I am away in foreign parts for a fortnight or so from the 19th… I will try to make the odd post, but may not be able to do so. Normal service will be resumed on my return.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Of Eden... and other races East
The Eden Project is a superb venue for the full and half marathon races that were held on Sunday as it is at the heart of the re-generation to return the area around St. Austell called the “Clay Country” that was scarred by industry and mineral extraction, including the “Cornish Alps” (large white spoil heaps), to its natural state and as the re-planting is undertaken, tracks and trails are being opened for public access.
It also has substantial infrastructure, facilities, car parking space and catering for a large event and is a magnificent example of how a disused clay pit has been adapted and turned into a world-class visitor attraction.
The Concept of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon is to showcase this regeneration
work and to give the competitor the opportunity to witness the extraordinary scenery - both man made and natural - this area has to offer.
Both races share the same start and finish areas within the Eden Project and are run simultaneously but separately. Both are multi-terrain with the marathon being 40% road, 60% trail and the half marathon 70% road, 30% trail.
Both courses are “testing” as the region is hilly and the trails are very stony. The full marathon course is a figure of eight with the crossover being in the Eden Project. The competitors initially run on the Western loop and on their return to the Eden Project after 13.1 miles, then run the Eastern loop.
The competitors in the half marathon just run the Eastern loop.
This gives an opportunity for spectators in Eden to see some of the races and to browse around the Eden Project. Alternatively, there are excellent viewing points for spectators out on the course.
In heavy drizzle that lasted all day, 306 runners completed the full marathon that was won by Pete Roper of Poole AC in 2:46:11. Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone ran superbly to take 3rd place in 2:59:55.
Harriers also featured in the half marathon that was won by Chris Thompson of Aldershot, Farnham & District in 1:18:41. Andy Kennedy was 192nd in 1:54:24, with Denise Kennedy 607th in 2:25:29, out of the field of 773 runners.
On the same day, three veteran Exmouth Harriers journeyed to South Molton to take part in the inaugural "Struggle" which is a 12 kilometre multi terrain course.
In persistent drizzle the race started close to the South Molton Rugby Club. The course climbed slightly along the tarmac road surface before quickly turning left into the Community woods and thereafter through the local recreation grounds, both surfaces still being tarmac.
At the top of this incline the course followed a farm track, which was extremely wet and muddy under foot, the optional line being soft slippery mud or rutted water filled tractor tracks. This track led up to open fields where two styles were negotiated before descending to and then ascending from a stream that was crossed by way of a slippery footbridge.
The open fields emerged nearly 4 kilometres from the start, at a location called "Hill", which is aptly named. A descent followed along a short length of tarmac track before more open fields where a sharp left hand turn brought the runners on to the road, B3227. A level road for nearly 2 kilometres before a left turn brought the runners back to the bottom of the road ascending to the "Hill". A stretch of some 1250 metres of road rose about 250 metres before turning right to join the outbound length of the course.
The race was completed in the field of the rugby ground where the final 50 metre dash for the finishing line went from under the posts to the half way line.
The first runner home was Owen Evans, who was unattached, in a time of 47 minutes and 22 seconds.
Bob Woodall of Exmouth Harriers came in 30th overall place taking the first V60 prize in a time of 59 minutes and 2 seconds. He was followed by Ray Elston in 50th place, taking the first V70 prize in a time of 62:21. Ray in this impressive time would also have qualified for the second V60. Jim Wyatt completed the Exmouth trio in 72nd overall place in 68:09. Jim was the third V65.
A total number of 134 runners completed the course, the last runner home finishing in a time of 101:26.
Sunday also saw the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets AC Championships at the Isle of Portland.
The race was hosted by the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club. It involved a smaller lap of around 3.5 miles followed by a 6.5 mile loop that took runners down a scenic route to the lighthouse at the Bill of Portland. The route did not appear to be as scenic to the runners on the way back up!
The winner was Steven Way of Bournemouth AC in 54:54. Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 1st South West V70 and 61st overall in 1:18:31. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65 and 80th overall in 1:31:12 and 89 runners completed the race.
Finally, the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at a new venue at Central Park, Plymouth and included two Exmouth Harriers.
The senior men’s event was won by K.Toher of Newquay/Par AC in 25:51. Exmouth’s Hugh Marsden came 3rd V50 and 48th overall in 31:16 and there were 130 finishers.
The winner of the ladies’ event was A.Gummow of Cornwall AC in 19:07. Dawn Teed was 63rd in 26:22 out of the field of 88 runners.
It also has substantial infrastructure, facilities, car parking space and catering for a large event and is a magnificent example of how a disused clay pit has been adapted and turned into a world-class visitor attraction.
The Concept of the Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon is to showcase this regeneration
work and to give the competitor the opportunity to witness the extraordinary scenery - both man made and natural - this area has to offer.
