Fulford '5'

At 11 o'clock on a cold grey morning on Sunday 7th February 2010 two hundred and sixty runners lined up for the start of the Fulford 5 Road Race. This race is five miles in distance around the town centre of Exmouth, hosted by the towns own running club, the Exmouth Harriers and sponsored by Fulfords Estate agents.

The start of the race was in The Royal Avenue out side the dive centre. The course then went followed along Imperial Road before turning left into Victoria Way to Mamhead and along the Esplanade. At Carlton Hill a left turn saw the course ascend to the roundabout where a sharp left turn took it into Rolle Road and along the decline back towards the shopping centre. Once around the Strand and back into Imperial Road to Victoria Way saw the completion of the first loop of the circuit, some two miles into the race. The route followed the same course but on the second loop instead of turning left into Carlton Hill the circuit continued into Queen's Drive and, after a quick glimpse of the new life boat station, the course took a left turn into Maer Road. Along another, longer, ascent and the course turned left into Douglas Avenue and again into Rolle Road before descending into the town centre for the final time. Around the Strand, along Imperial Way and a right turn into The Royal Avenue saw the finishing post beyond the entrance of the lorry park.

From the sound of the start local runner Tom Merson, sporting the colours of Bristol and West Running club, led the field at a blistering pace, despite recently recovering from a bout of "swine flu". At the end of the first loop Tom Merson was several metres ahead of the field and continued to increase this lead for the duration of the race. A relentless pace set by Tom Merson saw him cross the finishing line in first place in a time of 25 minutes and 11 seconds, some 29 seconds ahead of the second athlete home, and still faster than his last years time.

For the Exmouth Harriers the first member to complete the race was Jamie Pearson who finished in a time of 27-23 in overall 6th position. Just three places behind, in 9th position was Dave Stone who finished in a time of 27-49.

Andy Johnson finished in 36th position in a time of 32-14, again, just three places ahead of fellow member, K. Nicholas, who finished in 39th position in a time of 32-39.

John Perratt finished in overall 73rd position in a time of 35-22, taking the award for the first place in the V70 category. Immediately behind him in overall 74th place was Ray Elston who finished in a time of 35-30, taking the second place in the same category.

Roger Rowe, making his comeback after suffering from a serious injury causing him to suspend his running for 6 months, finished in overall 88th position in a time 36-15 which saw him taking the award for the second place in the V60 category.

Jim Wyatt finished in 124th position in a time of 38-30, taking the third place in the V65 category.

Lyn Curtis, the first female member of the Exmouth Harriers, finished in 139th position in a time of 39-10. This time gave her the third place in the FV40 category.

Dave Eveleigh finished in 174th position in a time of 43-22.

Ian McDonald finished in 198th position in a time of 45-42.

Trevor Cope final member of the Exmouth Harriers to complete the course in overall 247th position in a time of 53-53.

The final athlete to finish the race was Harry Moore, wearing the colours of Axe Valley Runners, another spritely runner in the V70 category, in a time of 64-40.

(RW)

Laat week's races...

At 09.30 hours on Sunday 31st January seventy six runners lined up for the start of the Great West Run Warm-up Race Series. The first in the series was 5k in distance over a flat traffic free course around the River Exe and the flood relief system. Andy Johnson was the sole Exmouth Harrier participating.

.
Kairn Stone of Newham and Essex Beagles finished in first place in a time of 15 minutes and 21 seconds. Andy Johnson, representing Exmouth Harriers, finished in 14th place in a time of 20-13, taking the 2nd V45 award.

.
On Monday 01-01-2010 the fourth round of the Puma Ironbridge Winter 3k series commenced at the athletics track in Exeter. A total of 84 runners, including for Exmouth Harriers, Andy Johnson, John Parrett, Lee Russell, Jim Wyatt and Les Turner, competed in four heats. The overall winner and in the A race was Jack Bancroft representing Wells City who completed the seven and one half laps of the arena in a time of 8 minutes and 48 seconds.
.

In the B race Andy Johnson finished in 15th place in a time of 11-37.

.
In the D race John Perratt finished in 3rd place in a time of 12-49 immediately ahead of Lee Russell who finished in 4th place in a time of 12-52. Jim Wyatt finished in 17th place in a time of 14-29.

.

In the E race Les Turner finished in 6th place in a time of 15-18.

.

(RW)

2010 SW Vets XC Championship

Sunday 24th January saw the 2010 South West Veterans Cross Country Championship, in co-operation with Sidmouth Running Club, held with the kind permission of the East Devon District Council for the National Trust, around The Byes at Sidmouth. This is the first time the course has been used as previous races had been held at Muttersmoor, Sidmouth. Although the new course does not appear to be as severe as the Muttersmoor course the new route proved to be just as taxing.

Despite the mindless endeavours of local vandals, who removed some stakes and tape, which had been set out the previous evening marking the course, the valiant efforts of John Perratt and his crew ensured the race started as scheduled.

Twenty-six runners in the under 17, ladies and men V65 plus categories joined the twenty-seven runners in the men up to V60 category to pound their way around the heavy going of the course. The men up to V60 category had to endure 5 laps of the course whilst the other categories completed four laps. After the recent adverse weather conditions the standing water had dried just making the going under foot sticky in places and heavy. With windless skies and efforts by the sun to emerge the race began at 11.15 in the morning.

In the category U17, ladies and men V65 plus the first runner to complete the four laps was Stephen Moss, U17, of Sidmouth Running Club in a time of 28 minutes and 47 seconds. Close on his heels in second place came the first lady, Marilyn Blair for Torrington Running Club in a time of 29-39.

