Bampton to Tiverton

Just a short stroll down the Exe Valley from Bampton to Tiverton... looks great, all downhill (on paper). Hey, but... but... there is a little matter of the three hills on the way PLUS the Bolham/Knightshayes hill in the last mile. Just over 7.1 miles in all -- 61st running of the race.

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Good field of around 200 runners, and a pleasant, if cloudy morning. John fresh from his Helsinki efforts ran his usual 'blinder' (Just look at the age-related percentages)! Andy must have been very close to a PB for the 'unique' course; he and I first ran it 21 years ago!

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Bit of a mix-up at the prizegiving, with a Torbay athlete given the Vet/65 prize in front of John and Ray... but that was soon sorted out. And well, yes, it was a nice Easter Monday bit-more-than-a-stroll!

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Adrian Kearns - 43:07 - 72.78%

Andrew Johnson - 44:15 - 74.01%

Roger Rowe - 46:06 - 83.30% - 1st Vet/60

John Perratt - 48:31 - 86.33% - 1st vet/70

Ray Elston - 49:56 - 81.05% - 1st Vet/65

Jim Wyatt - 57:00 - 68.74%

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Pity there was no over 60s team prize!

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Athlete of the day? Has to be John Perratt.

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(RR)

Races - 1st April 2007

[Les, negotiating the traffic at 14 miles in the Taunton Marathon]

Eight Exmouth Harriers took part in the tough off road Exe to Axe race, four as a team and four as individuals. The team of Paul Champion, who went on to run the full distance as part of his training for the 100 mile race at Mont Blanc in August, Phil Bater, Lee Russell and Steve Merry came 1st vets team and 3rd team overall.

The other Harriers at the Exe to Axe were Cathy Newman, Lorraine and Jon Croome and Tim Gent.

The marathon and half marathon races at Taunton included eight more runners from Exmouth Harriers. In the full marathon, Julie Gellender ran superbly for 39th overall and 2nd lady vet 35 in 3.21.07. Les Turner was 160th overall and 4th vet 60 in 4.19.58. The race was won by Brian Cole of RNAC in 2.43.45 and there were 192 finishers.

The Taunton half marathon was won by Pete Waumsley of Tamar Trotters in 1.14.02 The field of 1098 included Dave Stone, who was 8th in 1.15.56, Shaun Lock 28th in 1.21.01, and Paul Samways 40th in 1.22.52. Duncan Parkes was 346th in 1.42.35 and Sue Wilkin was 655th in 1.57.30. Trevor Cope was 740th in 2.02.29. Some of the Exmouth runners were using the half marathon as part of their preparation for the full London marathon in three weeks’ time.

In the last edition of the Journal it was reported that Dawn Teed had won the award for 2nd lady vet 40 in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League. She was actually 3rd in the cross country series, but 2nd lady overall after her brilliant run in the Falkland Islands Marathon.

Harrier Tony Hatchard, who was omitted from the report on the Bath Half Marathon, had another excellent race, coming 43rd in 1.12.43.

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Athlete of the day: Les Turner for his great first attempt at the marathon... a difficult one too... at the age of 64. What an achievement!

Other Weekend Races...

Six Exmouth Harriers took part in the sixth and final men’s race in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League which was held at Bicton College. Andy Kennedy was 40th, Lee Russell 51st, Ray Elston 52nd, John Perratt 56th, Jim Wyatt 67th and Les Turner 68th out of the field of 71 runners. Over the whole series, Ray Elston won the award for 2nd vet 60 and Jim Wyatt won the 3rd vet 60 award.

The only Exmouth Harrier in the ladies event at Bicton was Julie Gellender. Dawn Teed had already completed five races and won the award for 3rd lady vet 40 over the series.

Dawn was far away in the Falkland Islands battling against 40 to 45 mph winds, not good when you’re running a marathon with a distance of over 26 miles to cover! Her time of 4.16 was very commendable for the conditions; she ran a great race and was 2nd lady overall. Fellow Harrier Hugh Marsden ran brilliantly, once again, taking 3.10 to win the event and complete his hat trick of Falkland Islands Marathon victories. Well done, Hugh!

Harriers Andy and Denise Kennedy took part in the Teignbridge Ten. Andy came 60th in 1.08.38 and Denise came 195th in 1.34.32. Simon Anderson of Plymouth Harriers won the race in 54.25. There were 224 competitors.

The Bath Half Marathon was won by Shiferaw Tewodros in 1.02.09. Harrier Tony Hatchard had another excellent race, coming 43rd in 1.12.43 with Adrian Kearns in116th (1.19.57) and Nicholas Brown 6,308th in 2.19.29 out of the large field of 8,165 finishers. Perhaps pointing to a sub 2:35 London Marathon for Tony in a few weeks (his first outing at that distance).

Finally, further afield, an even bigger event, the Reading Half Marathon with 9,877 runners, included three of Exmouth Harriers’ Dupain family. Christopher was 2,745th in 1.44.52, Emma was 3,104th and Nigel was 3,105th , both in 1.47.18.
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Athlete of the day? Tony Hatchard for the 72-minute 13.1... certainly 2:35 on the cards in the London marathon - Tony's first outing over the distance.

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(LT)

European Veterans Indoor Championships - John Gets a Silver

{Photo - Rushmoor 2006}

Helsinki - 22-25 March 2007
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Three weeks after winning a gold and a silver medal at the BMAF Indoor Championships in London, Exmouth Harrier John Perratt competed in the European Veterans Indoor Championships in Helsinki. After the disappointment of just missing out on medals by coming fourth in the Vet/70 5k cross country and the 3,000 metres, John ran superbly for second place and the silver medal in the 1,500 metres. All three events were won by the Russian, Leonid Gubenkov. With John’s training partner from Sidmouth, Bob Minting, winning two golds, a silver and a fourth place, it was great to see Exmouth and East Devon so well represented. Another Exmouth Harrier, Roger Rowe, would also have had an excellent chance of medals, but was prevented from competing through not quite recovering sufficiently from his recent knee operation.

