5 Lynton/Lynmouth Festival - Lynmouth 1845
6 Torrington Round the Tree - Torrington 1900
8 Gables Gallop - Plympton 1030
14 Ivybridge 10K - Ivybridge 1830 (full)
22 Bideford 10K - Bideford 1100
29 Plymouth Half Marathon - Plymouth 1000 (full)
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Devon Races in May
1 Great West Run - Exeter 1030 (full)
5 Lynton/Lynmouth Festival - Lynmouth 1845
6 Torrington Round the Tree - Torrington 1900
8 Gables Gallop - Plympton 1030
14 Ivybridge 10K - Ivybridge 1830 (full)
22 Bideford 10K - Bideford 1100
29 Plymouth Half Marathon - Plymouth 1000 (full)
5 Lynton/Lynmouth Festival - Lynmouth 1845
6 Torrington Round the Tree - Torrington 1900
8 Gables Gallop - Plympton 1030
14 Ivybridge 10K - Ivybridge 1830 (full)
22 Bideford 10K - Bideford 1100
29 Plymouth Half Marathon - Plymouth 1000 (full)
Monday, April 25, 2005
Farringdon 4.5
Poor Jenny... I've just received this note from her:
"Just to let you know I was first lady at the Farringdon 4.5 miler yesterday, however I ruptured my plantar fascia on the way round so spent the afternoon relaxing in casualty... It was worth it though as it was a really fun, friendly, local race with excellent organisation and I promised them there would be more Harriers there next year! Proceeds go to the lovely old Norman church in Farringdon so a worthwhile cause too".
Jenny Timms
Oh Jen... what a disaster. I've been there myself and know all about plantar problems. ALL OF US wish you a speedy recovery.
Roger
"Just to let you know I was first lady at the Farringdon 4.5 miler yesterday, however I ruptured my plantar fascia on the way round so spent the afternoon relaxing in casualty... It was worth it though as it was a really fun, friendly, local race with excellent organisation and I promised them there would be more Harriers there next year! Proceeds go to the lovely old Norman church in Farringdon so a worthwhile cause too".
Jenny Timms
Oh Jen... what a disaster. I've been there myself and know all about plantar problems. ALL OF US wish you a speedy recovery.
Roger
Monday, April 18, 2005
London Marathon 2005
While the West Country was being hit by rain and wind last Sunday, the twelve Exmouth Harriers who were among the record-breaking 35,680 runners who started the 25th London Marathon, had the benefit of bright sunshine and a calm morning. An overnight frost ensured that conditions were cool for the 9:45am start of the event, but the rising temperature during the morning took its toll on many runners in the closing parts of the race.
David Stone was Exmouth's star man, recording a time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 40 seconds for 174th place in the men's race, although he slowed down in the second half of the race after going through the half-way point in 1:15:56. David briefly led the whole race running the first mile at 5-minute pace -- so we could say he lost 173 places in 25.2 miles! The second Exmouth runner to finish was Steve Hockings-Thompson in 2:51:20, who also lost time in the second half.
Hannah Dupain (3:26:41) and Caroline Prescott (3:29:21) were the next Harriers to finish, running much more evenly paced races. They went through half-way together in 1:43 with Stephanie French, who eventually recorded a time of 3:43:39 after slowing down quite dramatically in the last 13 miles. Lesley Godfrey and Gillian Saunderson completed the Harriers women's contingent at this race - Lesley finished in 4:19:28 and Gill's time was 4:31:09. Among the men, David Woodley (4:05:03) was the first Exmouth Veteran to finish. He was running in the Male Vet 50 category with Trevor Cope, whose finishing time was 4:27:42. Chris Dupain finished in 4:14:56 and Guy Somerfield (Male Vet 40) recorded a time of 4:28:41.
Exmouth's 12th man was Roger Rowe, who picked up an injury last Tuesday evening running down to Orcombe. From the off he was never to get within 20-seconds-a-mile of his target pace. He gave up the ghost at 20 miles having limped to that point in 2:16:11.