Both races share the same start and finish areas within the Eden Project and are run simultaneously but separately. Both are multi-terrain with the marathon being 40% road, 60% trail and the half marathon 70% road, 30% trail.
Both courses are “testing” as the region is hilly and the trails are very stony. The full marathon course is a figure of eight with the crossover being in the Eden Project. The competitors initially run on the Western loop and on their return to the Eden Project after 13.1 miles, then run the Eastern loop.
The competitors in the half marathon just run the Eastern loop.
This gives an opportunity for spectators in Eden to see some of the races and to browse around the Eden Project. Alternatively, there are excellent viewing points for spectators out on the course.
In heavy drizzle that lasted all day, 306 runners completed the full marathon that was won by Pete Roper of Poole AC in 2:46:11. Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone ran superbly to take 3rd place in 2:59:55.
Harriers also featured in the half marathon that was won by Chris Thompson of Aldershot, Farnham & District in 1:18:41. Andy Kennedy was 192nd in 1:54:24, with Denise Kennedy 607th in 2:25:29, out of the field of 773 runners.
On the same day, three veteran Exmouth Harriers journeyed to South Molton to take part in the inaugural "Struggle" which is a 12 kilometre multi terrain course.
In persistent drizzle the race started close to the South Molton Rugby Club. The course climbed slightly along the tarmac road surface before quickly turning left into the Community woods and thereafter through the local recreation grounds, both surfaces still being tarmac.
At the top of this incline the course followed a farm track, which was extremely wet and muddy under foot, the optional line being soft slippery mud or rutted water filled tractor tracks. This track led up to open fields where two styles were negotiated before descending to and then ascending from a stream that was crossed by way of a slippery footbridge.
The open fields emerged nearly 4 kilometres from the start, at a location called "Hill", which is aptly named. A descent followed along a short length of tarmac track before more open fields where a sharp left hand turn brought the runners on to the road, B3227. A level road for nearly 2 kilometres before a left turn brought the runners back to the bottom of the road ascending to the "Hill". A stretch of some 1250 metres of road rose about 250 metres before turning right to join the outbound length of the course.
The race was completed in the field of the rugby ground where the final 50 metre dash for the finishing line went from under the posts to the half way line.
The first runner home was Owen Evans, who was unattached, in a time of 47 minutes and 22 seconds.
Bob Woodall of Exmouth Harriers came in 30th overall place taking the first V60 prize in a time of 59 minutes and 2 seconds. He was followed by Ray Elston in 50th place, taking the first V70 prize in a time of 62:21. Ray in this impressive time would also have qualified for the second V60. Jim Wyatt completed the Exmouth trio in 72nd overall place in 68:09. Jim was the third V65.
A total number of 134 runners completed the course, the last runner home finishing in a time of 101:26.
Sunday also saw the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets AC Championships at the Isle of Portland.
The race was hosted by the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club. It involved a smaller lap of around 3.5 miles followed by a 6.5 mile loop that took runners down a scenic route to the lighthouse at the Bill of Portland. The route did not appear to be as scenic to the runners on the way back up!
The winner was Steven Way of Bournemouth AC in 54:54. Congratulations to Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 1st South West V70 and 61st overall in 1:18:31. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65 and 80th overall in 1:31:12 and 89 runners completed the race.
Finally, the first of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at a new venue at Central Park, Plymouth and included two Exmouth Harriers.
The senior men’s event was won by K.Toher of Newquay/Par AC in 25:51. Exmouth’s Hugh Marsden came 3rd V50 and 48th overall in 31:16 and there were 130 finishers.
The winner of the ladies’ event was A.Gummow of Cornwall AC in 19:07. Dawn Teed was 63rd in 26:22 out of the field of 88 runners.
(LT)
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Sunday 27th September
On Sunday, 27th September, Harrier Andy Johnson competed in the Windsor Half Marathon that is now run entirely within the Windsor Great Park. The race was won by Scott Overall of Blackheath &.Bromley in 1:06:11. Andy came 126th in 1:32:56 and 4630 runners completed the event.
Last Sunday, the Churston Flyer 5 mile Road Race was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 27:26. Amongst the field of 125 runners was Harrier John Perratt. John came 3rd V60+ and 44th overall in 36:57.
Monday evening saw the first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena and five Harriers competed. Altogether, six races were held and the A race and overall event were won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C, who won the overall series last year. Congratulations to Tom, who managed to complete the race in 8:40, knocking an amazing 16 seconds off his best time last year!!
Andy Johnson, the first Harrier to finish, recorded 11:13. John Perratt finished in 12:44 with Dave Eveleigh next in 13:49, over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season! Special congratulations go to Dave, who has been battling a lengthy illness and made a fantastic effort to produce this remarkable performance!!
Jim Wyatt came home in 14:02, followed by Les Turner in 15:13.
