Weekend races and a photo for Steve, Phil, Ray...

The BBC Children in Need Colyton Fiver, which used to be a 10K race but has now been changed to 5 miles, was held on Sunday, 23rd November. The winner was Wayne Stephens of Bideford AAC in 27:32 and 148 runners completed the race. Exmouth Harriers normally have several runners at this event, but on this occasion Lee Russell was their sole representative and was 54th in 37:59.

On Sunday 30th November, the Harriers will be hosting the Bicton Blister, supported by Ironbridge Runner with Helly Hanson. The charity we have chosen to support is the Devon Air Ambulance. There are two important changes regarding this year’s event. First, the venue is Bicton Arena, not Bicton College. Second, as well as the main 11-mile Bicton Blister, there will also be a shorter “Blister Lite” race of approximately 5 miles.

Entry for the Bicton Blister costs £10 attached / £12 unattached, and for the Blister Lite £7 attached / £9 unattached, and both events cost £2 extra for entries on the day.

All members of the Club who are not racing themselves and can help out at the event are requested to contact Roland Young (01395 278455) in advance.

Exmouth Station from the signal box at the other end of the platforms. A very early photograph judged by the height of the chimney on the engine.

The viaduct being destroyed

... and to finish my viaduct postings, here is the whole thing being flattened in the early 1970s. Might have taken ages to build, but it didn't take long to destroy!

AGM & Race Reports

Exmouth Harriers held its Annual General Meeting at Exmouth Sports Centre on Friday, 14th November, in the absence of Chairman Bob Keast, who was unable to attend, having only returned home from hospital the previous day, following his hip operation. All the Club wish him a very speedy recovery and his speech was read out by secretary Jon Bamsey.