(Andrew Johnson & Roger Rowe)
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Exe to Axe (and Taunton 13.1)
(Camilla smiling at the camera)
The third running of the Exe to Axe race, which covers 20 miles of coast path from Exmouth to Seaton, took place last Sunday. The grey, cold and relatively calm day was welcome weather to the 74 runners who took part in this tough event, which includes over 4000 feet of climbing, with seven ascents and accompanying descents to sea level along the route. Competitors came from afar a field as Wales, the Lake District and Derbyshire to take part in what is officially classified as a fell race, but it was a local runner - Sidmouth's Malcolm Bayer - who took the honours, winning by a margin of nearly 4 minutes in 2 hours 44 minutes and 12 seconds.
Exmouth's Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 3:23:54, 9 minutes ahead of the second placed female. Exmouth also took the honours in the relay event, with Phil Bater, Paul Champion, Richard Selby and Steve Merry recording a time of 2:52:24. Andrew Johnson was the first male Exmouth Harrier to finish, in 3:16:18, for 13th place, followed soon after by Jim Pyne (15th in 3:17:59), Tim Gent (25th in 3:23:54) and Lorraine Croome (41st, 3:46:39).
Adrian Kearns and Shaun Lock took part in the Taunton half marathon, recording times of 1:25:14 and 1:31:05 respectively.
(Andrew Johnson)
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Loch Katrine 12K - Easter Sunday
The race itself is set in the heart of the Trossachs in Central Scotland, and on traffic free tarmac and undulates 6km along the loch before returning along the same route and was won by J Kealy of Ron Hill Cambuslang in 41:02. Weather was a bit dreich, but the 234 runners were in fine form. I set off at a good pace running with three members of the Wee County Harriers till the turn, from there I could just keep them in my site until the 10K mark when I started to struggle with the pace. Still more than happy with my time of 47:11 in 14th position overall.
Adrian Kearns
Adrian Kearns
Monday, March 28, 2005
Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race
After finishing runner up in the Grizzly earlier this month, Exmouth Harriers' Anthony Hatchard went one better in Easter Monday's Bampton-to-Tiverton Road Race. Anthony went with the blistering early pace, and kept going when the earlier leaders began to slow, to win in 38 minutes and 48 seconds. He was 17 seconds ahead of second placed Martin Shapland of South West Road Runners, who just pushed Paul Froud of Brighton & Hove AC into third.
The 59th running of this historic race, which follows a 7.1 mile route down the Exe Valley before climbing past Knighthayes to finish in the People's Park in Tiverton, attracted 95 entrants and the run took place in cool conditions, which were ideal.
Phil Hatchard was the second Harrier home in 44:21 (15th male), followed by Andrew Johnson (17th in 45:30). Ray Elston was the winner of the male veteran age 65 category, finishing 32nd in 49:50.
(Andrew Johnson)
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Teignbridge 10
Roger and John at the prizegiving. Roger winning the SuperVet/60 category, with John in second. John however was awarded the Devon Gold for SuperVet/65, Roger winning the Vet/60 Gold.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Hugh sets the Marathon Standard
HUGH MARSDEN of Exmouth is the first winner of the Stanley Marathon and has received £1,000 for his efforts.
Sponsored and co-ordinated by Standard Chartered Bank, the event, believed to be the world’s most southerly marathon, attracted a total of ninety-two entries, including six from overseas.
Runners competed in three categories - the men and women’s marathon and the relay event.
Kelly Angus, fastest woman, also received a cheque for £1,000 while the Football Club’s relay entry picked up the £800 team prize.
Photo: Standard Chartered Bank manager Nick Hutton presents Hugh Marsden with his prize money.
