Tywyn Race the Train

Hugh Marsden beat the train in the Tywyn “Race the Train”, a tough multi terrain event of about fifteen miles which takes place alongside the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this it uses a mixture of public roads, lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. The route crosses the face of the hillsides, ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. The terrain varies all the time and was very wet and muddy in places, also involving some steep hills. Often, if runners coincided with the train, their families and friends on the train could shout encouragement to them. About 700 runners completed the race and Hugh ran superbly, coming 2nd V45 and 23rd overall in 1:39:55.

(LT)

Sidmouth Festival 10k

Six Exmouth Harriers took part in the Sidmouth Festival 10K Multi Terrain Race which was won by Mark Cowan of Exeter Harriers in 40:19. Dave Stone led the Exmouth runners home, after an outstanding race, coming 2nd out of the field of 224 finishers, in 41:44. Richard Selby, also in top form, was 15th in 46:28, but 5th on an age graded basis. Andy Kennedy came 47th in 50:47, followed by Ray Elston who was 74th in 53:14, after another excellent race. Emma Dupain was 105th in 55:47, with Jim Wyatt 124th in 57:32.

(LT)

Yeovilton 5k - Race 5 - 9th August

It's deja vu all over again.

Nice to do a race with one's training partner (well on and off training partner)... even though I felt like I was on a hiding to nothing. Warming up Andrew (Johnson) asked what my 'acceptable' time would be, and I said, "Anything faster than last time".

Nice to see Heather F-H at the start. First time she had run the 5k. She asked me not to tell her coach! She is running scared at the moment with the weight of expectation on her. As a (now) previous 100k world champion, everyone expects her to be 'amazing' every time she runs. I gave her some advice (as always)... "... forget it Heather, just run and enjoy the surroundings".

Off at 7:15-ish with the frontrunners going off at what looked like 5 minute pace (it was more or less). I changed my racing flats for training shoes a few minutes before the off... my achilles and right knee complaining again in the flats. And I kept the knee bandage in place.

I decided too to avoid going off too fast, I would track AJ for a while and see what transpired. (Must admit in the first K I wanted to go off with an older lad who looked like he was my age (he wasn't). Felt AJ getting a bit annoyed with my presence, but stayed behind through 1, 2 and 3k... running at around 3:45 k pace. I was planning in my mind when to 'push on', but AJ simply went away between 3k and the end. I lost around 20 seconds in the 4th K and 25 seconds in the last. AND I was trying.

Finished in a new PW of 19:28 (6:16pace) with AJ on 18:45 (6:02pace), so it's easy to see what I lost in 2k. My percentage worked out at 82.96% (they got it wrong), with AJ on 73.47%.

Poor Heather was even further off the pace than I with 18:25, when she was expecting something in the 16s.

Back to the drawing board... what is wrong with me, two PWs in a week.

Roger R.

Last weekend's races...

Paul Champion continued his Mont-Blanc training by taking part in the Downland 30 Ultra Challenge. This is a 30 mile trail race organised by Haywards Heath Harriers on the undulating South Downs Way.

Heavy overnight wind & rain gave way to almost perfect running conditions by the start of the race. 120 starters faced a steep climb at the beginning to the Jack & Jill Windmills at Clayton to join the SDW trail. The route then followed the SDW for 15 miles on an out and back course with stunning views on both sides. One of the hardest parts came just after the turnaround point with a three mile uphill section to test the tired legs. Paul finished strongly managing to claw back places he had dropped earlier in the race to finish 27th overall in a time of 4 hours 41 minutes.

John Perratt produced two more gold medal performances in the British Masters Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Running for South West Vets, he won the V70 5,000m in 20:38 and the V70 10,000m in 42:30. Well done, again, John!!

Finally, the Totnes 10k continues to be very popular with Exmouth Harriers, who had 15 runners competing. The multi terrain race is held at a very attractive location, part of it alongside the River Dart. This year it was run in blistering heat, but the ground conditions varied from very hard to very soft as a result of the recent rainfall.

