline the course followed a farm track, which was extremely wet and muddy under foot, the optional line being soft slippery mud or rutted water filled tractor tracks. This track led up to open fields where two styles were negotiated before descending to and then ascending from a stream that was crossed by way of a slippery footbridge.
The open fields emerged nearly 4 kilometres from the start, at a location called "Hill", which is aptly named. A descent followed along a short length of tarmac track before more open fields where a sharp left hand turn brought the runners on to the road, B3227. A level road for nearly 2 kilometres before a left turn brought the runners back to the bottom of the road ascending to the "Hill". A stretch of some 1250 metres of road rose about 250 metres before turning right to join the outbound length of the course.
The race was completed in the field of the rugby ground where the final 50 metre dash for the finishing line went from under the posts to the half way line.
The first runner home was Owen Evans, who was unattached, in a time of 47 minutes and 22 seconds.
Bob Woodall of Exmouth Harriers came in 30th overall place taking the first V60 prize in a time of 59 minutes and 2 seconds. He was followed by Ray Elston in 50th place, taking the first V70 prize in a time of 62:21. Ray in this impressive time would also have qualified for the second V60. Jim Wyatt completed the Exmouth trio in 72nd overall place in 68:09. Jim was the third V65.
A total number of 134 runners completed the course, the last runner home finishing in a time of 101:26.
Sunday also saw the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets AC Championships at the Isle of Portland.
The race was hosted by the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club. It involved a smaller lap of around 3.5 miles followed by a 6.5 mile loop that took runners down a scenic route to the lighthouse at the Bill of Portland. The route did not appear to be as scenic to the runners on the way back up!
The winner was Steven Way of Bournemouth AC in 54:54. Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 1st South West V70 and 61st overall in 1:18:31. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65 and 80th overall in 1:31:12 and 89 runners completed the race.
Finally, the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at a new venue at Central Park, Plymouth and included two Exmouth Harriers.
The senior men’s event was won by K.Toher of Newquay/Par AC in 25:51. Exmouth’s Hugh Marsden came 3rd V50 and 48th overall in 31:16 and there were 130 finishers.
The winner of the ladies’ event was A.Gummow of Cornwall AC in 19:07. Dawn Teed was 63rd in 26:22 out of the field of 88 runners.
It also has substantial infrastructure, facilities, car parking space and catering for a large event and is a magnificent example of how a disused clay pit has been adapted and turned into a world-class visitor attraction.
The Concept of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon is to showcase this regeneration
work and to give the competitor the opportunity to witness the extraordinary scenery - both man made and natural - this area has to offer.
Both races share the same start and finish areas within the Eden Project and are run simultaneously but separately. Both are multi-terrain with the marathon being 40% road, 60% trail and the half marathon 70% road, 30% trail.
Both courses are “testing” as the region is hilly and the trails are very stony. The full marathon course is a figure of eight with the crossover being in the Eden Project. The competitors initially run on the Western loop and on their return to the Eden Project after 13.1 miles, then run the Eastern loop.
The competitors in the half marathon just run the Eastern loop.
This gives an opportunity for spectators in Eden to see some of the races and to browse around the Eden Project. Alternatively, there are excellent viewing points for spectators out on the course.
In heavy drizzle that lasted all day, 306 runners completed the full marathon that was won by Pete Roper of Poole AC in 2:46:11. Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone ran superbly to take 3rd place in 2:59:55.
Harriers also featured in the half marathon that was won by Chris Thompson of Aldershot, Farnham & District in 1:18:41. Andy Kennedy was 192nd in 1:54:24, with Denise Kennedy 607th in 2:25:29, out of the field of 773 runners.
On the same day, three veteran Exmouth Harriers journeyed to South Molton to take part in the inaugural "Struggle" which is a 12 kilometre multi terrain course.
In persistent drizzle the race started close to the South Molton Rugby Club. The course climbed slightly along the tarmac road surface before quickly turning left into the Community woods and thereafter through the local recreation grounds, both surfaces still being tarmac.
At the top of this incline the course followed a farm track, which was extremely wet and muddy under foot, the optional line being soft slippery mud or rutted water filled tractor tracks. This track led up to open fields where two styles were negotiated before descending to and then ascending from a stream that was crossed by way of a slippery footbridge.
The open fields emerged nearly 4 kilometres from the start, at a location called "Hill", which is aptly named. A descent followed along a short length of tarmac track before more open fields where a sharp left hand turn brought the runners on to the road, B3227. A level road for nearly 2 kilometres before a left turn brought the runners back to the bottom of the road ascending to the "Hill". A stretch of some 1250 metres of road rose about 250 metres before turning right to join the outbound length of the course.
The race was completed in the field of the rugby ground where the final 50 metre dash for the finishing line went from under the posts to the half way line.
The first runner home was Owen Evans, who was unattached, in a time of 47 minutes and 22 seconds.
Bob Woodall of Exmouth Harriers came in 30th overall place taking the first V60 prize in a time of 59 minutes and 2 seconds. He was followed by Ray Elston in 50th place, taking the first V70 prize in a time of 62:21. Ray in this impressive time would also have qualified for the second V60. Jim Wyatt completed the Exmouth trio in 72nd overall place in 68:09. Jim was the third V65.
A total number of 134 runners completed the course, the last runner home finishing in a time of 101:26.
Sunday also saw the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets AC Championships at the Isle of Portland.
The race was hosted by the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club. It involved a smaller lap of around 3.5 miles followed by a 6.5 mile loop that took runners down a scenic route to the lighthouse at the Bill of Portland. The route did not appear to be as scenic to the runners on the way back up!
The winner was Steven Way of Bournemouth AC in 54:54. Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 1st South West V70 and 61st overall in 1:18:31. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65 and 80th overall in 1:31:12 and 89 runners completed the race.
Finally, the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at a new venue at Central Park, Plymouth and included two Exmouth Harriers.