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The races hosted by Exmouth Harriers in 2007/2008 started as always with the Bicton Blister, another well organised and well received race, sadly in many ways the last one at Bicton College. We have had a long association with the college, both through cross-country, South West Championships, Westward League and twice the Southern Area Championships, as well as the Bicton Blister.
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The Christmas party at the Manor Hotel was not well supported, but those that were there had a good time. The athlete of the year awards went to Cathy Newman and Ray Elston, with the Chairman's award going to Jan Moulton, who has now migrated south to Australia. She is the longest serving member of the Harriers, and missed by all. This year the party is returning to the Rugby Club, with Jon Bamsey leading the “catering crew”, thanks in advance Jon.
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2008 dawned bright with the Fulfords GWR 5 again being the jewel in the crown, with ever-increasing numbers, and support. The swapping of the start and finish proved a master stroke, allowing the start to clear the roundabout more quickly and the finish allowing a safer environment for the timekeepers and stewards.
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March saw our first ever race at Bicton Arena, the Westward League cross-country. We have for many years hosted the final race in the series, numbers are always down and this year was no exception. The course around the perimeter of the large field was designed by Paul Champion and Roland Young, and a great course it is. Hard yes, but “real cross-country”. We received a few complaints because it has the greatest distances across the Westward league, but more compliments on the location.
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June did not see the Manor Hotel 10k, which had become “just another 10k”. We have over the last couple of years also become increasingly concerned about traffic at this time of year, which prompted the earlier start. What about 2009? Devon Cliffs at Sandy Bay have confirmed their willingness to host a “beach race” on Sunday 7th June (low water is at 13:15), something a bit different!
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The summer flew by, perhaps because it never got started, and then we arrived at Saturday 11th October, which means only one thing in Exmouth Harriers Land, “the Parrett Trail relay”. Every year this event of 6 legs attracts Exmouth Harriers in numbers, this year we had 4 teams, and didn't we do well! 1st for the ladies, 2nd for the men, and 2nd and 4th for the mixed teams. 24 runners plus support crew, a great feat of organisation thanks to Dawn Teed, Steve Merry and Hugh Marsden.
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On 19th October Jenny Timms won the Dart Vale Marathon to become the Devon Marathon Champion, well done Jenny!
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November saw us back at Bicton Arena with the 2nd leg of the Westward league cross-country, greater numbers than last time, and some great races, but it was very cold. Thanks to all that helped on the day.
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The chairman said a big thank you to all the committee members who work so hard on behalf of everyone to keep the club running. He was particularly grateful to Pete Hutcheson and Penny Newton, who although no longer club members still help with timing at our races. Finally, he wished everyone a healthy year, and the achievement of all of their goals.
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Treasurer Paul Champion reported that the financial position of the Club remains healthy, with liquid assets showing a slight increase of around £500 over the year. Steve Merry was once again thanked for his work raising money for the Club through the bonus ball scheme. He was, however, concerned that the number of members participating and the amount of money raised were declining and he appealed for more members to support this activity.
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A proposal to increase the annual membership subscription (for competing athletes) to £28, but with a discount of £5 (to £23) for payment before 31st January 2009 was approved. In the past, members have been given a year to pay their subscriptions, but the fees for affiliation to England Athletics have to be paid in April, regardless of whether or not the members have paid the clubs. So earlier payment by members must be encouraged in order to save the Club money.
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It was agreed that the Club would continue its affiliation to the South of England Athletics Association.
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The management of the Club remains very stable, but Steve Merry, who has done so much to support the Club over the years, now becomes Ladies Team Manager as well as continuing as Membership Officer. Also, there are two welcome additions to the committee, Lorraine Slight and Jamie Pearson. So although only a small club with less than 100 members, Exmouth Harriers is now run by a committee that includes competing athletes with ages ranging from 17 to 65, a span of 48 years! And the Club can accommodate and would heartily welcome any new members who would like to add the benefits of organised coaching and team activities to their running.
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Terry Oldham put forward the idea of Exmouth Harriers hosting a relay race similar to the Parrett Trail Relays, but taking place along the East Devon Way. He suggested that it could finish with a lap of the Imperial Road running track and, possibly, include a social function at the Rugby Club, e.g. a BBQ. The idea was discussed and broadly welcomed, a further suggestion being that the route could be extended by taking in part of the South West Path and having a circular route starting and finishing at the Club.
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Race Reports
Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events was held at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 5th November and the winner was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:56. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:17, followed by Roger Rowe in 11:46. Hannah Dupain and Lee Russell both finished in 11:58, with John Perratt next in 12:15. Ray Elston came home in 12:29, 4 seconds ahead of Nigel Dupain in 12:33. Jim Wyatt finished in 13:24.
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The Tavy 7 (miles) Race at Tavistock on 9th November was won by Harry Wiltshire of Tavistock A C in 38:33. Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson was 50th in 47:02 and 630 runners completed the race.

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No fewer than 13 Exmouth Harriers competed in the Drogo 10 (miles) tough, hilly cross-country race that starts and finishes at Castle Drogo. It was a lovely day for a change, but very slippery in places. The winner of yet another race was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 1:00:32, beating the other 415 runners. Well done, Tom!
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There were also some excellent performances from Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsden, Pete McKeown and Hannah Dupain. Jamie was 20th in 1:08:49 with Hugh Marsen 22nd (and 3rd V45) in 1:09:02. Pete McEown was 43rd in 1:14:39, Adam Miller 50th in 1:15:57 and Hannah Dupain 112th in 1:24:04. Paul Champion was 124th in 1:25:42, Terry Oldham 204th in 1:34:04, Dawn Teed 243rd in 1:37:52 and Lorraine Slight 256th in 1:39:29. Nigel Dupain came 288th in 1:42:52, Lissie Lingard 293rd in 1:43:33, Kevin Lingard 296th in 1:44:05 and Sue Wilkin 328th in 1:50:47.

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Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone produced a superb performance in the tough Cornish Marathon, where he came 3rd in 2:57:20, just 11 seconds behind 2nd placed Andy Drake-Norris of Tamar Trotters. The winner was Shaun Milford of Newquay Road Runners in 2:45:22 and 213 runners completed the race.

For the train buffs...

