Blog taking a breather - 14/3/10
THE blog is taking a break for some warm-weather training and will return renewed and ready for action at the end of the month.
Annabel runs herself into the team for Worlds - 14/3/10
TEENAGER Annabel Gummow produced a superb performance to run herself into the Great Britain junior team for the World Cross Country Championships in Poland.
The 16-year-old west country ace could have contested the Under 17s race but instead opted to move up an age group in a bid to make the Under 20 women's team for the end-of-season finale.
Her gamble proved a winning move as Gummow finished runner-up to Emelia Gorecka and virtually guarantee her place in the squad for her GB debut.
"It was a massive jump up for me going from the Under 17s to the Under 20s race and racing over 6k but the result was amazing," said Gummow.
Gummow could yet be joined in the team by her Bristol & West AC team-mate Eleanor Wimshurst, who finished sixth and must await the decision of the selectors as to whether she deserves a place in the team or the reserve list.
Gloucestershire's 20-year-old former junior international Emily Pidgeon had a terrific run to finish fifth in her first major senior women's race and put her in contention for a trip to Poland.
Behind Pidgeon Bristol half marathon champion Claire Hallissey again showed good form over the country to finish 12th with Taunton's Naomi Taschimowitz enjoying the best race of here young career just behind in 14th.
Top west runner in the senior men's race was Cornishman Robbie Bugden while Taunton AC's Charlie Maclean was a battling 22nd in the Under 20 men's race, just ahead of leading Devon runner Eliot Buckner.
The Dorset pair of Frank Bailey and Richard Horton ran impressively to make the top 15 in the Under 17 men's race while both Hobie Martin and Zak Tomias can feel very satisfied with their performances in the Under 15 boys' event.
McCain Cross Challenge Final incorporating the world cross country trials, Cofton park, Birmingham - senior men: 1 Mo Farah NEB) 34:41; 2 Andy Vernon (AFD) 35:25; 3 Moumin Geele (NEB) 35:40.
WEST: 20 Robbie Bugden (C ) 36:49; 30 Owain Jones (AS) 37:15; 32 Tom Russell (G) 37:16; 43 Josh Lilly (G) 37:32; 71 Kevin Toher (C ) 38:18; 82 Tom Merson (D) 38;40; 130 mark Threlfall (W) 39:53; 135 Mark Jenkin (D) 39:56; 139 Matt Withey (G) 39;59; 141 Will Ferguson (G) 40:02; 154 Ashley Humphreys (D) 40;23; 175 Sam Hill (C ) 40;47; 176 Tim Dalton (G) 40;50; 199 Mark Hopkinson (AS) 41:20.
U20 men: 1 Richard Goodman (Middx) 25:04; 2 Ben Norris (Notts) 25:06; 3 Calum Hawkins (Scotland) 25:26.
WEST: 22 Charlie Maclean (AS) 26:47; 24 Eliot Buckner (D) 26:56; 40 Rob Galt (G) 27:17; 54 Sean hazel (AS) 27:38; 63 Gregg Halliwell (AS) 27:58; 78 James Waldie (C ) 28:14; 97 Andrew Kaighin (G) 28:43; 106 Will New (G) 28:51; 121 Barry Thomas (W) 29:12; 123 Ben Pedley (G) 29:19; 147 Charles Gunning (C ) 30:17; 149 Tom Beer (W) 30:21; 151 George Livingstone-Thompson (G) 30:29; 166 Ben Trigg (D) 31:11; 176 Jack Oliver (D) 31:44.
Under 17 men: 1 Ross Matheson (Scot) 18:33; 2 Ian Bailey (Surrey) 18:43; 3 Ben Connor (Derbys) 18:45.
WEST: 11 Frank Bailey (Do) 19:19; 15 Richard Horton (Do) 19:27; 17 Dan Nash (C ) 19:32; 20 Aaron Phelps (G) 19:39; 32 Brett Halliwell (AS) 19:51; 39 Alex Hill (W) 19:55; 49 Tom Purnell (G) 20:03; 62 Simon Nott (W) 20:17; 72 Nick Bennett (D) 20:24; 97 Brennan Townsend (D) 20:39; 105 Jack Hutchens (D) 20:48; 106 Adam Speake (AS) 20:49; 124 Ashley Smith (D) 20:56; 137 Sam Chamberlain (D) 21:01; 146 Matt Deacon (AS) 21:07; 167 George Speak (D) 21:21; 178 Freek van Arkel (G) 21;28.
U15 boys: 1 James McMurray (Herts) 14:55; 2 Finlay Rae (Scot) 14:56; 3 Mike McKeown (Warwicks) 15:03.
WEST: 7 Hobie Martin (C ) 15:18; 8 Zak Tobias (AS) 15:22; 16 Will Paulson (G) 15:34; 20 Benedict Westhenry (Do) 15:36; 21 Kyran Hale (G) 15:37; 25 Andrew Worden (C ) 15:39; 31 Alex carter (W) 15:42; 40 Luke Jacobs (AS) 15:46; 42 Mike Gaunt (D) 15:48; 58 Tom Rawet ( C) 15:55; 72 Ben Wilson (Do) 16:02; 73 Nyle Clinton (W) 16:02; 83 Sam Jackson (D) 16:07; 90 David Weir (D) 16:10; 123 Cameron Coetzee (AS) 16:23; 126 Alex King (C ) 130 Callum Jones (C ) 16:26; 149 Sam Heslop-George (C ) 16:34; 153 Matt Parr (G) 16;34; 155 Adam thrall (G) 16:36; 159 Tom Parnell (G) 16:38; 163 Ben Millar (AS) 16:39; 174 Christian Hewitt (D) 16:45.
U13 boys: 1 Tom Holden (Surrey) 10:22; 2 Christian vov Eitzen (Oxon) 10:23; 3 Merhawi Tesfaloet (Surrey) 10:24.
WEST: 11 Oscar Holdsworth (C ) 10:40; 18 Louis Kellaway (Do) 10:49; 24 Ned Oliver (D) 10:51; 25 Andrew Smith (Do) 10:52; 38 Charlie Martin (AS) 11:01; 63 Harry Mahoney (G) 11:12; 96 Cameron Wassell (G) 11:22; 100 Joshua Gray (W) 11:23; 102 Luke Reynolds (AS) 11:24; 106 James Skelton (AS) 11:25; 134 Kody Mortimer (AS) 11:33; 191 Luke Prior (AS) 11:55;
Senior women: 1 Freya Murray (Edinburgh) 27:21; 2 Steph Twell (AFD) 27:30; 3 Faye Fullerton (Havering) 27:41; 4 Hannah Whitmore 27:47; 5 Emily Pidgeon (Stroud) 27:54; 6 Laura Kenney 28:04.
WEST: 12 Claire Hallissey (Herts) 28:30; 14 Naomi Taschimowitz (AS) 28:33; 19 Rebekah Randall (AS) 29:06; 24 Laura Parker (AS) 29:36; 34 Laura Parsonage (AS) 29:55; 51 Ami Yetton (D) 30:36; 54 Katherine Humphreys (D) 30:39; 69 Lucy Kelvey (C ) 31:01; 84 Kate Jacobs (W) 31:36; 86 Steph Lane (G) 31:37; 114 Louise Durman (G) 32:18; 129 Heather Fell (D) 32:38; 134 Jenny Moore (AS) 32:46; 143 Liza Barry (G) 32:55; 148 Caroline Hewitt (D) 33:06; 150 Natalie Burke (W) 33;11; 152 Lucy Commander (D) 33:15; 239 Zina Marchant (W) 35:51.
