Hannah in the last mile [results below]

 

Hugh in the 3rd mile [results below]

(being tracked by Steve Groombridge)  

Roger in the 1st mile [results below]

Plymouth Half Marathon - 10am 29th May '05
22nd Hugh Marsden 01:17:07 2nd V45
64th Anthony Yates 01:23:07
66th Roger Rowe 01:23:12 1st V55 & 60
125th Shaun Lock 01:27:43
293rd Hannah Dupain 01:33:45 10th Senior Lady
1,089th David Woodley 01:55:08

Cool, but humid day with little wind. Delayed start due to 'an incident' whatever that means. Very fast first 5 miles through the town and out over Laira Bridge into Saltram Park. The long drag from 5 to 6 is always tough -- it took me an extra minute to the pace. But once up the second hill at Elburton there is very fast downhill running back to the Plym and the turn into Cattedown. For some reason most find the Cattedown loop difficult. Odd really, not exactly hilly or particularly twisty, but chatting to the finishers at the end, most say they felt 'flat' in that 1.5 mile loop.

The last two miles in Plymouth are of course notorious, including the cobbles on the Barbican and the final climbs back up to the Hoe. As always most found maintaining any sort of pace very difficult. The Hoe Promenade comes as something of a relief after such a struggle, but with a 200 metre final straight much can happen there. I was overtaken by Anthony Yates after I thought I had left him for dead -- the hills again! Youth wins over experience (or is that age?)!

There were 2,183 finishers. Sorry Mary did not get Shaun and Dave during the race. Pot luck I'm afraid!

Roger R.
 

Women's 20 mile track relay

(Hannah D, Nicky, Sasha, Dawn, Mandy, Hannah J & Jo)

The Exmouth Harriers team were 2nd in the 20 mile relays at the track in Exeter last evening. Running legs of 400 metres each, the seven members of the team ran brilliantly well. It was just great watching, but as Dawn said, "After an hour or so you can dread your next leg, sort of interval training". The winners (again) were one of the Womens Running Network's many teams, the 'quick one' with it seemed, their best runners including Jaine Swift. Sustenance (i.e. sweeties), by the club Chairman!

A happy night....
(Roger R)
 

From Birmingham to Bideford

From Birmingham to Bideford, Exmouth Harriers were performing with great success last weekend against the best of Britain and Devon. In the Devon County Ross Shield, which took place as part of Sunday's rain-drenched Bideford 10K, Exmouth were the first women's veteran team - with Cathy Newman, Dawn Teed and Denise Kennedy taking the honours - and second senior women's team (Cathy, Hannah Dupain and Stef French). Cathy Newman, returning after a long period out with injury, won the women's race in 37:04. There were only 29 men who finished in front of her and it was another 2 minutes before the next woman finished. Newman was also first in the Women's Vet 40 category.

Bideford Athletic Club showed their strength in their home race, taking the first two places and providing seven of the first 13 finishers. John Ward won the race convincingly, by nearly a minute in 32:07. Exmouth's Anthony Hatchard continued his run of good form with 8th place in 34:03. Hugh Marsden was 21st overall, and second Male Vet 45, in 35:28. Roger Cowd's 46:37 won him second prize in the Male Vet 60 ategory.

The other Harriers who braved the foul weather were Andrew Kennedy (38:57), Hannah Dupain (43:19), Nigel Dupain (44:21), Stef French (45:42), Dawn Teed (47:50), Hannah Jones (49:13) and Denise Kennedy (54:36).

The previous day, another group of Exmouth veterans took part in the British Masters' Road Relays in Sutton Park, Birmingham. This event attracted over 40 teams from all over Great Britain in the men's veteran 60 event, which comprised three legs of an undulating 3 mile loop on tarmac paths around the park. Roger Rowe ran the first leg in 17:22, handing over in first place to Ray Elston. Elston's second leg time of 20:01 kept the Harriers in 5th place and John Perratt ran the final leg in 18:56, to capture 4th place overall.

Exmouth may have finished out of the medals, behind Clydesdale Harriers (Gold), Bingley Harriers (Silver) and Trentham Running Club (Bronze), but this was an excellent achievement, particularly since two members of the team are closer to 70 than 60! The youngest member of the trio, Roger Rowe, won a silver medal, with former Olympian Jeff Norman of Altrincham, for the joint second fastest leg.

(Andrew Johnson)

Bideford 10k - 22nd May, 2005 [click for full results]

Eleven Harriers ran at the Bideford 10k on Sunday, which incorporated the Ross Shield.

Overall results
Anthony Hatchard finished 8th in 34.03
Hugh 21st in 35.28 and was also 2nd V45
Cathy Newman coming back from an injury which has kept her out of running for some while, was 1st Lady and finished in 37.04
Andrew Kennedy 50th in 38.57
Hannah Dupain 43.19
Nigel Dupain 44.21
Stef French 45.42
Roger Cowd 46.37
Dawn Teed 47.50
Hannah Jones 49.13
Denise Kennedy 54.36

Ross Shield results
Hugh 2nd V45
Roger Cowd 2nd V60
Cathy Newman 1st V40
Vet Ladies Team 1st (Cathy, Dawn & Denise). This was wonderful for Denise as this was the first running prize she has ever won.

Ladies team (which can be a mix of senior and vets) 2nd (Cathy, Hannah Dupain, Stef)

As a side note, it started raining just after the start and then rained heavily throughout the race. By the time we finished we were all like drowned rats and weighed a few extra pounds in wet clothing!
(Dawn Teed)

Ray at Sutton Park

Here it is. Ray steaming up the final hill on leg two of the Relays... 

18th National Open Masters Road Relay - 21st May 2005

Ray, John and Roger at the National Vets Relays in Sutton Park, Birmingham. The Vet/60 Harriers Team were 4th overall, with Roger taking the individual Silver.

Sutton Park lies six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre and covers over 970 hectares (2,400 acres). Its landscape is a mix of open heathland , wetlands, marshes, seven lakes and woodlands, all with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife rarely seen in the region. Imagine Woodbury Common with a few more tarmac paths and you have a reasonable idea of what it looks like.

The 3 mile course car hardly be described as ‘easy’, but clubs flock to the venue because of the long (very) history of relays in the park.