Last Sunday, the Churston Flyer 5 mile Road Race was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 27:26. Amongst the field of 125 runners was Harrier John Perratt. John came 3rd V60+ and 44th overall in 36:57.
Monday evening saw the first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena and five Harriers competed. Altogether, six races were held and the A race and overall event were won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C, who won the overall series last year. Congratulations to Tom, who managed to complete the race in 8:40, knocking an amazing 16 seconds off his best time last year!!
Andy Johnson, the first Harrier to finish, recorded 11:13. John Perratt finished in 12:44 with Dave Eveleigh next in 13:49, over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season! Special congratulations go to Dave, who has been battling a lengthy illness and made a fantastic effort to produce this remarkable performance!!
Jim Wyatt came home in 14:02, followed by Les Turner in 15:13.
(LT)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Four very different events
Harriers were involved in four very different events last Sunday.
Five of them featured in the tough multi-terrain Musbury Castle Challenge that was extended from the normal distance of just under eight miles to ten miles for the tenth anniversary of the event. The winner was Adam Stobbs of Exeter Harriers in 1:17:02 and 77 runners completed the race.
Hugh Marsden was 1st vet man and 2nd overall in 1:17:29. Jamie Pearson came 4th in 1:23:31, with Mike Musgrove 9th in 1:27:13 in his first event for the club. Congratulations to Hugh on his individual award and also to Jamie and Mike who won the men’s team award with him. Dawn Teed was 44th in 1:52:24, with John Perratt 54th in 2:00:43.
At the other end of the scale, more than 50,000 runners completed the Great North Run Half Marathon that was won by the Kenyan, Martin Lel in 59:32. Slightly further back in the field but well above half way were Harriers' Stan Mason, 20,557th in 2:15:39 and wife Joan, 20,567th in 2:15:40.
Five of them featured in the tough multi-terrain Musbury Castle Challenge that was extended from the normal distance of just under eight miles to ten miles for the tenth anniversary of the event. The winner was Adam Stobbs of Exeter Harriers in 1:17:02 and 77 runners completed the race.
Hugh Marsden was 1st vet man and 2nd overall in 1:17:29. Jamie Pearson came 4th in 1:23:31, with Mike Musgrove 9th in 1:27:13 in his first event for the club. Congratulations to Hugh on his individual award and also to Jamie and Mike who won the men’s team award with him. Dawn Teed was 44th in 1:52:24, with John Perratt 54th in 2:00:43.
At the other end of the scale, more than 50,000 runners completed the Great North Run Half Marathon that was won by the Kenyan, Martin Lel in 59:32. Slightly further back in the field but well above half way were Harriers' Stan Mason, 20,557th in 2:15:39 and wife Joan, 20,567th in 2:15:40.
.
Next, Harrier Julie Gellender was among the 7060 finishers in the ladies event at the famous Berlin Marathon. The winner was Atsede Habtamu Besuye of Ethiopia in 2:24:47 and Julie came 424th in 3:35:46.
The Newton Abbot Ladies 10K was won by Revis Crowle of East Cornwall Harriers in 39:38. Harrier Corinna Stephens came 128th in 58:19 and 286 runners completed the race.
The Newton Abbot Ladies 10K was won by Revis Crowle of East Cornwall Harriers in 39:38. Harrier Corinna Stephens came 128th in 58:19 and 286 runners completed the race.
.
(LT)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Devon 10,000 metres & Ivybridge Challenge
Wednesday, 9th September, saw Exmouth based runner Tom Merson, of Bristol & West A C, win the Devon County A A 10,000m Track Race at Exeter Arena in 30:41, a huge margin of nearly 4 minutes! Well done, Tom!
Three of the four Exmouth Harriers who competed also came away with one gold and two silver medals between them. Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M70 and 27th overall in 46:35, Dave Stone, who came 2nd in 34:33 and Andy Johnson, 2nd M45 and 10th overall in 39:52!
In between, Carlos Payan also ran well to come 7th in 36:56, but just missed an award by 2 places. The event was split into two races with a total field of 31 runners.
Last Sunday, Harrier Dave Stone felt really strong in the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge. This scenic, but challenging, multi-terrain race starts and finishes in Victoria Park, Ivybridge. The course covers around 7.5 miles of woodland and moorland paths and includes the ascent of Western Beacon.
Congratulations to Dave, who ran superbly to win the event in 52:52. He was among the front group of four runners throughout the race and was in second place behind Jon Parkinson of Torbay A C when they reached the top of the Beacon. Using his superior speed and technique, however, he was able to overtake his rival on the rough ground down the hill to the finish at the school playing fields, arriving over a minute ahead of the runner-up. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed runners were separated by less than half a minute and 137 runners completed the race.
