Totnes 10k

On Sunday 1st August 2010 sixteen members of the Harriers lined up with 531 runners competing in the increasingly popular Totnes 10k race and between them won six separate places in the various age categories, as well as the second place in the male team category.

From the novel starting rocket the athletes set off at a blistering pace to complete the half lap around the sports field before negotiating the tight, twisting exit from Borough Park. The slightly undulating route then follows the course of the River Dart with the underfoot conditions varying from tarmac path to compacted grass tufted soil before, close to the half way point of the race, ascending steeply through woodland. This steep ascent is further complicated by the odd muddy puddle and numerous obstacle tree roots. Once the hill has been ascended a fast downhill section of narrow concrete lay ahead where the pace again picks up. The second water station is reached where much need fluid is provided. Further undulating areas are negotiated before the course re-emerges to the bank of the River Dart. The route then returns along the outward leg of the race and re-enters the Borough Park. With the finishing line in sight many athletes manage to draw upon their last reserves to produce a sprint finish to the line.

The first athlete to complete the course, in a record breaking time of 34 minutes and 57 seconds, was James Baker of Chichester Runners & AC.

The first Harrier home was Dave Stone, in overall 10th position, in a time of 37-58 taking the 2nd place in the MV40 age category.

Hugh Marsden finished in 16th position in a time of 40-05, taking the 1st place in the MV50 age category.

Jamie Pearson finished in 19th position in a time of 40-49.

Cathy Newman finished in 37th position in a time of 43-37, taking the 2nd place in the FV45 age category.

Ed Shutt finished in 60th position in a time of 46-14, taking the 3rd place in the MV55 age category.

Andy Kennedy finished in 74th position in a time of 47-13.

Roger Rowe finished in 76th position in a time of 47-22, taking the 1st place in the MV65 age category.

Ben White finished in 85th position in a time of 48-03.

Emma Dupain finished in 98th position in a time of 48-50.

Bob Woodall finished in 106th position in a time of 49-14.

John Perratt finished in 120th position in a time of 49-47, taking the 1st place in the MV70 age category, beating his previous record in the category which he set last year.

Ray Elston finished in 126th position in a time of 50-32, taking the 2nd place in the MV70 age category.

Ted Bloomfield finished in 157th position in a time of 52-28.

Jim Wyatt finished in 175th position in a time of 53-19.

Dawn Teed finished in 180th position in a time of 53-28.

Nigel Dupain completed the Harrier contingent by finishing in 230th position in a time of 55-56.

The first female runner, in overall 17th position, was Nicola Brookland, representing Bristol and West AC, who completed the course in a time of 40-19.

The last runner to complete the course was Linda Myles of the Women's Running Network in a time of 1 hour 53 minutes and 15 seconds.

(RW)

PS I am informed by the race director that the course is actually 6.4 miles...

(RR)