Under 20 women: 1 Emilia Gorecka (AFD) 20:40; 2 Annabel Gummow (B&W) 20:53; 3 Hanna Walker (Dacorum) 21:00; 4 Sarah Inglis 21:04; 5 Beth Potter 21:05; 6 Eleanor Wimshurst (B&W) 21:13.
WEST: 15 Hannah Alderson (AS) 22:22; 33 Bethany Alston (C ) 23:19; 41 Jess Burns (D) 23:43; 45 Hannah Pollock (AS) 23:53; 54 Emily Bliss (D) 24:25; 73 Brittany Teague (G) 25:22; 74 Hannah Taunton (AS) 25:23.
Teams; 1 Surrey 40; 2 Lancashire 87; 3 Avon & Somerset 140 (6,15, 45,74)
Under 17 women: 1 Kate Holt (Staffs) 19:00; 2 Emily Wallbank (Beds) 19:01; 3 Mel Wood (Bucks) 19:20; 4 Melissa Courtney (Do) 19:27.
WEST: 9 Imogen Wolsey (W) 19:39; 14 Naomi Speake (AS) 19:56; 17 Amber Watson (G) 20:00; 28 Anna Rust (D) 20:18; 31 Aoife Thorogood (AS) 20:24; 48 April Hogg (C ) 20:41; 67 Katherine Turner (W) 21:00; 83 Alex Stainthorpe (W) 21:13.
Under 15 girls: 1 Jessica Judd (Essex) 14:52; 2 Rebecca Knapton (Hants) 15:11; 3 Susan Rankin (Surrey) 15:14.
WEST: 15 Lillie Bellamy (W) 15:57; 32 Lucy Campbell (D) 16;20; 39 Rosie Chamberlain (D) 16:24; 47 Alex Mundell (W) 16:31; 60 Imogen Briscoe (G) 16:38; 75 Corrigan Cox (G) 16;50; 195 Harriet Rogers (AS) 17;48; 223 Rosie Parsons (AS) 18:10; 263 Iris Mcneil (AS) 18;49.
Under 13 girls; 1 Katie Howe (Hants) 11:19; 2 Georgia Tuckfield (Essex) 11:20; 3 Grace Cook (Sussex) 11:26.
WEST; 6 Daniella Whiting (W) 11;29; 31 Victoria Weir (D) 11:51; 34 Amy Cooper (W) 11:54; 39 Holly Brown (AS) 11:56; 132 Poppy Thompson (AS) 12:31; 143 Abigail Gibbons (AS) 12;37; 145 Katie Grinyer (AS) 12;37; 164 Angharad Flower (AS) 12;44; 196 Yasmin Bailey (AS) 12;56.
Russell and Heywood lead west bid in World trials - 12/3/10
SO who will finish top west runner in the senior men's race at the trials for the World Championships in Birmingham tomorrow?
In the absence of Wells City Harriers' former champion Frank Tickner the odds-on favourite will be Bristol & West AC's 23-year-old Tom Russell, who recently finished sixth in the English Championships.
Bideford AC's Kevin Heywood gave that event a miss due to a heavy work load on his farm in north Cornwall but after his bronze medal in the Southerns he should be confident of a best ever finish. Heywood was 19th in Nottingham last year but if he can find the form he showed over Parliament Hill then a top 15 spot is within his grasp.
Hallissey is chasing a top 10 finish - 12/3/10
BRITISH road international Claire Hallissey has made huge strides over the country this season, with the highlights including a bronze medal in the British Students Championships, silver in the Midlands and a hard-earned 10th place in the English Championships.
The prize of winning a place in the British team for the World Cross Country Championships, plus substantial prize money on offer in the finale of the McCain Challenge, will ensure a very strong field lines up in Cofton Park but Hallissey is relishing the challenge.
"I'd love to finish in the top ten but I expect the competition will be even tougher than at Leeds for the National," said Hallissey.
Twelve months ago Hallissey was 31st so top ten would represent a remarkable achievement and be a great indicator of what she might achieve this summer.
Ex-junior star Jo makes her senior bow - 12/3/10
JOANNE Harvey makes her debut in the senior women's race tomorrow and it will be intriguing to see how she fares.
The Exeter Harrier produced a superb run to win the Under 20 women's title at the national In Leeds two weeks ago, a fitting swansong to her career as a junior.
She knows the senior ranks will be a far more competitive environment but Harvey is a class athlete and it wouldn't surprise me to see her finish in the top ten especially as the firm going at Cofton Park should suit her leg speed.
Annabel is junior showdown - 12/3/10
THE top west runners will be out on force in the junior races .Minehead runner Laura Parker, Cornish star Annabel Gummow and north Somerset's Eleanor Wimshurst are all top ten contenders while Taunton's Charlie Maclean should lead the west challenge in the under 20 men's event.
Gloucestershire's Tom Curr has a strong medal chance in the Under 17 men's race with Dorset's Melissa Courtney a leading contender in the Under 17 women's race.
Ex-champ seeks to regain Hogweed half title - 12/3/10
FORMER champion Teh Kuok Yuen is among the entries for the sixth Hogweed Hilly half marathon from Horton Village Hall, in south Gloucestershire, on Sunday (10.30am). For further details see the race website at: www.hogweedtrotters.co.uk
* There are still places available for the Sherborne Castles 10km tomorrow (11am/SUNDAY). For further details see the race website at: http://www.yeoviltownrrc.com/
* The Athletic Union at Bristol University has opted to throw open entries to its 5k race at Coombe Dingle tomorrow (SUNDAY) to local runners . The women's race starts at 2:30pm with the men an hour later and entries will be taken on the day.
Don't forget the next Weston Prom 5 - 12/3/10
The next Weston Prom 5 miles road race will be held on Thursday (7.30pm/March 18th) with registration at the Pavilion Bar on the sea front.
West girls step up to the World stage - 11/3/10
WEST runners Gemma Turtle and Rose-Anne Galligan have been told to run with no fear when they make their international debuts at the World Indoor Championships in Qatar tomorrrow.
The Gloucester AC clubmates and training partners, who are both advised by Cheltenham-based coach David Farrow, are still rookies on the global stage but Farrow will remind them that it is a great opportunity to make their mark.
"This will be a fantastic experience for both Gemma and Rose-Anne," said Farrow. "Both girls will get stuck in and they are not going to be anonymous. I don't want them to be caught in the headlights like a rabbit and not perform to their best. If the race is slow and below their personal best times I want them to get out front and push it on.
"What they learn and take from this event could be the launchpad for a great future for them both because at their age there is still plenty of room for development and improvement. It is a great opportunity."
Turtle, aged 22, will line up in the heats of the 3000m this morning while Galligan, who is representing Ireland , tackles the 1500m this afternoon. With UK terrestial TV not covering the event athletics fans will have to log onto the internet to watch live coverage of the event via the Daily Telegraph website at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Threat to future of Dartmoor Vale races - 11/3/10
THE future of the popular Dartmoor Vale races is in doubt. The event which include marathon, half marathon and 10k, has lost its base from Newton Abbot race course after the new owners decided they weren't interested in hosting the event which this year is scheduled for Sunday October 17th.
"We are actively looking for an alternative venue; the difficulty is to find an area large enough to provide parking for around 700 vehicles," said race organiser Bob Gateshill.
Last year the event was sold out with 1,000 entries for the three races so if it was lost to the calendar it would be a big blow to the west country running fraternity.
Furthermore Dartmoor Vale is the only marathon in Devon and it would be sad if that fell by the board.