Exmouth Station from the ticket barrier, taken in the early 1960s. The houses in Halsdon Road have, of course, hardly changed. Speaking for myself I'd rather look out on the station and railway than a grass bank, as they do now. But the original fence is still there in places.

Last weekend's events

The organisers of the Snowdonia Marathon are extremely proud of all those runners, supporters and staff who took part this year and braved the horrendous weather conditions (the worst in the 26 year history of the race with 60 m.p.h. winds, rain, hail, etc.) to produce a memorable event. The race was won by Martin Cox in 2:44:37 and the 1183 finishers included hardy Harrier Mark Thompson who came 265th in 3:49:42. Well done Mark, and all the other runners!

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Three Harriers took part in the Templer 10, a ten-mile multi terrain race on roads, tracks and fields incorporating the picturesque Stover Park. Paul Samways was 29th in 1:03:57, Adrian Kearns was 31st in 1:04:35 and Duncan Parkes was 59th in 1:11:29. The winner was John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 53:19 and 205 runners completed the race.

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The second of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at Bicton Arena, hosted by the Harriers. 125 runners completed the men’s event which was won by Tom Merson (from Exmouth) of South West Road Runners in 31:03. The first of the Harriers to finish was Hugh Marsden in 44th place in 36:11. Andy Kennedy was 91st in 42:52, just 5 seconds ahead of Bob Woodall, 92nd in 42:57. Ray Elston was 3rd V60 and 106th overall in 45:21 with Terry Oldham 107th in 45:28. Jim Wyatt was 118th in 48:14.

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Jamie Pearson represented Exmouth in the U17 men’s event and was 5th in 25:59 out of the field of 27 runners. The winner was T Gill of Tavistock A C in 24:24.

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The ladies’ event was won by J Burns of City of Plymouth in 27:11. Exmouth Harrier Emma Dupain was 27th in 32:16 and Lorraine Slight was 44th in 35:25. 66 runners completed the race.

It's a Dupain World

Harrier Emma Dupain was very excited when she completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in 1:38:20, coming 938th out of 5796 finishers and beating her PB by 4 mins. The winner was Simon Jones in 1:07:47. Emma and Ben White have continued to fly the flag for the Harriers in Wales. Recently they competed in the Swansea 10k and finished in 52:08. Rather slow, but they completed the race pushing a wheelchair all the way! Rog, the teenage boy who is severely disabled that Emma looks after in the evenings, was thrilled to go so fast in his chair and to get a medal and t-shirt. They started half way back in the starting pack (all runners, not just those with wheelchairs) and were proud that they got all the way round without being overtaken by any other runners!!! Congratulations, Emma, Ben and Rog! You can push me any time you like, I could do with a new PB!

Chris Dupain’s birthday treat was to run the Guide Dog Gallop (organised by Axe Valley Runners) at All Saints near Axminster with his dad!!! It was 7 miles, mainly on roads, finishing across some wet fields. Chris came 6th in 46:14 and Nigel 12th in 51:54. A new run for them both and good except for the rain!!

The organisers of the Snowdonia Marathon are extremely proud of all those runners, supporters and staff who took part this year and braved the horrendous weather conditions (the worst in the 26 year history of the race with 60 m.p.h. winds, rain, hail, etc.) to produce a memorable event. The race was won by Martin Cox in 2:44:37 -- the 1183 finishers included hardy Harrier Mark Thompson who came 265th in 3:49:42. Well done Mark, and all the other runners!

For Steve...

The Exmouth viaduct (seen from the opposite direction on my posting of the 24th September). In 2008, virtually the same view can be seen -- without the viaduct of course -- from my mum-in-law's sitting room in Hometor House (see below)! The building on the right is, of course, still there and hardly changed.
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Dartmoor Vale Races

The Dartmoor Vale Races consist of a fun run, 10K, half marathon and marathon. All the races start and finish at Newton Abbott Racecourse. This is Devon’s only marathon and therefore incorporates the Devon Championship for this distance.