Three of the four Exmouth Harriers who competed also came away with one gold and two silver medals between them. Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M70 and 27th overall in 46:35, Dave Stone, who came 2nd in 34:33 and Andy Johnson, 2nd M45 and 10th overall in 39:52!
In between, Carlos Payan also ran well to come 7th in 36:56, but just missed an award by 2 places. The event was split into two races with a total field of 31 runners.
Last Sunday, Harrier Dave Stone felt really strong in the Ivybridge Beacon Challenge. This scenic, but challenging, multi-terrain race starts and finishes in Victoria Park, Ivybridge. The course covers around 7.5 miles of woodland and moorland paths and includes the ascent of Western Beacon.
Congratulations to Dave, who ran superbly to win the event in 52:52. He was among the front group of four runners throughout the race and was in second place behind Jon Parkinson of Torbay A C when they reached the top of the Beacon. Using his superior speed and technique, however, he was able to overtake his rival on the rough ground down the hill to the finish at the school playing fields, arriving over a minute ahead of the runner-up. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed runners were separated by less than half a minute and 137 runners completed the race.
.
(LT)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Races... home and away
Over the last few years, some intrepid Harriers have tackled the mighty Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc. This year, there were three optional routes of 61, 66 or 104 miles for individual runners to choose from and a single team route.
This year it was the turn of Harrier Mark Thompson and he opted for the 66-mile “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie” (TDS) race. With 6,700m of ascent to overcome, the event has a maximum completion time of 31 hours!
The race started in the centre of Chamonix at 5:00 am. The route then passed through Les Houches, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. The runners then left the gentleness of the Savoyard villages for a rough and magnificent course into the heart of the mountains which took them to Mont-Joly, incomparable balcony opposite Mont Blanc right up to Bourg Saint Maurice passing along some of the most beautiful paths and passes of Beaufortain and of Tarentese. Having savoured the warm welcome from the volunteers of Bourg Saint-Maurice and its neighbour Séez, the long ascent towards the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass, along the Roman Road began.
The runners then entered the Valle d’Aosta and reached the villages of La Thuile and Pré Saint-Didier where, opposite Mont-Blanc, they arrived at the centre of Courmayeur for a triumphant Finish. And how deserving after this great journey around the roof of Europe!
480 runners completed the race that was won by Patrick Bohard of France in 14:01:48. Congratulations to Mark, who came 251st in 24:09:01, on a wonderful achievement!!
Tuesday, 1st September, saw the fourth round of the Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 14:58. Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C came 2nd in 15:02.
Three Harriers competed in the event and the first to finish was Carlos Payan who came 16th in 17:42. Andy Johnson was 24th in 19:06 and Dave Eveleigh was 54th in 24:05, out of the 70 runners who completed the race.
Over 10,800 runners took part in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and the winner was Ezekie Cherop in 1:03:26. Tom Merson was 18th in 1:08:54.
The first of the four Harriers to finish was Paul Samways, 264th in 1:25:58. Chris Dupain was 1253rd in 1:38:19 and Kevin Lingard 3395th in 1:50:36. Lissie Lingard came 6395th in 2:04:31.
The Bideford 10 Mile Race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 50:47 and the field of 197 runners included three Harriers. Adrian Kearns was the first home, 21st in 1:04:57 and John Perratt was 1st V70 and 79th overall in 1:18:31. Well done, John! Les Turner was 2nd V65 and 135th overall in 1:27:38.
This year it was the turn of Harrier Mark Thompson and he opted for the 66-mile “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie” (TDS) race. With 6,700m of ascent to overcome, the event has a maximum completion time of 31 hours!
The race started in the centre of Chamonix at 5:00 am. The route then passed through Les Houches, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. The runners then left the gentleness of the Savoyard villages for a rough and magnificent course into the heart of the mountains which took them to Mont-Joly, incomparable balcony opposite Mont Blanc right up to Bourg Saint Maurice passing along some of the most beautiful paths and passes of Beaufortain and of Tarentese. Having savoured the warm welcome from the volunteers of Bourg Saint-Maurice and its neighbour Séez, the long ascent towards the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass, along the Roman Road began.
The runners then entered the Valle d’Aosta and reached the villages of La Thuile and Pré Saint-Didier where, opposite Mont-Blanc, they arrived at the centre of Courmayeur for a triumphant Finish. And how deserving after this great journey around the roof of Europe!
480 runners completed the race that was won by Patrick Bohard of France in 14:01:48. Congratulations to Mark, who came 251st in 24:09:01, on a wonderful achievement!!
Tuesday, 1st September, saw the fourth round of the Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 14:58. Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C came 2nd in 15:02.
Three Harriers competed in the event and the first to finish was Carlos Payan who came 16th in 17:42. Andy Johnson was 24th in 19:06 and Dave Eveleigh was 54th in 24:05, out of the 70 runners who completed the race.
Over 10,800 runners took part in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday and the winner was Ezekie Cherop in 1:03:26. Tom Merson was 18th in 1:08:54.