Freedman smashes course record - 11/3/10
PETER Freedman marked his debut in the Plymouth Winter 3k series in Central Park with victory in a course record time of 9minutes carving 22 seconds off the previous best.
The Tavistock runner, who is an accomplished triathlete, beat Plymouth University student Chris Rimmer, also running the race for the first time, by five seconds. Cornishman Dan Nash was a distant third.
Organiser Keith Reed reported 14 PBs from the field of 40 runners which is an excellent return.
Men: 1 Peter Freedman (Tavi) 9:00 (record); 2 Chris Rimmer (Ply Uni) 9:05; 3 Dan Nash (ECH) 9:48; 4 Ashley Smith (PAC) 10:15 (PB); 5 Matt Bradley (PAC) 10:28 (PB); 6 Ami Yetton (Ply H) 10;44.
Women: 1 Yetton; 2 Katie Burns (PAC, U20) 11:55; 3 Jenny Nash (ECH) 12:50 (PB). 40 finishers.
Robinson plans are on hold for baby - 11/3/10
WEST international Dan Robinson, who cruised around the Bath half marathon in 64mins 44secs, is hoping to run the Eastleigh10k road race on Sunday March 28th to complete his build-up to the Virgin London Marathon next month.
But that plan depends very much on his wife Jess, who is expecting their second child at the end of the month.
Plymouth 5k series launched in April - 11/3/10
FOLLOWING the success of the winter series Keith Reed, the Armada Athletics Network Co-ordinator , has revealed details of the summer race programme.
"We are planning to start our 5K runs on the second Wednesday of each month in Central Park and possibly Saltram," said Reed.
"The first one will be on April 14th in Central park, start time 7pm (registration from 6.30pm)."
Keep an eye on the website for further details.
Kendon delight at Grizzly victory - 09/3/10
ELIZABETH Kendon has been confirmed as the winner of the women's race in Sunday's Grizzly.
Kendon, who lives in Exeter, thought she was the winner having been told by spectators around the 20 miles course in east Devon that she was first woman and then congratulated at the finish by the organising team.
But Kendon, who competes for the Met Office Running Club, was surprised to read later in the evening on the official website that a certain Pat Foley of Portishead Running Club had beaten her by 38 seconds.
Foley was indeed delighted to finish 40th overall of 1491 finishers but was probably as equally bemused at being described as a woman when in fact he is a grizzled veteran!
"All around the course I was told I was first woman and then at the finish line (in Seaton) the President of Axe Valley Runners came up to congratulate me," said Kendon.
"But later I saw the results on the website and saw I was down as second woman so thought maybe a mistake had been made. It was all quite amusing really."
There was certainly no mistaking the quality of Kendon's victory at her third attempt in the legendary event rated as one of the top races in Great Britain.
"On my debut I finished around sixth and then last year I was runner-up so to win the race was a personal ambition of mine and one that I wondered whether I would ever achieve," added Kendon.
"I was very pleased to win. It is a fabulous event and the atmosphere is great.
"This year the good weather also helped and while I was slower than last year I think the course was harder."
Jenkin cruises to home town success - 09/3/10
BIDEFORD'S Mark Jenkin claimed his first win of the year with a runaway success in his home town race finishing 1min 23secs clear of James Bellward.
It is the first time the 33-year-old has won the race with his previous best a runner-up spot in 2008 when he clocked 71:20. Jenkin's PB is 69:00 which he set two years ago on the much faster Bristol course.
Men: 1 Mark Jenkin (Bide) 70;58; 2 James Bellward (SWRR) 72:21; 3 Andrew Medland (Bude Rats) 72:43.
M40: Paul Wilson (Clev) 75:54. M45: Kerry Roberts (Tiv) 75:59. M50: John Shapland (NDRR) 79:10. M60: Steve Hollier (Clev) 82:15.
Women: 1 Anne Luke (Tamar, W50) 84:22; 2 Jenny Horne (Sheffield) 87:51; 3 Phil Richards (Weston, W35) 87:46. 371 finishers.
Heather in a class of her own in Duchy race - 09/3/10
BRITISH ultra distance specialist Heathere Foundling-Hawker finished 11th overall and top woman in the Duchy Marathon.
In here first marathon of 2010 the Honiton Running Club member covered the tough course in 3hrs 6mins 20secs to finish virtually 14 minutes clear of Diane Roy.
Top man was Newquay Road Runners' Oliver Gibson, who last won this event two years ago and on Sunday was just over two minutes quicker.
The win continues 30-year-old Gibson's good start to 2010 having finished third in the recent Plymouth Hoe 10 and clocking a PB of 32:49 in the Mounts Bay 10k last month.
Duchy Marathon - men: 1 Oliver Gibson (NRR) 2:42.17; 2 Lazloe Boden (Witney, M45) 2:48.23; 3 Adrian Ball (CAC, M40) 2:48.44. Women: 1 Heather Foundling-Hawker (HRC, W40) 3:06.20; 2 Diane Roy (ECH, W45) 3:20.18; 3 Trinity Booth (TRC, W45) 3:26.04. 201 finishers.
Duchy 20 - men: 1 Tony Dunn (CAC, M45) 2:02.22; 2 Pete Waumsley (Tamar) 2:03.36; 3 David Tomlin (Teignbridge) 2:03.58. Women: 1 Alison McEwing (EVH) 2:20.46; 2 Heather Graz (Chepsow, W35) 2:30.53. 172 finishers.
Plummer PB in sizzling Salisbury 10 - 09/3/10
SIMON Plummer smashed his personal best to finish runner-up in the City of Salisbury 10 miles road race, just ten seconds adrift of in-form British international Toby Lambert, who set a new course record.
Salisbury 10 miles road - men: 1 Toby Lambert (Winchester) 49:38 (record); 2 Simon Plummer (CoSals) 49:48; 3 Nigel Leighton (Votwo) 53:34. Women: 1 Hannah Howard (Eastleigh) 63:48; 2 Laura Allen 64:27. 648 finishers.
Devon boys celebrate big Bath PBs - 08/3/10
PERSONAL bests galore in yesterday's Bath half marathon and none better than the Devon trio of Kairn Stone, Adam Carlson and Lee Turner.
Regular training partners Stone and Carlson were both left delighted with their runs, Stone finally eclipsing a five-year-old best with his time of 66mins 07secs for ninth place.
"I'm delighted with that," said the exhausted but smiling Plymouth-based teacher and recent winner of the Hoe 10.
Torbay AC's Carlson let rip a yelp of sheer joy when he crossed under the finish clock on Great Pulteney Street - still one of the great finish lines in world road running - as he broke 70 minutes for the first time with a magical 69mins 59secs.
Clubmate Turner also had great reason to celebrate as he carved one minute off his 2007 best set in Bideford with 71mins 55secs.
Amazingly seven of the top twelve runners set new bests, which considering the icy cold wind that confronted the field on the Lower Bristol Road as they tracked back into Bath city centre is quite remarkable and unexpected.
Another PB performance came from leading Cornish runner Matt Pullen, who crossed the line with Carlson to clip 47 seconds off his best set in the same race last year while Wells City Harriers' 45-year-old vet Jon James smashed his best by almost three minutes with 70;37. A stunning run that easily earned him the over 45s prize.