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Jenny Timms became the new Devon marathon ladies champion by winning convincingly in 3:28:03, and it was another 18 minutes before the second lady crossed the finish line. Jenny said “That was quite unexpected. I felt pretty strong all the way around and I’m delighted to win”. Congratulations, Jenny!! The new men’s champion is Alan Ryder of Erme Valley Harriers, who won in 2:48:39. Adrian Kearns was 14th in 3:17:18 and Peter McKeown was 18th in 3:24:04. 107 runners finished the marathon.
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The half marathon was completed by 289 runners. The winner was John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 1:10:50 and Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners was 2nd only 33 seconds later in 1:11:23.

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Two Harriers took part in the 10K race that was won by Wayne Stephens of Bideford A A C in 34:12. Mark Thompson was 22nd in 40:25 and Jim Wyatt was 96th in 48:30 out of the field of 357 finishers.

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(LT)

Exmouth Station (RIP)

Where the Sports Centre now stands (and possibly Asda in the future) was once an impressive Southern Railway Station. Demolished to make way for both Marine Drive (the old line to Littleham) and the aformentioned SC together with the roundabout, the old Station was an impressive sight. I remember laughing crowds of Exonians pouring out of the forecourt on the way to the beach -- no-one, unless they were 'rich' could afford a car! We certainly couldn't.

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More of the station when no races to report upon.

(RR)

Honiton 12k

This year’s Honiton 12K race was the last. Next year it will be replaced by a new 10 mile event over an “undulating” one-lap course on quieter roads, with a lot more beautiful rural scenery and a couple of long, flat sections where “enthusiastic” competitors can make up for the more undulating parts. This year’s winner was Adam Carlson of Torbay A A C in 41:02 and the field of 142 runners included two Exmouth Harriers. Adrian Kearns was 14th in 48:38 and Lee Russell was 72nd in 59:23.

Westward League - St. Austell

Last weekend also saw 107 runners complete the men’s category in the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events, at St Austell in Cornwall, including eight Exmouth Harriers. The senior men’s event was won by Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 31:44 and Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson was 21st in 35:16. Hugh Marsden was 44th in 37:13, Bob Woodall was 93rd in 44:45, Ray Elston was 3rd V60 and 99th overall in 46:15 and Terry Oldham was 102nd in 47:57.

The winner out of the field of 64 runners in the ladies’ event was B Alston of Cornwall A C in 22:35. Exmouth’s Lorraine Slight was 41st in 29:04, Stef French was 3rd LV35 and 42nd overall in 29:17 and K Smith was 64th in 38:15.

Parrett Trail Relay Race

Saturday, 11th October

Results available at:http://www.parrettrace.btik.com/p_Home.ikml

Exmouth Harriers took what must have been their biggest squad in any event for many a year to the Parrett Trail Relay, a well-established six leg trail relay from the mouth of the River Parrett on the North Somerset coast, across Somerset to just over the border in Dorset, close to the source of the river at Winyards Gap. The route is approximately 53 miles long.

This year, Exmouth fielded a men’s team, a ladies team and two mixed teams (out of the total of 28 teams), twice the number the club had last year and they again produced some brilliant results.

The ladies team was awesome and they won their category in only 7:03:18, taking 36 minutes less than they took in winning it last year and increasing their margin of victory from 32 seconds last year to over 42 minutes over 2nd placed Honiton this year!

Their victorius team comprised Julie Gellender (leg 1 – 10.5 miles), Emma Dupain (leg 2 – 7.9 miles), Lorraine Croome (leg 3 – 8.5 miles), Dawn Teed (leg 4 – 8.6 miles), Hannah Dupain (leg 5 – 8.6 miles) and Cathy Newman (leg 6 - 8.6 miles). Julie Gellender, Emma Dupain, Lorraine Croome and Cathy Newman all won their legs and Dawn Teed and Hannah Dupain were both second. Well done, Exmouth Ladies, on a fantastic team performance!!