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M70 1,500 metres

1 Leonid Gubenkov Russia 5.41,29
2 John Perratt Great Britain & N.I. 5.44,40
3 Roman Tomczak Germany 5.45,09

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M70 5k Cross Country
1 Leonid Gubenkov Russia 20.49
2 Bruno Baggia Italy 20.56
3 Manuel Rosales Spain 20.59
4 John Perratt Great Britain & N.I. 21.51
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M70 3,000 metres
1 Leonid Gubenkov Russia 11.39,54
2 Manuel Rosales Spain 11.42,19
3 Bruno Baggia Italy 11.42,72
4 John Perratt Great Britain & N.I. 11.50,08
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M55 400 metres
1 Vincenzo Felicetti Italy 55,72
2 Bob Minting Great Britain & N.I. 56,20
3 Mauri Lyytikäinen Finland 56,91

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M55 800 metres

1 Bob Minting Great Britain & N.I. 2:08,98

2 Franz Josef Schmidt Germany 2:12,59

3 Yves Levasseur France 2:13,17

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M55 1,500 metres

4 Bob Minting Great Britain & N.I. 4:41,25
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M55 4 x 200 metres

1 Great Britain & N.I. (Including Bob Minting)

(LT & RR)

Winter 3k Series - 4th race and overall results

[Photo - Andy J at the Bampton 10k]

The last in the series of four winter 3K races, which took place at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 7th March, included five Exmouth Harriers.

Andy Johnson was outstanding, coming 21st in the “A” race in a personal best of 10.49. Lee Russell also ran well to come 20th in the “B” race in 11.31.

The “C” race included Roger Rowe, who was 4th in 11.46, and John Perratt, who was 6th in 11.56. Roger showed that his recovery from knee surgery is progressing extremely well. After taking the first lap very slowly, he found he was able to cruise past runner after runner and finish in a very respectable time.

Jim Wyatt, who ran in the “D” race, produced another good performance to come 10th in 13.22.

Both Roger and John topped their individual categories with maximum points after the final race.

(LT & RR)

PS. Harrier Michael Smyth ran in the Duchy 20 (miles) race held at Redruth in Cornwall. He came 52nd in 2.38.34, out of the field of 222 runners.

BMAF Indoor Championships 2007

Picketts Lock, Enfield

On Saturday and Sunday (3rd & 4th March), Harrier John Perratt took part in the 2007 BMAF Indoor Championships in London.

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After celebrating his 70th birthday on the 2nd March, John travelled in high hopes of some decent performances in his chosen events: the 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres. John has been working on the track this winter seeking to sharpen his speed in readiness both for this Championship, and the European Indoor Championships in Helsinki at the end of the month.

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It is always difficult to 'peak' for two championships in one month, so the BMAF event must be seen as a stepping stone on John's quest for medals in Finland.

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In the 1,500 metres John came up against Len Tew from the Midlands, probably one of the most gifted of 70+ middle-distance athletes competing today. And so it turned out... Len finishing in 5:32.46 to John's 5:44.06... still a silver in your first 70+ competition is not to be sniffed at. (AND remember these men are over 70 -- amazing times for a kilometer-and-a-half, indoors).

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On the second day of the event, John lined up in the 3,000 metres with every expectation of going one better. Notwithstanding the speed work he has been doing, John is pretty lethal over 3k or 5k.

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John's time of 12:15 was just a bit quicker than his 12:24 & 12:26 (Outdoors) this winter, and he was two-and-a-half minutes clear of the second placed athlete.

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So, a gold and a silver on his first outing as a vet/70, and both National Championship medals. Well done John! Roll on Helsinki.

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(RR)

PS. Training partner and friend, Bob Minting, won no less than 3 golds and a bronze in the same championships. Bob and John will travel to Helsinki together at the end of March.

Bideford Half Marathon

Seven Exmouth Harriers were among the field of 718 runners who competed in the Bideford Half Marathon on Sunday 4th March.

The race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford AAC in 1.06.04.

Tony Hatchard was the first Exmouth Harrier to finish, after another outstanding performance, in 8th place in 1.15.12. Shaun Lock was 30th in 1.21.07, just two seconds ahead of Adrian Kearns, who was 31st. Dave Stone came 49th in 1.24.05. Steve Price came 72nd in 1.28.13, with Andy Johnson 84th in 1.28.38.

Dawn Teed was 10th lady v40 and 313th overall in 1.44.34.

The Exmouth Harriers senior men’s team of Tony Hatchard, Shaun Lock, Adrian Kearns and Dave Stone were 2nd in their category.

(LT)

Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge

[Photo: Shaun in the Great West Run in 2006]

Last Sunday, four Exmouth Harriers took part in the Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge, a rolling ten mile trail run through the Devon countryside near Axminster. One of them, Shaun Lock, clocked up his first race win for the Club, following a brilliant performance on the day.

After being in the lead pack for the first half a mile, Shaun started climbing the first hill and took the lead, which he then held for the rest of the race. He reached the finish line in 1.11.17, 51 seconds ahead of the second runner home, Andrew Vallance of Tavistock A C.

The other Exmouth runners were Jon Croome, 8th in 1.16.20, Lorraine Croome, 54th in 1.31.03 and Diccon Haynes, 67th in 1.35.58.

113 runners completed the race.

Race reports - Sunday 18th February

Peninsula Challenge

Two Exmouth Harriers represented Devon against Cornwall in the Peninsula Challenge, with athletes selected from each county’s running clubs forming a combined county team. The challenge was part of the Plymouth Hoe 10 Mile Race. The male team comprised eight athletes with six to count. The female team comprised six athletes with four to count.