Bath half marathon - Men: 1 Ezekiel Cherop (Kenya) 63:03; 2 Thomas Abyu (Salford) 63:48; 3 Simon Tonui (Kenya) 64;30; 4 Dan Robinson (Stroud) 64:44; 5 Phil Nicholls (Tip) 65:08 (PB); 6 David Wardle 65:14 ; 7 Jean Ndayisenga (B'field) 65;59; 8 Martin Cox (Salford, M40) 66:01 (PB); 9 Kairn Stone (NEB) 66:07 (PB); 10 Steve Way (BM) 66:10 (PB); 11 Michael Aspinall (Tip) 66:28 (PB); 12 Nicholas Torry (Serp) 66:48 (PB); 13 Dave Mitchinson (NEB) 66:51; 14 Martin Williams 66:53; 15 Orlando Edwards 68:05; 16 Adrian Marriott (Wells) 68:47;
WEST: 20 Matt Pullen (CAC) 69:59 (PB); 21 Adam Carlson (Torbay) 69:59 (PB); 25 Jon James (Wells, M45 1st) 70:37 (PB); 27 Phil Parry (B&W, M45 2nd) 70:46; 28 Tom Fewster (GWR) 70:51 (PB); 29 Dave Green (B&W) 71:15; 30 Lee Turner (Torbay) 71:55 (PB); 38 Allister Sheffield (TBAC) 72:17; 40 Mick O'Doherty (B&W, M50 1st) 72:36; 57 Elliot Prince (Chelt) 75:08; 58 Tom Fisher (unatt) 75:10; 64 Mike Feighan (Exe, M40) 75:41; 66 Richard Spear (Bath Uni) 75:44; 68 Tom Kingsnorth (B&W) 75:53; 75 Mike Towler (AVR) 76:38; 78 Jake Waldron (SWRR) 76:49; 91 David Miller (GWR) 78:04; 93 Paul Cox (TBAC, M40) 78:08; 97 Luke Sturgess-Durden (TBAC) 78:40; 100 Brian Penny (TBAC, M40) 78:54; 104 Dave Buzza (CAC, M45) 79:11; 109 Stuart Curtis (TBAC, M40) 79;27; 115 Adrian Curtis (TBAC) 79:46; 117 Paul Newman (TBAC, M50) 79:51; 127 Guy Landon (TBAC) 80:18.
In-form Emma is top west woman - 08/3/10
EMMA Stallard was another west runner to enjoy yesterday's Bath half marathon. The Cornwall AC runner continued her excellent start to 2010 with a thumping PB of 79mins 15secs, carving 37 seconds off the time she clocked in Cardiff last year.
That not only gave her 12th place in the women's race but ensured she was top west runner.
Stallard's performance follows her recent victory in the Plymouth Hoe 10 in 61mins 58, which was just outside her PB of 61:47 that she set when winning the Stormforce 10 in Camborne, January. She also won the Mounts Bay 10k in 37:18 a PB by 41secs.
Women: 1 Michelle Ross-Cope (Stoke, W35) 72:07 (PB); 2 Susan Partridge (Leeds) 72:44; 3 Joice kandia (Kenya) 75:12; 4 Deborah Walters (B'field, W40) 75:17 (PB); 5 Kat Grimmett 75:18; 6 Fiona Clark (Reigate) 75:50 (PB); 7 Genet Measso (Ethiopia) 77:13; 8 Lynn Cox (Tip) 77:13 (PB); 9 Gladys O'Neill 77:14; 10 Louise Gardner (Lancaster) 77:18; 11 Rachel Gibbs (Bed) 77:43 (PB); 12 Emma Stallard (CAC, W35) 79:15 (PB); 13 Tina Oldershaw (W40) 80:17; 14 Anne-Marie Hutchison 80:18; 15 Georgia Wood (TBAC) 81:22; 15 Nicola Meekin 81:31; 16 Joanna Rodriguez (Woking) 82:29; 17 Sophie Voller (WH) 83:07 (PB): 18 Jo Thompson (TBAC, W50) 83:08; 19 Jenny Moore (Wells, W45) 83:39; 20 Caroline Hawkins (TBAC, W40) 84:02.
Hot times warm up cold day as Bath half sizzles - 08/3/10
THE stats suggest that the standard of yesterday's Bath half was one of the best in recent years.
The top five runners, which include west double Olympian Dan Robinson, all broke 65 minutes while the top 21 went sub 70mins.
The leading 30 runners went under 72mins and 54 runners broke 75mins, which in anyone's language is a very good benchmark.
Victory is just what the doctor ordered - 08/3/10
DOCTOR John McFarlane retained his Grizzly title yesterday. Even though McFarlane, who runs for Thames, Hare & Hounds but is currently based in Exeter, persuade some of his London pals to come down to east Devon they couldn't deny him another impressive victory in one of the most popular off-road events in Britain organised by Axe Valley Runners.
McFarlane to defend Grizzly title - 05/3/10
JOHN McFarlane will be defending his Grizzly title on Sunday. The Exeter-based runner, who competes for Thames Hare & Hounds, will know what to expect though he may face a big challenge in retaining his title.
"There are a couple of guys I know coming down from Surrey so it should be a good race," said McFarlane.
With no rain for over a week conditions are currently good on the course that starts in Seaton and takes in Beer and Branscombe as it sweeps through the dramatic east Devon countryside and coastline.
The race, dubbed ‘Beauty and the Beach' by race organiser Gary Perratt and his hard-working crew from Axe Valley Runners, start at 10.30am on Seaton sea front with the winner due back in a little under two hours.
Merson is waiting on Bath half - 05/3/10
TOM Merson is still unsure whether he will line up for the Bath half marathon on Sunday.
Merson has pulled out of his last two races - the Plymouth Hoe 10 and the ‘National' - due to a niggling Achilles tendon injury and while that is a lot better Merson certainly doesn't want to suffer any setbacks with the spring road relay seasaon looming.
"The issue at the moment is whether to race on it or not," said Merson. "It is fifty-fifty as to whether I race but all is good as far as training is going.
"I did a big week last week and I'm pain free so that is good news."
Fresh from his 25th in the ‘National' Kairn Stone is running and looking for around 66/67 minutes which would be a personal best.
Karla relishing her GB debut in France - 05/3/10
KARLA Drew will celebrate her 21st birthday later this month but it is unlikely she will receive anything that will give her greater pleasure than making her debut for Great Britain this weekend.
The Heavitree athlete makes her international bow in a combined events match in Bompas, near Perpignan, France, on Saturday when she will represent Britain against teams from Spain and the host country.
It will be a landmark occasion for the athlete, her family and coaches Ruth and Barry Godbeer and one that she hopes will be the first of many.
"I am very excited about making my debut," said Drew. "All my GB kit has arrived and that has brought it home to me and I'm really looking forward to the event."
Robinson hopes for a London boost - 05/3/10
BRITAIN'S top marathon runner Dan Robinson will have a point to prove in the Bath half marathon tomorrow (SUNDAY).
The two-times Olympian has opted to incorporate the race as part of his build-up to the Virgin London Marathon, in which he hopes to secure his place in the Great Britain team for the European Championships in Barcelona but intriguingly he has only run the race once and it wasn't particularly a memorable occasion for him.
"I last lined up at Bath in either 2000 or 2001 but I didn't finish the race," said Robinson. "I had a stomach problem and was forced to drop out which was disappointing.
"Training has been going well and I'm looking forward to racing. As it will be my first race for a while the intention will be to run it at marathon pace. If I can run Bath in a time of around 64 minutes that would be perfect."
Wells City Harriers' Adrian Marriott is also using Bath as part of his build-up towards London but has set a more conservative target of 67 minutes after illness interrupted his recent training.
Robinson's fellow marathon international Tomas Abyu, who finished runner-up and top Brit twelve months ago, is also in the field along with the Africa trio of Ezekiel Cherop, defending champion Simon Tonui or Jean Ndayisenga.
