Devon Schools and SW Vets XC Championships

Harrier Jamie Pearson ran superbly at the Devon Schools’ Cross Country Championships, Staddiscombe Playing Fields, Plymouth. Jamie, an Exmouth Community College member of the Exeter & East Devon squad, took the gold medal in the Senior Boys’ event with a magnificent 6-second victory in 22:56 over second placed Elliot Buckner of South Devon in 23:02. Well done, Jamie!

Two of Jamie’s training partners, Adam Cornish and Matt Sharp, also took part in the championships. Adam was 14th in the Senior Boys’ event in 25:23. Matt came 35th in the Inter Boys’ race in 19:00. As a result of their achievements, Jamie and Adam will go on to represent Devon Schools at the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships.

The South West Veterans’ A C Cross Country Championships were held simultaneously with those of the Sidmouth Running Club at Pinn Barton Farm, Muttersmoor, Sidmouth. Fortunately, the extremely strong winds and heavy rain the previous night had relented to leave an ideal morning for racing. And although some parts of the course were very wet and slippery, most of the ground was reasonably firm.

Five Harriers took part in the Championships and three of them won medals. 26 runners completed the three-lap (6K) event that was won by Daniel Clapp of Axe Valley Runners in 25:44. Ray Elston produced an excellent performance to come 2nd V65 and 12th overall in 29:50. John Perratt was at the megaphone to start the race and presented the awards at the Sidmouth Sailing Club afterwards. In between, he decided to win the V70 category and came 14th overall in 31:33! Les Turner was 3rd V65 and 17th overall in 33:57. Congratulations to the three of them.

There were 24 finishers in the four-lap (8K) event that was won by Graham Hill of Sidmouth Running Club in 30:58. Exmouth’s Andy Kennedy was 14th in 38:40 and Lee Russell was 17th in 42:32.

(LT)

First Chance 10k

[Rog nearing the finish]

Last Sunday, eleven Exmouth Harriers took part in the First Chance 10K in Exeter, that hugs the river and canal along the paths and cycleways. The runners were very fortunate that the heavy sleet a couple of hours earlier did not return, and the race was completed in blue skies and sunshine. They did, however, have to put up with the fresh breeze that often blows across the plains and slowed them down on the last half of each of the two laps involved in this event.

The race was completed by a field of 486 runners and the winner was Jim Cole of Tavistock A C in 32:20. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish, after an outstanding performance, was Adam Miller, 40th in 39:22. Well done, Adam! Paul Samways was next, 45th in 40:02 with Chris Dupain 63rd in 41:27. Congratulations to Roger Rowe, who is still producing the goods and was 1st V60 and 70th overall in 42:02, after another excellent performance.

Andy Johnson came 83rd in 42:31, Duncan Parkes 107th in 43:50 and Emma Dupain 112th in 44:09. The evergreen John Perratt was 1st V65 and 131st overall in 44:53 after another solid performance. Well done, John! Nigel Dupain came 160th in 46:19, Jim Wyatt 229th in 50:18 and Les Turner 315th in 55:36.

(LT)

Kellie in Oz

Hi to everyone who remembers me. Hope everyone is running and training well. Also I hope you all had a great Chrissie and have a safe and Happy 2009. My training has had a bit of an interruption as I have just had my first child. We had a little boy, Tyler Joseph Macknamara, born on the 6th December weighing 6pd14 or 3.1kg. He is now 6 weeks old and growing fast....too fast!

.

I managed to run through my entire pregnancy and was out doing run/circuit training session the night before my waters broke. When I say "run" it was more like a glorified waddle. I think it was taking my over an hour to clock up 10km, but it was still good to be out there. With all the training I was certainly fit and strong enough to cope with the birth.

.

Tried to get back into running a little too early.....darn athletes, too keen. I attempted to jog about 2.5 weeks after having him....don't recommend it. So I am waiting until the 6 week mark and should be back into it. Life back in Oz is good, although I do miss Exmouth and the long Sunday runs with the Harriers. That run up over the cliffs is one of the most beautiful in the world. Well best fly have "mum" stuff to do.

Lots of love, Kellie and Tyler

Bideford XC

Sunday 11th saw the fourth race in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League at Bideford. Due to the warmer conditions the off road sections of the course on grass turned slippery making the choice of footwear more important than at other recent events. Just five men from the Exmouth Harriers entered the races: Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsdon, Bob Woodall, Ray Elston and Jim Wyatt. Unfortunately the women from the club were unrepresented.

.