Devon won both team challenges, helped by superb performances from Exmouth’s Cathy Newman and Tony Hatchard. Cathy was 2nd lady v40 and 3rd lady overall in the main race in 1.00.10. She was also 3rd runner home in the team event, with the first five Devon runners all finishing before the first Cornish athlete. Tony Hatchard was 8th in the main race in 55.03. He was the 5th Devon team member to finish, beating all but three of the Cornish team.

Congratulations to Cathy, Tony and both the Devon teams.

Falkland Islands Half Marathon (yes really)!

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, another Exmouth stalwart was contesting and winning one of the Falkland Islands races which he seems to have made his own.

Although the conditions were wet underfoot, Hugh Marsden’s time of 1.17 in beating the other 77 runners in the half marathon, hopefully augurs well for his attempt to complete a hat trick of wins in the full marathon on 18th March.

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Four Trigs

Four Exmouth Harriers took part in the annual Four Trigs race at the weekend. This is a ‘low-key’ off road event taking in the four trig points and other controls around the Sid Valley. It is tough (some say harder than the Grizzly!) and takes in an obscene amount of climbing. A Fell Runners’ Association category B Race.

First Exmouth Harrier home was Jon Croome, despite head butting a tree on Saturday while checking the course and having an impromptu pole dancing session during the race on the Sunday! Jon finished 11th (same as last year) in 2hr 50min. Next home in 12th place in 2hr 52min was Paul Champion. Tim Gent had a strong run coming in 21st in 3hr 4min with Lorraine Croome also running well to finish in 31st place in 3hr 20min.

The race was won by Malcolm Bayer of Sidmouth in a time of 2hr 24min. A great race even though it was very wet under foot.

Sunday 11th February

Last Sunday, six Exmouth Harriers took part in the 5th and penultimate race in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League which was held at the Parke Estate at Bovey Tracey. The course was extremely boggy after all the recent heavy rainfall.

Dawn Teed, representing Exmouth ladies, had another good run and was 26th out of the 42 ladies who completed the race.

There were 93 runners in the men’s race. Exmouth’s Shaun Lock was 28th, and Andy Johnson was 44th overall and 10th v40.

John Perratt was 2nd v60 and 67th overall, with Lee Russell 11th v50 and 71st overall. Jim Wyatt was 3rd v60 and 85th overall.

(LT)

The Grizzly has been postponed until September

This is the situation as of Sunday 11th Feb. More details should be available within the next day or two and mailed to all entrants later this week.

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Axe Valley Runners have decided that the Grizzly will definitely be postponed due to the high risk of there being containers on Branscombe Beach around race weekend. More details will be emailed and put on the website tomorrow or Tuesday.

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The Grizzly has unfortunately been postponed until Sunday 9th September. You can either do nothing and carry your entry over to September or return your number (which will be mailed later in the week) for a refund of your entry fee. Your accommodation arrangements are your own responsibility but the holiday camp has told us that they will not be offering refunds. A weekend of running activities will take place in Seaton so still come if you can to the gathering of shipwrecked Grizzly soles!

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Rest assured that we do appreciate what the event means to the runners and the local community and that we have not taken this decision lightly.

Fulfords Great West Run '5'

Last Sunday, Exmouth Harriers hosted their first event of 2007, the Fulfords GWR Five, through the streets of Exmouth, swathed in glorious sunshine.

This year, the 5 mile race is also linked with the Teignbridge Ten on 25th March and the Great West Run in Exeter on 6th May, providing the opportunity to race shorter distances building up to the Great West Run.

The race was won by Ashley Humphreys of Tipton Harriers in 25.48. Mark Cowan of Exeter Harriers was 2nd in 26.11 with Wayne Stephens of Bideford AAC 3rd in 26.33.

There were outstanding performances from some of the 14 Exmouth Harriers who completed the race, the best coming from Cathy Newman. Cathy’s brilliant run made her 2nd lady overall and 2nd lady/vet40 in 29.10. But on the age grading basis, which takes age and sex into account, her 88% was better than the grading of all the other 375 athletes, male and female, who finished the race. So on this basis she was the overall winner!

The first lady home was Heather Foundling-Hawker of Honiton Running Club in 28.41.

An excellent run made Dave Stone, the first Exmouth Harrier to finish, 9th in 27.36. Joe Pascoe was 13th in 28.05, with Steve Hockings-Thompson 26th in 29.09 and Adrian Kearns 28th in 29.13.

Andy Johnson was 44th in 31.16 and Chris Dupain 79th in 33.51.

Next, after another great run, came first v65 and 81st overall, John Perratt, in 33.56. But in a month’s time, John will be a v70 – what an athlete! Ray Elston was 2nd v65 and 91st overall in 34.21. Ted Bloomfield, progressing steadily in his return to racing, was 3rd v60 and 105th overall in 34.53 (His first race in a Harrier's Vest).

Nigel and Emma Dupain were 138th and 139th, both in 36.27. Jim Wyatt was 5th v60 and 145th overall in 36.36. Ian MacDonald was 251st in 42.02.

Race director Bob Keast welcomed everyone to the awards ceremony, thanking Fulfords for sponsoring the event for the 4th year running, and GWR for the link up which had helped to increase the numbers considerably.

He also thanked the Exmouth Harriers involved in marshalling, timekeeping, finish line and results team activities, who had made his job as race director easy. But he was particularly grateful to the Exmouth Sea Cadets and Air Cadets who stepped in at the last minute when the Exeter Cadets pulled out a week before the event.

Altogether, the Fulfords’ representative presented 43 individual trophies to 24 male and 19 female athletes. He also presented trophies to 4 male and 4 female club teams, plus 2 unattached teams.

The men’s team awards were won by Exeter Harriers with 2nd place going to the Exmouth Harriers’ team of Dave Stone, Joe Pascoe, Steve Hockings-Thompson and Adrian Kearns.

Exmouth Harriers also took the 2nd vet men’s team awards with Steve Hockings-Thompson, Andy Johnson, John Perratt and Ray Elston.

The awards for the unattached teams went to Michelmores and Stephens and Scown.