.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Westward League - Final Race
In the final round of the 2004/5 Westward Cross Country League, held last Sunday at the Rolle College Sports Ground in Exmouth, Exmouth Harriers occupied two of the top three positions in the men's race. Dave Stone secured a rare victory over club mate Anthony Hatchard, powering past him in the final descent after Hatchard had overtaken him on the climb, to finish second to Hatchard's third. Steve Thompson finished 9th, Jon Croome 14th, Shaun Lock 15th and Phil Hatchard 18th, to make it an excellent day for the Harriers. Also in the men's race Tim Gent finished 24th, John Perratt 30th, Jim Wyatt 42nd and Les Turner 43rd.
After Sunday's run, prizes were presented for performances over the six race winter series, which began in Cornwall in October. Exmouth men were third team in the Senior Male category and Hannah Dupain was 10th in the women's rankings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Exmouth's Hugh Marsden added to his victory in the Cape Pembroke Half-Marathon earlier this year by winning the inaugural Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands last Sunday. Hugh recorded a time of 3 hours and 7 minutes on a hilly course in cold and windy conditions to finish 3 minutes in front of second place. Thirty-one men, nine women and thirteen relay teams entered the race which begin at the Port Stanley branch of the Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the race.
(Andrew Johnson)
After Sunday's run, prizes were presented for performances over the six race winter series, which began in Cornwall in October. Exmouth men were third team in the Senior Male category and Hannah Dupain was 10th in the women's rankings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Exmouth's Hugh Marsden added to his victory in the Cape Pembroke Half-Marathon earlier this year by winning the inaugural Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands last Sunday. Hugh recorded a time of 3 hours and 7 minutes on a hilly course in cold and windy conditions to finish 3 minutes in front of second place. Thirty-one men, nine women and thirteen relay teams entered the race which begin at the Port Stanley branch of the Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the race.
(Andrew Johnson)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Duchy Marathon & Duchy 20
Three Exmouth Harriers were racing on the road in Cornwall over the weekend.
Andrew Johnson took part in the Duchy Marathon, which is run over two laps around Redruth, the north Cornish coast, Pool and Camborne. Aided by virtually wind-free conditions, Johnson went through 20 miles in 2 hours and 27 minutes, but he faded badly over the final 10 kilometres to finish in 3:19:27, losing four places to finish in 21st place.
Roger Rowe and Caroline Prescott took part in the Duchy 20, which takes in one-and-a-half laps of the marathon route. Rowe, who turns 60 in a fortnight, finished 8th in 2:10:58. Roger who was 5th Vet/55 in the 2003 London marathon, used the Duchy 20 as a stepping stone to a hopefully higher-placing as a SuperVet/60 in the 2005 London Marathon to be held on the 17th April.
Prescott was the 4th woman to finish, recording a time of 2:38:18.
Express & Echo - 17th March 2005
Andrew Johnson took part in the Duchy Marathon, which is run over two laps around Redruth, the north Cornish coast, Pool and Camborne. Aided by virtually wind-free conditions, Johnson went through 20 miles in 2 hours and 27 minutes, but he faded badly over the final 10 kilometres to finish in 3:19:27, losing four places to finish in 21st place.
Roger Rowe and Caroline Prescott took part in the Duchy 20, which takes in one-and-a-half laps of the marathon route. Rowe, who turns 60 in a fortnight, finished 8th in 2:10:58. Roger who was 5th Vet/55 in the 2003 London marathon, used the Duchy 20 as a stepping stone to a hopefully higher-placing as a SuperVet/60 in the 2005 London Marathon to be held on the 17th April.
Prescott was the 4th woman to finish, recording a time of 2:38:18.
Express & Echo - 17th March 2005
The Grizzly Report
Around 1,500 runners took on the challenge of the Saucony Grizzly - reputed to be the toughest multi terrain race in Europe - over 20 miles of cliffs, bogs and pebbly beaches.
The winner on Sunday, claiming his third Grizzly victory, was Plymouth postman Neil Holmes.
Although his winning margin was three and a half minutes, the 40-year-old Erme Valley Harrier did not have an easy ride in the early stages because of the fast pace set by a breakaway group of three, which included local jockey Paul Holley from the home club, Axe Valley Runners.