The first Harrier home, after an excellent performance, was Hugh Marsden, 13th overall and 1st V45 in 41:05. Next came the performance of the day from Cathy Newman, who ran brilliantly yet again, and came 17th overall, 1st lady overall and 1st LV45 in 41:34, a new course record for her category and the only course record in this year’s race. Well done, Cathy!!

Andy Kennedy ran very well for 42nd overall and 2nd V50 in 44:22. Richard Selby was also in good form, coming 45th in 44:34. Duncan Linklater came 85th in 48:51, followed by John Perratt who was 1st V65 and 86th overall in 48:59.

Bob Woodall fell, but got up, carried on and did well to finish the race in 91st place in 49:22. Chris Dupain came 99th in 49:58 and Ray Elston was 115th overall and 2nd V65 in 50:46, after another good performance.

Emma Dupain came 136th in 52:08, with Ben White 160th in 53:17. Nigel Dupain was 169th in 53:52 and Dawn Teed came 196th in 55:44. Denise Kennedy was 328th in 1:05:43 and Ian Macdonald came 388th in 1:10:59. There were 423 finishers and the race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners & A C in 35:46.

Pewsey Vale 5 - 1st August

Mmmmm. With a light heart drove the 2 hours to Pewsey with Mary, looking forward to a race at which I had performed well in the past. Lovely easy journey up the A303 to Stonehenge and then up the Avon valley to Pewsey.

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Excellent entry for a midweek race, and spent some time warming up with Gordon Wiltshire, now 71, whose V60 times I have been trying to emulate for the last 3 years. Every inch an athlete, Gordon is looking forward to his confrontation with John Perratt in the SW Vets 5k Championship at the end of the month. That should be a race to see (Yeovilton at Noon on Bank Holiday Monday).

Set off in good heart, but found the going very tough up out of the town... the first mile seemingly going on and on. It arrived in the end, but I was horrified to see 6:35 on my watch. Grief, what's wrong with me? And so it continued. I was running at absolute maximum, pushing at every opportunity, and finding lead in my legs.

OK, it was hot and humid, butI felt like a veritable snail. By the time I arrived back at the start/finish I was all in, and glad to stop. The time? 32:56, an all time personal worst for 5 miles.

Jogged around for a while until the first sheet of results were posted. The winner only ran 29:02 on a course that usually returns a 26-minute winner, and I had won the V60s by over 5 minutes from the aformentioned Gordon W. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. No one was within minutes of any of the (carefully calculated and displayed) course records although some very decent athletes were there.

Write it down to experience I guess... I hope the Yeovilton 5k next Wednesday returns a rather more encouraging result!

(RR)

Doug Anderson Memorial 5k, Bedford Park, Bedford

25 July 2007, 7:30 p.m.

31:24 MARVIN, Mandy Exmouth Harriers LV35 (last race before I 'graduate' to the next vet rank, I imagine!) 229 of a field of 251 finishers.

Total rubbish I was! I didn't even make10-minute/mile pace, and I know I'm capable of better than that. There was a bit of a head-wind and it wasalso overcast and a bit close, but not enough to really throw one off. Guess it was just atired-after-work, lagging lead-legs day. I didn't exactly cover the club with glory, but it WAS very nice to run in Exmouth Harriers colours again. ‘You’ve travelled a long way!’ said a few marshals. ('No, it only took me that long', I thought.)

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The kit occasioned a few conversations, as well, including one with the chip-time result man, who told me that he enjoyed one of the most 'spiritually uplifting' run she's ever had on the South Coast Path stretch from Exmouth towards Beer, about 12 years ago. And another man (the one who won the V60 category) told me, in admiring tones, that he keeps an eye on John Perratt's times.

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Finding my RfL result in your last race report gave me a good laugh, Les! I could tell the bush telegraph had been busy. By the way, it was confirmed by others on Wednesday night that the RfL course was short, which explains my actually really good time (for me!)of the 28:05. Also explains why I had a 6-something time over one of the Ks and 4-something the next!

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Take care... Mandy

Portaferry 10

Whilst on holiday in Northern Ireland, Andy Johnson took part in the Portaferry 10 Mile Road Race, which is run as part of the town’s gala week. The race was held on a very attractive rural route along the coast and the first nine miles were fairly flat, with the last mile mainly downhill. Andy came 35th in 1:06:00 out of the 281 finishers, and the race was won by Deane Fisher of Willowfield in 53:56.