Ray Elston, the first Exmouth Harrier, won the V70 category by finishing in overall 15th position in a time of 34-19. Had Ray been young enough this time would have given him first place in the V65 category. The actual winner of the V65 category was Jim Wyatt, for Exmouth Harriers, who finished directly behind his Exmouth Harrier colleague in 16th position in a time of 35-38. Les Turner completed the Exmouth Harrier trio in these categories by finishing in 24th position in a time of 39-47. The last runner to cross the line in 26th position was Louise Brown, for Sidmouth Running Club, in a time of 44-24.

In the other men's categories, up to V60, saw Richard Drage,V50, running for Tavistock AC, complete the five laps in first place in a time of 32-19. Exmouth Harriers' Lee Russell finished his five laps in 18th place in a time of 43-29. The final runner, in 27th place was David Welsh, for Sidmouth Running Club, in a time of 50-22."

East Devon Way Relay

Sunday 17th January 2010 saw the inaugural "East Devon Way Relay Race" won by a strong team from Exmouth Harriers.

The new race was in the shape of a twelve stage race along a 42 miles route starting at the long term car park at the rear of the railway station in Exmouth and finishing at the "Cobb" in Lyme Regis. Although there were twelve separate stages the teams of consisted only four runners, so each runner had to negotiate several stages. The stages varied in length from 2.1 miles, which included much uphill work, to the longest stage of 5.8 miles, by far the toughest section, which included lengths of flat terrain with both downhill and uphill sections.

.

Exmouth Harriers entered two teams, one men only and the second a team of both sexes.

.
The men's team consisted of Mike Musgrove, who ran legs 1,6 and 7, Adam Miller who ran legs 2 and 9, Dave Stone, who ran legs 3,4 and 5, and Jamie Pearson, who ran legs 8 and 10. This team finished first in an overall time of 4 hours and 56 minutes some 20 minutes ahead of the team finishing in second place namely the host club Axe Valley Runners.

The mixed team consisting of Emma Dupain, Steve Merry, Lucy Hodgeson and Terry Oldham. This team opted to complete the course by each member completing about ten miles, subject to hand over locations and , finished in 11th position in an overall time of 6 hours and 11 minutes.

As would have been expected following the recent adverse weather experienced the conditions underfoot was very heavy indeed. Parts of the course were awash with water, especially the section between Colyton and Musbury where runners waded through knee deep puddles. However, fortunately, the weather conditions on the day were dry with bright sunny skies. A really great new race and an excellent performance from both Exmouth Harrier's teams.

Unfortunately due to the recent adverse weather conditions the latest round of the Brooks Westward Cross Country League to be held on Sunday 17th January 2010 in Bideford was cancelled. The overall results will now be ascertained from the best four results of the five races which are scheduled to be completed in March at Redruth.

.

(RW)

Dartmoor train in the 1950s

No races to report, so a train photo taken just a few miles from Princetown from Plymouth (change at Yelverton). Is that South Hessary Tor I can see in the background (on the left)? Certainly looks like it.

Happy New Year

"Exmouth Harriers Kevin Lingard and his daughter, Liz, started the New Year with nearly 200 others, by participating in the 2010 Brown Willy Run. The run started at 11am on Friday 1st January 2010 from the famous Jamaica Inn and followed a route of about 7 miles across moor, through boggy, muddy, icy ground, along paths and up the challenging "Brown Willy", the highest point in Cornwall. On such a cold crisp day as Friday both the south and north Cornwall coasts could be seen from this highest section of the course.

The run was organised by the Truro Running Club. Participants just turned up on the day and signed in. There was no entry fee and entrants made monetary donations, all of which was split between the Cornish Search and Rescue Team and Cornwall Hospice Care.

Liz Lingard completed her run in about 78 minutes and dad, Kevin, finished just two minutes behind in a time of 80 minutes.

The 8th First Chance 10k was hosted by South West Road Runners on Sunday 3rd January 2010. The race was a fast flat course along paths and cycleways by the Exeter Canal and the river Exe. Included in the full complement of 464 runners finishing the race were three Exmouth Harriers, namely, Pete McKeon, Paul Samways and John Perratt. The weather was bright but chilly with little wind making running conditions ideal, although a covering of frost on the ground made going,in some areas, a bit tricky. The race winner was Kevin Hayward of Bideford RC in a time of 30 minutes 44 seconds followed extremely closely by Exmouth local runner Tom Merson just 11 seconds behind.

Of the Exmouth Harriers contingent Pete McKeon finished in overall 25th position in a time of 35-44, the second in the V40 category, ahead of Paul Samways in overall 43rd position in a time of 39-03. John Perratt completed the trio finishing in 142nd position in a time of 46-49, the second in the V65 category.

And finally a reminder to those ladies who would like to participate in a "WOMEN'S ONLY" running night in the new year. Lorraine Gilson is holding the initial session on Wednesday 13th January 2010 at 6.15pm at the Exmouth Rugby Club, Imperial Road, Exmouth, EX8 1DG, for a 6.30pm start. Any lady wanting to give it a try please contact Lorraine on the mobile phone number 07977544611. If you do not try running you can not say you do not like it so give it a try.

Anyone else who fancies running come along on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Check out the Exmouth Harriers web-site http://www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk/ .

2009 Team of the Year

V70 BMAF Gold Medallists ~ National Road Relays, Sutton Park

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas everyone.
A present? "North Street Grande" from Stackridge...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6VoChujccM

Review of 2009

One of Exmouth Harriers all-time greats, Cathy Newman, won the South West Veterans A C Grand Prix award for ladies for 2008, based on the average age graded performance for her four best performances over the year. Her average of 90.24% is something "The rest of us can only dream of", said World Masters Athletics Championships medallist John Perratt.

Last January, Exmouth Harriers bright young hope, Jamie Pearson, then 17 years old, ran superbly to win the gold medal in the Senior Boys' event at the Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships held in Plymouth.