The course started at the river estuary and made its way along roadways fronting riverside houses before taking to the lanes. The first obstacle was soon reached, namely the orchard, where the ground rose steeply. Between the trees the grass underfoot was slippery and was difficult to obtain purchase. At the top further lanes were encountered before a steep decline lead back toward the river estuary. Again purchase was difficult on this downward stretch. Further undulations followed along the side of the river before the turning point was reached and the runners continued their second circuit at the top of the orchard, fortunately missing the slippy steep incline. Back once more and the final push was again along roadways affronting riverside houses and into the finishing park.

.

Jamie Pearson continued his challenge to top the under 17 category by finishing this race in second place in a time of 19 minutes and 13 seconds just 15 seconds behind the race winner.In the senior men category Hugh Marsdon finished in 24th place in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 55 seconds. Bob Woodall finished further down the field in 71st place in a time of 37 minutes and 24 seconds. Ray Elston finished just behind in 77th place in a time of 39 minutes and 54 seconds. Jim Wyatt completed the Harriers contingent in 81st place in a time of 42 minutes and 12 seconds. There were 86 finishers in this category.

.

(RW)

Devon XC & Wellington Monument

The results of the Brooks Devon Cross Country Championships, which were held in conjunction with the third Brooks Westward League Cross Country event at Exeter Arena, show some outstanding performances by members of Exmouth Harriers.

Out of the seven Harriers who competed, there were four 1st places, one 2nd place, one 4th place and one 5th place, in the various categories. The 1st places went to Cathy Newman (W45), Dave Stone (M35), John Perratt (M70) and Ray Elston (M65). Jim Wyatt was 2nd M65, Jamie Pearson was 4th U17 and Bob Woodall was 5th M55. Well done, everyone!!

Exmouth Harriers also produced some excellent results at the Wellington Monument 10K Race on 21st December. Out of the five Harriers who competed, three won their categories.

193 runners completed the race that was won by Peter Monaghan of Torbay AC in 36:09. Jamie Pearson was 1st U18 and 2nd overall in 36:39 after a fantastic finish that saw him move from 8th place up to 2nd whilst climbing the hill at the end of the race. Well done, Jamie, what a performance!!

Dave Stone was 1st senior man and 3rd overall in 36:40, just 1 second behind Jamie! Congratulations to Dave and also to John Perratt who was 1st MV 70 and 109th overall in 50:00. Andy Kennedy was 48th overall in 44:48 and Corinna Stephens was 174th in 62:24.

A very Happy Christmas to all

Christmas Wallpaper...

Better than a Christmas tree... more meaningful (to us) than a gift. Nike's Christmas Wallpaper. Download it by double clicking on the image... then right click and select 'Set as Background' ... MUCH better than Microsoft's offerings.

Reindeer and Hogs

Last Saturday, after a night of prolonged, heavy rainfall, Sidmouth Running Club, the organisers of the Reindeer Run at Otterton, had to reduce the multi-terrain course from 10K to around 8K due to the very severe flooding. Although the rain had stopped well before the 10.00am start and the weather remained dry throughout the race, the water level on the flooded roads just got higher and higher, for longer and longer stretches, after the river burst its banks and the water poured down through the fields onto the road.

The runner who coped with all the mud and water best to win the race was James Denne of Honiton Running Club in 30:57, beating the other 161 finishers. Jon Croome, the first of the seven Harriers to finish, was 10th in 35:09, just 8 seconds in front of Jim Pyne who was 11th in 35:17. Andy Kennedy was 53rd in 41:15, Lorraine Croome 57th in 41:53, Lissie Lingard 90th in 47:00, Kevin Lingard 105th in 48:07 and Les Turner 119th in 51:12.

Jon and Lorraine Croome were runners up in the married couples category, despite the fact that their accumulated time was less than that of the winners, Steve and Judy Davey from Honiton. The reason was that the cross country scoring method was used where the winner gets 1 point, 2nd two points and so on, and the pair with the lowest number of points is the winner.

.

On Sunday, 14th December, Harrier Andy Johnson had an earlier start - 9:30am - for the 49th running of the Hog's Back race, at Guildford, Surrey. After raining constantly all day Saturday, the runners were fortunate to be rain-free and flood-free, but the whole race was run in mist. There were a couple of short, sharp inclines in the first couple of miles, which were harder than the Hog's Back itself - a long drag up from miles 2 to 3.3. They then dropped for the next mile, and around a dozen runners swarmed past him. As the route levelled off, he maintained a fairly steady pace but couldn't maintain this in the final mile along the long entrance drive to the Losely House stately home, which didn't looks quite so impressive in the mist. He finished 96th out of 644 in 54:27 for the 7.9 mile course.

.

(LT & AJ)

Christmas Awards (and some races too)

[Les Turner receives the President's Shield from Roland Young]

First, an apology. In last week’s edition of the Journal, the male athlete of the year (2007) was incorrectly named as John Perratt when it should, of course, have been Ray Elston. Apologies to both Ray and John, who has won the award in the past, but not on this occasion.