The senior men’s event was won by K.Toher of Newquay/Par AC in 25:51. Exmouth’s Hugh Marsden came 3rd V50 and 48th overall in 31:16 and there were 130 finishers.
The winner of the ladies’ event was A.Gummow of Cornwall AC in 19:07. Dawn Teed was 63rd in 26:22 out of the field of 88 runners.
(LT)
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Sunday 27th September
On Sunday, 27th September, Harrier Andy Johnson competed in the Windsor Half Marathon that is now run entirely within the Windsor Great Park. The race was won by Scott Overall of Blackheath &.Bromley in 1:06:11. Andy came 126th in 1:32:56 and 4630 runners completed the event.
Last Sunday, the Churston Flyer 5 mile Road Race was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 27:26. Amongst the field of 125 runners was Harrier John Perratt. John came 3rd V60+ and 44th overall in 36:57.
Monday evening saw the first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena and five Harriers competed. Altogether, six races were held and the A race and overall event were won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C, who won the overall series last year. Congratulations to Tom, who managed to complete the race in 8:40, knocking an amazing 16 seconds off his best time last year!!
Andy Johnson, the first Harrier to finish, recorded 11:13. John Perratt finished in 12:44 with Dave Eveleigh next in 13:49, over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season! Special congratulations go to Dave, who has been battling a lengthy illness and made a fantastic effort to produce this remarkable performance!!
Jim Wyatt came home in 14:02, followed by Les Turner in 15:13.
Last Sunday, the Churston Flyer 5 mile Road Race was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 27:26. Amongst the field of 125 runners was Harrier John Perratt. John came 3rd V60+ and 44th overall in 36:57.
Monday evening saw the first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena and five Harriers competed. Altogether, six races were held and the A race and overall event were won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C, who won the overall series last year. Congratulations to Tom, who managed to complete the race in 8:40, knocking an amazing 16 seconds off his best time last year!!
Andy Johnson, the first Harrier to finish, recorded 11:13. John Perratt finished in 12:44 with Dave Eveleigh next in 13:49, over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season! Special congratulations go to Dave, who has been battling a lengthy illness and made a fantastic effort to produce this remarkable performance!!
Jim Wyatt came home in 14:02, followed by Les Turner in 15:13.
(LT)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Four very different events
Harriers were involved in four very different events last Sunday.
Five of them featured in the tough multi-terrain Musbury Castle Challenge that was extended from the normal distance of just under eight miles to ten miles for the tenth anniversary of the event. The winner was Adam Stobbs of Exeter Harriers in 1:17:02 and 77 runners completed the race.
Hugh Marsden was 1st vet man and 2nd overall in 1:17:29. Jamie Pearson came 4th in 1:23:31, with Mike Musgrove 9th in 1:27:13 in his first event for the club. Congratulations to Hugh on his individual award and also to Jamie and Mike who won the men’s team award with him. Dawn Teed was 44th in 1:52:24, with John Perratt 54th in 2:00:43.
At the other end of the scale, more than 50,000 runners completed the Great North Run Half Marathon that was won by the Kenyan, Martin Lel in 59:32. Slightly further back in the field but well above half way were Harriers' Stan Mason, 20,557th in 2:15:39 and wife Joan, 20,567th in 2:15:40.
Five of them featured in the tough multi-terrain Musbury Castle Challenge that was extended from the normal distance of just under eight miles to ten miles for the tenth anniversary of the event. The winner was Adam Stobbs of Exeter Harriers in 1:17:02 and 77 runners completed the race.
Hugh Marsden was 1st vet man and 2nd overall in 1:17:29. Jamie Pearson came 4th in 1:23:31, with Mike Musgrove 9th in 1:27:13 in his first event for the club. Congratulations to Hugh on his individual award and also to Jamie and Mike who won the men’s team award with him. Dawn Teed was 44th in 1:52:24, with John Perratt 54th in 2:00:43.
At the other end of the scale, more than 50,000 runners completed the Great North Run Half Marathon that was won by the Kenyan, Martin Lel in 59:32. Slightly further back in the field but well above half way were Harriers' Stan Mason, 20,557th in 2:15:39 and wife Joan, 20,567th in 2:15:40.
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Next, Harrier Julie Gellender was among the 7060 finishers in the ladies event at the famous Berlin Marathon. The winner was Atsede Habtamu Besuye of Ethiopia in 2:24:47 and Julie came 424th in 3:35:46.
The Newton Abbot Ladies 10K was won by Revis Crowle of East Cornwall Harriers in 39:38. Harrier Corinna Stephens came 128th in 58:19 and 286 runners completed the race.
The Newton Abbot Ladies 10K was won by Revis Crowle of East Cornwall Harriers in 39:38. Harrier Corinna Stephens came 128th in 58:19 and 286 runners completed the race.
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(LT)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Devon 10,000 metres & Ivybridge Challenge
Wednesday, 9th September, saw Exmouth based runner Tom Merson, of Bristol & West A C, win the Devon County A A 10,000m Track Race at Exeter Arena in 30:41, a huge margin of nearly 4 minutes! Well done, Tom!
Three of the four Exmouth Harriers who competed also came away with one gold and two silver medals between them. Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M70 and 27th overall in 46:35, Dave Stone, who came 2nd in 34:33 and Andy Johnson, 2nd M45 and 10th overall in 39:52!
In between, Carlos Payan also ran well to come 7th in 36:56, but just missed an award by 2 places. The event was split into two races with a total field of 31 runners.
Last Sunday, Harrier Dave Stone felt really strong in the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge. This scenic, but challenging, multi-terrain race starts and finishes in Victoria Park, Ivybridge. The course covers around 7.5 miles of woodland and moorland paths and includes the ascent of Western Beacon.