Postscript
Five days after knee surgery last Tuesday, Roger Rowe walked the Fulford 5 course in 1:09:20. His recovery from the arthroscopy seems to be progressing rather quicker than expected, and he hopes to actually run within 10 days of the operation, and race again before Easter.

(LT & RR)

28th January races...

Twelve Exmouth Harriers took part in the Broadclyst Bimble, a thirteen mile cross country race, and did really well to achieve four of the first six places. The course was reasonably good this year and drier than usual and 160 runners completed the race.

The winner was Andrew Chambers of Exeter Harriers in 1.21.46, just 21 seconds ahead of Tony Hatchard, the first Exmouth Harrier to finish after an outstanding performance.

Dave Stone was 4th in 1.31.59, with Hugh Marsden 5th after an excellent run in 1.32.25. Shaun Lock was 6th in 1.33.08.

Joe Pascoe came 13th in 1.36.51 and Adrian Kearns 25th in 1.43.57. Paul Champion was 43rd in 1.49.07 and Tim Gent 52nd in 1.54.03.

Both the Exmouth ladies had good runs with Stef French 95th in 2.08.41 and Dawn Teed 100th in 2.10.12.

Diccon Haynes came 104th in 2.11.41 and Trevor Cope 145th in 2.34.24.

The South West Veterans Cross Country Championships were also held on Sunday, at Pinn Farm close to High Peak. The 8 K race was won by Mike Feighan of Exeter Harriers in 30.39.

The 6 K v65 race was won by Chris Barretto of South West Vets A C in 27.58. Two Exmouth Harriers, Ray Elston and John Perratt, took part. Ray had a superb race for 2nd v65 in 30.10 and John was 3rd v65 in 31.15.

(LT)

Last weekend's races

Last week, three Exmouth Harriers took part in the South West Cross Country Championships which were held at Bicton College. The race was won by Rob Whalley of Bristol & West A C in 22.19.

Tony Hatchard was the first Exmouth Harrier to finish and came 30th in 25.17. Jimmy Zaple was 79th in 28.44 and Lee Russell came 115th in 35.24.

This week’s events included the 4th race in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League which was held at Bideford. The 44 runners in the women’s race included two Exmouth Harriers. Cathy Newman ran superbly for 3rd place and Dawn Teed was 29th.

Cathy is one of Exmouth’s most gifted athletes and still holds the course records for the Taunton marathon and half marathon which she set as far back as 1985 and 1989, respectively. On 18th February, she will be representing Devon in the Peninsular Challenge which is incorporated in the Plymouth Hoe '10'. In May, she will be representing Great Britain in the 10k in the European Non-stadia Championships in Regensburg, Germany. We wish her well for both events.

Nine Harriers were among the 94 runners who completed the men’s cross country at Bideford. Dave Stone ran well for 14th and Joe Pascoe was 23rd. Hugh Marsden was 25th and Shaun Lock 29th. Andy Johnson came 39th, Bob Keast 67th and Ray Elston 74th. Jim Wyatt was 86th and Les Turner 92nd.

Oh My Obelisk! is a 10 mile multi terrain race from Dawlish Leisure Centre to the Obelisk monument in Haldon Forest and back, mostly on green lanes, forest tracks and country lanes.

The race was won by Mark Cowen of Exeter Harriers in 1.06.14. There were 350 finishers including three Exmouth Harriers. Paul Champion was 66th in 1.23.29. Diccon Haynes was 180th in 1.36.21 and Sue Wilkin came 287th in 1.52.00.

Last Chance 10k - New Year's Eve

[The start, and Cathy Newman being squashed]

[Cathy in flowing form]

Nine Exmouth Harriers were among the 497 runners who completed the Last Chance 10K at Haven Banks, Exeter on the 31st December.

Just before the start, a short, sharp shower and blustery wind threatened to make life difficult for the runners. However, conditions eased, and were much less unpleasant while the race was in progress, although the strong southerly wind meant running the whole distance with a strong crosswind.

The winner was Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C, who amazed everyone by running a new record time of 30:31. Exmouth’s Cathy Newman ran superbly for 3rd lady and 19th overall in 36:36; a class effort on a difficult day. Adrian Kearns was 28th in 37:32 a few seconds outside his all-time PB.

Roger Rowe, after a troublesome achillies problem and under instructions from his coach to run two minutes slower than his current potential, was still able to come home in 1st place in the Vet 60 category in 39:44. Aiming to run 4-minute-kilometers, he finished 48th overall and several minutes ahead of the next runner in his category.

Hannah Dupain was 72nd in 41:50. John Perratt produced another great performance for 1st Vet 65 and 96th overall in 43:10. John turns 70 in March '07 and will be a real handful for his contemporaries in the Vet 70 division.

Emma and Nigel Dupain were 159th and 160th in 46:31 and 46:37, respectively.

Jim Wyatt ran well to come 216th in 49:46, a long way ahead of Les Turner who was 279th in 53:22.

(LT)

The Wellington Monument 10k

The Wellington Monument 10 K road race was won by Luke Scott of Taunton A C in 36.27. 164 runners completed the race including five Exmouth Harriers.

Hugh Marsden was 8th overall and 4th vet 40 in 38.12,
Andy Kennedy came 19th in 41.39,
Andy Johnson was 32nd in 42.42.

John Perratt ran very strongly for 55th overall and 1st vet 60 in 45.16.

Another fine performance gave Jenny Reay 62nd overall and 3rd lady vet 45 in 46.05.

(LT)

Club Christmas Dinner & Awards

Last Saturday, the Harriers held their Christmas Dinner and disco at the Manor Hotel. After the meal, chairman Bob Keast thanked everyone for coming, before moving on to the presentation of the awards to the male and female athletes of the year. Everyone in the club can vote for these awards, so they are valued very highly by the recipients.