The first of the four Harriers to finish was Paul Samways, 264th in 1:25:58. Chris Dupain was 1253rd in 1:38:19 and Kevin Lingard 3395th in 1:50:36. Lissie Lingard came 6395th in 2:04:31.
The Bideford 10 Mile Race was won by Kevin Heywood of Bideford A A C in 50:47 and the field of 197 runners included three Harriers. Adrian Kearns was the first home, 21st in 1:04:57 and John Perratt was 1st V70 and 79th overall in 1:18:31. Well done, John! Les Turner was 2nd V65 and 135th overall in 1:27:38.
.
(LT)
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Forest Flyer & Dartmouth Regatta
Last Friday, six Harriers took part in the Forest Flyer Five (miles) Race on forest tracks, paths and fire roads in the beautiful Haldon Forest Park.The winner was James Bellard of South West Road Runners in 30:52 and 159 runners completed the race.
The first Harrier to finish was Adam Miller in 6th place in 33:49, followed by Paul Samways, 13th in 35:06. Duncan Parkes was 32nd in 38:42. Hannah Bown came 48th in 39:56, with Emma Dupain 54th in 40:42. Les Turner was 90th in 46:32.
On Saturday, Exmouth Harriers Hugh Marsden and Dawn Teed competed in the extremely tough 5.1 miles Dartmouth Regatta Road Race and both performed superbly.
Congratulations to Hugh, who was 1st V50 and 12th overall in 31:53 and Dawn, who was 2nd LV45 in 41:08.
(LT)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Kathy... and last week's races
One of the Harriers all-time greats, Cathy Newman, won the South West Veterans A C Grand Prix award for ladies for 2008. This award is based on the average age graded percentage of an athlete’s four best performances over the year.Cathy’s best performances were 36:49 (89.84%) for the Bideford 10K, 60:07 (90.12%) for the Teignbridge 10 (mile), 80:01 (91.17%) for the Bath Half Marathon and 81:11 (89.86%) for the Great West Half Marathon.
The average age graded percentage was 90.24%. According to fellow Harrier John Perratt, “The rest of us can only dream of those percentages!” Praise indeed, coming as it does from a fellow athlete who has himself won medals on the world stage at the World Masters Athletics Championships.
---oOo---
Last Saturday, 253 runners completed the Jurassic Coast 10K, a challenging multi-terrain event that takes place along the seafront, cliff paths, river and rural lanes at Budleigh Salterton.
The race was won by James McMullan in 33:18. Congratulations to Harrier Jamie Pearson who was 1st U21 and 8th overall in 37:34.
On Sunday, four Harriers were among the 555 finishers at the Torbay Regatta 10K. Thomas Payn of Winchester & District A C won the race in 31:05 with Exmouth runner Tom Merson of Bristol & West A C 2nd in 31:44.
The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Carlos Payan, 2nd M30-34 and 20th overall in 37:30. Adrian Kearns came 49th in 40:20.
Congratulations to John Perratt, 1st M65 and 157th overall in 46:22. Stan Mason was 320th in 53:57.
.
(LT)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Race the Train
Last Saturday, six Harriers travelled to Wales to compete in the Tywyn Mid-Wales Race the Train 14-mile multi-terrain event that was first held 25 years ago. This year the weather was wet and misty.Race the Train takes place alongside as far as practicable the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. The terrain varies all the time and was very wet & muddy in places. The route also ascends and descends quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. Often the train track is just over the fence so if your family friends are on the train, they can shout encouragement to you at several places.
The classic start to the race is on the crest of the main railway line bridge adjacent to the Talyllyn Railway station. Both the runners and the train are started by the train whistle ordered by the timekeeper.
The course, which is on public roads for just over a mile, runs through the town before heading for Brynglas. At this point the course turns up a farm drive to cross the railway and follow it all the way to Rhyd-yr-Onnen. After the farm drive there is a mixture of tracks and fields. At Rhyd-yr-Onnen you leave the railway and run up a tarmac lane for 1/3 mile, turning on to an un-metalled track running through a ford. From here you return to run alongside the railway over fields, rough pasture, and farm tracks to reach Brynglas.
After climbing up a short stretch of farm road you cross the railway to run the next section with the railway on your right. The first 1.5 miles of this section is over fields and rough pasture to Dolgoch where you cross the car park before ascending across a field to run through trees before dropping down a tricky slope on to fields again. A short run down an unmade track turns back on to well-cultivated pasture all the way to the turn point at 7 miles. After a short run through the field the course leaves for uncultivated sloping hillside, crosses a stream and runs under the railway to climb very steeply. It then runs across the face of the hillside on narrow sheep tracks for over a mile, when it climbs to join the road to return to Tywyn and the finish.