Congratulations to Dave, who ran superbly to win the event in 52:52. He was among the front group of four runners throughout the race and was in second place behind Jon Parkinson of Torbay A C when they reached the top of the Beacon. Using his superior speed and technique, however, he was able to overtake his rival on the rough ground down the hill to the finish at the school playing fields, arriving over a minute ahead of the runner-up. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed runners were separated by less than half a minute and 137 runners completed the race.
Three of the four Exmouth Harriers who competed also came away with one gold and two silver medals between them. Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M70 and 27th overall in 46:35, Dave Stone, who came 2nd in 34:33 and Andy Johnson, 2nd M45 and 10th overall in 39:52!
In between, Carlos Payan also ran well to come 7th in 36:56, but just missed an award by 2 places. The event was split into two races with a total field of 31 runners.
Last Sunday, Harrier Dave Stone felt really strong in the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge. This scenic, but challenging, multi-terrain race starts and finishes in Victoria Park, Ivybridge. The course covers around 7.5 miles of woodland and moorland paths and includes the ascent of Western Beacon.
Congratulations to Dave, who ran superbly to win the event in 52:52. He was among the front group of four runners throughout the race and was in second place behind Jon Parkinson of Torbay A C when they reached the top of the Beacon. Using his superior speed and technique, however, he was able to overtake his rival on the rough ground down the hill to the finish at the school playing fields, arriving over a minute ahead of the runner-up. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed runners were separated by less than half a minute and 137 runners completed the race.
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(LT)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Races... home and away
Over the last few years, some intrepid Harriers have tackled the mighty Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc. This year, there were three optional routes of 61, 66 or 104 miles for individual runners to choose from and a single team route.
This year it was the turn of Harrier Mark Thompson and he opted for the 66-mile “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie” (TDS) race. With 6,700m of ascent to overcome, the event has a maximum completion time of 31 hours!
The race started in the centre of Chamonix at 5:00 am. The route then passed through Les Houches, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. The runners then left the gentleness of the Savoyard villages for a rough and magnificent course into the heart of the mountains which took them to Mont-Joly, incomparable balcony opposite Mont Blanc right up to Bourg Saint Maurice passing along some of the most beautiful paths and passes of Beaufortain and of Tarentese. Having savoured the warm welcome from the volunteers of Bourg Saint-Maurice and its neighbour Séez, the long ascent towards the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass, along the Roman Road began.
The runners then entered the Valle d’Aosta and reached the villages of La Thuile and Pré Saint-Didier where, opposite Mont-Blanc, they arrived at the centre of Courmayeur for a triumphant Finish. And how deserving after this great journey around the roof of Europe!
480 runners completed the race that was won by Patrick Bohard of France in 14:01:48. Congratulations to Mark, who came 251st in 24:09:01, on a wonderful achievement!!
Tuesday, 1st September, saw the fourth round of the Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 14:58. Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C came 2nd in 15:02.
Three Harriers competed in the event and the first to finish was Carlos Payan who came 16th in 17:42. Andy Johnson was 24th in 19:06 and Dave Eveleigh was 54th in 24:05, out of the 70 runners who completed the race.
Over 10,800 runners took part in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and the winner was Ezekie Cherop in 1:03:26. Tom Merson was 18th in 1:08:54.
The first of the four Harriers to finish was Paul Samways, 264th in 1:25:58. Chris Dupain was 1253rd in 1:38:19 and Kevin Lingard 3395th in 1:50:36. Lissie Lingard came 6395th in 2:04:31.
The Bideford 10 Mile Race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 50:47 and the field of 197 runners included three Harriers. Adrian Kearns was the first home, 21st in 1:04:57 and John Perratt was 1st V70 and 79th overall in 1:18:31. Well done, John! Les Turner was 2nd V65 and 135th overall in 1:27:38.
This year it was the turn of Harrier Mark Thompson and he opted for the 66-mile “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie” (TDS) race. With 6,700m of ascent to overcome, the event has a maximum completion time of 31 hours!
The race started in the centre of Chamonix at 5:00 am. The route then passed through Les Houches, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. The runners then left the gentleness of the Savoyard villages for a rough and magnificent course into the heart of the mountains which took them to Mont-Joly, incomparable balcony opposite Mont Blanc right up to Bourg Saint Maurice passing along some of the most beautiful paths and passes of Beaufortain and of Tarentese. Having savoured the warm welcome from the volunteers of Bourg Saint-Maurice and its neighbour Séez, the long ascent towards the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass, along the Roman Road began.
The runners then entered the Valle d’Aosta and reached the villages of La Thuile and Pré Saint-Didier where, opposite Mont-Blanc, they arrived at the centre of Courmayeur for a triumphant Finish. And how deserving after this great journey around the roof of Europe!
480 runners completed the race that was won by Patrick Bohard of France in 14:01:48. Congratulations to Mark, who came 251st in 24:09:01, on a wonderful achievement!!
Tuesday, 1st September, saw the fourth round of the Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 14:58. Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C came 2nd in 15:02.
Three Harriers competed in the event and the first to finish was Carlos Payan who came 16th in 17:42. Andy Johnson was 24th in 19:06 and Dave Eveleigh was 54th in 24:05, out of the 70 runners who completed the race.
Over 10,800 runners took part in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and the winner was Ezekie Cherop in 1:03:26. Tom Merson was 18th in 1:08:54.
The first of the four Harriers to finish was Paul Samways, 264th in 1:25:58. Chris Dupain was 1253rd in 1:38:19 and Kevin Lingard 3395th in 1:50:36. Lissie Lingard came 6395th in 2:04:31.
The Bideford 10 Mile Race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 50:47 and the field of 197 runners included three Harriers. Adrian Kearns was the first home, 21st in 1:04:57 and John Perratt was 1st V70 and 79th overall in 1:18:31. Well done, John! Les Turner was 2nd V65 and 135th overall in 1:27:38.