Female athlete of the year, Dawn Teed, has been fantastic, achieving personal best performances at all her major racing distances. First she ran the Teignbridge Ten (miles) in 1.18. Then she completed her first ever marathon, the London, in 3.35, a performance which exceeded all expectations. On to the Plymouth Half Marathon in 1.40 and the Battle of Sedgemoor 10 K in 45.55.

Shaun Lock was the male athlete of the year. At every race, his times were two to three minutes quicker than before, making this his best year ever. In the Dalwood Three Hills Challenge, a ten mile off road race, he was 3rd out of 145 finishers. Next came his best race of the year, the infamous Grizzly and 12th place out of the 1528 who completed the gruelling 19 miles off road course. Then he was 21st out of the 2130 runners who finished the Great West Run half marathon. He ran several other races after this and performed consistently well throughout the year.

Club president Roland Young presented the President’s award to Nicky Crook. Many years ago, Nicky ran with the juniors, but then stopped and became a non-running member of the club. Nicky started helping dad Phil marshalling and timekeeping at most of the races held by the club. When she was sixteen, she assisted with the timekeeping for the Exmouth Half Marathon.

About three years ago, she started running with the seniors, but only competed in small events when extra runners were needed for relay and other teams. Prior to the last London Marathon, which Nicky completed very successfully, she had not raced more than about three miles. To jump from three to 26.2 miles was a magnificent achievement!

The president congratulated the chairman on his excellent management of the club. He also showed his appreciation for everyone who assisted the chairman, because without all this support the job would be impossible.

Special guest Pete Ferlie, of Ironbridge Runner, was thanked for sponsoring the Bicton Blister for the last three years. Both Jon Croome and Dave Stone gave exceptional solo performances on the dance floor later in the evening!

Other news
Paul Champion found out at short notice that he had to complete a qualifying event of at least 50 miles before submitting his entry in January for next August’s Tour du Mont-Blanc ultra marathon.

This meant running a race longer than his current total weekly mileage. His choice, the 50 mile Rowbotham’s Round Rotherham, an off road trail race following part of the Trans-Pennine Way, with strip maps to navigate the circular route of the outskirts of Rotherham.

Previous heavy rain left the tracks very muddy, but on the day the weather was perfect with a hard frost at the start at 7.30 am. Paul settled into an easy pace. After around 20 miles he started running with a marine from Poole, which was a great help to them both mentally. The lack of training started to tell at around 30 miles. A hard five miles followed, but things picked up after food and a cup of tea at the next check point.

Three miles from home, they increased the pace and overtook the two runners in front of them with a mile to go. Paul and the marine finished 52nd equal out of 176, in 9 hours 54 mins. The winner Jez Bragg took 6 hours 27 mins.

Paul would like to say a big thank you to Sue Wilkin who acted as back-up and managed to reach all seven check points before him.

Last Sunday, two Exmouth Harriers ran in the 9 ½ mile off road Torrington Christmas Caper. It was very muddy, with deep pools of water in places and very hilly. Jo Darwood completed the race in 1.21 and Dawn Teed in 1.24.

(LT)

Devon County AA Cross Country

On Sunday 3rd December, the Brooks Devon County Cross Country Championships based at the Exeter Arena produced some great encounters.

Exmouth’s Ray Elston followed up his success in the Bicton Blister and continued his best ever year by winning the vet 65 category of the Championships. In doing so, he finally achieved his ambition of beating arch rival but good friend and fellow Harrier John Perratt, also vet 65, for the first time ever. The two men were locked in an epic battle, running together, then exchanging the lead until the tiny margin of just two seconds separated them at the finish line, after a race they will always remember.

Jo Kelsey, Tavistock AC, won the women’s race in 21.43. Exmouth’s Cathy Newman ran superbly for 2nd vet 40 and 4th overall in 23.46. Hannah Dupain was 3rd senior lady and 6th overall in 24.51.

Joe Pascoe was 6th in the U20 men’s event in 34.44. The race was won by Patrick Hambly, Torbay AC, in 29.59. The senior men’s race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford AAC in 29.01. Tony Hatchard was again in great form, the first Exmouth Harrier to finish, 6th senior man and 7th overall, in 32.02.

Rich Selby was 2nd vet 55 and 44th overall in 37.38 after another excellent run. Andrew Johnson was 12th vet 40 and 56th overall in 40.02. Ray Elston and John Perratt were 1st and 2nd vet 65, and 65th and 66th overall, in 42.15 and 42.17, respectively. Jim Wyatt was 5th vet 60 and 80th overall in 46.26. Les Turner was 7th vet 60 and 84th overall in 50.17.

Bideford AAC won the men’s team event, Tavistock AC were second and Torbay AC were third.

The vet men’s team event was won by Bideford AAC, with Tavistock AC second and South West Road Runners third. Exmouth Harriers came eighth.

Tavistock AC won the women’s team event. Torbay AC were second and Erme Valley Harriers came third. The vet women’s team event was won by Erme Valley Harriers.

(LT)

The Bicton Blister 2006

26th November dawned cold and clear after a wild night of rain, thunder and hail. By 9:30am the sun was making it's presence felt -- and for the rest of the day we enjoyed typical clear and sunny autumn weather. The reason that many make the pilgrimage to the lower Otter Valley in late November was obvious for all to see. The Commons in particular were at their most scenic, although a bit treacherous in the muddy bits due to the amazing amount of rain we have had over the previous night (week... month)!

Andy Chambers overcame Anthony Hatchard in the end to finish the 'around' 11 mile course in a creditable 1:04:20 with Anthony just 27 seconds behind. Ultra-star Heather Foundling-Hawker finished 18th place overall, and 1st lady, in 1:12:33 giving Jon Croome and Joe Pascoe a bit of a shock I should think. What power Heather hides in that tiny frame.

The results may be obtained by 'clicking' the title above.

(RR)

Sunday, 19th November races

Exmouth Harriers took full advantage of the glorious weather on Sunday to compete in events in Devon, Cornwall and Wales.