In the women's race top west hope Holly Rush has pulled out. Rush would have been among the favourites for a top three finish - her best was fourth two years ago - but after discussing it with her husband and coach Martin Rush the pair decided that their plans to reach peak fitness for the London Marathon next month would be best served by giving her home city event a miss.
"Nothing matters apart from getting to the start line for London in peak shape," said Martin Rush.
Even without Rush the women's race should be intriguing with international duathlete Kat Grimmett, who ran a PB of 73mins 08secs for third in last year's Bristol half and has stated her aim is to qualify for the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, entered along with Michelle Ross-Cope and Susan Partridge.
Kenyan Joyce Kandie, the reigning champion and Ethiopian Genet Measso provide the African challenge while local hopes will be resting on Laura Parsonage with Jo Thompson vying for honours in the veterans' over 50s age group. The race is hopefully due to start 11am.
King's star Charlie reigns in Truro - 02/3/10
SOMERSET'S Charlie Maclean put his injury problems behind him with an encouraging victory in the senior boys' race at the South West Schools' Cross Country Championships, at Truro School.
"I had a back problem last year but that is behind me and I'm really pleased to win today," said Maclean, an 18-year-old student at King's College, in Taunton.
His was the only Somerset gold with Wiltshire coming out on top with the quartet of Louisa Warwick (senior girls), Loren Bleaken (junior girls), Alex Carter (junior boys) and Hayden Burton (minor boys) all claiming top spot.
Biggest winner of the day was Cornwall's Annabel Gummow, who quickly recovered from a poor start to win the inter girls' race by 38 seconds much to the delight of the home crowd that included all her family.
It was a poor championships for Devon runners with just medal, a bronze from Plymstock youngster Victoria Weir in the minor girls' race.
KEVICC student Elliott Buckner continued his good winter with a hard-fought fourth in the senior boys' race, having been in a medal position in the early stages.
Likewise Colyton's Emily Bliss just missed out on the medals in the senior girls' race although with the support of her Exeter clubmates Anna Rust and Beth Camp, Lauren Anning (Ivybridge), Becky Windermer (Tavistock) and Jess Fennell (DHS Girls) she led Devon to the team title.
South West Schools' Cross Country Championships, Truro School - senior boys: 1 Charlie Maclean (S) 24;12; 2 Rob Galt (G) 24:16; 3 Brett Halliwell (A) 24:48; 4 Elliot Buckner (D) 25:09; 6 Gregg Halliwell (A) 25:07. Teams: 1 Devon 49; 2 Gloucestershire 91; 3 Avon 111; 4 Somerset 141; 5 Dorset 182.
Inter boys: 1 Conor Robinson (C ) 20:06; 2 Tom Purnell (G) 20:13; 3 Alex Hill (A) 20:26; 4 Simon Nott (W) 20:49; 5 Aaron Phelps (G) 20:59; 6 Dan Nash (C )21:05. Teams: Cornwall 74; 2 Gloucestershire 106; 3 Devon 121; 4 Somerset 133; 5 Avon 134; 6 Wiltshire 164; 7 Dorset 232.
Junior boys: 1 Alex Carter (W) 14:06; 2 Miles Burton (W) 14:34; 3 Ben Wilson (Do) 14:44; 4 Oscar Holdsworth (C )14:48; 5 David Weir (D) 14:49; 6 Alex van Dyke (W) 14:52. Teams: 1 Wiltshire 71; 2 Dorset 98; 3 Devon 124; 4 Gloucestershire 1216; 5 Somerset 131; 6 Cornwall 151; 7 Avon 266.
Minor boys: 1 Hayden Burton (W) 10:31; 2 Sam Sommerville (S) 10:39; 3 Jacob Pickering (G) 10:42; 4 Patrick Livingston (D) 10:44; 5 Ben Rodgers (C ) 10:48; 6 Alfie Kilgour (W) 10:59. Teams: 1 Somerset 77; 2 Devon 81; 3 Wiltshire 138; 4 Cornwall 151; 5 Gloucestershire 181; 6 Dorsey 188; 7 Avon 197.
Senior girls: 1 Louise Warwick (W) 18:28; 2 Hannah Alderson (A) 18:44; 3 Catherine Blew (S) 19:09; 4 Emily Bliss (D) 19:20; 5 Alice Carpenter (A) 19:23; 6 Joanna Freeman (Do) 19:25. Teams: 1 Devon 67; 2 Avon 108; 3 Somerset 117; 4 Dorset 124; 5 Gloucestershire 141; 6 Wiltshire 154.
Inter girls: 1 Annabel Gummow (C ) 14:41; 2 Amber Watson (G) 15:19; 3 Imogen Wolsey (W) 15:39; 4 Aoife Thorogood (A) 15:50; 5 Olivia Sadler (A) 15:51; 6 Amy Sweet (C )15:53. Teams: 1 Wiltshire 83; 2 Cornwall 88; 3 Gloucestershire 102; 4 Devon 103; 5 Avon 180; 6 Dorset 222; 7 Somerset 256.
Junior girls: 1 Loren Bleaken (W) 14:38; 2 Emily Smith (S) 14:47; 3 Miranda Sadler (A) 14:51; 4 Lilly Bellamy (W) 14:52; 5 Isobel Glaisher (Do) 14:556; 6 Alex Mundell (W) 15:04. Teams: 1 Wiltshire 66; 2 Cornwall 87; 3 Somerset 121; 4 Devon 149; 5 Dorset 156; 6 Avon 188; 7 Gloucestershire 213.
Minor girls: 1 Francesca Waters (C ) 8:24; 2 Lucy Rochford (W) 8:27; 3 Victoria Weir (D) 8:32; 4 Harriet Lord (C ) 8:41; 5 Lilly Helston (D) 8:49; 6 Clemmie Montgomerie (G) 8:49. Teams: 1 Devon 82; 2 Cornwall 96; 3 Somerset 114; 4 Wiltshire 131; 5 Dorset 135; 6 Gloucestershire 176; 7 Avon 202.
Now Gemma wins on the road - 02/3/10
USING the Bourton 10k as a warm-up for the World Indoor Championships British international Gemma Turtle cruised to victory by over three minutes finishing ninth overall of the 450 runners.
Winchester's Tom Payne, a sub-30 minutes runner on the track, enjoyed an equally emphatic victory in the men's race clocking 30:33, over two minutes cleat of the field.
Bourton 10k road - men: 1 Tom Payn (Winchester) 30;33; 2 John Parker (CLC) 32:58; 3 Will Ferguson (CLC) 32:58; 4 Julian Wilkie (Chelt) 33:03. Women: 1 Gemma Turtle (Gloucs) 33:46; 2 Jude Craft (Headington) 36:48; 3 Kate Jacobs (Swin) 37:02. 450 finishers.
Clevedon boys in the winning mood - 02/3/10
CLEVEDON runners Julian Emery and Billy Sheppard enjoyed the winning feeling on Sunday, Emery at the ironwood Challenge just south of Bristol and Sheppard in the Babcary 7.
Ironwood Challenge 10k multi terrain - men: 1 Julian Emery (Clev, M40) 44:58; 2 Ken Ham (TRC, M40) 47:20; 3 Anthony Glover (WH) 48:23. Women: 1 Robyn Golding (WH) 51:14; 2 Kate George (Clev) 53:20; 3 Phil Richards (Weston) 55:36. 178 finishers.
Babcary 7, Somerset - men: 1 Billy Sheppard (Clev) 41:26; 2 John Shapland (NDRR, M50) 43:59; 3 James Hardy (Wells) 45:46. Women: 1 Rosemary Cullimore (YTRR, W35) 53:15; 2 Jackie Batten (Minehead, W35) 54:30. 132 finishers.