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(LT)
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Forest Flyer & Dartmouth Regatta
Last Friday, six Harriers took part in the Forest Flyer Five (miles) Race on forest tracks, paths and fire roads in the beautiful Haldon Forest Park.The winner was James Bellard of South West Road Runners in 30:52 and 159 runners completed the race.
The first Harrier to finish was Adam Miller in 6th place in 33:49, followed by Paul Samways, 13th in 35:06. Duncan Parkes was 32nd in 38:42. Hannah Bown came 48th in 39:56, with Emma Dupain 54th in 40:42. Les Turner was 90th in 46:32.
On Saturday, Exmouth Harriers Hugh Marsden and Dawn Teed competed in the extremely tough 5.1 miles Dartmouth Regatta Road Race and both performed superbly.
Congratulations to Hugh, who was 1st V50 and 12th overall in 31:53 and Dawn, who was 2nd LV45 in 41:08.
(LT)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Kathy... and last week's races
One of the Harriers all-time greats, Cathy Newman, won the South West Veterans A C Grand Prix award for ladies for 2008. This award is based on the average age graded percentage of an athlete’s four best performances over the year.Cathy’s best performances were 36:49 (89.84%) for the Bideford 10K, 60:07 (90.12%) for the Teignbridge 10 (mile), 80:01 (91.17%) for the Bath Half Marathon and 81:11 (89.86%) for the Great West Half Marathon.
The average age graded percentage was 90.24%. According to fellow Harrier John Perratt, “The rest of us can only dream of those percentages!” Praise indeed, coming as it does from a fellow athlete who has himself won medals on the world stage at the World Masters Athletics Championships.
---oOo---
Last Saturday, 253 runners completed the Jurassic Coast 10K, a challenging multi-terrain event that takes place along the seafront, cliff paths, river and rural lanes at Budleigh Salterton.
The race was won by James McMullan in 33:18. Congratulations to Harrier Jamie Pearson who was 1st U21 and 8th overall in 37:34.
On Sunday, four Harriers were among the 555 finishers at the Torbay Regatta 10K. Thomas Payn of Winchester & District A C won the race in 31:05 with Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C 2nd in 31:44.
The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Carlos Payan, 2nd M30-34 and 20th overall in 37:30. Adrian Kearns came 49th in 40:20.
Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M65 and 157th overall in 46:22. Stan Mason was 320th in 53:57.
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(LT)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Race the Train
Last Saturday, six Harriers travelled to Wales to compete in the Tywyn Mid-Wales Race the Train 14-mile multi-terrain event that was first held 25 years ago. This year the weather was wet and misty.Race the Train takes place alongside as far as practicable the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. The terrain varies all the time and was very wet & muddy in places. The route also ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. Often the train track is just over the fence so if your family friends are on the train, they can shout encouragement to you at several places.
The classic start to the race is on the crest of the main railway line bridge adjacent to the Talyllyn Railway station. Both the runners and the train are started by the train whistle ordered by the timekeeper.
The course, which is on public roads for just over a mile, runs through the town before heading for Brynglas. At this point the course turns up a farm drive to cross the railway and follow it all the way to Rhyd-yr-Onnen. After the farm drive there is a mixture of tracks and fields. At Rhyd-yr-Onnen you leave the railway and run up a tarmac lane for 1/3 mile, turning on to an un-metalled track running through a ford. From here you return to run alongside the railway over fields, rough pasture, and farm tracks to reach Brynglas.
After climbing up a short stretch of farm road you cross the railway to run the next section with the railway on your right. The first 1.5 miles of this section is over fields and rough pasture to Dolgoch where you cross the car park before ascending across a field to run through trees before dropping down a tricky slope on to fields again. A short run down an unmade track turns back on to well-cultivated pasture all the way to the turn point at 7 miles. After a short run through the field the course leaves for uncultivated sloping hillside, crosses a stream and runs under the railway to climb very steeply. It then runs across the face of the hillside on narrow sheep tracks for over a mile, when it climbs to join the road to return to Tywyn and the finish.
The first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 28th in 1 hour 36 minutes and 15 seconds. Hugh beat the train by just over 13 minutes !
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Jenny Timms came 242nd in 1:55:43 and Terry Oldham was 367th in 2:2:26.
Congratulations to Lorraine Slight who was 1st FV50 and 459th overall in 2:7:48. Dawn Teed and Phil Bater came 583rd and 584th in the same time of 2:15:57.
Congratulations to Lorraine Slight who was 1st FV50 and 459th overall in 2:7:48. Dawn Teed and Phil Bater came 583rd and 584th in the same time of 2:15:57.
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(LT)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
You're a runner if...
... your friends think they need to train more before they can run with you... Every time you see a runner when you're driving you feel like you too should be running, even if you ran 15 miles earlier in the day
... You shower about 20 times a week
... your toenails are black.
... you feel lost without your water-bottle.
... you have running withdrawal symptoms if you don't run everyday.
... you consider work as just a break between runs.
... your room smells ‘interesting’.
... you can count all your ribs
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(end)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Last week's races...
Tuesday, 4th August, saw Round 3 of the Run Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson, running for Bristol and West A C, in 15:12.
Two Harriers, Carlos Payan and Andy Johnson, were among the field of 59 runners who completed the event. Carlos came 13th in 18:00 and Andy was 21st in 19:26.
Last Sunday, five Harriers lined up amongst the 184 ultimate finishers of the Sidmouth Festival Run over a distance of 10 kilometres.
The starting line was in the blazing sun on the western slope of the Sid valley with an immediate steep climb ascending the cliff for almost one kilometre. At the top of the first steep hill a restrictive gate gave the runners a much-needed early breather with over nine kilometres still to cover. Twists, turns and stairs saw the competitors rise higher and higher up the cliff top before turning inland across moor like conditions.