Also in January, John Perratt was at the megaphone to start the South West Veterans A C Cross Country Championships at Sidmouth and presented the awards to the successful athletes after the event. In between, he decided to win the V70 category! In coming 2nd V65 after an excellent performance, his friend and archrival, fellow Harrier Ray Elston, enjoyed the rare priviledge of beating John - it's not very often that John gets beaten by anyone over the age of 65, not even by someone as outstanding as Ray!

Hugh Marsden won the Falkland Islands Half Marathon for a very impressive fifth consecutive year in February. A month later he came second in the Island's full marathon, but in a new personal best time.

March saw Exmouth based athlete Tom Merson, a good friend of Exmouth Harriers who often trains with us but runs in the colours of South West Road Runners and, more recently, Bristol and West A C, win the fifth and final round of the Ironbridge Runner 3K Series at Exeter Arena, and with it the overall series of five races. The Harriers overall series winners were V60 Roger Rowe, V65 Ray Elston and, of course, V70 John Perratt. Jim Wyatt was 2nd V65.

This month also saw the conclusion of another winter series, the Brooks Westward Cross Country League, with the final event at Redruth. After coming 2nd at the last two rounds at Bideford and Bovey Tracey, U17 Jamie Pearson finally beat both the overall series winner, Tom Gill of Tavistock A C, and the series runner-up, J Waldie of Cornwall A C, for a thoroughly well-deserved 3rd place over the series. Ray Elston did not take part at Redruth, but had already completed the required 5 out of 6 races for 3rd V60 over the series.

Tom Merson came 2nd at the 25th Great West Run Half Marathon at Exeter in May, a mere two seconds behind defending champion Kairn Stone of Newham and Essex Beagles. Jamie Pearson, still only 17, produced another brilliant performance to come 1st U20 and 6th overall. Andy Kennedy was 3rd V50.

May also included a momentous event for Exmouth Harriers at this year's BMAF Road Relays, with Ray Elston, Mick Allen and John Perratt winning the first national relay title ever to grace the club. They won the V70 event, despite Ray being tripped at the start and completing the 1st leg covered in blood! John also won the individual gold for the fastest V70 leg of the day!

The first running of Exmouth Harriers' new event, the 5 1/2 mile Beach Race, took place in June. Although the race only attracted 30 entries, all who ran it said it was a great race so the club are keen to run it again next year, hopefully with a much bigger field. The winner, Jamie Pearson, ran away from the other competitors. This race also saw the dawning of the career of another bright young prospect, Duncan Taylor (son of Adrian) who finished in 3rd place at the tender age of 14! Surely another name to watch out for in the future.

In June, Jamie Pearson came 2nd U20 at the hilly Bampton 10K. Hugh Marsden was 2nd V50 and Roger Rowe came 1st V60.

Dave Stone was 2nd M35 at the Torbay Half Marathon, also in June. Jamie Pearson was 1st U20, with Hugh Marsden 2nd V50.

Two Harriers won all five events they took part in at the South West Veterans' A C Track & Field Championships at Exeter Arena. John Perratt's M70 golds came in the 800m, 1500m and 5,000m. Andy Kennedy achieved his M50 golds in the 10,000m and the 2,000m steeplechase.

Hannah Bown was the 1st lady in the Killerton Kanter 10K Cross Country Race.

On to July and the 4 x 2 1/2 miles Erme Valley Road Relays at Ivybridge. Exmouth's M60 team (average age 66) of Roger Rowe, Ray Elston, Les Turner and Jim Wyatt won their category for the fifth consecutive year, i.e. on every occasion since its introduction! The M40 team comprising Pete McKeown, Jon Croome, Andy Johnson and Hugh Marsden came third in their category. Roger Rowe, who ran the fastest leg for the M60 team, has not raced again since this event due to a combination of an ongoing foot injury and a serious overload of building and decorating work at his home. He is, however, still capable of winning almost any V60 race in the South West region and we hope to see him again gracing the Harriers' colours in the near future, especially at the national relays.

Hugh Marsden was 1st V50 at the hilly Charmouth Challenge 8 miles multi-terrain course.

In August, the ladies team of Hannah Bown, Emma Dupain, Dawn Teed and Lorraine Gilson won their category at the Totnes 10K off-road race. Dave Stone, Hugh Marsden, Carlos Payan, Adam Miller, Paul Samways and Pete McKeown came 2nd in the men's team event. Hugh Marsden won the individual award for 1st V50, John Perratt was 1st V70 with a new course record and Ray Elston came 2nd V70.

Dave Stone was 3rd at the Sidmouth Festival 10K Run, with Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 2nd V60.

Lorraine Gilson was 1st FV 50 at the Tywyn Mid-Wales Race the Train 14-mile multi-terrain event first held 25 years ago. Although not winning an award, Hugh Marsden was one of the select band of runners who succeeded in beating the train.

Jamie Pearson was 1st U21 at the challenging Jurassic Coast 10K multi-terrain event at Budleigh Salterton.

Carlos Payan was 2nd M30-34 at the Torbay Regatta 10K and John Perratt was 1st M65.

In September, Tom Merson won the Devon County A A 10,000m Track Race at Exeter Arena by the huge margin of nearly 4 minutes and Dave Stone came 2nd. John Perratt was 1st M70 and Andy Johnson was 2nd M45.

A superb performance saw Dave Stone win the 7 1/2 miles multi-terrain Ivybridge Beacon Challenge.

The first round of the 2009/10 Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series took place in October and was won by Tom Merson. Dave Eveleigh, who has been battling a lengthy illness, made a fantastic effort to produce a time over 2 minutes quicker than his time last season.

Dave Stone took 3rd place in the Eden Project Marathon.