The first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 28th in 1 hour 36 minutes and 15 seconds. Hugh beat the train by just over 13 minutes !
.
Jenny Timms came 242nd in 1:55:43 and Terry Oldham was 367th in 2:2:26.
Congratulations to Lorraine Slight who was 1st FV50 and 459th overall in 2:7:48. Dawn Teed and Phil Bater came 583rd and 584th in the same time of 2:15:57.
Congratulations to Lorraine Slight who was 1st FV50 and 459th overall in 2:7:48. Dawn Teed and Phil Bater came 583rd and 584th in the same time of 2:15:57.
.
(LT)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
You're a runner if...
... your friends think they need to train more before they can run with you... Every time you see a runner when you're driving you feel like you too should be running, even if you ran 15 miles earlier in the day
... You shower about 20 times a week
... your toenails are black.
... you feel lost without your water-bottle.
... you have running withdrawal symptoms if you don't run everyday.
... you consider work as just a break between runs.
... your room smells ‘interesting’.
... you can count all your ribs
.
(end)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Last week's races...
Tuesday, 4th August, saw Round 3 of the Run Exe Summer 5K Series at Exwick won by Exmouth runner Tom Merson, running for Bristol and West A C, in 15:12.
Two Harriers, Carlos Payan and Andy Johnson, were among the field of 59 runners who completed the event. Carlos came 13th in 18:00 and Andy was 21st in 19:26.
Last Sunday, five Harriers lined up amongst the 184 ultimate finishers of the Sidmouth Festival Run over a distance of 10 kilometres.
The starting line was in the blazing sun on the western slope of the Sid valley with an immediate steep climb ascending the cliff for almost one kilometre. At the top of the first steep hill a restrictive gate gave the runners a much-needed early breather with over nine kilometres still to cover. Twists, turns and stairs saw the competitors rise higher and higher up the cliff top before turning inland across moor like conditions.
Despite the recent mini heat wave there were still many wet and muddy areas to negotiate. Once across the golf course at the ninth hole, the route took yet another incline, which graduated to the peak almost five kilometres into the race. Here amongst the woodland splendid views were attained across the Sid valley by those runners able to enjoy the view whilst also keeping a sharp eye on the ground for exposed tree roots and potholes.
With over half the event completed, the course began to descend back to the finish. Burning muscles were stretched out as the ground dropped back towards Sidmouth and the finish line, and the runners completed the race with a sprint due more to the steep decline than the power of the legs.
As with the start, the race was completed in glorious sunshine allowing all competitors to cool down under the sun's rays.
The race was won by Carl Prewer of the Lowestoft Road Runners in a time of 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Well done Dave Stone, who led the Exmouth Harriers home in 3rd place in an excellent time of 41:27, only 11 seconds behind the winner. Bob Woodall finished in 48th place in 52:38.
Congratulations to Ray Elston, who took the award for the 1st V70 and was 70th overall in 56:48. Jim Wyatt, second V60 and 86th overall in 58:44, was unlucky to miss the 1st V60 award by one place and just 5 seconds.
Les Turner completed the Exmouth Harrier contingent in 106th place in 61:04. The last competitor crossed the finishing line in a time of 1 hour 58 minutes and 44 seconds.
As the organisers advertised in their literature, the race was not one for personal best times, but one to enjoy and I can confirm that some of the views were truly breathtaking.
Two Harriers, Carlos Payan and Andy Johnson, were among the field of 59 runners who completed the event. Carlos came 13th in 18:00 and Andy was 21st in 19:26.
Last Sunday, five Harriers lined up amongst the 184 ultimate finishers of the Sidmouth Festival Run over a distance of 10 kilometres.
The starting line was in the blazing sun on the western slope of the Sid valley with an immediate steep climb ascending the cliff for almost one kilometre. At the top of the first steep hill a restrictive gate gave the runners a much-needed early breather with over nine kilometres still to cover. Twists, turns and stairs saw the competitors rise higher and higher up the cliff top before turning inland across moor like conditions.
Despite the recent mini heat wave there were still many wet and muddy areas to negotiate. Once across the golf course at the ninth hole, the route took yet another incline, which graduated to the peak almost five kilometres into the race. Here amongst the woodland splendid views were attained across the Sid valley by those runners able to enjoy the view whilst also keeping a sharp eye on the ground for exposed tree roots and potholes.
With over half the event completed, the course began to descend back to the finish. Burning muscles were stretched out as the ground dropped back towards Sidmouth and the finish line, and the runners completed the race with a sprint due more to the steep decline than the power of the legs.
As with the start, the race was completed in glorious sunshine allowing all competitors to cool down under the sun's rays.
The race was won by Carl Prewer of the Lowestoft Road Runners in a time of 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Well done Dave Stone, who led the Exmouth Harriers home in 3rd place in an excellent time of 41:27, only 11 seconds behind the winner. Bob Woodall finished in 48th place in 52:38.