The start is downhill for 250 yards, but this is more than compensated for by the stiffest climb of the course lasting around a third of a mile. Just past the brow of the hill we turn right with the running being very fast along the flattest part of the course. At one mile the course rises again... perhaps not at severe, but it is longer (about 700 yards) past the Jamboree Stone to the turn around 400 yards further on.

Then you turn for home, back past the Jamboree Stone and an half-a-mile downhill plunge to the Keepers Pool, the fastest running on the course. From there the course is undulating but mainly uphill with a final sharp right-hand turn with the finish just 150 yards away at the top. Not many notice, but the final few yards are actually downhill!

The first leg is always fast and furious with the whole field fighting for position for their team-mates. The hill sorts out the wheat from the chaff however, but even at the top the first 15 were very close indeed. Every bend saw elbows locked in a struggle for the fastest line before the turn. The downhill saw the field string out rather, but the final undulations and hill to changeover were tough.

Perhaps sufficient to say that the first 47 runners (Vet/50, lady Vets and Vet/60 & 70) were inside 18 minutes (6-minute-miles).

Roger finished in 21st place, 1st Vet/60 in 17:22 handing over to Ray. Now Ray is always really self-depreciating, but ran a real solid 2nd leg in 20:01 (6:40 pace). The sight of him steaming up the final hill (photo to follow) will stay with us for a long time. Ray handed over to John in 49th overall, but 5th Vet/60.

We all know how strong John can be when the chips are down. The Perratt set off around 30 seconds in arrears of Martin Duff (whose Aldershot and Farnham team were the holders), but we had every expectation of a storming leg from our anchor man. So it proved, John working to catch Martin over the tough first half, and pulling well away from him on the downhill section. Racing in to finish in 18:56 (6:19 pace), for 4th place overall, behind Clydesdale Harriers (Gold), Bingley Harriers (Silver) and Trentham RC (Bronze).

It’s always a bit of a disappointment to finish just out of the medals, but our (vain we thought) hope was to finish in the top 5; after all Ray is 67 and John 68. Fourth we consider a moral victory over the medallists who fielded entire teams of ‘young’ Vet/60 athletes.

The gilt-on-the-gingerbread was Roger’s individual Silver. After what seemed an interminable wait, it was announced that behind Robbie Young, Clydesdale’s anchor man, Roger and Jeff Norman from Altringham could not be separated and so were both awarded Silver medals. Nice to come away with something after so much effort from the team.

Roger was really more pleased with his victory (by 4 seconds) over Dave Waywell (Wesham RR) on the first leg. Dave beat him in the Great West Run earlier in the month, and Roger did not expect to turn the tables so soon after that reverse.

 

It's the legs wot did it.... 

Richmond Half Marathon

We do get around....

Sunday 15th May 2005 was the day of the Richmond half marathon. An early start of 8:30 didn't deter the record 791 entrants who finished the race. Weather conditions and a scenic flat course made it ideal for fast times. The race starts at Ranelagh Harriers club house at Richmond Common, heading down to the town centre and over Richmond bridge before proceeding down the Thames through Twickenham and around Hampton court then over Kingston bridge and up to the finish at Ham House near Richmond.

I enjoyed the first 10 miles but the last three miles were tough as quite a few runners passed me as the early quick pace caught up with me. That said happy with my time of 1:24:27 in 49th place overall.

Adrian Kearns

Ivybridge 10k [click for full results]

The damp and windy conditions at last Saturday's 10K race in Ivybridge may have been very inclement for May, but on this occasion they worked in the competitors' favour. The first two kilometres were run into the wind, from Ivybridge 'Park and Ride' to Bittaford. The course then swung up into a lane, past the old Moorhaven Hospital and Wrangaton, which climbed for two very steep kilometres but was sheltered from the wind. It then dropped steeply to half-way and turned back towards Bittaford and the finish at Ivybridge Rugby Club. With the worst of the climbs behind them and the wind at their backs, many runners were able to record a faster split in the second 5K of the race than the first half.

Plymouth-based Tipton Harrier, Stuart Hall was the first to finish, winning by nearly half a minute in 32:30. Leading woman Revis Crowle, of East Cornwall Harriers, enjoyed a 20 second winning margin with her time of 37:24. Among the 8 Exmouth Harriers who took part, once again, it was Exmouth's veteran runners who stole the show with both Roger Rowe and John Perratt picking up Gold medals in the Devon 10K county championships, which was incorporated into this year's race. Rowe was first in the Vet 60 category in an 37:58 while Perratt won the Vet 65 event in 41:45. This inclusion of the county championships led to a massive field - there were 486 finishers - and a very competitive race: Rowe was only 44th and 70 runners finished inside 40 minutes.

Exmouth's Shaun Lock ran a well disciplined race to record a time of 39:35, followed by Andrew Johnson (40:21). Hannah Dupain was the leading Exmouth female once again, with a time of 41:55. The other Harriers were Lee Russell (42:40), Nigel Dupain (45:25) and Hannah Jones (47:56).

Journal readers are reminded that Exmouth's own 10K race will take place on Sunday 5 June at 9:30am. This year the race headquarters will be the Deer Leap and it will be possible to enter there on the day. However, runners can save £2 by entering in advance: entry forms are available from the Exmouth Harriers website at www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk/sykes_05/Sykes_05.pdf. The race starts and finishes in Bath Road behind Elizabeth Hall and takes in two laps of the sea front and town centre.

Finally, the final results of the Great West Run have confirmed that another Harrier picked up a medal in the British Masters Half Marathon Championship. Les Turner, who is relatively new to the sport, was awarded the Vet/60 Silver Medal which is an excellent achievement.

(Andrew Johnson)

A Silver for Les...

(Les in action in the First Chance 10k)

Just heard that Les Turner has been awarded the BMAF Silver Medal in the Vet/60 class following the Half Marathon Championships run in conjunction with the Great West Run.

A Silver Medal... and not any one either. The UK Championship Vet/60 Silver!

Well done Les! 

Great West Run Team Prize

Just heard that the 2nd Senior men's team in the Great West Run were:

Anthony Hatchard
Steve Hocking-Thompson
Hugh Marsden
Roger Rowe

Not seen the complete stackup as yet, but nice to see the Harriers flag flying high! 