Exmouth Harriers did well at the first South Molton Struggle, a 12K multi-terrain course. Bob Woodall was 1st V60, Ray Elston 1st V70 and Jim Wyatt 3rd V65. Bob, a retired policeofficer, has now won several awards since "breaking into" the V60 category!

John Perratt was 1st South West V70 at the Ten Mile Road Race Championships of the British Masters Athletics Federation in conjunction with the South West Vets A C Championships at the Isle of Portland. Les Turner was 2nd S.W. V65.

Hugh Marsden was 3rd V50 at the first round of this season's Brooks Westward League Cross Country series at Central Park, Plymouth.

Exmouth Harriers produced some great team and individual performances at the Parrett Trail Relays. The men's team of Hugh Marsden, Adam Miller, Mike Musgrove, Joel Morter, Dave Stone and Jamie Pearson were runners-up to Yeovil in a much faster race than last year. Hugh and Jamie both won their stages, Jamie with a new course record for the leg. The mixed team comprising Andy Johnson, Lorraine Gilson, Steph French, Jon Croome, Terry Oldham and Pete McKeown won their category with Jon Croome and Pete McKeown both winning their stages. The Exmouth ladies team of Emma Dupain, Lucy Hodgson, Lorraine Croome, Jenny Timms, Hannah Bown and Camilla Matheson had to settle for 2nd place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team. Emma Dupain won her leg.

Dave Stone came 2nd in the Dartmoor Vale Marathon at Newton Abbot which also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. However, since he was the first Devon runner to finish he became the Devon Men's Marathon Champion for 2009.

Jon Croome, Pete McKeown, Jim Pyne, Lorraine Croome, Paul Champion and Bob Keast completed the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon), the originator of the 2-day mountain marathon type event that first took place over 40 years ago. A fine achievement by all of them, it was particularly special for Bob Keast, only a year after his hip replacement operation.

By coming 6th at the Luton Marathon, his 7th marathon in the last 12 months, Dave Stone has now accomplished his target of completing 40 marathons before reaching his 40th birthday in February, 2010 - a great achievement!

The saddest moment of the Exmouth Harriers' year came at the end of June, when Sue Wilkin suffered a horrific injury and broke her ankle very badly at the Endurance Life Classic Quarter Coastal Ultra Series in Cornwall. She had to be air-lifted to hospital by the Air Ambulance and was told that she would never be able to run again. She is, however, far too stubborn to accept this advice, so has been working very hard to speed up her recovery as much as possible - and prove the medical experts wrong. So far things are going well, but she must avoid the temptation to push too hard and suffer a setback. All the club wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery and the achievement of her goal of running again, as soon as possible.

On Sunday 20th December 2009 six intrepid Exmouth Harriers, namely, Dave Stone, Ray Elston, Andy Kennedy, Phil Quick, Andy Johnson and Pete McKeown were amongst nearly 200 runners who braved the icy conditions to warm up for the start of the Wellington Monument Race 2009. With only a few minutes to the off, in temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius, the race was cancelled due to the extremely icy road conditions. The race organisers, in consultation with the Police, decided that there was too much ice on the roads to enable the race to start in anywhere near save conditions. There were grave concerns for both runners falling and collisions likely with motor traffic using the same route. Some runners were understandably disappointed but several runners had already taken tumbles just negotiating their way from the race Headquarters in the local school to the start line in the centre of the village. The organisers took the only safe option in the circumstances. Better wait for next years race than nurse a possible sever injury over the festive period.

And finally a reminder to those ladies who would like to participate in a "WOMENS ONLY" running night in the new year. Lorraine Gilson is holding the initial session on Wednesday 13th January 2010 at 6.15pm at the Exmouth Rugby Club, Imperial Road, Exmouth, EX8 1DG, for a 6.30pm start. Any lady wanting to give it a try please contact Lorraine on the mobile phone number 07977544611. If you do not try running you can not say you do not like it, so give it a try. This will be a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement, not an elite squad. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.
Anyone else who fancies running come along on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Check out the Exmouth Harriers web-site "exmouth-harriers,co,uk".

Annual resume prepared by Les Turner.

Last week and weekend...

On Monday 7th December 2009 Round 3 of the Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events took place at Exeter Arena. The weather conditions were particularly foul which could account for the fact that the number of competitors was down from 110 from the previous round a month ago to 89.

Despite the strong wind and the driving rain, which was quite heavy at times, some of the runners managed to produce some excellent times.

This event involved six races and the winner of the A race and overall winner on the night was Exmouth based Tom Merson running in the colours of Bristol & West AC. Tom produced a superb time for the conditions of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, just two seconds slower than his previous best in the series. It was a very hard earned victory because second placed Pete Freedman of Tavistock AC was awarded exactly the same time.

The four Exmouth Harriers who competed were again led home by Andy Johnson, this time recording 11 minutes and 28 seconds.

Lee Russell was next in 12:37, with Jim Wyatt finishing in 14:42. Les Turner completed the quartet in 15:39 and the last runner to finish was Dennis Commissar of South Devon AC in 20:40.

The weather for this year's Reindeer Run 10K at Otterton, which was staged on Sunday 13th December, could not have been more different from the heavy rainfall and very severe flooding that caused last year's course to be changed and shortened to around 8K.

This year, the biggest problem for the runners was being blinded by the dazzling sunlight and sunglasses would have been extremely helpful on the day.

Despite the glorious weather, there was still plenty of mud for the runners to enjoy and wading along the river under the road bridge towards the end of the race with the icy water approaching the top of the thighs was enough to freeze anyone's assets, recession or no recession!