Jo's delight as she strikes gold in Nationals - 01/3/10
CONGRATULATIONS TO Jo Harvey for a fabulous victory at the Saucony English Cross Country Championships in Leeds.
On the notoriously testing Rounday Park course the 20-year-old Exeter Harrier confirmed her return from a series of injuries with a performance of real class as she finished four seconds clear of Shildon's Kate Avery.
"I have been back training now for six weeks and it felt really good to win," said Harvey. "After the British Students' Championships (she finished fourth) I knew I was quite fit and I went to Leeds to win the race.
"It was my last race as a junior and it was nice to end on a high."
The victory goes one better than Harvey's silver at Alton Towers in 2008 and is hopefully the sign of a good year to come after a frustrating 2009, which ended with her struggling with shin splints.
"It has been a frustrating time but that is all behind me now," added Harvey.
The race proved a good one for west runners with Taunton AC's fourth and Wells City Harriers' Laura Parker sixth.
In the Under 17 women's race top west runner was Dorset's Melissa Courtney in seventh while east Devon runner Naomi Speake, who competes for Bristol & West AC, was 15th.
Saucony English Cross Country Championships, Leeds - U20 women; 1 Joanne Harvey (Exeter) 22:06; 2 Kate Avery (Shildon) 22:10; 3 Hannah Walker (Dacorum) 22:14.
WEST: 4 Naomi Taschimowitz (Taunton) 22:16; 6 Laura Parker (Wells) 22:44; 20 Emily Merrick (B&W) 24:16; 52 Jane Thomas (Chelt) 26:29.
U17 women; 1 Emelia Gorecka (AFD) 17:52. WEST: 7 melissa Courtney (Poole) 19:07; 15 Naomi Speake (B&W) 19:30.
Hallissey leads Bristol & West to team bronze - 01/3/10
CLAIRE Hallissey continued her excellent winter season by leading Bristol & West AC's senior women to third place in the team contest at the Saucony English Cross Country Championships, in Leeds.
Hallissey, who is more at home on the road, finished an excellent 10th and with team-mates Rebekah Randell 14th and Imogen Ainsworth 21st laid the foundation for yet another national medal.
But it was touch and go as the team had to wait until Somerset-born runner Dorothea Lee, who has won gold in this event in the past but has since had two children and struggled with injuries, crossed the line in 89th.
"It was only the fact that the top three ran so well that gave us that cushion to enable us to have Dorchie finish 89th and still take third place," said team manager Mike Down.
Saucony English Cross Country Championships, Leeds - Senior women: 1 Steph Twell (AFD) 27:52. WEST: 10 Claire Hallissey (B&W) 28:52; 14 Rebekah Randell (B&W) 29:20; 21 Imogen Ainsworth (B&W) 29:51; 112 Rebecca Pierce (TBAC) 33:41; 11 Vicky Tester (B&W) 33:41; 136 Andrea Culp (GWR) 34:18; 139 Kirsty Morrison (TBAC) 34:23.
Teams: 1 Charnwood 73; 2 Aldershot, Farnham & District 99; 3 Bristol & West AC 134.
Russell is top west runner in Leeds - 01/3/10
TOM Russell won the race to be the best in the west at the Saucony English Cross Country Championships, in Leeds.
The Bristol & West AC international from Gloucestershire finished a superb sixth in a classy field, arguably the best result of his career to date.
Kairn Stone proved spot-on with his prediction that a top 25 finish would be a terrific result as he finished exactly that just six days after his win in the Plymouth Hoe 10.
Sadly Tom Merson suffered a recurrence of his Achilles tendon problem and wisely opted not to start.
The other top west highlight came from Stroud's Tom Curr, who finished runner-up in the Under 17 men's event.
The Bristol & West AC pair of Richard Peters and Zak Tobias performed well to finished seventh and sixth respectively in thte Under 20 and Uundere 15 races.
Saucony English Cross Country Championships, Leeds - senior men: 1 Andy Vernon (AFD) 38:01. WEST: 6 Tom Russell (B&W) 39:13; 25 Kairn Stone; 112 Jon Wills (B&W) 42:54; 114 Ben Morley (GWR) 42:55;
U20 men: 1 Nick Goolab (Bel) 33:07. WEST: 7 Richard Peteres (B&W) 34:13; 59 Joe Dalgleish (WH) 36:40; 63 Richard de-Camps (Gloucs) 36:50; 77 Chris Dodd (B&W) 37:19; 84 Sean Hazell (B&W) 37:41; 102 Nathan Wardee (B&W) 38:08; 117 Will New (Chelt) 38:34; 128 Rob Whitham (B&W) 39:17.
Teams; 1 Warrington 62. 10 Bristol & West 270.
U17 men: 1 Richard Goodman (SB) 19;21; 2 Tom Curr (Stroud) 19:55; 3 Robbie Farnham-Rose (Ton) 19:56.
WEST: 53 Adam Speake (B&W) 21:40; 123 Matt Deacon (B&W) 22:43; 182 Sam Bedwell (B&W) 23:36; 218 George Hurford (B&W) 24:16.
U15 boys: 1 James McMurray (St Albans) 14:00. WEST: 6 Zak Tobias (B&W) 14:23; 55 Kieran Young (B&W) 15:08; 66 Luke Jacobs (B&W) 15:13; 91 Miles Chandler (B&W) 15:25.
Teams: 1 Shaftesbury Barnet 93. 5 Bristol & West 218.
Call of the farm keeps Heywood at home - 26/2/10
KEVIN Heywood will not be running the Saucony English Cross Country Championships in Leeds tomorrow.
The Cornish farm had already made the decision not to travel north due to the hectic lambing season on his farm, though even it had entered he wouldn't have gone.
"It proved to be the right decision as I have been injured and ill since the Southerns," said Heywood.
"I had a problem with my hip and then last week had a stomach bug that knocked me out for four days. Also the last few days have been mental on the farm.
"But I'm getting back into it now and hopefully get things together for the Inter Counties in a couple of weeks."
Stone tips Russell to win west battle at National - 26/2/10
THE contest to finish top west runner in the National tomorrow looks like being an interesting one.
Kairn Stone is showing a great return to his best form and looked impressive with his runaway win in the Plymouth Hoe 10 last weekend but he doesn't expect to be the first west man home.
"Tom Russell (Bristol & West AC) is different class when he is at his best and he could be in the top ten," said Stone.
"But I have been plugging away in the last couple of weeks and it would be very nice to finish in the top 25 and ideally as high as possible.
"But it is a tough race and if you get it wrong and have a bad patch or go off too hard and end up losing 15-20 seconds then that will lose you twenty places."
Why Claire will be raring to go in Leeds - 26/2/10
COACH Keith Brackstone believes British international Claire Hallissey will be in peak shape for the Saucony English Cross Country Championships in Leeds on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Bristol & West AC runner had the luxury of a weekend off racing to fine-tune preparations for the National and get herself physically and mentally in shape to challenge for a top ten finish.
"Previous to that Claire had raced on five successive weekends and was getting a bit tired," said Brackstone.
"She has been improving with every cross country race and I think the free weekend will have done here good.
"Athletics Weekly has tipped her as a top ten contender and I think that is right but we'll see she goes on the day."
Hallissey's hectic start to the new year started with the McCain Cross Challenge events in Cardiff (5th) and Antrim (16th), followed by the Midland Counties Championships (2nd), the British Students' (3rd) and then an international race in Belgium (10th).