Great West Run - 1st May 2005

It may not have been May Day weather, but the 2,026 runners who took part in last Sunday's Great West Run half marathon in Exeter were not complaining about the cool, damp and overcast conditions. Although the two lap, undulating course makes this a hard race, the large crowds, excellent organisation and track finish more than compensate.

John Ward of Bristol took full advantage to win in 1:08:50 - nearly 90 seconds ahead of second placed Barry Reynolds. Exmouth's leading runner was Anthony Hatchard - but his excellent time of 1:15:16 was only good enough for 14th place in a high quality race.

This year the Great West Run incorporated the British Masters Half Marathon Championships - a national event for veteran athletes - and there were some excellent performances among the older runners. Fresh from his performances in the Falklands marathon and half marathon, Hugh Marsden was the second Harrier to finish, for 26th overall in 1:18:43 - but this was only good enough for the Silver Medal in the Vet/45 category behind Richard Drage of Tavistock, who ran 1:15:44. Roger Rowe went one better to win Gold in the Vet/60 race in 1:22:46. This was later confirmed as a record time for the South West region - as well as compensation for Roger, who was forced out of last month's London Marathon because of injury.

In between Marsden and Rowe, Steve Hockings-Thompson finished 28th in an excellent 1:19:00. Exmouth's leading woman was Hannah Dupain who recorded a very creditable 1:35:18. Hockings-Thompson, Hannah Dupain, and Chris Dupain (1:39:19) had all taken part in the London Marathon just a fortnight earlier, so their performances in Exeter were a considerable achievement.

Among the men, Adrian Kearns (85th, 1:26:00) and Phil Hatchard (91st, 1:26:47) also finished in the top 100. Andrew Kennedy's 1:27:44 left him in 101st place - last year this would have put him in the top 75, which is an indication of how standards and competition have risen in this event.

In all, 19 Harriers took part in this year's event. The other performances recorded by Exmouth runners were: Andrew Johnson (1:29:52), Shaun Lock (1:30:34), Tim Gent (1:35:10), Adrian Taylor (1:41:02), Nigel Dupain (1:43:57), Hannah Jones (1:52:24), David Woodley (1:55:56), Les Turner (2:00:21), Sasha Newman (2:03:55) and Denise Kennedy (2:08:48).

(Andrew Johnson)
 

The triumph of a persistent tortoise

Great West Run - 1st May 2005 (Inc. BMAF Championships)

All week I had been feeling good, with both Osteopath and Doctor giving me no excuses; both agreed that they had not seen me fitter. Dropping out of the London Marathon with the calf strain certainly was wise; it healed in around 3 days. I stood in the start pen with every confidence of a decent run, it was warm (16°) but quite humid. As we walked down to the starting line, I noticed Dave Waywell from Wesham RR just in front of me. Dave (DW) headed the V/60 ranking for 2004 for 10 miles, so I knew that I was in for a real tussle.

Off on time, and Dave shot away like a hare, with me trying not to go too quickly. Even so I ran the first mile in 5:40, with DW a good 20 metres ahead. Up the long hill his lead had grown to 30 metres, and by the 2 mile marker he was around 40 metres to the good. I was concentrating SO hard on not letting him get too far ahead that I had no thought to check my watch or indeed take split times at each mile as I do normally.

I sought to work my way gradually back to him, and once into the town centre (and 5) he did seem to be 'coming back'. Up Blackboy Hill I certainly felt him faltering a bit, and I redoubled my concentration -- a metre here, metre there -- and by 6 he was just 20 metres up. The calves were hanging together well, but the tension in my right hamstring was palpable.

As we passed the Arena to start the second lap, I had him in my sights. Just around 15 metres now and I relaxed a bit, planning in my mind just where on the course I would make my effort to pass. Out to the Exeter By Pass, smiling inwardly and feeling 'in control'. As we turned up the long hill I felt a long cramp spasm in my right hamstring, and to bring it under some control I had to 'chop' my stride up the hill. Rats... at the top he was again 40 metres up, and I was not too sure that I could even finish the race at that pace.

I fought the pain and my doubts all the way through Beacon Heath, but he was slowly gaining on me. I did get a 10 mile time... 62:08 (although I could not see it at the time) DW must have been around 25 seconds ahead of that - to put that into context, those times would have been 7th and 8th in the 10-mile rankings for 2004 (again, I had no inkling of that at the time, I was absolutely flat out, straining all I had to close the dratted gap)!

The rest? The gap slowly grew and I could do nothing about it at all. I was still running 10/10ths, but not making any impact. On the track to finish DW was rounding the final bend, but I sought to raise a sprint to at least see a decent time.

Finished in 1:22:49 (Gun time), but 1:22:46 chip time (86.79%) for, I thought, the silver medal. In the finish funnel a SW-Vets Official told me I had won the gold. But I pointed to DW and said, " 'fraid not... he did".

Two hours later and the (rather ill attended) BMAF Championships prize giving. Hugh, we knew, had the silver in the Vet/45 in 1:18:43 (Gun time). Great to see another Harrier winning an award. I had for some while been talking to DW, comparing notes as one does. Then it came to the Vet/60 awards. Dave might have won the GWR Vet/60 category, but for some reason I still do not understand, I was awarded the BMAF Gold. Someone said that all BMAF entrants had to be a member of their regional Vet Club (in our case SW Vets), and that he was not a member of Northern Vets (Wesham is near Blackpool, Lancs).

I did not quite know how to react, particularly when I was told that my time was a new record, beating Peter Watson's previous SW-Vets Championship Record performance of 1:23:42; apparently such records can only be set in International, National or Regional Championship races.

So I was bemused, disappointed and elated all at the same time.

How does one feel in such circumstances. The tortoise won!?

Still, the medal is wonderful to own!

Roger R.
 

Devon Races in May

1 Great West Run - Exeter 1030 (full)
5 Lynton/Lynmouth Festival - Lynmouth 1845
6 Torrington Round the Tree - Torrington 1900
8 Gables Gallop - Plympton 1030
14 Ivybridge 10K - Ivybridge 1830 (full)
22 Bideford 10K - Bideford 1100
29 Plymouth Half Marathon - Plymouth 1000 (full)
 

Farringdon 4.5

Poor Jenny... I've just received this note from her:

"Just to let you know I was first lady at the Farringdon 4.5 miler yesterday, however I ruptured my plantar fascia on the way round so spent the afternoon relaxing in casualty... It was worth it though as it was a really fun, friendly, local race with excellent organisation and I promised them there would be more Harriers there next year! Proceeds go to the lovely old Norman church in Farringdon so a worthwhile cause too".