The race was won by Chris Jones in 38 minutes and 5 seconds. Mike Musgrove was the first of the five Exmouth Harriers to finish after an excellent performance, coming 5th in 40:11. Jim Pyne was 8th in 41:34, followed by Alex Hooper who came 22nd in 44:29. Kevin Lingard was 127th in 57:27, with Les Turner 136th in 58:47. 222 runners completed the event and the last runner finished in 1:30:20.

The New Year, 2010, sees the Exmouth Harriers commencing a "ladies only" section on a Wednesday night, starting from their base at the Exmouth Rugby Club. It will a chance for all those ladies to back up their New Year's Eve resolution and put their idea into practice to commence to run and keep fit. Lorraine Gilson will be pleased to see all the ladies keen to take up the challenge. This will not be an elite squad, those faster athletes are welcome at club at any time, but a gentle introduction into running with an aim for improvement. More details will be forthcoming so watch out for the flyers and contact details to be displayed around the town.

(RW & LT)

Weekend Races...

On Sunday 29th November 2009 Exmouth Harrier, Carlos Payan, took part in the San Sebastian Marathon in Spain. The weather conditions were cold for the location and windy, but ideal for running the very flat fast course. There were a total of 2615 entrants of which 2,394 crossed the finishing line.

The first runner completed the course in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 29 seconds with Carlos Payan finishing in 315th place in a time of 2hr 57min and 29 secs.. The final competitor crossed the finishing line in 4hr 40min and 20secs. There was a good quality of entrants for this event as can be seen from the fact that 450 runners completed the course in under three hours.

Friday 4th December 2009 Exmouth Harriers finished their running year with a festive meal and disco at the Exmouth Rugby Club. A superb meal was provided by JoniBoy Bamsey's own enterprise "jono's catering". Before the jitterbugging commenced the club awards were announced and the female athlete of the year went to Lorraine Gilson and the male athlete of the year went to Jamie Pearson. Paul Champion was rewarded by his years endeavours for the club with the Chairman's trophy. The late night, alcohol and hearty meal were anything but conducive to running so all activities were put on hold for Sunday.

On Sunday a brace of Exmouth Harriers, namely Dave Stone and Adrian Kearns, made the long trek to the south Midlands to take part in the ninth Luton Marathon and Three Stage Relay. Unlike last year when the event was cancelled due to extreme icy conditions which caused a vehicle to block part of the course the weather was more favourable to the runners. After a heavy down pour just hour before the race and much rain preceding this the race started at 11.00am in dry but windy conditions. Leaving the sport centre at Brammingham Wood, the race HQ, the route headed out toward the main A1082 road toward Bedford before turning left through the small village of Streatley and back toward Luton via the village of Lower Sundon. Although the course was mainly flat with slight undulations a strong head wind was experienced after leaving Streatley for about three miles before entering Luton at Sundon Park. Running through the built up areas the competitors were given a respite from the wind as they made their toward the Purley Centre and the completion of the first of three laps of the course.

Bearing in mind the three lap course this meant that the runners were facing nearly one third of the twenty seven plus miles into a strong head wind. Dave Stone made his intentions of a quick race from the start staying within striking distance of the leaders. By the completion of what would have been a half marathon Dave had clocked up an impressive time of 1 hour and 22 minutes which spurred him on. Dave Stone finally completed the race in overall 6th position in a time of 2 hours 44 minutes and 34 seconds. Adrian Kearns followed finishing in 57th position in a time of 3 hours 12 minutes and 52 seconds. Dave has now completed forty marathon races before reaching the grand old age of 40 years in February 2010. A great achievement of which he was particularly pleased as his finishing time was just quicker than his own anticipated time.

At a more leisurely pace and closer to home six members of the Exmouth Harriers competed in the Brooks Westward League Cross Country race staged at the Exeter Race Arena. The exceptionally prolonged rain of late had caused the whole course to be extremely waterlogged with the many twists and turns being deep sticky mud especially for the last race of the day, the senior men's event. Most of the course had seen six earlier events in the afternoon race around some of the course making going very heavy and extremely rutted. The weather on the day was kind to the competitors with little light rain and when the Exmouth Harriers all lined up for the senior men's event at 2.15 pm the skies were cloudless with the sun making temperature spring like but with a brisk wind. The initial start was an uphill run with several ninety degree turns. Before nearing the crest of the hill a long straight downhill section brought the runners back to beyond the start where a tight, near, one hundred and eighty turn around a tree saw the runners racing back along an incline into a head wind back towards the top of the course. Sections of this uphill climb, along the top bank of a local stream, were particularly boggy with soles of running wear sinking deep into the tufted grass so that ankles were covered with deep liquid mud. Two more one hundred and eighty degree turns were negotiated before the runners reached the top of the hill and the descent back toward the starting point.

After three and a half more laps the finish was in sight with the runners having completed nearly nine kilometres around the overall course.

 The race winner was K. Haywood of Bideford AC in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 17 seconds.
 Jamie Pearson lead the Exmouth Harriers contingent home in 34th position in a time of 35 minutes and 12 seconds.
 Bob Woodall followed in 91st position, being in second place in the V60 category, in a time of 42 min 29 sec..
 Andy Kennedy finished in 101st position in a time of 42 min 53 sec..
 Phil [Twinkle] Quick in his first cross country event for several years, finished on the heels of Andy in 102nd position in a time of 42 min 54 sec..
 Lee Russell finished in 116th position in a time of 46 min 15 sec..
 John Perratt finished 120th position in a time of 48 min 30 seconds.
 The final runner to complete the race, in 130th position in a time of 61 min 24 sec. was M. Lee from Erme Valley Harriers.

(RW)

Another train...

Long time since I published an old photo from the Budleigh Salterton/Exmouth line... so here's one of an engine in Tipton St. Johns (sic) station, just a few yards from the Golden Lion pub (bit pricey these days). Houses, of course, are now built on the old line/sidings, but the old route can be easily seen.