Ironwood Challenge entries available - 26/2/10
NAILSEA Running Club stage the Ironwood Challenge 6 miles multi terrain race from Long Ashton Sports Hall, north Somerset, on Sunday (11am). For further details see the race website at: www.nailsearunningclub.org.uk
Merson: I'll be fit to race - 26/2/10
TOM Merson is optimistic he will be fit to make the journey to Leeds on Saturday for the English Cross Country Championships.
The Exmouth-based runner was forced to miss last weekend's Plymouth Hoe 10 with an Achilles tendon injury but reports he is now feeling a lot better.
"As far as I'm concerned the signs are good for the championships and I'm hoping to run out," said Merson.
"I'm not in as good a shape as I wanted after missing training in the last three weeks but I'll give it a go."
Don't forget the Great West warm-up 10k - 26/2/10
THE second race in the Great West Run warm-up series will be held on Sunday with a 10k traffic-free course over two laps around the River Exe and flood relief system. The race starts at 9.30am and registration will be at the Ironbridge Runner shop in Bartholomew Street from 8am.
There is a race limit of 250 and for further details see the event website at: www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk
Dalwood 3 Hills is a real tester - 26/2/10
THE Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge is held near Honiton on Sunday (11am) comprising 10 miles of tough off-road running. Entries will be taken on the day and for further information see the race website at: www.axevalleyrunners.org.uk
Harriers girls lead Devon bid at Truro - 26/2/10
THE Exeter Harriers' trio of Anna Rust, Beth Camp and Emily Bliss head a strong Devon squad in the senior girls' race at the South West Schools' Cross Country Championships, on Saturday.
All three teenagers will fancy their chances of making the top ten at Truro School with, on paper at least, the senior girls' race looking wide open.
South West Schools' Cross Country Championships, Truro School, Saturday February 27th, race timetable: 1.30pm - Senior Boys 7500m; 1.35pm - Minor Girls 2300m; 1.50pm - Minor Boys 2900m; 2.00pm - Junior Girls 3400m;
2.20pm - Junior Boys 4000m; 2.35pm - Senior Girls 4500m; 2.55pm - Inter Boys 5700m; 3.15pm - Inter Girls 4000m.
Kiwi honeymoon leaves Lucy short of fitness - 25/2/10
THE mystery behind Lucy Commander's below-par performance in Sunday's Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road race has been revealed - she has only just returned from honeymoon.
Commander only flew back to Britain from almost a month in New Zealand when she took a deserved break training to see the sights and enjoy the Kiwi lifestyle.
It was to Commander's credit that she volunteered to turn out for the Devon team and as well as running almost five minutes slower than last year, when she clocked a personal best of 60:53, finished the race with sore calves.
Fortunately that pain should be temporary and I'm sure within the next month or so we will see Commander back to her best.
Bugden under orders to miss National - 25/2/10
WEST international Robbie Bugden has been forced to pull out of the Saucony English Cross Country Championships at Roundhay Park, Leeds, on Saturday.
Bugden has been told he must run for the RAF at the Inter-Services Championships tomorrow, a request that he could hardly turn down without risk of remaining a private for the rest of his career.
"In the past this race has been held on a Wednesday so allowing time to recover but there is no way Robbie can race two hard events on consecutive days," added Bristol & West AC team manager.
Down. "It is a big blow to our team hopes as Robbie has been getting back to his best and I think would have been gunning for a top 15 finish."
Marathon ace Dan enters Bath half - 24/2/10
DAN Robinson, Britain's top marathon runner, has entered the Bath half marathon on Sunday week.
The two-times Olympian has opted to incorporate the race, which is one of the country's top events, as part of his build-up to the Virgin London Marathon.
That race is the official trial for the European Championships in Barcelona in the summer and Robinson is hoping to cement his place in the team as well as staking a strong claim for the Commonwealth Games, in Delhi, in the autumn.
"Training has been going really well but I badly need a race," said Robinson, who lives in Gloucestershire.
"I had intended to do the Alsager 5 but got ill so decided my next race will be the Bath half and I'm really looking forward to it.
"It may not be as quick as some of the other half marathons around but if you look at the times on the course it is still pretty quick and there is always a good entry."
Joining him on the start line will be Kairn Stone, who on the evidence of his win in the Plymouth Hoe 10 should be capable of challenging his PB time of 67mins 13secs set in Bristol five years ago.
Lucy slips back in Hoe 10 - 24/2/10
INTERESTING to note that South West Road Runners' Lucy Commander , who finished seventh in the Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road on Sunday in a time of 65mins 48secs, was well outside her personal best of 60:53 set on the same course last year.
Warm-up for the Great West Run - 24/2/10
A reminder that the second race in the Great West Run warm-up series will be held on Sunday with a 10k traffic-free course over two laps around the River Exe and flood relief system. The race starts at 9.30am and registration will be at the Ironbridge Runner shop in Bartholomew Street from 8am.
There is a race limit of 250 and for further details see the event website at: www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk
Stone destroys rivals with Hoe solo show - 22/2/10
KAIRN Stone delivered a virtuoso performance to win the Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road title yesterday.
While the event had been billed as a big west showdown, including some of the best runners from Cornwall and Devon, the reality was that it was a Stone solo show asa he dominated from the gun to finish 2mins 37secs clear of the field in a swift time of 51mins 28secs.
"From about 800metres out I was on my own," said Stone. "I knew Kevin Toher was behind me but by two-three miles he was 100 metres adrift and apparently he dropped out at five miles."
Stone scorched through the halfway point in 25mins 22secs and while inevitably he slowed as the pace and running in isolation took its toll he was delighted with his performance.
"I didn't ease off training at all for this race to run 51:28 is very pleasing," added Stone.
"I had never broken 52 minutes on the Hoe course before and I have done six or seven times. It is my quickest time even though I would say it was harder than in the past because the last mile or so is uphill. It is definitely not the fastest course around."
Cornish runners Matt Pullen and Oliver Gibson finished second and third respectively with Torbay's Adam Carlson, who trains with Stone, fourth.
Grizzly champion John McFarlane, who won the Bramley 20 the week before, was sixth.
Cornwall AC veteran Emma Stallard added the women's race to her success in the Stormforce 10, in Camborne, last month and just missed her personal best set in that event by 11 seconds although it was quicker than her time in the Hoe last year.
It was also Stallard's third successive win on the roads with victory in the Mounts Bay 10k also to her name at the start of the month.
Plymouth Hoe 10 - men: 1 Kairn Stone (NEB) 51:28; 2 Matt Pullen (CAC) 54:05; 3 Oliver Gibson (NRR) 54:23; 4 Adam Carlson (Torbay) 54:29; 5 Peter Ellis (Hayle RR) 54;59; 6 John McFarlane (THH) 55:07; 7 Lee Turner (Torbay) 55:26; 8 Peter Waumsley (Tamar) 55:38; 9 Sam Hill (Mounts B) 55:50; 10 Peter Freedman (Tavi) 55:57; 11 Neil Myyton (Ply H) 56:18; 12 Stuart Hall (Tip, M45) 56:20.
M40: 1 Neil Holmes (EVH) 58:44; 2 Paul Gregg (Tamar) 58:54; 3 Martin Colwill (Bide) 60:10. M45: 2 Kerry Roberts (Tiv) 58:40; 3 Alan Ryder (EVH) 59:34. M50: 1 Paual Lovell (Ply H) 63:13. M55: John Shapland (NDRR) 60:17.