Chudleigh Carnival 6

Four Exmouth Harriers took part in the Chudleigh Carnival 6 Mile road race which was won by Andrew Chambers of Exeter Harriers in 30:39. Adrian Kearns was 21st in 35:43, with Richard Selby 25th in 36:51. Andy Kennedy came 29th in 37:28 and Mark Thompson was 62nd in 41:18. 180 runners completed the race.

Race for Life - Bedford (22nd July)

Mandy Marvin writes:

"The Race for Life went well -- we've been blessed with good, brightweather today! 28:05, so I was fairly pleased withthat. Another one on Wednesday evening, actually (one that's organised by Bedford Harriers), so I shall have to see if Wednesday-me can beat Sunday-me!

(MM)

Yeovilton 5k - 11th July

Nice trip to Yeovilton for 'round 4' of the 5k series on what is probably the fastest 5k course in the country. Much to my surprise within a few minutes of my arrival Cathy Newman arrived with husband Pete; shortly followed by Lee, Darren and Jimmy from Exmouth. All professing their unfitness for the race (of course). It was rather humid, so the times were a bit slower than the previous races (judged by the V60 results).

Results:
Cathy Newman - 17:33 - 2nd lady (1st LV/45)
Darren Bradley - 18:03 [Darren and Jimmy running for
Jim Zaple - 18:08 [Cambuslang & Herne Hill respectively]
Roger Rowe - 19:06 (1st V/60)
Lee Russell - 21:05

Cathy's result equates with a WAVA percentage of over 89%

Othe Weekend Races

The Haytor Heller, a tough 6 mile cross country race, was won by Neil Holmes of Erme Valley Harriers in 42:12. The field of 158 runners included three Exmouth Harriers, with Shaun Lock the first to finish after an excellent race, in 8th place in 47:15. Duncan Linklater also ran very well to come 60th in 57:07 and Jim Wyatt continued his fine season with 1st V60 and 97th overall in 1:04:29.

Although it rained throughout the Wellington 10 Mile race on undulating country lanes, Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone had good reason to be pleased with his result, which was 3 ½ minutes quicker than the last time. The race was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 55:24 and Dave came 5th in 58:46. There were 253 finishers.

(RR)

Erme Valley Relays - Friday 6th July

Exmouth Harriers were represented by four teams in the 4 x 2.5 mile Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge.

The mens V50 team, Andy Kennedy (15:42), Phillip Quick (16:37), Bob Woodall (16:57) and Steve Merry (17:02) were 3rd in their category in 66:18.

The V60’s, John Perratt (16:33), Jim Wyatt (18:14), Ray Elston (17:17) and Roger Rowe (15:51) won their category convincingly in 67:55, beating their nearest rivals, Tamar Trotters, by 6 ½ minutes.

The ladies team, Emma Dupain (17:07), Ria Taylor (21:28), Jo Darwood (17:46) and Julie Gellender (16:32) completed the race in 72:53.

Exmouth’s mixed team, Nigel Dupain (17:49), Les Turner (20:26), Sammie Merry (26:09) and Les Turner (22:18) finished in 86:42.

(LT)

Steve's perambulations (!)

A brilliant performance enabled Harrier Steve Hockings-Thomson to win the Plymouth Standard Distance Triathlon. 89 triathletes completed the race, which consisted of a 1,500m open water swim in front of the Mount Batten Centre (great for spectators!), a 40km cycle around the South Hams, then a challenging 10km run that took in the climb of "Murder Hill" and the coastal road to Bovisand and Jennycliff.

Steve, a vet 40-45, came 9th in the swim section in 24:25, 4th in the bike in 1:14:04, and 2nd in the run in 47:32, giving him an overall time of 2:26:01 which was 37 seconds quicker than the first of his younger rivals, 2nd placed Keith Elliot.

(LT)

John Perratt... again!

John Perratt is the new British Masters 5k road champion in the over 70s age group. John clocked 20mins 15secs at Horwich to beat Folkestone Running Club’s Ed Simpson by 54 seconds.