Bicton Blister 2009

The 2009 Bicton Blister results may be found here:
http://www.bictonblister.co.uk/

Sunday 29th November 2009 saw the Exmouth Harriers host the Bicton "Blister" and its baby brother the Bicton "Lite".

The "Blister" challenges runners to undertake, this year, a nine point seven-five mile course, over the testing terrain of Bicton Common, Woodbury Common and Dalditch. The "Lite" follows the same course for the first few miles before returning to Bicton College after covering a distance of five miles.

The event started between the buildings of the Bicton College,in light rain, and exited the grounds towards Blackberry Farm along the tarmac roadway heading towards Crook Plantation where the route went off-road with a vengeance. The rain abated quite quickly but within the first

mile of the start the runners experienced deep puddles forcing all to take an early cold foot bath.

Throughout the next seven or so miles off-road runners experienced severe descents and ascents along river pebble based tracks, soft sand and clinging mud, which attempted to suck the shoes from the feet. Waterlogged tracks under more than 300 millimetres, 12 inches, of muddy water loomed ahead with no alternative to avoid another cold footbath. One stretch of the course ascending to the area known to the Marines as the 'sheep dip' is actually the bed of a flowing stream. The only consolation being that the running water washed the oozing mud from the shoes. More deep puddles through which to charge and more clinging mud to run through before the course emerged back on the tarmac at Crooks plantation. Just the last mile or so of undulating road before the finish at Bicton College after careering through the last two puddles.

In all 16 Exmouth Harriers entered and completed the events, 12 in the "Blister" and 4 in the "Lite".

In the Blister race a resident of Exmouth,Tom Merson sporting the colours of South West Road Runners, crossed the finishing line in first in an impressive time of 61 minutes and 31 seconds.

Just two minutes later and only one second behind the second finisher, Dave Stone, for Exmouth Harriers, finished in third overall place in a time of 63mins 33seconds, followed closely in 5th position by Jamie Pearson, again for the Exmouth Harriers in a time of 65mins 40secs.

The remaining runners for Exmouth Harriers finished valiantly as follows:-

Jon Croome finished in 28th position in a time of 71mins 30secs,
Mike Musgrove finished in 31st position in a time of 71min 34secs.
These first four Exmouth Harriers took the first place in the race team event.
Adam Miller finished in 36th position in a time of 72mins 26secs,
Joel Morter finished in 74mins 19secs,
Alex Hooper finished in 52nd position in a time of 75mins 10secs,
Bob Woodall finished in 116th position in a time of 83mins 32secs, giving him the third prize in the V60 category,
Lorraine Croome finished in 160th position in a time of 87mins 29secs,
Lorraine Gilson finished in 230th position in a time of 95mins 50secs,
Jim Wyatt finished in 237th position in a time of 97mins 3secs,
Completing the Harriers contingent Stan Mason finished in 281st position in a time of 103mins 59secs.

The final competitor to cross the finishing line was Angela Murray, an unattached runner, in 356th position in a time of 136mins 9secs.

In the "Lite" race Mark Shobbrock of Instinctive Sport, finished in first place in a time of 33mins 34secs,
Andy Kennedy for Exmouth Harriers finished in overall 3rd position in a time of 35min 38secs,
John Perratt for Exmouth Harriers finished in 14th position in a time of 39min 46secs, taking the first place award in the V70 category,
Corinna Stephens for Exmouth Harriers finished in 24th position in a time of 42mins 55secs,
Les Turner completed the Exmouth contingent in 32nd position in a time of 44mins 59secs.

The final competitor to complete the "Lite" was Mark Waddicor of South West Road Runners in 78th position in a time of 105mins 38secs..

(RW)

Colyton Fiver

Sunday 22nd November 2009 saw six members of the Exmouth Harriers running club take part in the Colyton Fiver, a five mile road race to raise funds for the Children in Need Appeal. Barring for the first male and female runner to complete the course there were no awards presented at the end of the race as all proceeds were donated to the fund.

Throughout the duration of the race the weather conditions were mainly dry and sunny although one of the lanes was under 225 millimetres of water, (9 nine inches) following the recent heavy rainfalls.

The overall winner was Peter Monaghan of Torbay ACC in a time of 28 minutes and 18 seconds.

.
The first Exmouth Harrier to cross the line was Paul Samways in a time of 31.34. Andy Kennedy finished in 32nd position in a time of 35.08. Phillip Quick finished in 36th position in a time of 35.49. Lee Russell finished in 47th position in a time of 37.28. John Perratt finished in 51st position in a time of 38.19. Les Turner finished in 102nd position in a time of 44.49. The final runner to cross the finish line was Harry Moore from the Axe Valley Runners in a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 46 seconds.

(RW)

Sunday 15th November

On Sunday 15th, members of Exmouth Harriers were entered in several separate race events, namely the Cornish Marathon, the Drogo 10, and the Brooks Westward Cross Country League held at St Austell.

Dave Stone was the lone member of the Exmouth Harriers to enter the Cornish Marathon. From the mouths of competitors this is an extremely hard, hilly course, possibly one of the hardest marathons in Europe. Dave continued in the vein of his previous entries to this marathon and finished in an impressive 4th position in a time of 2hrs, 59mins, 40 seconds.

---oOo---

Eleven members of the Exmouth Harriers entered the Drogo 10, which is a 10 mile off road event staged around the slopes of Castle Drogo.