Women: 1 Emma Stallard (CAC, W35) 61:58; 2 Helen Dyke (Torbay, W35) 62:41; 3 Lucy Kelvey (NRR) 63:09; 4 Ami Yetton (Ply H) 63:51; 5 Anne Luke (Tamar, W50) 65:02; 6 Wendy Urban (Torbay, W45) 65:37; 7 Lucy Commander (SWRR) 65:48; 8 Caroline Hewitt (Tiv, W45) 66:43. 568 finishers.
Devon retain men's Challenge title - 22/2/10
DEVON retained their men's Peninsula Challenge title in the Plymouth Hoe 10 yesterday.
Kairn Stone gave Devon a flying start with victory and while Cornish runners took the next two spots the Devon squad of Torbay AC's Adam Carlson (4th) and Lee Turner (7th) and Tamar Trotters' Peter Waumsley (8th), clocking his fastest time for three years, emerged victorious.
"Likewise in the women's race Cornwall retained their title with Emma Stallard, Lucy Kelvey and Anne Luke," said race director Paul Ross.
Peninsula Challenge - men: 1 Devon. Women: 1 Cornwall.
Merson pulls out with Achilles worry - 22/2/10
SO what happened to the big west clash at Plymouth? Kairn Stone cannot have expected to have won so easy, finishing almost three minutes clear of the field though his winning time of 51mins 28secs would have tested even the best in the best.
But main rival and regular training partner Tom Merson, who has had the edge over his mate in recent races, had to drop out with an Achilles tendon niggle that he didn't want to aggravate further ahead of the English Cross Country Championships next weekend.
Top Cornish runner Kevin Toher dropped out at halfway although he was well off the pace by then while Tavistock's Peter Freedman was well below par in tenth.
In his day former Commonwealth Games marathon runner Stuart Hall would have given Stone a run for his money and it was good to see the 45-year-old racing again after his injury problems and finishing a fine 12th and top veteran.
Berry breaks Hestercombe record - 22/2/10
TAUNTON AC's Oliver Berry set a new course record in winning the Hestercombe 9.5 miles road race yesterday.
Berry clocked 55mins 41secs to beat Kevin Crenol's previous mark and finish 42 seconds ahead of clubmate Luke Scott with former champion Gerry Hogg third.
Wells City Harriers' Jenny Moore was comfortable winner of the women's race while the aptly-named Hannah Taunton, of Taunton AC, was top junior.
Hestercombe Humdinger 9.5 miles road , Taunton - men: 1 Oliver Berry (Taun) 55:41 (record); 2 Luke Scott (Taun) 56:23; 3 Gerry Hogg (Trull, M45) 57:03. U20: Joe de Sila (unatt) 66:39. Teams: Taunton AC.
Women: 1 Jenny Moore (Wells, W35) 64:33; 2 Kim Hill (Quantock) 69;30; 3 Vicky Ryan (unatt) 70:17. U20: Hannah Taunton (Taun) 72:48. Teams: Wells City Harriers. 317 finishers.
Bridge Inn winter series reminder - 22/2/10
THE last race in the Bridge Inn Winter 5K series, in east Bristol, will be held tomorrow (February 23rd) with registration on the night from 6.30pm with the race starting at 7.30pm. For further details see the race website at: www.bristolandwestac.org
The summer series will kick off on Tuesday 27th April with further races on May 25th, June 29th and July 27th.
Stone is relishing the Hoe showdown - 19/2/10
KAIRN Stone is relishing the prospect of a high-quality west country clash in Sunday's Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road race.
In domestic terms the race looks like being one of the best of the year with the Devon squad boasting Stone, Tom Merson, Adam Carlson - all of whom frequently train together - Lee Turner, Ashley Humphreys and Peter Freedman.
Kevin Toher leads the Cornwall squad and while it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Kevin Heywood, Robbie Bugden, Adrian Marriott and Tom Russell in the field - now that would be an all-star west country line-up - Sunday's race is the type of event that will guarantee a cracking race.
"I think the west country scene is as good as it has been for a long time and it is great to see all these guys in the race," said Stone, who has been among the region's best athletes for over a decade.
As a teacher in the city Stone would love to win on his home patch but Merson has had the edge over him recently while Toher is a fierce competitor.
Last year Tavistock's Jim Cole caught them all cold but he is recovering from injury so won't be defending his title.
The is a 650 sell-out and starts at 10am. It should be a cracker.
Russell targets Scottish gold - 19/2/10
TOM Russell will be hoping to make it third time lucky when he lines up for the Scottish Cross Country Championships in Falkirk tomorrow.
The 23-year-old Bristol & West AC runner has finished runner-up for the past two years, beaten by Central AC's Alastair Hay twelve months ago and Inverclyde's Mark Pollard in 2008 - and on both occasions Russell lost gold by just one second.
"Finishing second twice and by such a small margin was very frustrating," said Russell.
"I'm going there this weekend with the goal of winning and I won't be happy with anything less. If I don't win it I'd rather finish fifth or sixth or even worse but I won' be happy with another silver or even bronze."
But for Russell to succeed he will need a firm, parkland course to utilise his speed and flowing style. If the Falkirk course is wet and muddy then his odds will lengthen.
Alice waltzes to victory in the Prom - 19/2/10
SOMERSET's Alice Hector ran away with the women's race in the latest Weston Prom 5 last night finishing 1min 36secs clear of her nearest rival.
Bristol & West AC's Steve McGuigan held off the challenge from the Great western Runners' pair of Ben Morley and Tom Fewster as 174 runners turned up on a bitterly cold night.
Men; 1 Steve McGuigan (B&W) 26:46; 2 Ben Morley (GWR) 26:50; 3 Tom Fewster (GWR) 27:08; 4 Nick Hides (Clev, M40) 28:39; 5 Matt Ellis 9WH) 28:50; 6 Pete Clark (Weston) 28:50.
Women: 1 Alice Hector (Wells) 31:34; 2 Julia Belyavin (B&W) 33:10; 3 Chloe Felton (UWE/Tiverton) 33:12. 174 finishers.
Hollie stars on the boards in the USA - 19/2/10
DEVON-born athlete Hollie Knight is in sizzling form in America and last weekend she smashed her personal best by ten seconds in a 3000m race in Fayetteville, Arizona, with a time of 9mins 33.93secs.
That time beat the previous Bristol & West AC record of 9:35.92 set Maria Lynch in 2001 and lifts the 21-year-old to 11th on the UK Rankings. Knight joined Bristol & West Ac after starting her athletics career with Bideford AC.
Fancy a quick 5 in Gloucester? - 19/2/10
Severn AC stage a 5 miles road race at the White Horse pub, Sandhurst, on the outskirts of Gloucester tomorrow (2pm) with entries taken on the day.
Ex-cham Hogg lines up for Hestercombe - 19/2/10
Former champion Gerry Hogg is among the entries for the Hestercombe Humdinger 9.5 miles road race which is held tomorrow (SUNDAY) from Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton. No entries will be taken on the day.
Bridge Inn winter series reaches climax - 19/2/10
The last race in the Bridge Inn Winter 5K series will be held on Tuesday (February 23rd) with registration on the night from 6.30pm with the race starting at 7.30pm.
The summer series will kick off on Tuesday 27th April with further races on May 25th, June 29th and July 27th.
Traffic delay warning for tonight's Prom 5 - 18/2/10
A reminder that the Weston Prom 5 miles race is being held tonight (7.30pm) but runners are warned to allow more time to reach the race HQ in the main bar at the Pavilion.
Organiser Malcolm Gammon points out that the one way road system is still in operation along Weston sea front so runners should follow the diversion signs from the town centre to get to the race HQ and allow additional travelling time.
The race route tonight will be the same five miles course as that used for the December and January races.