Despite the recent mini heat wave there were still many wet and muddy areas to negotiate. Once across the golf course at the ninth hole, the route took yet another incline, which graduated to the peak almost five kilometres into the race. Here amongst the woodland splendid views were attained across the Sid valley by those runners able to enjoy the view whilst also keeping a sharp eye on the ground for exposed tree roots and potholes.
With over half the event completed, the course began to descend back to the finish. Burning muscles were stretched out as the ground dropped back towards Sidmouth and the finish line, and the runners completed the race with a sprint due more to the steep decline than the power of the legs.
As with the start, the race was completed in glorious sunshine allowing all competitors to cool down under the sun's rays.
The race was won by Carl Prewer of the Lowestoft Road Runners in a time of 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Well done Dave Stone, who led the Exmouth Harriers home in 3rd place in an excellent time of 41:27, only 11 seconds behind the winner. Bob Woodall finished in 48th place in 52:38.
Congratulations to Ray Elston, who took the award for the 1st V70 and was 70th overall in 56:48. Jim Wyatt, second V60 and 86th overall in 58:44, was unlucky to miss the 1st V60 award by one place and just 5 seconds.
Les Turner completed the Exmouth Harrier contingent in 106th place in 61:04. The last competitor crossed the finishing line in a time of 1 hour 58 minutes and 44 seconds.
As the organisers advertised in their literature, the race was not one for personal best times, but one to enjoy and I can confirm that some of the views were truly breathtaking.
Two Harriers, Carlos Payan and Andy Johnson, were among the field of 59 runners who completed the event. Carlos came 13th in 18:00 and Andy was 21st in 19:26.
Last Sunday, five Harriers lined up amongst the 184 ultimate finishers of the Sidmouth Festival Run over a distance of 10 kilometres.
The starting line was in the blazing sun on the western slope of the Sid valley with an immediate steep climb ascending the cliff for almost one kilometre. At the top of the first steep hill a restrictive gate gave the runners a much-needed early breather with over nine kilometres still to cover. Twists, turns and stairs saw the competitors rise higher and higher up the cliff top before turning inland across moor like conditions.
Despite the recent mini heat wave there were still many wet and muddy areas to negotiate. Once across the golf course at the ninth hole, the route took yet another incline, which graduated to the peak almost five kilometres into the race. Here amongst the woodland splendid views were attained across the Sid valley by those runners able to enjoy the view whilst also keeping a sharp eye on the ground for exposed tree roots and potholes.
With over half the event completed, the course began to descend back to the finish. Burning muscles were stretched out as the ground dropped back towards Sidmouth and the finish line, and the runners completed the race with a sprint due more to the steep decline than the power of the legs.
As with the start, the race was completed in glorious sunshine allowing all competitors to cool down under the sun's rays.
The race was won by Carl Prewer of the Lowestoft Road Runners in a time of 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Well done Dave Stone, who led the Exmouth Harriers home in 3rd place in an excellent time of 41:27, only 11 seconds behind the winner. Bob Woodall finished in 48th place in 52:38.
Congratulations to Ray Elston, who took the award for the 1st V70 and was 70th overall in 56:48. Jim Wyatt, second V60 and 86th overall in 58:44, was unlucky to miss the 1st V60 award by one place and just 5 seconds.
Les Turner completed the Exmouth Harrier contingent in 106th place in 61:04. The last competitor crossed the finishing line in a time of 1 hour 58 minutes and 44 seconds.
As the organisers advertised in their literature, the race was not one for personal best times, but one to enjoy and I can confirm that some of the views were truly breathtaking.
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(LT)
Friday, August 07, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you have hundreds of safety pins scattered around your house... you love running in the rain
… you can say “runner’s nipple” in mixed company
... you carry a water-bottle everywhere
... you double knot all your shoes out of habit
... you have a watch tan that never goes away
... you feel naked without your stopwatch on
... you pack a separate bag for your running clothes
... pasta is the only food you'll eat for two nights before a race
... you try to convince people to run a 5k because it's "only 3 miles”
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Totnes 10k
Last Sunday, an exceptionally large contingent of seventeen Harriers was among the 448 runners who completed the Totnes 10k off-road race. All finished the course in good individual times and returned with a nice collection of trophies between them to show for their efforts.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
(LT)
Saturday, August 01, 2009
You're a runner if...
... there's nothing like intervals to start the week off fresh!!... you talk to your training partner more than your parents
... you run when you feel like it, be it 6am or midnight
... you do anything to try to heal an injury except go to a doctor because you know he will just tell you to "stop running."
... you wear a black, plastic sports watch with your dress clothes
... you can remember a time from a race 4 years ago, but you can't remember your friend's birthdays
... your heart rate is below 50 and you are not dying
... you know how many grams of carbs there are in a banana.
... you can name a person from Namibia, Djibouti and Zimbabwe
... you are not embarrassed to show someone of the opposite sex where your hamstring "really" hurts.
... girls: you are embarrassed to wear a bikini because of your shorts/bra/tank-top/t-shirt tan lines
... girls: you are embarrassed to wear a bikini because of your shorts/bra/tank-top/t-shirt tan lines
Saturday, July 25, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you keep shoes and running clothes in your car so that if you're ever on a trip and drive by a place thinking "it'd be great to run here..." you can get out and go for a run... you sleep in your running shorts because they're more comfortable than pyjamas, not to mention you don't need to change for your morning training session
... you can correctly pronounce names like "Hicham El Guerrouj" "Kennesia Bekele" and "Haile Gebresilassie"
... you've found yourself running around an airport departure hall thinking, "if I can just get in three more miles, I'll meet my mileage target this week"
... you wear sandals despite having the ugliest feet in the world, along with several black toe nails
... you get upset and impatient when results from the race you ran aren't posted on-line by the time you get home
... you find a magnifying glass to see your name in the paper.
... you have chafing in strange places.
... you spend more on training clothes than working clothes.