Jenny Timms

Oh Jen... what a disaster. I've been there myself and know all about plantar problems. ALL OF US wish you a speedy recovery.

Roger

London Marathon 2005

While the West Country was being hit by rain and wind last Sunday, the twelve Exmouth Harriers who were among the record-breaking 35,680 runners who started the 25th London Marathon, had the benefit of bright sunshine and a calm morning. An overnight frost ensured that conditions were cool for the 9:45am start of the event, but the rising temperature during the morning took its toll on many runners in the closing parts of the race.

David Stone was Exmouth's star man, recording a time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 40 seconds for 174th place in the men's race, although he slowed down in the second half of the race after going through the half-way point in 1:15:56. David briefly led the whole race running the first mile at 5-minute pace -- so we could say he lost 173 places in 25.2 miles! The second Exmouth runner to finish was Steve Hockings-Thompson in 2:51:20, who also lost time in the second half.

Hannah Dupain (3:26:41) and Caroline Prescott (3:29:21) were the next Harriers to finish, running much more evenly paced races. They went through half-way together in 1:43 with Stephanie French, who eventually recorded a time of 3:43:39 after slowing down quite dramatically in the last 13 miles. Lesley Godfrey and Gillian Saunderson completed the Harriers women's contingent at this race - Lesley finished in 4:19:28 and Gill's time was 4:31:09. Among the men, David Woodley (4:05:03) was the first Exmouth Veteran to finish. He was running in the Male Vet 50 category with Trevor Cope, whose finishing time was 4:27:42. Chris Dupain finished in 4:14:56 and Guy Somerfield (Male Vet 40) recorded a time of 4:28:41.

Exmouth's 12th man was Roger Rowe, who picked up an injury last Tuesday evening running down to Orcombe. From the off he was never to get within 20-seconds-a-mile of his target pace. He gave up the ghost at 20 miles having limped to that point in 2:16:11.

(Andrew Johnson & Roger Rowe)
 

Exe to Axe (and Taunton 13.1)

(Camilla smiling at the camera)

The third running of the Exe to Axe race, which covers 20 miles of coast path from Exmouth to Seaton, took place last Sunday. The grey, cold and relatively calm day was welcome weather to the 74 runners who took part in this tough event, which includes over 4000 feet of climbing, with seven ascents and accompanying descents to sea level along the route. Competitors came from afar a field as Wales, the Lake District and Derbyshire to take part in what is officially classified as a fell race, but it was a local runner - Sidmouth's Malcolm Bayer - who took the honours, winning by a margin of nearly 4 minutes in 2 hours 44 minutes and 12 seconds.

Exmouth's Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 3:23:54, 9 minutes ahead of the second placed female. Exmouth also took the honours in the relay event, with Phil Bater, Paul Champion, Richard Selby and Steve Merry recording a time of 2:52:24. Andrew Johnson was the first male Exmouth Harrier to finish, in 3:16:18, for 13th place, followed soon after by Jim Pyne (15th in 3:17:59), Tim Gent (25th in 3:23:54) and Lorraine Croome (41st, 3:46:39).

Adrian Kearns and Shaun Lock took part in the Taunton half marathon, recording times of 1:25:14 and 1:31:05 respectively.

(Andrew Johnson)  

Loch Katrine 12K - Easter Sunday

The race itself is set in the heart of the Trossachs in Central Scotland, and on traffic free tarmac and undulates 6km along the loch before returning along the same route and was won by J Kealy of Ron Hill Cambuslang in 41:02. Weather was a bit dreich, but the 234 runners were in fine form. I set off at a good pace running with three members of the Wee County Harriers till the turn, from there I could just keep them in my site until the 10K mark when I started to struggle with the pace. Still more than happy with my time of 47:11 in 14th position overall.

Adrian Kearns

Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race

After finishing runner up in the Grizzly earlier this month, Exmouth Harriers' Anthony Hatchard went one better in Easter Monday's Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race. Anthony went with the blistering early pace, and kept going when the earlier leaders began to slow, to win in 38 minutes and 48 seconds. He was 17 seconds ahead of second placed Martin Shapland of South West Road Runners, who just pushed Paul Froud of Brighton & Hove AC into third.

The 59th running of this historic race, which follows a 7.1 mile route down the Exe Valley before climbing past Knighthayes to finish in the People's Park in Tiverton, attracted 95 entrants and the run took place in cool conditions, which were ideal.

Phil Hatchard was the second Harrier home in 44:21 (15th male), followed by Andrew Johnson (17th in 45:30). Ray Elston was the winner of the male veteran age 65 category, finishing 32nd in 49:50.
(Andrew Johnson)
 

Teignbridge 10

Roger and John at the prizegiving. Roger winning the SuperVet/60 category, with John in second. John however was awarded the Devon Gold for SuperVet/65, Roger winning the Vet/60 Gold. 

Roger Rowe in 31st place overall, pushing for the line. Roger completed in 1:03:34 

John Perratt nearing the finish. John, 59th overall finished in 1:07:16 

Caroline Prescott battling it out with the men. Caroline finished in 95th place (overall) in 1:12:37 (4th LV/40)

Other results:
Chris Isaac finished in 1:21:52 and Jane Bateman in 1:29:16 (3rd LV/50) 

Hugh sets the Marathon Standard

HUGH MARSDEN of Exmouth is the first winner of the Stanley Marathon and has received £1,000 for his efforts.

Sponsored and co-ordinated by Standard Chartered Bank, the event, believed to be the world’s most southerly marathon, attracted a total of ninety-two entries, including six from overseas.

Runners competed in three categories - the men and women’s marathon and the relay event.

Kelly Angus, fastest woman, also received a cheque for £1,000 while the Football Club’s relay entry picked up the £800 team prize.

Photo: Standard Chartered Bank manager Nick Hutton presents Hugh Marsden with his prize money.

. 