Nine Harriers featured in the Templer Ten, a 10 mile multi terrain event on roads, fields and off-road paths around the beautiful Stover area of Teignbridge. Exmouth’s Anthony Hatchard ran superbly to win the race in 52 mins 51 secs. Their next senior man was Joe Pascoe, 10th overall in 56 mins 47 secs, followed by Hugh Marsden, 12th overall and 2nd vet 45 in 57 mins 5 secs, another outstanding performance. Two senior men followed, Shaun Lock in 17th place in 58 mins 44 secs and Paul Samways 27th in 1 hour 7 secs. An excellent run by Richard Selby in 1 hour 29 secs gave him 1st vet 55 and 28th overall. Andy Kennedy, vet 45, was 39th in 1 hour 2 mins 4 secs and senior man Duncan Parkes came 62nd in 1 hour 6 mins 23 secs. Denise Kennedy, lady vet 50, was 223rd in 1 hour 29 mins 53 secs. 269 runners finished the race.

Five Harriers took part in the Colyton 10 K road race held to raise money for Children in Need. The winner was David Kemp, Royal Navy A C, in 33 mins 3 secs. Exmouth’s Roger Rowe produced his fastest November time for years, 38 mins 15 secs, for 15th place overall and 1st vet 60. John Perratt also ran very well and was 54th overall and 2nd vet 65 in 42 mins 35 secs. Lee Russell was 75th overall and 12th vet 50 in 44 mins 46 secs and Les Turner, vet 60, was 149th in 53 mins 3 secs. Vet 55 Ian MacDonald came 189th in 56 mins 22 secs. There were 286 runners.

Another great performance and Dave Stone, the lone Exmouth Harrier in the Cornish Marathon at Pensilva, finished 2nd overall and 1st senior man in 2 hours 52 mins 52 secs. The race was won by Lazloe Boden, Witney Road Runners, in 2 hours 49 mins 27 secs. 184 runners completed the race.

Finally, Hannah and Nigel Dupain travelled 350 miles to accompany Emma, who is at Swansea University, in the 10 mile multi terrain race in woods, sand dunes and along the beach at Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli, near Swansea. Daniel Gurmin, Swansea Running Club, won in 56 mins 48 secs. Hannah was 4th senior lady in 1 hour 14 mins 21 secs. Emma came 12th senior lady in 1 hour 23 mins 59 secs, the same time as Nigel. 360 runners took part.

On Sunday, 26th November, Exmouth Harriers will be hosting the Bicton Blister, which starts at 11 am. The race involves 11 miles of paths and tracks on East Devon Common Land and starts and finishes at Bicton College. Postal entries are closed, but runners are still very welcome to enter on the day.

Colyton 10k [Click for full results]

Colyton on a cold, clear sunny morning. Fine once warmed through, but it does take a long while to get the legs up to 'operating' temperature!

Results:

Rog Rowe - (15th) 1st Vet/60 - 38:15
John Perratt - (54th) 1st Vet/65 - 42:35
Lee Russell - (75th) 12th Vet/50 - 44:46
Les Turner - (149th) 5th Vet/60 - 53:03
Ian MacDonald - (189th) 17th Vet/55 - 56:22

Drogo 10 (click for results)

Not received any information on how things went at the Drogo '10'... save from Andy (1:16:38). Here he is pushing for the finish line. You have all my sympathies Andy; once on 'that' course is enough for me...

Click on the tile above for the results
(via the Tamar Trotters web site)

Abingdon Marathon and Great South Run

Abingdon Marathon
Sunday 22nd October saw the running of the Abingdon Marathon, the weather proved to be kind for the 9am start coupled with a flat course through the Oxfordshire countryside allowed for some fast time. I was well pleased beating my PB by 12 minutes finishing 41st in 2:56:39.
(Adrian Kearns)

Great South Run
John Bryant, one of our new V60 members, in his first 10 miler for many years, ran 1:15:42 in Sunday's GSR.

John's Report:
The run's website comments on the weather conditions that it was not a day for setting records. Indeed, the winning men's time was 1min 20 outside the course record and Jo Pavey's winning time in the women's race was 1min 45 slower than the record (and the second woman was a full minute behind Jo).

However, to my own race: I decided, in view of the stage my training had reached and the virus I had had during the week, to aim for 75 minutes. At eight miles and feeling comfortable (although very wet!) I was still on schedule - and then we turned into the gale as we ran along the shoreline road ... I eventually did 75 minutes and 42 seconds (that's the official time) with all that extra 42 seconds occurring between eight and nine and a half miles ... I was in 985th place overall, out of the 18,000 entries.

So I still have a lot to do before I get my times down to what they should be - but that was probably a better run than at the Rushmoor Relays.
(John Bryant)

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th October

On Saturday 14th October the Harriers took 3 teams to Bridgewater for the Parrett Trail Relays which was ran over 6 legs with 6 runners in each team. The start was at 9.00am which meant an early start for the runners as they had to sign in at 8.30am for the first leg runners.

The Parrett Trail Relay started in Steart in Bridgewater and it finished in Winyards Gap in Dorset. The Exmouth Harriers took a Men's & Ladies & Mixed team but the Mixed had to have 3 ladies running in it. In total there was 24 teams running in the event hoping to win either the men's / ladies or the mix team prize and out of the 3 main prizes Exmouth Harriers home 2 of them the Men's and the Ladies and mixed team came home in 4th place.

In the Mens team in leg order Hugh Marsden 2nd (1.06.15), Jamie Palmer 1st (47.02), Jon Croome 3rd (1.01.00), Jim Pyne 4th (1.03.55), Tony Hatchard 5th (56.42), Shaun Lock 6th (1.02.51) . Their total time 5hr 57min 45sec and they were 16 minutes ahead of second place team.