Twelve teams contested the men’s event and Exmouth, while unable to match the ladies, still produced a great performance, coming 2nd in 6:04:46, only 5 ½ minutes behind the victors Yeovil Town (5:59:17) and over 24 minutes ahead of 3rd placed Trull Troggers. Hugh Marsden (leg 1) and Dave Stone (leg 5) both won their legs and Adam Miller (leg 2) was 2nd. The other Exmouth runners were Jamie Pearson (leg 3), Jon Croome (leg 4) and Tony Hatchard (leg 6). Congratulations to the men’s team.

The first of the Exmouth mixed teams to finish were 2nd in the category. It comprised Adrian Kearns, Terry Oldham, Stef French, Jim Pyne, Paul Champion and Camilla Mathison. Their time was 7:00:55 and the category with 10 teams was won by Crewkerne in 6:49:16. Adrian Kearns, Terry Oldham, Jim Pyne, Paul Champion and Camilla Mathison all came 2nd in their legs.

Exmouth’s other mixed team were 4th in the category and they, too, produced a leg winner (Pete McKeown – leg 6) and a 2nd place (Chris Dupain - leg 3). The other runners were Andy Johnson, Nicky Crook, Lorraine Slight and Sue Wilkin.

All in all, it was a great day out for the club. Well done, everyone!!

(LT)

Portland 10k

South West Veterans 10k Championship

Sunday morning saw the SWV 10k at Portland with Jim, Roger and John representing the Harriers. Jim beat all comers in the V65s (48:14) for the gold (the second gold in the photo was from the SWV 5 mile championship a fortnight ago), Roger the silver in the V60s (40:56) and John the gold in the V70s (47:07). A beautiful, warm day with the Island looking its best. A treat.

(RR - photos MR)

A train... for Ray & Phil

... and anyone else with a memory. Not exactly an unusual picture, you might think, ah, but! This is a photo taken in the early 1960s of a two-carriage train working up the incline from Tipton St. John towards the Bowd and Sidmouth. This stretch of line is now a footpath on which many of us have run. Only around a mile-and-a-half from Tipton to the Bowd, but a treat.

Brixham 10k

The Brixham 10K race on 5th October was won by Kairn Stone of Newham & Essex Beagles, in 33:44. The field of 198 runners included two Exmouth Harriers. Dave Stone, the first to finish, was 8th in 37:12 and Jamie Pearson was 15th in 38:13.

Exeter Arena 3k (Race 1)

Results from a damp and cold evening at the track:

Andrew Johnson - 11:25
Roger Rowe - 11:29
Lee Russell - 12:11
John Parrett - 12:44
Ray Elston - 12:46
Jim Wyatt - 13:37

Our friend from Exmouth (who runs for SWRR) Tom Merson, won the 'A' race in 8:58, lapping some of the cream of the evening's crop.

The second evening of races will take place on Wednesday, 5th November.

(RR)

Littledown 5

The course was fairly pleasant - but a little narrow at the beginning for a fairly large field: suburban pavements and tarmac paths through parks. Well marshalled. Excellent weather on the day for late September. Not flat - it was one of those courses where you notice every little incline because there aren't any real hills, so it ends up feeling really tough but in a more hilly race you wouldn't notice those rises at all.

Andrew Johnson 32:27
Jim Wyatt 37:50 (3rd Vet/65 -- 1st SW Vet 65)

(AJ)

Another train...

It seems my 'train' post excited a bit of interest at a slack time for competition. So here is another of a main-line diesel at Ottery St Mary station in around 1960. Most of the station buildings are still there of course, but the line is long gone. One of my routes down to Budleigh Salterton (12 miles this way) takes in a good deal of the old line, and I always feel the 'breath' of the engines breathing down my neck!

Nostalgia ?

Especially for Ray, and for all (veteran) members of the Harriers... a photo of one of the last trains to come over the viaduct (now demolished) at the end of Exeter Road. As you can see it ran down the incline to the estuary and then on to Exmouth Station (which was a very grand affair then). The line was closed in 1967.

Message from John Perratt

Thanks for the report, Les, but you forgot to mention that you were the First South West Vet M65 in the New Forest Marathon which was the vehicle for the Club Championship. Your medal is on its way!

(JP)