Fast forward a year to the Harriers’ Christmas Dinner which was held at the Rugby Club last Friday. The event was a massive success, thanks largely to the efforts of chef Jon Bamsey (alias the Club secretary) and all those who assisted him in setting up the tables, preparing and serving all the food, washing up and clearing away afterwards, etc. On behalf of the whole Club, many thanks to Jon, Steve Merry, Phil Crook, Bob Woodall, Phil Bater, Paul Champion, Sammy Merry, Kayleigh, Hugh Marsden (who helped on Thursday, but unfortunately missed the party due to illness), Jono, Laura, Charlotte and Alice.

[The Kitchen Crew]

Many thanks, also, to unofficial compere Phil Crook who again did a great job organising the raffle and making sure everything went with a swing.

The annual awards for 2008 were presented by Club president Roland Young in the absence of chairman Bob Keast, still unable to attend any functions while recovering from his hip operation.
All members can vote for the athletes of the year, so these awards are valued very highly by the recipients. Congratulations to female athlete Julie Gellender and male athlete Hugh Marsden, who have both had brilliant seasons.

This year’s president’s award went to Les Turner for keeping everyone, both inside and outside the Club, informed of all that’s happening, and assisting with the work involved at the Bicton Blister, etc.

The president was able to pass on the welcome news that Michelmores Solicitors, Sidmouth, have very generously contributed £250 to offset the loss that arose from the theft of trophies, etc., which had to be replaced. This means that the Devon Air Ambulance will now receive £250 more, so very many thanks to Michelmores on behalf of both the Club and the Air Ambulance.

Of course, athletics clubs are not just about annual general meetings and Christmas parties and there are a few races to report, as well.
.
Wednesday, 3rd December, saw Round 3 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events at Exeter Arena on a very crisp evening with temperatures around freezing and a rather slippery track. The winner was Jack Bancroft of Exeter Harriers in 8:55, just 4 seconds ahead of Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:59. First Exmouth Harrier home was Roger Rowe in 11:48, followed by John Perratt in 12:29, Lee Russell in 12:50, Les Turner in 15:17 and Dave Eveleigh in 15:58.
.
The third of this season’s Brooks Westward League Cross Country series of six events took place at Exeter. 137 runners completed the men’s event that was won by K Haywood of Bideford AC in 28:05. The Exmouth Harriers’ contingent was led home by Dave Stone, 16th in 31:12. Next came Hugh Marsden, 58th in 35:02 and Bob Woodall, 106th in 40:05, just 1 second in front of Andy Kennedy, 107th in 40:06. John Perratt was 3rd V60 and 113th overall in 41:11, Terry Oldham 117th in 41:40, Lee Russell 122nd in 42:35, Ray Elston 125th in 43:34 and Jim Wyatt 130th in 45:03. Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson was 5th in 19:04 in the U17 men’s event that was won by T Gill of Tavistock AC in 18:20. 27 runners completed the race.

The ladies’ event was won by K Humphreys of Exeter Harriers in 20:10. Exmouth Harrier Cathy Newman was 2nd FV45 and 12th overall in 21:02, exactly the same time as the 1st FV45. Lorraine Slight was 57th in 25:57, out of the field of 76 runners.
.
Last Saturday, Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson ran “45 miles of sheer pleasure” at the Beacons Ultra race in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. The route is a real mix of picturesque canal towpath, ancient mining tramroads and high mountain passes. Mark came 10th in 9:27:15 out of the 50 runners who completed the race. The winner was Mark Palmer of Team Tan in 6:38:00.

(LT)

Last Weekend's races...

The Dupain family enjoyed a 340 mile round trip to run 10 miles in Wales on 23rd November. The event they contested was the Sospan 10 miles multi terrain race, held in Llanelli in the beautiful Pembrey Country Park. It started on park roads, continued into pine forests, then along a lovely beach (but very windy!!) and back into the pine forest to the finish.

Chris was the first home in 1:14, followed by Emma in 1:17, then Ben in 1:21 and Nigel in 1:24. It was so nice to meet new clubs and they were all very impressed that a contingent from Exmouth had made the journey to South Wales.

The 11 mile Bicton Blister and its little brother, the 5 mile Blister Lite, did not exactly get off to the best possible start when the trophies, drinking cups, safety pins etc. were stolen on Friday night. We were however extremely grateful to Radio Devon, Gemini FM, Exeter FM and the Express & Echo for their assistance in publicising the theft and helping us in trying to recover the items. But despite all the problems we had on Friday with the theft, we are very pleased that we will still be able to make a healthy contribution to the Devon Air Ambulance.