Westward League - Final Race

In the final round of the 2004/5 Westward Cross Country League, held last Sunday at the Rolle College Sports Ground in Exmouth, Exmouth Harriers occupied two of the top three positions in the men's race. Dave Stone secured a rare victory over club mate Anthony Hatchard, powering past him in the final descent after Hatchard had overtaken him on the climb, to finish second to Hatchard's third. Steve Thompson finished 9th, Jon Croome 14th, Shaun Lock 15th and Phil Hatchard 18th, to make it an excellent day for the Harriers. Also in the men's race Tim Gent finished 24th, John Perratt 30th, Jim Wyatt 42nd and Les Turner 43rd.

After Sunday's run, prizes were presented for performances over the six race winter series, which began in Cornwall in October. Exmouth men were third team in the Senior Male category and Hannah Dupain was 10th in the women's rankings.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Exmouth's Hugh Marsden added to his victory in the Cape Pembroke Half-Marathon earlier this year by winning the inaugural Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands last Sunday. Hugh recorded a time of 3 hours and 7 minutes on a hilly course in cold and windy conditions to finish 3 minutes in front of second place. Thirty-one men, nine women and thirteen relay teams entered the race which begin at the Port Stanley branch of the Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the race.

(Andrew Johnson)

Duchy Marathon & Duchy 20

Three Exmouth Harriers were racing on the road in Cornwall over the weekend.

Andrew Johnson took part in the Duchy Marathon, which is run over two laps around Redruth, the north Cornish coast, Pool and Camborne. Aided by virtually wind-free conditions, Johnson went through 20 miles in 2 hours and 27 minutes, but he faded badly over the final 10 kilometres to finish in 3:19:27, losing four places to finish in 21st place.

Roger Rowe and Caroline Prescott took part in the Duchy 20, which takes in one-and-a-half laps of the marathon route. Rowe, who turns 60 in a fortnight, finished 8th in 2:10:58. Roger who was 5th Vet/55 in the 2003 London marathon, used the Duchy 20 as a stepping stone to a hopefully higher-placing as a SuperVet/60 in the 2005 London Marathon to be held on the 17th April.

Prescott was the 4th woman to finish, recording a time of 2:38:18.

Express & Echo - 17th March 2005

The Grizzly Report

Around 1,500 runners took on the challenge of the Saucony Grizzly - reputed to be the toughest multi terrain race in Europe - over 20 miles of cliffs, bogs and pebbly beaches.

The winner on Sunday, claiming his third Grizzly victory, was Plymouth postman Neil Holmes.

Although his winning margin was three and a half minutes, the 40-year-old Erme Valley Harrier did not have an easy ride in the early stages because of the fast pace set by a breakaway group of three, which included local jockey Paul Holley from the home club, Axe Valley Runners.

Holmes was adrift in fourth place and for a while it looked as if it just wasn't going to be his day. However, the experience of running in nine previous Grizzlies and never finishing outside the top three, eventually showed. The early fast pace took its toll and Holmes gradually closed.

Between 10 and 13 miles, Holley and Holmes - the two race favourites - battled it out at the front, but then Holmes pulled away to finish in 2.12.08.

"I thought the start of the race was a bit too quick," Holmes said afterwards. "But all the time I could see the leaders I wasn't worried.

"I knew Paul Holley would probably be the biggest threat; he ran very well to win the Dalwood Three Hills recently and beat me by three minutes. But I felt strong at eight miles and they started to come back to me."

The surprise runner-up was Anthony Hatchard, of Exmouth Harriers, competing in not only his first Grizzly, but his longest race ever.

Staying off the fast, early pace paid off for him, too, and the 28-year-old also worked his way through the field, moving up from ninth position over the final five miles.

In her fourth Grizzly, first lady home was Sharon Daw, from East Cornwall Harriers. After finishing third for the past two years, she threw her arms up in delight as she finished in 2.38.41 - 57th overall.

Her morning's work had started long before she lined up for the tough, 20-mile race. The mother of two, who has a farm near Callington, had been up at 6am helping to milk 50 cows.

Local club runners finishing in the top 50 out of the 1,488 finishers - 2nd Anthony Hatchard (Exmouth H) 2.17.39; 14th Dave Stone (Exmouth H) 2.26.10; 15th Steve Hockings-Thompson (Exmouth H) 2.26.26; 19th Kevin Hawker (Honiton RC) 2.28.50; 20th Ian Andrews (SWRR) 2.28.54; 23rd Rod Hole (SWRR), 2.29.35; 29th Paul Holley (Axe Valley Runners) 2.30.27; 40th Tarow Agui (Exeter H) 2.35.01; 46th Jonathan Croome (Exmouth H, 2.35.38.

(Express & Echo - 15th March 2005)

CLUB AWARD !

We've just heard that the club, nominated for the inaugural 'Offtrack Club' in the South West has been awarded the accolade, and has been put forward as 'regional winners' as a nominee for a National award.

So what does it mean? Apart from being recognised as the 'top' non-track club in the South West, we get a financial bursary (details yet to be known) and a trophy. That'll look good in our trophy cabinet!

This recognises the contribution the club has made to 'off-track' athletics in our region, no doubt coloured by our successful hosting of the 2004 SEAA Cross Country Championships, as well as our three regular races and perhaps too, that the Westward League Cross Country series is now organised by members of the Harriers.

And it certainly helps that members of the club continually figure in local, regional and national prize lists.

All in all a great compliment to the whole club...

Well done everyone.

Roger R.

Ironbridge Winter 3k Series - Results

With the final races last night at Exeter Arena, I am glad to report success for a number of Harriers competitors over the series. To recap, to figure in the final standings each competitor was required to complete 3 out of the 4 races - in October, November, February and March (which ruled Roger out as he only completed the final two).

1st Lady overall - Hannah Dupain
3rd Lady V35 - Mandy Marvin

2nd Man V40 - Andrew Johnson
1st Man V45 - Lee Russell
1st Man V65 - John Perratt

In the final races last night, pride of place must go to Lee, who powered his way to claim his position with a gutsy and well-measured effort. Hannah 'pipped' John in their race, well clear of her competition. Mandy, although not at all fit at present, gamely stuck to the task in hand -- to see her face at the prize-giving was lovely; it's really nice when someone wins an unexpected prize!