An impressive 517 runners completed the greulling course with the first home Mark HOPKINSON, of Taunton AC, in a time of 1hr, 02mins and 13 secs. The last runner completed the course in 2hrs, 32mins and 08secs. The event starts at the Castle Drogo and makes its way along the main drive, slightly uphill, before taking a sharp right turn down onto the infamous Hunters Path, which descends sharply to the river. After this the course is at its most demanding with wet, muddy, slippy and uneven surfaces. Most of the route being along a switchback through woodlands and forestry tracks or by the side of the river on waterlogged tracks. Going was made even more interesting by the recent heavy rains which had caused the streams flowing across the track to swell to varing depths. At Fingle Bridge, when energy levels are at a low, a sharp left turn brings the final steep ascent, back toward the finish, into view. Many competitors at this stage are reduced to walking the steep incline before the final stretch of course along the edge of the hill back to the finsh line at the castle.

For Exmouth Harriers Pete McKEOWN finished in 21st position in a time of 1hr, 13mins and 15secs. Pete was the 2nd to finish in his MV45 category. Adam MILLER finished in 34th position in a time of 1-15-38. Mike MUSGROVE finished in 38th position in a time of 1-16-13. Alex HOOPER finished in 62nd position in a time of 1-19-13. Duncan PARKES finished in 96th position in a time of 1-22-50. Emma DUPAIN finished in 145th position in a time of 1-26-46. Terry OLDHAM finished in 148th position in a time of 1-27-07. John PERRATT finished in 232nd position in a time of 1-34-22. John was the first in his V65+ category. Lucy HODGSON finished in 233rd position in a time of 1-34-29. Lorraine SLIGHT finished in 250th position in a time of 1-36-35. Dawn TEED completed the Harriers contingent in 275th position in a time of 1-38-16.

---oOo---

Bob Woodall and Ray Elston competed in the Brooks Westward League Cross Country race at Penrice School in St. Austell. The atmospheric conditions were ideal for the multi lap 9.5 kilometre course around the school playing fields but the conditions underfoot were extremely heavy after the recent downpours experienced building up to the day of the race. As the senior men's race was started after various other categories the ground was seriously cut up and the tight bends resembled quagmires. There were many 180 degree turns and twists and several short severe ascents with equally severe descents. The senior men's race was won convincingly by Tom Merson in an impressive time in the colours of South West Road Runners. Bob Woodall finished in 93rd place in a time of 44mins 37secs and Ray Elston, first in the v70 category, finished in 108th place some three minutes later.

(RW)

Winter 3K Series

Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Puma Winter 3K Series of five events took place at Exeter Arena last Monday. 110 runners completed the event including five Exmouth Harriers.

Altogether, six races were held and the winner of the A race and overall event was Jack Bancroft of Wells City in 8:47.

The first Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:08. Lee Russell was next in 12:30 with John Perratt recording 12:46.

Dave Eveleigh came home in 13:50, just ahead of Jim Wyatt who took 13:54.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has taken up jogging. By pure chance I've had sight of a copy of his training diary.......

Day One
I have decided to take up jogging in order to eliminate the excess weight I have inherited from my predecessor. This morning I attended Hyde Park in the company of my friend Comrade Personal Trainer Smith. I can report here that he wanted me to jog for one mile without stop and that I wanted to jog no more than half a mile without stop and that we were therefore in complete agreement that I would not jog two miles without stop. Negotiations having been concluded to my satisfaction I then jogged one mile without stop. The following discussion then took place:

Comrade Personal Trainer Smith: “What I want you to do now is to run as hard as you can from here to that tree. By the time you arrive at the tree I want you to have worked so hard that you are actually in oxygen deficit.”

Comrade Me: “I can predict now and with confidence that any oxygen deficit I incur will be eliminated by the first quarter of 2015. Myself and the Chancellor have put in place prudent measures which will ensure that I emerge from oxygen deficit well before that old man over there by the bandstand.”

Comrade Personal Trainer: “No you misunderstand me. What I mean is that by the time you reach the tree you must be physically spent.”

Comrade Me: “I will not be physically spent but I will have invested physically to a greater degree than the Tories. If David Cameron were to sprint to that tree and still have some breath left then we will know that he intends to axe the jobs of thousands of nurses and teachers. I will sprint for the many and not the few.”

Comrade Personal Trainer: “Let me put it another way. I want you to go for bust.”

Comrade Me: “But I have abolished bust.”

Comrade Personal Trainer: “You have abolished going for bust?”

Comrade Me: “I never said that. I’m just getting on with the jog”

Day Two
Today during my morning training session I hit the wall. It was not my fault. I’m not sure who put the wall there but the bricks probably emerged in the American sub-prime market and the emergence of the wall overall could not have been predicted by anyone.

Day Three
Today I entered my first 10K race. At the registration desk I noticed a slim runner with a lawyerly presence who looked like he had done this sort of thing before. I therefore approached him and made the following suggestion: “I think it would be best for the running community overall if we agreed now that you take the lead for the first half of the race and then drop out and allow me to lead thereafter. Whilst you are leading I will try and stay on your shoulder and constantly snipe at you in a constructive way. I might even attempt to trip you up as a gesture of my complete support. Do we have a deal?”. The man looked at me, spat on the floor, turned around and walked off in a gesture of complete agreement. Nothing can go wrong now. I have been running for a week so it must be my turn to win.

OMM & Templer '10'

Six Exmouth Harriers were among this year’s competitors in the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon). This event first took place over 40 years ago and was the originator of the 2-day mountain marathon type event. Teams of two competitors carry all their clothing, equipment, tent, sleeping bags and food, navigating their own route and including an overnight camp.

Teams are totally self-supporting and no GPS or outside support is allowed. It is against the rules to reconnoitre before the event.

This is the premier UK event for testing teamwork, self-reliance, endurance, outdoor and navigational skills. Its reputation is worldwide, with entrants from 12 to 14 countries every year.

There are two different types of course split into seven different classes. The “Line” type (check points in a pre-designated order) with the Elite, A, B and C classes. And the “Score” type (Long, Medium and Short) which need higher levels of navigation skills to optimise points scored and ensure completion within the time allowed.