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(tbc)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you get hit by a car and you don't bother to get the number plate of the person who hit you because you still have 6 miles left to go... your cabin-luggage is a spike bag
... You say things like "long and hard" to your female friends and it is not a sexual innuendo
... you are used to the sound of a gun
... you make hundreds of left turns each week
... you and your clubmates have meaningless debates about training, running, and coaching, especially when you're drinking (or running)
... you have running shoes in varying degrees of decomposition: used, well-worn, spent but still good, and useless "but-I-still-wear-them-because-they-still-feel-good"
.
(tbc)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tavistock & Haytor & Saltash
A team of four Harriers braved the atrocious weather last Thursday and travelled to West Devon to take part in the 4 x 1.1 mile Tavistock Town Relays.
27 teams competed in the event that was won by Tamar Trotters with a total time of 21:17, but only after Exmouth had pushed them all the way to finish in second place, just 29 seconds behind the victors, in 21:46.
Exmouth’s team comprised Dave Stone (5:17), Carlos Payan (5:44), Hugh Marsden (5:40) and anchor Jamie Pearson (5:05). Jamie’s superb time was the 2nd fastest individual leg, a mere 4 seconds slower than the 5:01 recorded by the Tamar Trotters anchor, Mike Wilsmore.
Last Sunday, seven Harriers were among the field of 146 runners who completed a 6-mile cross country race, the Haytor Heller, near Bovey Tracey on Dartmoor.
The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners & A C in 40:53 and the first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 2nd V50 and 9th overall in 47:02.
Paul Samways came 13th in 47:43, with Adam Miller 25th in 50:37. Carlos Payan was 27th in 50:56 and Pete McKeown came 29th in 51:57. Duncan Parkes was 36th in 53:08, with Dawn Teed 94th in 64:51.
The Magnificent 7 (mile) Road Race at Saltash, Cornwall, was won by Dave Buzza of Cornwall AC in 39:14. Les Turner was 245th in 65:23 and there were 364 finishers.
27 teams competed in the event that was won by Tamar Trotters with a total time of 21:17, but only after Exmouth had pushed them all the way to finish in second place, just 29 seconds behind the victors, in 21:46.
Exmouth’s team comprised Dave Stone (5:17), Carlos Payan (5:44), Hugh Marsden (5:40) and anchor Jamie Pearson (5:05). Jamie’s superb time was the 2nd fastest individual leg, a mere 4 seconds slower than the 5:01 recorded by the Tamar Trotters anchor, Mike Wilsmore.
Last Sunday, seven Harriers were among the field of 146 runners who completed a 6-mile cross country race, the Haytor Heller, near Bovey Tracey on Dartmoor.
The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners & A C in 40:53 and the first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 2nd V50 and 9th overall in 47:02.
Paul Samways came 13th in 47:43, with Adam Miller 25th in 50:37. Carlos Payan was 27th in 50:56 and Pete McKeown came 29th in 51:57. Duncan Parkes was 36th in 53:08, with Dawn Teed 94th in 64:51.
The Magnificent 7 (mile) Road Race at Saltash, Cornwall, was won by Dave Buzza of Cornwall AC in 39:14. Les Turner was 245th in 65:23 and there were 364 finishers.
(LT)
Monday, July 20, 2009
You're a runner if...
...Ibuprofen is your recreational drug of choice...you think in terms of metres not yards
...you can look at a grass field and guess its circumference almost exactly
...you have 10% body fat yet you don't live in Somalia
...you consider a 15 mile run a good cure for a hangover
... if you are a man, you eat all the junk food that there is and still weigh 140 pounds
... you don’t care when you hug a sweaty girl in a public place
... you have recorded a marathon over your wedding video
(tbc)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Run Exe Summer 5k series
Round 2 of the Run Exe Summer 5K Series, at Exwick, was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 16:24.
Three Exmouth Harriers, Carlos Alonso, Andy Johnson and Dave Eveleigh were among the 64 runners who completed the event.
Carlos was 11th in 17:59, Andy was 18th in 19:10 and Dave was 56th in 25:32.
Three Exmouth Harriers, Carlos Alonso, Andy Johnson and Dave Eveleigh were among the 64 runners who completed the event.
Carlos was 11th in 17:59, Andy was 18th in 19:10 and Dave was 56th in 25:32.
(LT)
Monday, July 13, 2009
You're a runner if...
...you can use "easy" and 10 in the same sentence...your shoes have more miles on them than your car does
...you go to a golf course to run
...you schedule dates around your training
...you've been to a golf course in every city but not to play golf
...you find yourself saying, "it's not really a hill..."
...you're running and you don't know why
...more than half the people you know don't know what XC is
(tbc)
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Charmouth? It's a Picnic...
Harrier Mark Thompson contested the “Picnic” Marathon (a very inappropriate name for what is considered to be the toughest marathon in Britain) at Box Hill, Surrey. The event has a height gain / loss of 6,000 feet, entirely on rough tracks, with superb views over the North Downs, the Mole Gap, Denbies Vineyard and Dorking.
The race was won by Andy Rankin of Muddy Mucky Munkeys in 3:39:54 and Mark ran superbly to come 10th in 4:19:57 out of the field of 111 runners.
The race was won by Andy Rankin of Muddy Mucky Munkeys in 3:39:54 and Mark ran superbly to come 10th in 4:19:57 out of the field of 111 runners.
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The Charmouth Challenge is held on a hilly multi-terrain course of around eight miles through coastal scenery, including an ascent of the Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast.
257 runners completed the event that was won by Tom Bush of Altringham A C in 54:49, including two Harriers. Hugh Marsden had an excellent race to come 1st V50 and 9th overall in 57:04 and Andy Kennedy was 140th in 78:19.
257 runners completed the event that was won by Tom Bush of Altringham A C in 54:49, including two Harriers. Hugh Marsden had an excellent race to come 1st V50 and 9th overall in 57:04 and Andy Kennedy was 140th in 78:19.