Andrew and Roger quitted themselves well in a (very) fast 'B' race. Andy is to run the Duchy Marathon next Sunday, whilst Roger continues his preparation for 'London' with the Duchy 20.

Race sponsor Peter Ferlie mentioned a 3k Summer series will be held this year. So watch this space for details in due course.

Bideford Half Marathon - 6th March 2005

The Bideford Half Marathon is run over a beautiful rural course, with the first half following an undulating country road to Great Torrington and the second half taking runners north along the Tarka Trail cycle route. This year the event took place on a clear - but cold - winter day.

Dave Stone, with just 6 weeks to go to the London Marathon, finished a creditable 4th in a pretty decent time too: 1 hour 14 minutes and 20 seconds. Dave was around 2 1/2 minutes adrift of the third place finisher, but he did lead home the Harriers to third in the team race.

In the male veteran 60 age category on one of his rare outings for the Harriers, Life Member Roger Cowd was second in 1:38:24. Again a very creditable time for the half-marathon for anyone, let alone a SuperVet/60 athlete. Great to see Roger going so well.

The other male Harriers taking part were Adrian Kearns (1:26:14), Andrew Kennedy (1:32:09), and Chris Isaac (1:49:34).

In the Women's race, Caroline Precott was the first Harrier home in 1:37:00, which ensured her fifth place in the female veteran 40 age category. The other female Harriers were Gill Saunderson (1:52:05) and Denise Kennedy (2:03:27).

(Andrew Johnson)

The Dalwood 3 Hills - 27th February

The Dalwood 3 Hills race does what it says on the tin. Starting from the village hall in Dalwood, near Honiton, the race covers ten miles, largely off-road, including three hills - and each hill is 500 feet high! Added to that, there were several dips in water that was particulary freezing this year.

Five Exmouth Harriers were among the 105 runners in last Sunday's race and three of them came home with prizes. Building on the excellent performances she has been putting in over recent weeks, Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 1.21.32. Finishing 19th overall, she beat second placed Lucy Owen of Bideford by 20 seconds. Judging by her recent form and improvement, this will surely be the first of many individual prizes for Camilla.

Steve Merry won the Male Veteran 50 prize in 1.21.02 (17th overall) and John Perratt was first Male Veteran 60 (42nd). Shawn Lock ran well to finish 10th in 1:17:31 and Dawn Teed finished 83rd in 1:41:53.

(Andrew Johnson)

National Vets Indoor Championships - Cardiff 19/20 February 2005

John Perratt writes...
We had a really good weekend at Cardiff. The facilities were tremendous and it turned out a very relaxing break. We were also glad to be running indoors as it was bitter outside. The thoughts of you all doing the Plymouth 10 were of great comfort to us during the day.

Unfortunately there were a few gaps where a lot of top Vet athletes did not put in an appearance but that didn't take away any of the pleasure. The laps of course are only 200m with tight banked bends at either end of short straights. The spectators are in an elevated position looking down on the track and in various odd places they were throwing things and jumping up or along. The meeting was very well organised and ran on time like clockwork.

I had a super run in the 1500. I felt totally relaxed and in control throughout the race, taking the lead at around the half way point. I finished the last 2 laps (400m!) strongly and clocked up 5.22 which converts to 86.20 % (87.20% next week). You get a nice springy stride from the wooden surface

On the Sunday it was time for the 3000 but they put us in with the 55's and 60's so the start was a bit hectic and it came down to more of a race against the clock than your opponents. To get out of the melee I got to the front of our group and ran well for about 9 of the 15 laps. After that it was a question of hanging on, which wasn't so much fun. Anyway the result was the same so can't complain. Two Gold medals with the time on the 3k at 11.22 giving a percentage of 86.87% (87.86% soon!) made the whole exercise worthwhile.

Plymouth Hoe 10

Plymouth Hoe is beautiful even on a wet winter's day, but in the bright sun that welcomed a huge field of 651 athletes to the Plymouth Hoe 10 road race, it was simply stunning. There was a downside of course, it was cold with a chilling North wind.

The race was the first in what is hoped to be a regular series between Devon and Cornwall athletes, this time with Cornwall running out as winners of the men's race, whilst Devon's women proved triumphant in the ladies race.

From Eastern side of the county and scoring for the Devon team, Mark Cowan from Exeter Harriers was 9th overall in 55:32.

Outside of the County team challenge, Exmouth Harriers were represented by Roger Rowe, running his penultimate race as a Vet/55 before moving up into the Vet/60 category. He narrowly beat new 55+ Plymouth Harriers athlete Mike Beatty in 1:02:44 to Beatty's 1:02:57. Roger overcame a fall in the third mile to finish strongly on the undulating course in 56th place in the field.

Les Turner, also from the Harriers completed in a solid 1:27:48 in 422nd place.

(Roger R)

Ironbridge Runner saves Devon Race Series

New sponsors have stepped in to save the Devon Race Series. The series, won for the past two years by South Devon AC's Dave Severn, had been abandoned for 2005 because of the lack of support. However, Exeter's specialist athletics shop, Ironbridge Runner, have stepped in to back a new, shorter series which has already caught the imagination of local clubs.

Ironbridge Runner will support a seven-race series for 2005, with runners able to count their best four scores.

The series opens with the March Hare 10k at Plympton on March 20 followed by the Bideford 10k on May 22 and the Bampton 10k on June 18.

Round four is the Chudleigh Carnival Six on July 15. The Torbay Royal Regatta 10k hosts the fifth round on August 21, with the Torrington Back In Five listed as round six on September 4. The final round and presentations will be at the Honiton 12k on the 9th October.

Full details from the website: www.devonroadraceseries.co.uk.
(Express & Echo)

... from Port Stanley to Paignton

On Sunday 13th Feb, Exmouth Harriers' Hugh Marsden won the annual Cape Pembroke Half Marathon in the Falkland Islands. The race, which is organised by the Stanley Running Club starts in Port Stanley, the capital of the Islands, and finishes at Victory Green. Hugh beat 50 other runners (and 20 walkers) in 1 hour 18 minutes and 8 seconds.

In Saturday's Paignton round of the Westward Cross Country League (12th Feb), Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent run of form to finish 6th in the women's race. Run over 4.75 kilometres on the Clennon Valley playing fields, Camilla overcame a strong wind and patches over very sticky mud to record a time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Hannah Dupain and Lorraine Croome also performed well for 13th (19:09) and 21st (20:33) respectively.