All the Harriers opted for the toughest Long Score class. There were 29 control points and a time limit of 7 hours for the Saturday, with 30 controls and a 6-hour limit for Sunday. Both days carried a penalty of 2 points per minute late.

The first Harrier to finish was Jon Croome and his partner in 8th place with 645 points. Pete McKeown and Jim Pyne were 29th with 575 points. Lorraine Croome and her partner came 144th with 330 points and Paul Champion and Bob Keast were 155th with 295 points. 179 teams completed this class.

Last Sunday, ten Exmouth Harriers were among the field of 207 runners who completed the Templer Ten (9.5 mile) multi-terrain race that starts and finishes at the Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton.

The course follows approximately two miles of road, then five miles of fields and paths around Stover Park, returning across the fields. It then goes back on the road for two miles or so, finishing with half a mile on off-road paths, returning along the riverbank to the finish.

The race was won by Neil Mytton of Plymouth Harriers in 55:10.

Jamie Pearson was the first Exmouth Harrier home in 5th place in 57:50. Adam Miller was 19th in 1:02:04 and Paul Samways was 27th in 1:03:50.

Joel Morter came 45th in 1:07:37 with Duncan Parkes 52nd in 1:09:05. Terry Oldham was 65th in 1:11:12 and Emma Dupain 72nd in 1:13:10.

Lorraine Gilson was 92nd in 1:17:27, Dawn Teed 110th in 1:21:03 and Kelly Woodgate 181st in 1:36:16.

Of Honiton... and the Great South Run

The old Honiton 12K (7 ½ miles) Road Race has been converted to a “standard” 10 mile race over an “undulating” one-lap course. A pity, in some ways, because it was one of the few road races mid way between the more common 10K and 10 mile distances. The main benefits are the quieter roads, a lot more beautiful rural scenery and a couple of long flat sections where “enthusiastic” competitors can make up for the more undulating parts.

The race starts and finishes at Honiton High Street and was won by Martin Colwill of Bideford AAC in 1:00:01. Exmouth Harrier John Perratt was 42nd in 1:18:47 and 102 runners finished the race.

The Bupa Great South Run (10 Mile Road Race) at Portsmouth was completed by over 13,600 runners, including two Exmouth Harriers. The men’s event was won by Mo Farah in 46:25. Exmouth’s Stan Mason came 3284th in 1:28:32 out of 7,743 finishers. Ines Monteiro of Portugal won the women’s event in 52:32. Joan Mason was 1316th in 1:34:37 out of 5,888 runners.

(LT)

Parratt Trail, et. al.

Posted from Charleston, South Carolina!

Congratulations to Dawn Teed and Hugh Marsden for organising another very successful day for Exmouth Harriers at this year’s Parrett Trail Relays, with some great individual and team performances.

The event comprises six stages that total approximately 53 miles. It follows the long distance path from the mouth of the River Parrett on the North Somerset coast and crosses the county to finish just over the border in Dorset close to the source of the river at Wynyard’s Gap.

The race starts at Steart (not mispelt) and the first stage ends at Bridgewater Docks (10.5 miles). Leg 2 goes from Bridgewater Docks to Burrow Mump (7.9 miles). The third stage is from Burrowbridge to Oath Lock (8.5 miles). Next, stage 4 goes from Oath Lock to Kingsbury Episcopi (8.0 miles). Leg 5 runs from Kingsbury Episcopi to Lower Stratton (Wigborough) (9.5 miles). Finally, leg 6 takes the runners from Over Stratton to Wynyard’s Gap (8.6 miles).

Exmouth men’s team (5:40:08) were runners-up to Yeovil Town (5:38:29) in a much faster race than last year. But despite improving their time by 24 minutes compared with 21 minutes by Yeovil, they again failed to beat their rivals, but only by less than two minutes in over 5 ½ hours of racing!

Exmouth’s team comprised Hugh Marsden (1:06:57), Adam Miller (49:07), Mike Musgrove (52:26), Joel Morter (55:17), Dave Stone (58:38) and Jamie Pearson (57:43).

Hugh and Jamie both won their stages and Jamie’s time was a new course record for his leg.

Congratulations to the Exmouth team who won the mixed event in 6:35:34. Second-placed South West Road Runners were almost touching, however - just ten seconds adrift in 6:35:44!! So it was just as well that Exmouth managed to run 25 minutes faster than last year.

The Harriers involved were Andy Johnson (1:15:31), Lorraine Gilson (1:04:14), Steph French (1:08:28), Jon Croome (51:38), Terry Oldham (1:12:52) and Pete McKeown (1:02:51). Well done to Jon Croome and Pete McKeown who both won their legs.

Despite running 18 minutes quicker than last year when they won their category by 42 minutes, the Exmouth ladies team (6:45:53) had to settle for second place behind the formidable South West Road Runners team (6:28:06).

Exmouth’s team were Emma Dupain (1:23:10), Lucy Hodgson (1:01:08), Lorraine Croome (1:01:53), Jenny Timms (58:42), Hannah Bown (1:12:52) and Camilla Matheson (1:08:08). Well done, Emma, who produced the only Exmouth leg that was faster than the South West Road Runners leg – despite some great performances by other Exmouth ladies.

The next day, Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone was in action again, this time at the Dartmoor Vale Marathon.

The race, which starts and finishes at Newton Abbot Racecourse, also incorporates the Devon County Marathon Championships. It was won by John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 2:40:02.

Congratulations to Dave, who started very steadily, but found he was able to up the tempo sufficiently in the later stages of the race to finish in second place in 2:51:10. And as he was the first Devon runner to finish, he became the Devon Men’s Marathon Champion for 2009!!

92 runners completed the race.