Holmes was adrift in fourth place and for a while it looked as if it just wasn't going to be his day. However, the experience of running in nine previous Grizzlies and never finishing outside the top three, eventually showed. The early fast pace took its toll and Holmes gradually closed.
Between 10 and 13 miles, Holley and Holmes - the two race favourites - battled it out at the front, but then Holmes pulled away to finish in 2.12.08.
"I thought the start of the race was a bit too quick," Holmes said afterwards. "But all the time I could see the leaders I wasn't worried.
"I knew Paul Holley would probably be the biggest threat; he ran very well to win the Dalwood Three Hills recently and beat me by three minutes. But I felt strong at eight miles and they started to come back to me."
The surprise runner-up was Anthony Hatchard, of Exmouth Harriers, competing in not only his first Grizzly, but his longest race ever.
Staying off the fast, early pace paid off for him, too, and the 28-year-old also worked his way through the field, moving up from ninth position over the final five miles.
In her fourth Grizzly, first lady home was Sharon Daw, from East Cornwall Harriers. After finishing third for the past two years, she threw her arms up in delight as she finished in 2.38.41 - 57th overall.
Her morning's work had started long before she lined up for the tough, 20-mile race. The mother of two, who has a farm near Callington, had been up at 6am helping to milk 50 cows.
Local club runners finishing in the top 50 out of the 1,488 finishers - 2nd Anthony Hatchard (Exmouth H) 2.17.39; 14th Dave Stone (Exmouth H) 2.26.10; 15th Steve Hockings-Thompson (Exmouth H) 2.26.26; 19th Kevin Hawker (Honiton RC) 2.28.50; 20th Ian Andrews (SWRR) 2.28.54; 23rd Rod Hole (SWRR), 2.29.35; 29th Paul Holley (Axe Valley Runners) 2.30.27; 40th Tarow Agui (Exeter H) 2.35.01; 46th Jonathan Croome (Exmouth H, 2.35.38.
(Express & Echo - 15th March 2005)
The winner on Sunday, claiming his third Grizzly victory, was Plymouth postman Neil Holmes.
Although his winning margin was three and a half minutes, the 40-year-old Erme Valley Harrier did not have an easy ride in the early stages because of the fast pace set by a breakaway group of three, which included local jockey Paul Holley from the home club, Axe Valley Runners.
Holmes was adrift in fourth place and for a while it looked as if it just wasn't going to be his day. However, the experience of running in nine previous Grizzlies and never finishing outside the top three, eventually showed. The early fast pace took its toll and Holmes gradually closed.
Between 10 and 13 miles, Holley and Holmes - the two race favourites - battled it out at the front, but then Holmes pulled away to finish in 2.12.08.
"I thought the start of the race was a bit too quick," Holmes said afterwards. "But all the time I could see the leaders I wasn't worried.
"I knew Paul Holley would probably be the biggest threat; he ran very well to win the Dalwood Three Hills recently and beat me by three minutes. But I felt strong at eight miles and they started to come back to me."
The surprise runner-up was Anthony Hatchard, of Exmouth Harriers, competing in not only his first Grizzly, but his longest race ever.
Staying off the fast, early pace paid off for him, too, and the 28-year-old also worked his way through the field, moving up from ninth position over the final five miles.
In her fourth Grizzly, first lady home was Sharon Daw, from East Cornwall Harriers. After finishing third for the past two years, she threw her arms up in delight as she finished in 2.38.41 - 57th overall.
Her morning's work had started long before she lined up for the tough, 20-mile race. The mother of two, who has a farm near Callington, had been up at 6am helping to milk 50 cows.
Local club runners finishing in the top 50 out of the 1,488 finishers - 2nd Anthony Hatchard (Exmouth H) 2.17.39; 14th Dave Stone (Exmouth H) 2.26.10; 15th Steve Hockings-Thompson (Exmouth H) 2.26.26; 19th Kevin Hawker (Honiton RC) 2.28.50; 20th Ian Andrews (SWRR) 2.28.54; 23rd Rod Hole (SWRR), 2.29.35; 29th Paul Holley (Axe Valley Runners) 2.30.27; 40th Tarow Agui (Exeter H) 2.35.01; 46th Jonathan Croome (Exmouth H, 2.35.38.