Congratulations to Ray Elston, who took the award for the 1st V70 and was 70th overall in 56:48. Jim Wyatt, second V60 and 86th overall in 58:44, was unlucky to miss the 1st V60 award by one place and just 5 seconds.
Les Turner completed the Exmouth Harrier contingent in 106th place in 61:04. The last competitor crossed the finishing line in a time of 1 hour 58 minutes and 44 seconds.
As the organisers advertised in their literature, the race was not one for personal best times, but one to enjoy and I can confirm that some of the views were truly breathtaking.
.
(LT)
Friday, August 07, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you have hundreds of safety pins scattered around your house... you love running in the rain
… you can say “runner’s nipple” in mixed company
... you carry a water-bottle everywhere
... you double knot all your shoes out of habit
... you have a watch tan that never goes away
... you feel naked without your stopwatch on
... you pack a separate bag for your running clothes
... pasta is the only food you'll eat for two nights before a race
... you try to convince people to run a 5k because it's "only 3 miles”
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Totnes 10k
Last Sunday, an exceptionally large contingent of seventeen Harriers was among the 448 runners who completed the Totnes 10k off-road race. All finished the course in good individual times and returned with a nice collection of trophies between them to show for their efforts.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
The start of the race around the cricket pitch is quite hectic with runners jostling for positions before the first of two ninety degree bends sees the route meander along the course of the river bend. This is the widest section of the course enabling runners to overtake. Despite heavy recent rain the conditions for the first three and a half kilometres was reasonably dry.
Shortly after the first water station the route entered the woods and conditions underfoot deteriorated. The course now turning away from the river started to incline. Two series of muddy steps interspersed with long inclines saw the foot conditions worsen and sticky mud and puddles were encountered. The incline seems to rise for over two kilometres before reaching the summit and a fast concrete path led the runners back to the last drink station. From here the course levels out to almost flat conditions allowing the faster runners to drop a gear and increase speed for the home run. By now the packs were thinly spread and the finishing order was nearly depicted with three kilometres to run.
The last two ninety degree bends before the lush green of the cricket pitch allowed the final negotiating for places. Entering the park and the perimeter of the cricket pitch with the finish line in view saw attempts at the last sprint finishes. Some runners lost finishing places, being overtaken in the home straight, but the competitors lower down in the field were more than glad to be home and across the finish line.
This gruelling race, which started at 11.00 am in warm, humid conditions, was won by James Baker of the Chichester Runners & AC in a time of 35:35, a blistering average speed of 5:43.5 per mile. The last competitor finished in 122:30.
Congratulations to the ladies team of Hannah Dupain (103rd in 49:01), Emma Dupain (115th in 50:32), Dawn Teed (168th in 53:50) and Lorraine Slight (175th in 54:10) who won the ladies team event.
Exmouth came second in the men’s team event with Dave Stone (13th in 39:23), Hugh Marsden (19th in 40:44), Carlos Payan (24th in 41:40), Adam Miller (28th in 42:13), Paul Samways (29th in 42:15) and Pete McKeown (42nd in 43:45).
Congratulations to Hugh Marsden who won the individual award for the 1st V50. Also, to John Perratt who was 1st V70 and 136th overall in a new course record of 51:53 with Ray Elston 2nd V70 and 156th overall in 52:51.
Chris Dupain was 91st in 48:13 with Bob Woodall 95th in 48:32. Terry Oldham finished 123rd in 51:08 and Nigel Dupain was 185th in 54:48. Jim Wyatt came 207th in 56:27.
(LT)
Saturday, August 01, 2009
You're a runner if...
... there's nothing like intervals to start the week off fresh!!... you talk to your training partner more than your parents
... you run when you feel like it, be it 6am or midnight
... you do anything to try to heal an injury except go to a doctor because you know he will just tell you to "stop running."
... you wear a black, plastic sports watch with your dress clothes
... you can remember a time from a race 4 years ago, but you can't remember your friend's birthdays
... your heart rate is below 50 and you are not dying
... you know how many grams of carbs there are in a banana.
... you can name a person from Namibia, Djibouti and Zimbabwe
... you are not embarrassed to show someone of the opposite sex where your hamstring "really" hurts.
... girls: you are embarrassed to wear a bikini because of your shorts/bra/tank-top/t-shirt tan lines
... girls: you are embarrassed to wear a bikini because of your shorts/bra/tank-top/t-shirt tan lines
Saturday, July 25, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you keep shoes and running clothes in your car so that if you're ever on a trip and drive by a place thinking "it'd be great to run here..." you can get out and go for a run... you sleep in your running shorts because they're more comfortable than pyjamas, not to mention you don't need to change for your morning training session
... you can correctly pronounce names like "Hicham El Guerrouj" "Kennesia Bekele" and "Haile Gebresilassie"
... you've found yourself running around an airport departure hall thinking, "if I can just get in three more miles, I'll meet my mileage target this week"
... you wear sandals despite having the ugliest feet in the world, along with several black toe nails
... you get upset and impatient when results from the race you ran aren't posted on-line by the time you get home
... you find a magnifying glass to see your name in the paper.