Exmouth's men were led home by Anthony Hatchard, who finished the 8.5 men's kilometre race in 17th position (29:04). The other Harriers who took part in the men's race were John Croome (44th in 32:55), Phil Hatchard (48th in 33:34), Andrew Johnson (51st in 33:55), Lee Russell (73rd in 36:26) and Les Turner (91st in 41:38).

(Andrew Johnson)

Fulfords 5 Report [Click for full results]

Hopes were high of a local victory in last Sunday's Fulford 5 road race, which took in two laps of Exmouth town centre and sea front, as Dave Stone kept with the leading group in the early stages. Mark Cowen of Exeter Harriers then pulled away from the pack to win the race with half a minute to spare in 25 minutes and 51 seconds. Rob Smyth of Loughborough finished second and Tari Agui, also of Exeter Harriers was third. Stone worked hard to keep the leaders in sight, eventually finishing fifth in 27:15.

The day was perfect for running - dry and cold with little wind - and the ideal conditions brought a large field of 246 finishers. Second Harrier home and 15th overall was Roger Rowe (30:25), who was first veteran over 50. John Perratt was the leading veteran over 60, finishing in 32:00. Also in the Vet 60 category, Ray Elston and Les Turner maintained their recent current good form with both improving their best times for 5 miles - Elston finishing in 33:39 and Turner in 39:30. In his first race for Exmouth Harriers, Adrian Kearns ran an excellent 31:09 for 20th position.

Judy Oakley was the winner of the women's race. The City of Portsmouth AC runner finished in 31:11, with Jaine Swift of the Women's Running Network close behind in 31:35. Exmouth's Jenny Timms was the sixth female finisher in an excellent 32:36, improving a minute on her previous personal best. Hannah Dupain of Exmouth Harriers was the next lady to finish in 32:56.

5 27:15 STONE, Dave (In the lead group for ages, great effort)
15 30:25 ROWE, Roger (1st Vet/50)
20 31:09 KEARNS, Adrian (1st race in Harriers colours)
38 32:00 PERRATT, John (1st Vet/60 - and I think a club record V/60 & V65)
41 32:10 SHUTT, Ed (great to see Ed back in the yellow and blue)
45 32:36 TIMMS, Jenny (a personal best by around a minute)
47 32:44 GENT, Tim
51 32:56 DUPAIN, Hannah
63 33:39 ELSTON, Ray (1st time under 34 minutes)
68 34:25 RUSSELL, Lee
81 35:10 DUPAIN, Nigel
102 37:23 WYATT, Jim
125 39:39 TURNER, Les (Les breaks 40 minutes for the first time)
126 39:49 JONES, Hannah
217 48:27 HARRISON, Nigel
224 48:48 CROOK, Phil

(Andrew Johnson / Roger Rowe)

On your marks, get set... go! [click for full article and photos]

Children rise to challenge of Exmouth area cross country event

CHILDREN from St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton, are celebrating after they won the inaugural Exmouth area primary school cross-country trophy.

More than 300 children from nine primary schools took part in the challenge. There were four races in all. Pupils competed according to age group and sex, with races for children in years three and four and for pupils in years five and six.

Runners completed two laps of the half-mile course around Rolle College’s playing fields in Exmouth.

St Peter’s school walked away with the overall trophy after winning both boys’ events and the girls’ year three and four contest. The school received the winner’s trophy from Chairman Roger Rowe of Exmouth Harriers, the race sponsors. The first seven finishers in each race also received a trophy.

The event was organised by Jill Dupain, who is a teacher at Woodbury Salterton Primary School, and a member of Exmouth Harriers. Mrs Dupain said: "All the children were tremendous. It’s great to give the kids a chance to try a sport where co-ordination is not so important. Hopefully this will encourage them to take up athletics in the future. The race has been such a success we hope to hold it every year."

Race Results:

Year three and four girls:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Joseph’s School, Exmouth

Year three and four boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - St Joseph’s School, Exmouth,
3rd – Woodbury Salterton Primary School

Year five and six girls:
1st – The Beacon School, Exmouth,
2nd - Woodbury Salterton Primary School,
3rd – St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton

Year five and six boys:
1st - St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton,
2nd - Woodbury Primary School,
3rd – The Beacon school, Exmouth

Report and photos (click above) from Exmouth Journal

Express & Echo's report of the 'Bimble'

HATCHARD FIRST AND SECOND!

Exmouth Harrier Anthony Hatchard was the first competitor to finish the Broadclyst Bimble - but he didn't win.

Hatchard crossed the line in 1hr 30min 34sec, but sportingly everyone agreed that first place should be awarded to Erme Valley Harrier Neil Holmes who, as the race leader, was unfortunately directed to run the original course, which was later altered by a National Trust warden as a safety measure before the other runners came through.

The race name implies a friendly jaunt through the East Devon countryside, but in fact the organisers go out of their way to create a challenging multi-terrain event over the half-marathon distance.

Around 10 miles of the course were through undulating woods and fields in National Trust property which, despite the absence of recent rain, were muddy underfoot. Fortunately, the weather this year was dry.

More than 200 runners took part, including 10 Exmouth Harriers, who all performed well.

After Hatchard, who continued his recent good form for second place, came Dave Stone fourth (1:31:38), just ahead of Hugh Marsden (1:32:03), who ran a brilliant race to win the first male veteran prize.

Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent progress to finish second lady, just behind the winning woman (1:52:22, 50th overall). Other performances by Harriers: 25th Shaun Lock (1:46:00); 27th Phil Hatchard (1:46:38); 35th Steve Merry (1:48:50, who was 2nd veteran over 50; 84th Bob Keast (2:03:09); 110th Nicky Kelly (2:09:55) and 142nd Dawn Teed (2:20:59)

(Andrew Johnson)

SW Vets XC Championship

Pinn Farm, Otterton
30th January

Two running from the Harriers:

John Perratt 39:48 1st Vet65
Les Turner 44:49 6th Vet60

Broadclyst Bimble

Sunday 30th January

A cool cloudy day welcomed 10 Harriers to this year's Bimble. Although the rain has been absent for some days, the course still proved to be somewhat 'sticky' in parts. The race covers the half-marathon distance, but only 3.5 miles are on the road, the remaining 10 miles is through National Trust property -- 'undulating' woods and fields.