(Express & Echo - 15th March 2005)
CLUB AWARD !
We've just heard that the club, nominated for the inaugural 'Offtrack Club' in the South West has been awarded the accolade, and has been put forward as 'regional winners' as a nominee for a National award.
So what does it mean? Apart from being recognised as the 'top' non-track club in the South West, we get a financial bursary (details yet to be known) and a trophy. That'll look good in our trophy cabinet!
This recognises the contribution the club has made to 'off-track' athletics in our region, no doubt coloured by our successful hosting of the 2004 SEAA Cross Country Championships, as well as our three regular races and perhaps too, that the Westward League Cross Country series is now organised by members of the Harriers.
And it certainly helps that members of the club continually figure in local, regional and national prize lists.
All in all a great compliment to the whole club...
Well done everyone.
Roger R.
So what does it mean? Apart from being recognised as the 'top' non-track club in the South West, we get a financial bursary (details yet to be known) and a trophy. That'll look good in our trophy cabinet!
This recognises the contribution the club has made to 'off-track' athletics in our region, no doubt coloured by our successful hosting of the 2004 SEAA Cross Country Championships, as well as our three regular races and perhaps too, that the Westward League Cross Country series is now organised by members of the Harriers.
And it certainly helps that members of the club continually figure in local, regional and national prize lists.
All in all a great compliment to the whole club...
Well done everyone.
Roger R.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Ironbridge Winter 3k Series - Results
With the final races last night at Exeter Arena, I am glad to report success for a number of Harriers competitors over the series. To recap, to figure in the final standings each competitor was required to complete 3 out of the 4 races - in October, November, February and March (which ruled Roger out as he only completed the final two).
1st Lady overall - Hannah Dupain
3rd Lady V35 - Mandy Marvin
2nd Man V40 - Andrew Johnson
1st Man V45 - Lee Russell
1st Man V65 - John Perratt
In the final races last night, pride of place must go to Lee, who powered his way to claim his position with a gutsy and well-measured effort. Hannah 'pipped' John in their race, well clear of her competition. Mandy, although not at all fit at present, gamely stuck to the task in hand -- to see her face at the prize-giving was lovely; it's really nice when someone wins an unexpected prize!
Andrew and Roger quitted themselves well in a (very) fast 'B' race. Andy is to run the Duchy Marathon next Sunday, whilst Roger continues his preparation for 'London' with the Duchy 20.
Race sponsor Peter Ferlie mentioned a 3k Summer series will be held this year. So watch this space for details in due course.
1st Lady overall - Hannah Dupain
3rd Lady V35 - Mandy Marvin
2nd Man V40 - Andrew Johnson
1st Man V45 - Lee Russell
1st Man V65 - John Perratt
In the final races last night, pride of place must go to Lee, who powered his way to claim his position with a gutsy and well-measured effort. Hannah 'pipped' John in their race, well clear of her competition. Mandy, although not at all fit at present, gamely stuck to the task in hand -- to see her face at the prize-giving was lovely; it's really nice when someone wins an unexpected prize!
Andrew and Roger quitted themselves well in a (very) fast 'B' race. Andy is to run the Duchy Marathon next Sunday, whilst Roger continues his preparation for 'London' with the Duchy 20.
Race sponsor Peter Ferlie mentioned a 3k Summer series will be held this year. So watch this space for details in due course.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Bideford Half Marathon - 6th March 2005
The Bideford Half Marathon is run over a beautiful rural course, with the first half following an undulating country road to Great Torrington and the second half taking runners north along the Tarka Trail cycle route. This year the event took place on a clear - but cold - winter day.