.
(LT)
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Erme Valley Relays - 3rd July
Just as last year, Exmouth Harriers fielded no less than seven teams in the increasingly popular 4 x 2 ½ miles Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge. So popular, in fact, that last year’s total of 73 teams increased by no less than 18 teams to this year’s staggering total of 91. Will next year’s small local event top the hundred mark?
The winning team was South West Road Runners in a total time of 51:36. Their anchorman, Exmouth runner Tom Merson, recorded the fastest individual leg of 12:08 compared with his fastest leg time last year of 12:21. Well done, Tom!
Exmouth Harriers produced some excellent individual performances and their M60 team (average age 66) won their category in 75:29 for the fifth consecutive year -- i.e. on every occasion since its introduction. The team comprised Roger Rowe (17:14), Ray Elston (18:32), Les Turner (20:19) and Jim Wyatt (19:24).
The Exmouth men’s “A” team (55:31) of Dave Stone (13:12), Adam Cornish (14:42), Carlos Alonso (14:34) and Jamie Pearson (13:03) were fifth. The M40 team, Pete McKeown (14:48), Jon Croome (14:32), Andy Johnson (15:10) and Hugh Marsden (14:58) came third in the category in 59:28.
The men’s “B” team, Chris Dupain (16:18), Nigel Dupain (18:30), Adam Miller (14:32) and Dave Stone (13:28) totalled 62:48.
Exmouth’s M50 team (67:00) of Bob Woodall (17:04), Hugh Marsden (14:31), Phil Bater (18:02) and Steve Merry (17:23) were fourth. The ladies “A” team comprised Hannah Dupain (16:42), Emma Dupain (17:16), Lissie Lingard (18:20) and Lucy Hodgson (18:07) and came sixth in 70:25.
The ladies “B” team (74:25) of Lorraine Croome (18:01), Nicky Crook (20:12), Dawn Teed (18:27) and Hannah Dupain (17:45) were eleventh.
The winning team was South West Road Runners in a total time of 51:36. Their anchorman, Exmouth runner Tom Merson, recorded the fastest individual leg of 12:08 compared with his fastest leg time last year of 12:21. Well done, Tom!
Exmouth Harriers produced some excellent individual performances and their M60 team (average age 66) won their category in 75:29 for the fifth consecutive year -- i.e. on every occasion since its introduction. The team comprised Roger Rowe (17:14), Ray Elston (18:32), Les Turner (20:19) and Jim Wyatt (19:24).
The Exmouth men’s “A” team (55:31) of Dave Stone (13:12), Adam Cornish (14:42), Carlos Alonso (14:34) and Jamie Pearson (13:03) were fifth. The M40 team, Pete McKeown (14:48), Jon Croome (14:32), Andy Johnson (15:10) and Hugh Marsden (14:58) came third in the category in 59:28.
The men’s “B” team, Chris Dupain (16:18), Nigel Dupain (18:30), Adam Miller (14:32) and Dave Stone (13:28) totalled 62:48.
Exmouth’s M50 team (67:00) of Bob Woodall (17:04), Hugh Marsden (14:31), Phil Bater (18:02) and Steve Merry (17:23) were fourth. The ladies “A” team comprised Hannah Dupain (16:42), Emma Dupain (17:16), Lissie Lingard (18:20) and Lucy Hodgson (18:07) and came sixth in 70:25.
The ladies “B” team (74:25) of Lorraine Croome (18:01), Nicky Crook (20:12), Dawn Teed (18:27) and Hannah Dupain (17:45) were eleventh.
.
Results can be found here:
http://www.tamartrotters.co.uk/race_results/2009/erme_valley-relays_03-07-09.htm
(LT)
http://www.tamartrotters.co.uk/race_results/2009/erme_valley-relays_03-07-09.htm
(LT)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
SW Vets Championships & Killerton Kanter
Two Harriers contested the South West Veterans’ A C Track & Field Championships at Exeter Arena and their outstanding performances achieved perfect results – they won all the five events they took part in!! Hardy perennial John Perratt struck M70 gold with 3:02.4 in the 800m, 6:14.0 for the 1500m and 22:03.7 in the 5,000m. The youngster, Andy Kennedy, achieved his M50 gold medals with 42:07.4 in the 10,000m and 9:54.1 in the 2,000m steeplechase. Congratulations, John and Andy!
140 runners completed the Killerton Kanter 10K Cross Country Race last Saturday, including six Exmouth Harriers. One of them, Hannah Dupain, was the 1st lady in 46:50. Well done, Hannah!
The race was won by Lee Turner in 36:49 and the first Harrier to finish was Adam Miller, 15th in 42:29. Right behind him came Paul Samways, 16th in 42:41, then Adrian Kearns, 22nd in 44:59. Nigel Dupain was 67th in 54:19 and Dawn Teed came 73rd in 55:23.
140 runners completed the Killerton Kanter 10K Cross Country Race last Saturday, including six Exmouth Harriers. One of them, Hannah Dupain, was the 1st lady in 46:50. Well done, Hannah!
The race was won by Lee Turner in 36:49 and the first Harrier to finish was Adam Miller, 15th in 42:29. Right behind him came Paul Samways, 16th in 42:41, then Adrian Kearns, 22nd in 44:59. Nigel Dupain was 67th in 54:19 and Dawn Teed came 73rd in 55:23.
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(LT)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Torbay Half Marathon
[Tom Merson].
The Torbay Half Marathon, held last Sunday, was completed by 1,348 runners and the winner was Toby Lambert of Winchester and District AC in 1:08:11.
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After being tripped, Tom Merson of South West Road Runners recovered to finish 1st M20 and 3rd overall in 1:10:09. The first home of the five Harriers was Dave Stone, 2nd M35 and 6th overall in 1:16:18.