Unfortunately, late in the race, due to a NT warden thinking that the course was too dangerous for the runners, after the leader Neil Holmes passed, he altered the course! Leaving poor Neil to charge on. Once recalled he made his way back up to 2nd place, with Anthony Hatchard from the Harriers finishing in 1st place. The race was awarded however to Neil, as his 'detour' was no fault of his.

Harriers results:

2nd Anthony Hatchard 1:30:34
4th Dave Stone 1:31:38
5th Hugh Marsden 1:32:03 (1st vet/40) A brilliant run I heard.
25th Shaun Lock 1:46:00
27th Phil Hatchard 1:46:38
35th Steve Merry 1:48:50 (2nd vet/50)
50th Camilla Sharpe 1:52:22 (2nd lady just 15 seconds behind the winner -- Camilla goes from strength to strength)
84th Bob Keast 2:03:09
110th Nicky Kelly 2:09:55
142nd Dawn Teed 2:20:59

There were 209 finishers

Andrew Johnson and Roger Rowe spent the morning running the Stonehenge Stomp -- 30k+ of track and paths around the famous monument -- in preparation for their Spring Marathons. Both finished in good heart in 2:33:53 (Roger) with Andy just a couple of minutes behind.

Devon Cross Country Championships

Sunday 16th January

The weather may have been spring-like for Sunday's Devon Cross Country Championships in Exeter, but underfoot this was a real winter event. While the day was bright and sunny, recent rain had left the hilly course very heavy with mud. Each race comprised a number of laps of the former County Showground at Exeter Arena, making the mud more difficult for the runners as the afternoon progressed.

In the women's race, over 8 kilometres, Camilla Sharpe finished a very creditable 8th place and Hannah Dupain was not far behind in 13th place. Emma Dupain finished third in the Under 20 women's event, which was run in conjunction with the senior women's race.

Eight Harriers took part in the men's event, held over 11 kilometres, with six to score towards the team championships. With several key team members absent, Exmouth Harriers finished second behind Tavistock AC. The Senior men's team were led home by Anthony Hatchard (who finished 11th overall) with Dave Stone (14th), Steve Hockings-Thompson (17th), Hugh Marsden (18th overall and third Vet 45), Andrew Johnson (33rd) and Tim Gent (34th) as the other scorers.

John Perratt - who won gold for the veteran 65 category - and Lee Russell also took part. Exmouth Harriers also picked up the veteran team bronze award through Hugh Marsden, Andrew Johnson and John Perratt.

(Sorry no photos this time).

The Exmouth Journal report on Jason's exploits

An Exmouth triathlete has claimed a place among the world's elite sportsman after completing one of sport's most gruelling endurance challenges.

Jason Sawyer, 35, of Byron Way, spent just under two weeks tackling the intense Deca Ironman competition, equivalent to ten triathlons.

The challenge included swimming 24 miles followed by a 1,120 mile bicycle ride before a 262 mile run to be finished within 14 days.

Jason was among 27 international muscle men to contest the event on the Pacific paradise island of Hawaii last month.

He completed the course in 12 days, 20 hours and 21 minutes to become one of only 61 people to complete the challenge since it was launched 15 years ago.

Now the Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer has claimed seventh spot among the world's top triathletes after taking 11th place in the Deca Ironman.

Jason, a married father of two, is already ranked as Britain's number one 'Ultra' triathlete.

He hopes to join the world 'Ultra' triathlete circuit in Austria, Germany, Canada and Lithuania later this year.

Jason said: "This year will hopefully see me trying to push my world ranking to the highest level.

Winter will be spent training hard and also trying to gain sponsorship for the coming season, given my new world and British ranking status.

Jason has resumed his fitness campaign back in Britain now but has recalled the endurance needed to complete the excruciating Deca Ironman course.

He said: "Twenty-four miles in a pool is a massive undertaking and after about eight hours the chlorine and constant immersion takes its toll on hands and feet.

"With aching shoulders and feeling very cold I exited the pool in the morning to start the 1,120 bike ride.

"For the next five days I would ride an average of 225 miles in every 24 hours, battling wind, fatigue, afternoon heat in the nineties and only having roughly three hours' sleep a day.

"After 1120 laps it was time to start the 262 mile run.

"I started the run well and for the first 75 miles all was looking good, but then, as for everyone in the race, the hard work starts to take its toll.

"This was now the time when everything was to be called on. Mental and physical strength in equal measures."

Jason's Deca Ironman success comes as he continues to compete in regular events for Exmouth Harriers athletics club.

His support crew during the Deca Ironman were parents Susan and Graham, aunt and uncle Sally and Richard, wife Sarah and children Joseph, six, and Todd, two.

Devon AA Grand Prix 2004

DEVON Grand Prix 2004 -- the Vet/40 title going to Hugh Marsden, and the Vet/55 title to Roger Rowe. Here is Hugh in full flow in the last mile of the Great West Run. 

Here's Roger (and Andy K) in in the Great West Run, one of the constituent races of the Devon Grand Prix series.  Andy Johnson was the only other Harrier completing the minimum of 6 races that were to count toward the championship.

The First Chance 10k - 2nd January 2005 (click here for full results)

One of the more popular races of the year is the end of year 10km hosted by South West Road Runners along the River Exe, starting and finishing at the Quay.

It is traditionally known as the 'Last Chance' but this year was held on January 2, so was re-dubbed 'First Chance'. The race, however, has a limit of 500 entries and, unfortunately for many of our runners, was fully subscribed at the end of November, leaving latecomers with 'no chance'!

Above is a photo of the start... and 10k later Roger R finished in 38:46 for 1st V/55, in 31st place (6th on the age-related scales). Mary took quite a few photos of Harriers competing which you will find below. A lovely sunny day with little wind. Ideal in fact.  

Andy Johnson looking relaxed in 39th place at 39:35 

John Perratt, 1st V/60 (John is 67) in 41:49 (and 5th overall on the 'age-related' scales). A brilliant run by John.... 64th overall 

Chris, willing the battle of the Dupains in 43:40 and 94th overall