Dave Stone, with just 6 weeks to go to the London Marathon, finished a creditable 4th in a pretty decent time too: 1 hour 14 minutes and 20 seconds. Dave was around 2 1/2 minutes adrift of the third place finisher, but he did lead home the Harriers to third in the team race.
In the male veteran 60 age category on one of his rare outings for the Harriers, Life Member Roger Cowd was second in 1:38:24. Again a very creditable time for the half-marathon for anyone, let alone a SuperVet/60 athlete. Great to see Roger going so well.
The other male Harriers taking part were Adrian Kearns (1:26:14), Andrew Kennedy (1:32:09), and Chris Isaac (1:49:34).
In the Women's race, Caroline Precott was the first Harrier home in 1:37:00, which ensured her fifth place in the female veteran 40 age category. The other female Harriers were Gill Saunderson (1:52:05) and Denise Kennedy (2:03:27).
(Andrew Johnson)
Dave Stone, with just 6 weeks to go to the London Marathon, finished a creditable 4th in a pretty decent time too: 1 hour 14 minutes and 20 seconds. Dave was around 2 1/2 minutes adrift of the third place finisher, but he did lead home the Harriers to third in the team race.
In the male veteran 60 age category on one of his rare outings for the Harriers, Life Member Roger Cowd was second in 1:38:24. Again a very creditable time for the half-marathon for anyone, let alone a SuperVet/60 athlete. Great to see Roger going so well.
The other male Harriers taking part were Adrian Kearns (1:26:14), Andrew Kennedy (1:32:09), and Chris Isaac (1:49:34).
In the Women's race, Caroline Precott was the first Harrier home in 1:37:00, which ensured her fifth place in the female veteran 40 age category. The other female Harriers were Gill Saunderson (1:52:05) and Denise Kennedy (2:03:27).
(Andrew Johnson)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Dalwood 3 Hills - 27th February
The Dalwood 3 Hills race does what it says on the tin. Starting from the village hall in Dalwood, near Honiton, the race covers ten miles, largely off-road, including three hills - and each hill is 500 feet high! Added to that, there were several dips in water that was particulary freezing this year.
Five Exmouth Harriers were among the 105 runners in last Sunday's race and three of them came home with prizes. Building on the excellent performances she has been putting in over recent weeks, Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 1.21.32. Finishing 19th overall, she beat second placed Lucy Owen of Bideford by 20 seconds. Judging by her recent form and improvement, this will surely be the first of many individual prizes for Camilla.
Steve Merry won the Male Veteran 50 prize in 1.21.02 (17th overall) and John Perratt was first Male Veteran 60 (42nd). Shawn Lock ran well to finish 10th in 1:17:31 and Dawn Teed finished 83rd in 1:41:53.
(Andrew Johnson)
Five Exmouth Harriers were among the 105 runners in last Sunday's race and three of them came home with prizes. Building on the excellent performances she has been putting in over recent weeks, Camilla Sharpe won the women's race in 1.21.32. Finishing 19th overall, she beat second placed Lucy Owen of Bideford by 20 seconds. Judging by her recent form and improvement, this will surely be the first of many individual prizes for Camilla.
Steve Merry won the Male Veteran 50 prize in 1.21.02 (17th overall) and John Perratt was first Male Veteran 60 (42nd). Shawn Lock ran well to finish 10th in 1:17:31 and Dawn Teed finished 83rd in 1:41:53.
(Andrew Johnson)
Monday, February 21, 2005
National Vets Indoor Championships - Cardiff 19/20 February 2005
John Perratt writes...
We had a really good weekend at Cardiff. The facilities were tremendous and it turned out a very relaxing break. We were also glad to be running indoors as it was bitter outside. The thoughts of you all doing the Plymouth 10 were of great comfort to us during the day.
Unfortunately there were a few gaps where a lot of top Vet athletes did not put in an appearance but that didn't take away any of the pleasure. The laps of course are only 200m with tight banked bends at either end of short straights. The spectators are in an elevated position looking down on the track and in various odd places they were throwing things and jumping up or along. The meeting was very well organised and ran on time like clockwork.