In the Ladies team also winner their category was Hannah Dupain 1st (1.17.42), Sue Wilkin 2nd (1.09.00), Stef French 3rd (1.06.43), Lorraine Croome 4th (1.09.07), Emma Dupain 5th (1.16.20), Camilla Matheson 6th (1.14.21). Their total was 7hr 13min 13sec also they were 16 minutes ahead of second place team.

The Mixed team they just missed out of the top 3 teams by just 6 minutes to come home in 4th place. Julie Gellender 4th (1.19.14), Paul Champion 2nd (57.57), Phil Bater 2nd (1.06.04), Steve Merry 2nd (1.06.12), Dawn Teed 7th (1.16.30), Joe Pascoe 2nd (1.06.53) Their total time was 6hr 52min 50sec.

Also thank-you to Sue Price for all driving Sue did along the route and thanks to Camilla and Joe for stepping in at short notice.

On Sunday 3 Harriers went to North Devon for the North Devon 10k.

Ray Elston was the only category winner by finishing in 86th place & 1st vet 65 in a time of (45.29), Lee Russell was in 92nd place in (46.01), and Jim Wyatt came home in 117th place & 2nd vet 60 in (48.37).

(JB)

Honiton 12k - 8th October

Adrian Kearns - 46:29 (7th)
Roger Rowe - 47:57 (10th and 1st Vet/50 & 60)
Hannah Dupain - 51:34 (2nd Lady)
John Perratt - 53:50 (2nd Vet/60)
Ted Bloomfield - 54:26 (3rd Vet/60)*
Lee Russell - 56:14
Nigel Dupain - 57:30


* Great day, not too cold but a little windy. Ted B has just moved to East Devon and is hoping to join the Harriers in a few days, thus strengthening the V/60 squad still further.

(RR)

 

Westward League - 8th October (Redruth)

Click on the above title for race results.

(RR)
 

Exeter Winter 3k - Race 1 - 4th October

Roger Rowe 10:54
Andrew Johnson 10:59
Lee Russell 11:32
Nigel Dupain 12:01
John Perratt 12:24
Les Turner 14:52
Dave Eveleigh 16:38

Excellent night... cool with no wind, ideal conditions in fact. Roger and Andrew continue their duel, with Lee running rather quicker than he had felt capable. John was rather mismatched in the 'B' race (he would have been quicker IMHO in the 'C' race) tailing off rather. Nice to see Les and and Dave too. Dave I think has run more of these 3k races than any other club member, having been part of the organising team for ages too. A good night.

The next 3k 'on the track' race is on the 1st November... it is not too late to enter the series (of 4) as 3 out of 4 are to count towards the final positions.

(RR)

October Race Diary

04 EXETER WINTER 3K SERIES [EXETER ARENA]
08 DEVIOCK BOUNDER (10m) [SEATON, CORNWALL]
08 HONITON 12k
08 WESTWARD LEAGUE - REDRUTH
15 DARTMOOR VALE MARATHON, ½M & 10k [NEWTON ABBOT]
15 NORTH DEVON 10k [SOUTH MOLTON]
15 REDRUTH 10k
22 EXMOOR STAGGER (16m) [MINEHEAD]
22 EXMOOR STUMBLE (6m) [MINEHEAD]
22 GREAT SOUTH RUN [PORTSMOUTH]
29 CUCKOO WALTZ (7m) [St AGNES]
29 WESTWARD LEAGUE - St AUSTELL

SEAA Veteran Road Relays - Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot : 23rd September

The off... 

The tent at Rushmoor

Here John Bryant and I are chatting with Geoff Scott (Poole - Bronze last year) who's club did not manage a V60 team this year. 

Here are the boys...

SEAA Veterans Road Relays - V60 race
Saturday, 23rd September 2006

Rushmoor Arena in Aldershot was constructed in 1923 for Army Tattoos, and over the years has seen many thousands of folk congregating in its spacious setting. Over the past 20 years, in the early autumn of the year, it has been the venue for the South of England AA Road Relays. The role of honour of the event is long and distinguished, with medals in the past being won by British Olympic, European and Commonwealth athletes.

After a 4th place in the 2005 event, the Exmouth Harriers Vet/60 squad travelled to this year's event in anticipation of a hard-fought battle for the 2006 medals.

A hot (23.5 degrees) and very humid day in the Rushmoor bowl caused some furrowed brows... but heck, it's the same for everyone, although the times suffered as a result.

Roger Rowe was, as usual, running the first leg for the Harriers, and completed the two-lap, 6k course in 23:02 to finish in 1st place, 1 minute and 9 seconds clear of the second placed athlete in what turned out to be the 3rd fastest leg of the day. Handing over to Ray Elston.

Ray ran a storming leg in 26:26 to finish extending the Harriers lead to 1 minute and 20 seconds over eventual winners Oxford City AC.

New member John Bryant was the Harriers third leg runner, running his first race in the blue and gold. John has been out of the sport for some years after an illustrious Vet/40 & 50 career, but ran well to complete in 27:08 but dropping one place to hand over to anchor leg runner John Perratt some 2 minutes and 20 seconds adrift of Oxford City AC. The big 'mover' on this leg was Clive Rutland of Oxford who took over 3 minutes out of John in 6 kilometers!

John Perratt was as usual our 'anchor' athlete, but found the pressure from fast-finishing Hugh Arnold from Thames Hare and Hounds too hot to handle, so losing another place on his leg, but bringing the Harriers home in good heart in Bronze medal position well clear of Herts Phoenix AC in 4th place. Oxford's Gareth Jones running the fastest leg of the day bringing Oxford home in first place.

Final Results and Positions:
Gold - Oxford United 1:37:04
Silver - Thames Hare & Hounds 1:41:15
Bronze - Little old Exmouth Harriers, up against all these 'big guns' 1:42:25

Harriers Leg Times:
1st leg - Rog Rowe 23:02
2nd leg - Ray Elston 26:26
3rd Leg - John Bryant 27:08
Anchor - John Perratt 25:49

Fastest Individual Times:
Gold - Gareth Jones (Oxford United) 22:48
Silver - Hugh Arnold (Thames Hare & Hounds) 22:53
Bronze - Rog Rowe (Exmouth Harriers) 23:02

Gareth also won the BMAF 10k in Swansea the day after the Rushmoor relays - a notable double.