(RR)

Ironbridge Runner

Ironbridge Runner has moved from its former premises further up North Street, quite close to the junction with High Street & Fore Street. The new shop is very spacious, and once again Peter is able to display all his stock in one place. Both of the previous shops are now closed… but the Startline Clinic is remaining just up from the old shop in the shadow of the Ironbridge itself.

Pop in and have a look around… and wish Peter all the best with his new venture.

Roger R.

Torbay Half Marathon - Sunday 24th June

TOBY Lambert retained his Torbay half marathon title after a tough battle with local favourite Kairn Stone. The pair, plus Carl Morris of Wells City harriers, soon pulled clear of the 1,000-strong field and at the end of the first lap had opened a good lead. By eight miles Morris had dropped off the pace leaving Stone, who is now based in Plymouth and defending champion Lambert to fight it out or top spot.

“Toby said he pushed ahead at 12 miles and opened a gap on Kairn which he held until the finish,” said race organiser David Hyde. The Winchester runner, who was visiting relatives in the area, crossed the line in virtually the same time as twelve months ago with Stone 13 seconds adrift in second and Morris a further minute back in third.

Cirencester AC international Wendy Jones easily retained her title finishing almost two minutes ahead of Bristol & West AC runner Claire Willer. Honiton Running Club’s ultra distance international Heather Foundling-Hawker was third.

"We were very pleased with the way the event went and it was a really good day,” added Hyde. “I think we had 1,050 finishers which was a little down on last year’s 1,100 so that is something we will look at.”

Harriers results:

13th 1:16:40 Dave STONE
31st 1:21:59 Shaun LOCK
74th 1:26:52 Adrian KEARNS

(RR)

SW Vets T&F Champs - 17th June

There was only one Exmouth Harrier at the South West Veterans A C Track & Field Championships at Exeter Arena this year – but what an athlete!!

John Perratt, competing in these Championships for the first time as a V70, contested three events and came away with three gold medals – you can’t do better than that! Well, actually, John thought that he could have done better, because he only broke the Championship age group records for the 5,000m (20:38.5) and the 1,500m (5:48.9). In the 800m his 2:51.8 fell just short of the record which stands at 2:51.3.

He claimed that he was feeling a bit tired by that stage, but really, it’s just not good enough!

A modest and slightly embarrassed John also claimed that “unfortunately there is not much opposition in the Over 70 age group” – not really very surprising when a 70 year old is producing performances like that.

Well done John, brilliant - you’re still a great inspiration to us!!

(LT)

Bampton 10k - Devon 10k Champs [16th June]

[Image? Hugh in the Falklands Marathon]

11 HUGH MARSDEN 36:46 MV45
29 ADRIAN KEARNS 39:45 SM
35 ANDREW JOHNSON 40:18 MV40
78 RAY ELSTON 45:09 MV60 - 2nd V/60
86 EMMA DUPAIN 46:35 SL
114 JIM WYATT 49:45 MV60
124 DAWN TEED 51:25 LV40

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A TERRIFIC three-man duel ended in victory for Exeter Harrier’s Andrew Chambers in the Bampton 10k road race. Chambers, Torbay’s Peter Monaghan and Pete Hockin were locked together as they entered the final quarter of a mile but the two veterans had no answer to the Exeter runner as he surged clear to win by six seconds. “It was a cracking race,” purred race organiser Ian Buchanan. As well as claiming first prize Chambers was also crowned Devon champion with Honiton Running Club’s Heather Foundling-Hawker the women’s champion. “It was great to have the county championships in what is a small village event and we were delighted that we had a record turn-out of 204 finishers,” added Buchanan. “We were really pleased with the way it went.”

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Foundling-Hawker dominated the women’s race to finish almost two minutes clear of Emma Hitchins, of South West Road Runners, with Vicky Skelton third.

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Results - men: 1 Andrew Chambers Exe) 33:58; 2 Peter Monaghan (Torbay, M40) 34:04; 3 Pete Hockin (Bide, M45) 34:27; 4 Pete Belcher (Royal Marines) 35:7; 5 Zac Warwick (SDAC, U20) 35:45; 6 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M45) 35:55; 7 Ross Shaddick (Tavi) 36:14; 8 Tony Symons (Tavi, M45) 36:37; 9 Simon Edney Bide, M45) 36:39; 10 Dave Severn (unatt) 36:40.