I had a super run in the 1500. I felt totally relaxed and in control throughout the race, taking the lead at around the half way point. I finished the last 2 laps (400m!) strongly and clocked up 5.22 which converts to 86.20 % (87.20% next week). You get a nice springy stride from the wooden surface
On the Sunday it was time for the 3000 but they put us in with the 55's and 60's so the start was a bit hectic and it came down to more of a race against the clock than your opponents. To get out of the melee I got to the front of our group and ran well for about 9 of the 15 laps. After that it was a question of hanging on, which wasn't so much fun. Anyway the result was the same so can't complain. Two Gold medals with the time on the 3k at 11.22 giving a percentage of 86.87% (87.86% soon!) made the whole exercise worthwhile.
We had a really good weekend at Cardiff. The facilities were tremendous and it turned out a very relaxing break. We were also glad to be running indoors as it was bitter outside. The thoughts of you all doing the Plymouth 10 were of great comfort to us during the day.
Unfortunately there were a few gaps where a lot of top Vet athletes did not put in an appearance but that didn't take away any of the pleasure. The laps of course are only 200m with tight banked bends at either end of short straights. The spectators are in an elevated position looking down on the track and in various odd places they were throwing things and jumping up or along. The meeting was very well organised and ran on time like clockwork.
I had a super run in the 1500. I felt totally relaxed and in control throughout the race, taking the lead at around the half way point. I finished the last 2 laps (400m!) strongly and clocked up 5.22 which converts to 86.20 % (87.20% next week). You get a nice springy stride from the wooden surface
On the Sunday it was time for the 3000 but they put us in with the 55's and 60's so the start was a bit hectic and it came down to more of a race against the clock than your opponents. To get out of the melee I got to the front of our group and ran well for about 9 of the 15 laps. After that it was a question of hanging on, which wasn't so much fun. Anyway the result was the same so can't complain. Two Gold medals with the time on the 3k at 11.22 giving a percentage of 86.87% (87.86% soon!) made the whole exercise worthwhile.
Plymouth Hoe 10
Plymouth Hoe is beautiful even on a wet winter's day, but in the bright sun that welcomed a huge field of 651 athletes to the Plymouth Hoe 10 road race, it was simply stunning. There was a downside of course, it was cold with a chilling North wind.
The race was the first in what is hoped to be a regular series between Devon and Cornwall athletes, this time with Cornwall running out as winners of the men's race, whilst Devon's women proved triumphant in the ladies race.
From Eastern side of the county and scoring for the Devon team, Mark Cowan from Exeter Harriers was 9th overall in 55:32.
Outside of the County team challenge, Exmouth Harriers were represented by Roger Rowe, running his penultimate race as a Vet/55 before moving up into the Vet/60 category. He narrowly beat new 55+ Plymouth Harriers athlete Mike Beatty in 1:02:44 to Beatty's 1:02:57. Roger overcame a fall in the third mile to finish strongly on the undulating course in 56th place in the field.
Les Turner, also from the Harriers completed in a solid 1:27:48 in 422nd place.
(Roger R)
The race was the first in what is hoped to be a regular series between Devon and Cornwall athletes, this time with Cornwall running out as winners of the men's race, whilst Devon's women proved triumphant in the ladies race.
From Eastern side of the county and scoring for the Devon team, Mark Cowan from Exeter Harriers was 9th overall in 55:32.
Outside of the County team challenge, Exmouth Harriers were represented by Roger Rowe, running his penultimate race as a Vet/55 before moving up into the Vet/60 category. He narrowly beat new 55+ Plymouth Harriers athlete Mike Beatty in 1:02:44 to Beatty's 1:02:57. Roger overcame a fall in the third mile to finish strongly on the undulating course in 56th place in the field.
Les Turner, also from the Harriers completed in a solid 1:27:48 in 422nd place.
(Roger R)
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