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Jamie Pearson was 1st U20 and 10th overall in 1:18:18, with Hugh Marsden 2nd V50 and 18th overall in 1:21:10. Adam Miller came 29th in 1:24:00 and Dawn Teed was 463rd in 1:49:08. Congratulations to the Harriers on some more super performances.
.
(LT)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Running is Subversive
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It began, my husband likes to recall, with a quiet epiphany one work-day morning. Entombed in a Circle line carriage in yet another hold-up, he decided he could bear it no longer. “I’m not going to sit trapped underground any more when I could run to work in half the time,” he announced one evening. “I’ll buy a pair of running shoes and save myself a fortune on fares.” A week later, the shoes arrived, a brightly coloured pair with tiny flashes and matching laces; nothing to hint at the obsession to come.Come it did, around six months later, in the form of bespoke Japanese running shoes – several pairs of which clogged up our hall, transforming my husband’s mild interest into a full-blown love affair; he calls 'them “My Beauties”.
Around the same time, new habits developed, evidence that this was about so much more than just running. The spooky appearance of rubbery latex figure-hugging wear, nestling in the laundry basket. Specialist catalogues selling ''bib shorts’’, ''gilets’’ and Lycra shorts. The endless route planning, poring over maps and note-taking before a ''big’’ trip. Then there are the physical absences each weekend morning; the alarm clock set at an obscenely early hour for a ''quick two-hour run” around Richmond Park. The frenzied training for bigger events – like the London Marathon.
Not to mention the mushrooming pile of ''memoirs’’ by his bedside like ‘Put Me Back In My Shoes’, ‘One More Kilometre And We’re In The Showers’ and Jeff Galloway’s “Running until you’re 100”. So what, from a female perspective, is it about? I guess the clues are in the buzzwords on their covers – ''willpower’’, ''inspiration’’, ''endurance’’, ''pain’’. Running isn’t inherently macho but it does have an element of suffering and purgatorial challenge that appeals to a certain male psyche. It is about escape – freedom from family; seizing time to be solitary, beyond responsibility. Not an easy concept to embrace when you’re the Running widow left to look after small children.
I’ve grown to accept that my husband, although not an extreme case (he hasn’t shaved his legs yet) is touched with Running-Obsession Syndrome, a sorry affliction identified by Matt Seaton, author of The Escape Artist, which charts his love of Running. “I got the bug in my twenties but it can strike at any time. I suspect there is a mid-life crisis element. It is also romantic; getting in touch with that first taste of independence from your parents when you were a kid.”
Seaton agrees, even though an increasing number of women enjoy Running, that it can create friction in a relationship. “My partner can resent my devotion and focus,” says Seaton. “Even though I try to keep a lid on it, it definitely grates with her.” Adjusting to a partner’s sudden new-found love can also be more difficult than accommodating it from the start of a relationship. “I’ve got a friend who’s a born-again runner in middle-age,” he says. “And I get the feeling his partner can hardly bear to look at me because she blames me.”
Seaton says one way forward is Running as a couple. “My husband definitely wants to get me more involved,” shudders one friend whose husband has six pairs of running shoes. “I nearly screamed when he asked if I’d like to have a quiet jog with him. He’s got a stationary frame now with a Running video game so he can train in the garage – alone.” Another Running widow complains that her husband gets up earlier and earlier to go to work: “He takes a detour through Kent before he gets to the City.” They live in Balham.
Not that these are habits you can attempt to alter, especially with the moral high ground on their side. Running is the fastest-growing ‘mode of transport’ in cities. Running is green, civilised and healthy.
So I don’t carp about my dear husband’s passion, the time it takes from other family activities, or the money, not to mention the unsightly appearance of him dressed oddly each weekend morning.
Instead, I have gamely tried to join him. In an attempt to bridge the great divide, I gingerly agreed to run to work with him during the recent Tube strike. He waited patiently while I puffed and wheezed across Hyde Park, and we ran together to Oxford Circus. I sensed it was a triumph for him; another converted soul. I even agreed on a trip to Richmond. Just don’t mention the London Marathon.
After Emma Cook (Originally published in the Daily Telegraph – 17-Jun-09)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bampton 10k - Devon AA 10k Championships
[Nice picture of Hugh and Jamie warming down after the event] The annual pilgrimage to Bampton, the market town just up the Exe from Tiverton, took place on the late afternoon of the 13th June. The 10-kilometer road race is, it seems, always held on a lovely evening -- how the organisers manage this year-after-year is a mystery to all competitors. But, yet again, the evening was warm and balmy.
The problem with this is, of course, the fact the a hilly 10k race through the lanes north of Bampton is going to be a struggle for even the fittest -- the heat and humidity being always present. Wonder what it would be like to run it on a cold day.
Six Harriers made the trip and produced some excellent results. The first to finish, Jamie Pearson, was 2nd U20 and 3rd overall in 35:55, less than a minute behind the winner, Pete Monaghan of Torbay AAC (34:59). Hugh Marsden was 2nd V50 and 9th overall in 37:43, with Andy Johnson 26th in 41:12.
Roger Rowe, not at his best, was still good enough to be 1st V60 and 62nd overall in 44:48 and Lee Russell was 82nd in 46:22. Dawn Teed was 124th in 49:47, out of the field of 235 runners.
1348 runners completed the Torbay Half Marathon, held last Sunday, and the winner was Toby Lambert of Winchester and District AC in 1:08:11. Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners was 1st M20 and 3rd overall in 1:10:09 and the first home of the five Exmouth Harriers was Dave Stone, 2nd M35 and 6th overall in 1:16:18. Jamie Pearson was 1st U20 and 10th overall in 1:18:18, with Hugh Marsden 2nd V50 and 18th overall in 1:21:10.
Adam Miller came 29th in 1:24:00 and Dawn Teed was 463rd in 1:49:08. Congratulations to the Harriers on some more super performances.
(LT)
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