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Results - Women: 1 Heather Foundling-Hawker (Honiton, W40) 39:16; 2 Emma Hitchins (SWRR, W35) 41:12; 3 Vicky Skelton (NDRR, W35) 41:29; 4 Kathleen Sincock (SWRR, W40) 41:39

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(RR)

Of Talaton & Dawlish

[Talaton from the air]

Five Exmouth Harriers competed in the Talaton Trotter, a 6 ½ mile multi terrain race which was won by Gary Perratt of Axe Valley Runners in 41:47. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Jon Croome, who came 9th in 45:32, after an excellent race. Andy Johnson was 12th in 48:36, with Tim Gent 25th in 52:25. Lorraine Croome came 40th in 55:58, with Nigel Dupain 45th in 56:37. 109 runners completed the race.

Finally, an outstanding performance at the 4 mile Dawlish Coastal Dash saw Harrier Shaun Lock achieve 5th place out of 132 runners in 23:20.

(LT)

Tuesday, 5th June

FORMER British international Dave Buzza led a Cornwall AC clean sweep in the Cubert 5 miles road race, near Newquay, last night. With Danny Simons away on a school camp the way was left clear for Buzza, his coach, to dominate the race as he finished over a minute clear of Ronnie James to win in a time of 25mins 51secs, one of the fastest times by a veteran this year. Chris Harry, an over 45 veteran, was third.

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Just two days after winning the Exmouth 10k Cathy Newman made the trip down from East Devon to claim another victory. The Exmouth Harrier proved too strong for Cornwall AC’s Jo Friday as she raced to victory in a time of 29:15, again one of the fastest veteran times of the year so far over what is a fast course.

(RR)

Manor Hotel 10k - 3rd June

On Sunday, Exmouth Harriers hosted their second road race this year, the Manor Hotel 10K. There were 200 runners and the race was won by Andrew Chambers of Exeter Harriers in 33:38. Several Harriers were involved in the administration of the race and eleven competed.

The first Exmouth athlete to finish was Cathy Newman, fresh from her triumphs in the European Championships in Regensberg, Germany. Cathy was 13th overall, 1st senior lady and 1st FV45 in 37:27 after another brilliant run, but her age graded performance of 86.91% was the best in the race.

Adrian Kearns was 20th in 38:47, and Andy Kennedy 26th in 39:11. Roger Rowe was 1st V60 and 29th overall in 39:18 and his age graded performance of 85% was the second best performance of the day.

Duncan Parkes came 60th in 43:45. Ray Elston was 62nd overall and 1st V65 after another superb run in 43:50, followed by Mark Thompson, 64th in 44:29. Neil Ferreday was 73rd in 45:40.

Jon Bamsey thought he would never be able to race again, but 17 months after what he thought was definitely his last race, he came 77th in 46:17. Well done Jon, Exmouth’s athlete of the day!

Jim Wyatt was 91st overall and 2nd V60 with another excellent performance in 48:06. Denise Kennedy was 155th in 55:38.

Altogether there were 47 prize winners in 17 individual categories ranging from Junior (15 to 17 years) to 70 plus. On top of this were the eight team awards.

Congratulations to race director Bob Keast for another successful, well run event. Bob would like to thank his team of helpers, including the marshalling, etc. by Exmouth Sea Cadets, Exmouth Air Cadets, Exmouth St John Ambulance and the Police, assisted by several Harriers not running on the day. Also, Harriers Roland Young for setting up the course, Hugh Marsden and Dave Stone who set up the start and finish, Dawn Teed and her timekeeping team, Steve Merry and the results team, and Nigel Dupain who drove the lead car. Thanks to Exmouth Lifeboat Station for manning the drink station, to the Manor Hotel for the use of their facilities and to Kings Garden & Leisure Ltd. for allowing Dave Stone to use their works van for transporting the start and finish banners, finish funnel, etc, to and from the race.

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(LT)

Full results on:

http://www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk/manor07/rptResult.html