345 runners completed the main Blister event that was won by Jim Cole of Tavistock AC in1:07:26. The first Harrier to finish after a great performance, Dave Stone, won the award for 3rd man in 1:09:19. Only 3 minutes later in 6th place in 1:12:31 after an outstanding run, 17 year old Jamie Pearson is definitely one to watch for the future.

Adam Miller was 22nd in1:18:16, Jon Croome 29th in 1:20:32, Bob Woodall 103rd in 1:30:05 and Lorraine Croome 151st in 1:35:25. Ray Elston was 2nd V65 and 178th overall in 1:38:47, Lorraine Slight was 202nd in 1:41:33 and Jim Wyatt was 311th in 1:58:27.

The first lady to finish was Helen Dyke of Torbay AC in 1:18:59. The first men’s team was Exmouth Harriers comprising Dave Stone, Jamie Pearson, Adam Miller and Jon Croome. The first ladies’ team was South West Road Runners and the first male vet team was Sidmouth Running Club.

Although only 48 runners completed the 5 mile Blister Lite, the event was very popular in that the ages ranged from 11 to 77! The winner was Ben Trigg of Erme Valley Harriers in 39:53 and the award for 1st lady went to Emma Kiernan of Axe Valley Runners in 44:25. But when it came to age graded performance, 71 year old Exmouth Harrier John Perratt, who was 6th in 45:57, was well out in front with a grading almost 8% higher than the next highest graded competitor in this race.

The Committee would like to thank race director Roland Young and all those Club members who assisted him with setting up and dismantling the course, parking, dealing with late entries, marshalling, manning the water station, timekeeping and producing the results. Our thanks also go to the Exmouth Air Cadets, St John Ambulance, the police and Ironbridge Runner with Helly Hanson for their help and support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The viaduct being destroyed

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

AGM & Race Reports

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

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

Race Reports
Round 2 of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K Series of five events was held at Exeter Arena on Wednesday, 5th November and the winner was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 8:56. The first Exmouth Harrier to finish was Andy Johnson in 11:17, followed by Roger Rowe in 11:46. Hannah Dupain and Lee Russell both finished in 11:58, with John Perratt next in 12:15. Ray Elston came home in 12:29, 4 seconds ahead of Nigel Dupain in 12:33. Jim Wyatt finished in 13:24.
.
The Tavy 7 (miles) Race at Tavistock on 9th November was won by Harry Wiltshire of Tavistock A C in 38:33. Exmouth Harrier Mark Thompson was 50th in 47:02 and 630 runners completed the race.

.
No fewer than 13 Exmouth Harriers competed in the Drogo 10 (miles) tough, hilly cross-country race that starts and finishes at Castle Drogo. It was a lovely day for a change, but very slippery in places. The winner of yet another race was Tom Merson of South West Road Runners in 1:00:32, beating the other 415 runners. Well done, Tom!
.

There were also some excellent performances from Exmouth’s Jamie Pearson, Hugh Marsden, Pete McKeown and Hannah Dupain. Jamie was 20th in 1:08:49 with Hugh Marsen 22nd (and 3rd V45) in 1:09:02. Pete McEown was 43rd in 1:14:39, Adam Miller 50th in 1:15:57 and Hannah Dupain 112th in 1:24:04. Paul Champion was 124th in 1:25:42, Terry Oldham 204th in 1:34:04, Dawn Teed 243rd in 1:37:52 and Lorraine Slight 256th in 1:39:29. Nigel Dupain came 288th in 1:42:52, Lissie Lingard 293rd in 1:43:33, Kevin Lingard 296th in 1:44:05 and Sue Wilkin 328th in 1:50:47.

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

For the train buffs...

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

Last weekend's events

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

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

.

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

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

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

It's a Dupain World

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

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

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

For Steve...

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

Dartmoor Vale Races

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

.

Jenny Timms became the new Devon marathon ladies champion by winning convincingly in 3:28:03, and it was another 18 minutes before the second lady crossed the finish line. Jenny said “That was quite unexpected. I felt pretty strong all the way around and I’m delighted to win”. Congratulations, Jenny!! The new men’s champion is Alan Ryder of Erme Valley Harriers, who won in 2:48:39. Adrian Kearns was 14th in 3:17:18 and Peter McKeown was 18th in 3:24:04. 107 runners finished the marathon.
.

The half marathon was completed by 289 runners. The winner was John McFarlane of Thames Hare & Hounds in 1:10:50 and Exmouth runner Tom Merson of South West Road Runners was 2nd only 33 seconds later in 1:11:23.

.

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

.

(LT)

Exmouth Station (RIP)

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

.

More of the station when no races to report upon.

(RR)

Honiton 12k

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