It was really great too, to have Jim Wyatt in attendance acting as reserve, team manager and chief supporter! Thanks Jim...

Roger R.

Yeovilton 5k - 13th Sept

Just back from the final race in this year's series. Big field, of pretty good quality. Very dark and dank with rain and humidity.

I ran 18:46 (6:02pace) for 1st Vet/60 - 85.20%

Now for 10 days rest before the Vet's relays at Aldershot.

(Roger R)

Race Reports - 10 Sept

ON Sunday September 10th 2 harriers travelled to Ivybridge for the Ivybrige Beacon Challenge an 7.5 mile Multi-Terrain race which took the runners through some tough terrain and also a small river crossing. Dave Stone racing his first race since the Great West run came home in 5th place overall and 3rd senior man in a time of (54.55), and also taken part was Jim Wyatt who came home in 55th place in a time of ( 1.13.31). There were a total of 109 finishers... the winner, Russell Quew of Plymouth Harriers in (51.01).

Also on the same day 7 Harriers travelled to Seaton for the Seaton Half Marathon and the Incorportating of the Devon Half Marathon Championships. With a fast 2 lap course some the runners were hoping that their was a chance of personal best for the half.

First home for the Harriers was Steve Tancock who finished in 15th place overall and 2nd vet 50 in ( 1.26.24 ), Adrain Kearns came next in 17th place in ( 1.27.10 ), with Hannah Dupain in 65th place overall and 1st Senior Lady in ( 1.35.50 ).

Supervet John Perratt came home in 115th place,1st Vet 65 in ( 1.42.56 ), Emma Dupain came home in 181st place in ( 1.55.32 ), Nigel Dupain came next in 182nd place in ( 1.55.33 ),and completing

The Harriers line-up was completed by Trevor Cope who came home in 200th place in ( 1.59.18 ) .Their were a total of 278 finishers and the winner was Mike Feighan of Exeter Harriers in ( 1.16.02 ). In the Devon Half Marathon Championship Exmouth Harriers took home 2 gold and 1 silver medals for their hard work. They were Hannah Dupain who took home a gold medal for being the 1st senior lady, John Perratt also took home gold in the vet 65 age category and Steve Tancock took the silver medal in the vet 50 age category.

(Jon Bamsey)

Self Transcendence 5k - Edinburgh (6-Sep)

Phew... that's a mouthful. Andy Johnson and I ran the ST 5k in The Meadows in Edinburgh on Wednesday (6th) night. In my case after a 5 hour drive up to Scotland from Sheffield.

The results?

I finished in 19:03 (a personal worst, but still 1st V/60 with Andy just behind in 19:04). He'd have beaten me but for Mary yelling at me in the final 30 yards that he was closing fast. I was knackered... my splits say it all.... 5:50 - mile 1, 6:09 - mile 2, 6:20 - mile 3, with the odd 44 seconds for the final tenth. Felt SO weary come the end. Andy ran VERY even pace for the whole race.

Great fun anyway... especially as I was able to run up Arthur's Seat the day afterwards before returning to Sheffield yesterday.

Anyone else going to the Yeovilton 5k on Wednesday (7pm-ish start)?
I'll be there... travelling hopefully!

Bideford 10 - 3rd September

Steve Merry - M50 1:13:35
Dawn Teed - W40 1:19:26
Diccon Haynes - SM 1:24:20
 

Jurassic Coast 10k

4 Shaun Lock 38:30
6 Steve Hockings Thompson 39:18
10 Richard Selby 40:36
11 Stephen Tancock 40:47
52 Diccon Haynes 49:41
60 Jim Wyatt 50:34

Battle of Sedgemoor 10k

On Sunday the 27th August 2 Harriers travelled to Langport in Somerset for the Battle of Sedgemoor 10k Road Race. With a fast course many runners were hoping for some personal best times. Dawn Teed did just that by lowering her time to 45.55 which was a PB by 1 minute, finishing in 130th place. Phil Bater, who was pacing Dawn, did the same time.

South West Vets Open 5k Championship - 28th August 2006

Rog Rowe V60 Gold in 18:33 (86.20%)... 

... and John Perratt V65 Gold in 20:20 (85.62%) 

Torbay 10k - 20th August

36:42 PALMER, James Male 35-39
36:52 LOCK, Shaun Male 30-34
37:49 KEARNS, Adrian Male 35-39
39:03 ROWE, Roger Male Vet 60-64 1st Vet/60
40:25 JOHNSON, Andrew Male Vet 40-44
42:35 PERRATT, John Male Vet 65+ 1st Vet/65
45:20 RUSSELL, Lee Male Vet 50-54
49:33 WYATT, Jim Male Vet 60-64
 

Sarah & Oliver's Wedding...

Courseulles sur Mer is a lovely little French seaside town with typical old French houses and wonderful food...

We popped into the Info bureau and noticed that there was a running club and to contact Olivier - he has taken over the running club there - a lot of the guests were running club friends. Courseulles is twinned with Dartmouth and the club are coming over for the Dartmouth Regatta race - in Sep I think?

The wedding was lovely and Sarah's baby is a real sweetie. 

Manor 10k - Click for results

Adrian working down Rolle Street and looking good. 

Roger getting the better of Jimmy Z... first pass down Rolle Street. 

Steve T looking relaxed... 

Paul... like the shades (doesn't the sweat get in your eyes Paul?) 

Ray on the run in... 

Nigel and Jim down Rolle Street for the first time. 

Jim powers in... 

Les at the finish... 

The old men celebrate... Roger 1st Vet/60, Jim 2nd Vet/60 and Ray 1st Vet/65. Les had a bit of a difficult day, but held on gamely to the end.