... you have chafing in strange places.
... you spend more on training clothes than working clothes.
.
(tbc)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
You're a runner if...
... you get hit by a car and you don't bother to get the number plate of the person who hit you because you still have 6 miles left to go... your cabin-luggage is a spike bag
... You say things like "long and hard" to your female friends and it is not a sexual innuendo
... you are used to the sound of a gun
... you make hundreds of left turns each week
... you and your clubmates have meaningless debates about training, running, and coaching, especially when you're drinking (or running)
... you have running shoes in varying degrees of decomposition: used, well-worn, spent but still good, and useless "but-I-still-wear-them-because-they-still-feel-good"
.
(tbc)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tavistock & Haytor & Saltash
A team of four Harriers braved the atrocious weather last Thursday and travelled to West Devon to take part in the 4 x 1.1 mile Tavistock Town Relays.
27 teams competed in the event that was won by Tamar Trotters with a total time of 21:17, but only after Exmouth had pushed them all the way to finish in second place, just 29 seconds behind the victors, in 21:46.
Exmouth’s team comprised Dave Stone (5:17), Carlos Payan (5:44), Hugh Marsden (5:40) and anchor Jamie Pearson (5:05). Jamie’s superb time was the 2nd fastest individual leg, a mere 4 seconds slower than the 5:01 recorded by the Tamar Trotters anchor, Mike Wilsmore.
Last Sunday, seven Harriers were among the field of 146 runners who completed a 6-mile cross country race, the Haytor Heller, near Bovey Tracey on Dartmoor.
The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners & A C in 40:53 and the first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 2nd V50 and 9th overall in 47:02.
Paul Samways came 13th in 47:43, with Adam Miller 25th in 50:37. Carlos Payan was 27th in 50:56 and Pete McKeown came 29th in 51:57. Duncan Parkes was 36th in 53:08, with Dawn Teed 94th in 64:51.
The Magnificent 7 (mile) Road Race at Saltash, Cornwall, was won by Dave Buzza of Cornwall AC in 39:14. Les Turner was 245th in 65:23 and there were 364 finishers.
27 teams competed in the event that was won by Tamar Trotters with a total time of 21:17, but only after Exmouth had pushed them all the way to finish in second place, just 29 seconds behind the victors, in 21:46.
Exmouth’s team comprised Dave Stone (5:17), Carlos Payan (5:44), Hugh Marsden (5:40) and anchor Jamie Pearson (5:05). Jamie’s superb time was the 2nd fastest individual leg, a mere 4 seconds slower than the 5:01 recorded by the Tamar Trotters anchor, Mike Wilsmore.
Last Sunday, seven Harriers were among the field of 146 runners who completed a 6-mile cross country race, the Haytor Heller, near Bovey Tracey on Dartmoor.
The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners & A C in 40:53 and the first Harrier to finish was Hugh Marsden, 2nd V50 and 9th overall in 47:02.
Paul Samways came 13th in 47:43, with Adam Miller 25th in 50:37. Carlos Payan was 27th in 50:56 and Pete McKeown came 29th in 51:57. Duncan Parkes was 36th in 53:08, with Dawn Teed 94th in 64:51.
The Magnificent 7 (mile) Road Race at Saltash, Cornwall, was won by Dave Buzza of Cornwall AC in 39:14. Les Turner was 245th in 65:23 and there were 364 finishers.
(LT)
Monday, July 20, 2009
You're a runner if...
...Ibuprofen is your recreational drug of choice...you think in terms of metres not yards
...you can look at a grass field and guess its circumference almost exactly
...you have 10% body fat yet you don't live in Somalia
...you consider a 15 mile run a good cure for a hangover
... if you are a man, you eat all the junk food that there is and still weigh 140 pounds
... you don’t care when you hug a sweaty girl in a public place
... you have recorded a marathon over your wedding video
(tbc)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Run Exe Summer 5k series
Round 2 of the Run Exe Summer 5K Series, at Exwick, was won by James Bellward of South West Road Runners in 16:24.
Three Exmouth Harriers, Carlos Alonso, Andy Johnson and Dave Eveleigh were among the 64 runners who completed the event.
Carlos was 11th in 17:59, Andy was 18th in 19:10 and Dave was 56th in 25:32.
Three Exmouth Harriers, Carlos Alonso, Andy Johnson and Dave Eveleigh were among the 64 runners who completed the event.
Carlos was 11th in 17:59, Andy was 18th in 19:10 and Dave was 56th in 25:32.
(LT)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)