West aces on the Euro marathon trail - 30/07/10
WEST marathon runners Holly Rush and Dan Robinson are both in action at the European Championships in Barcelona this weekend.
First in action tomorrow morning (Saturday 10.05am) will be Team Bath's Rush. The 32-year-old will make her international debut just five years after she started running, making her debut in the London Marathon with a time of 3hrs 5mins 34secs, that is a remarkable achievement.
But tomorrow is also significant because it is 18 years to the day that husband and coach Martin Rush represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in the same city, finishing 24th in the 20k walk.
"It is a real coincidence that I also competed on July 31st," said Rush. "Hopefully Holly will also have a day to remember.
"To help prepare for the conditions we have been using the heat chamber at the University of Bath. They have been very supportive and with the backing of UK Athletics we have trained there every other day to help Holly acclimatise to the heat. So far the results have been very good and the preparations have been on track."
Since qualifying through the London Marathon, in which the 32-year-old finished 23rd in the elite women's field in 2:37.56, Holly has focussed on training and kept her races to a minimum. But last month she won the Running Bath 5k in 17mins 24secs and was runner-up in the Poole 10k in 34:49, her fastest time for three years.
"Obviously we are trying to stay calm but there will be a lot of excitement and pride for Holly making her championship debut for her country," added Martin.
In contrast on Sunday morning Robinson will be racing his seventh major championships since he made his debut at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Since then the Nailsworth athlete has competed in two World Championships, the 2006 Commonwealth Games when he won a bronze medal, the Europeans and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
That gives him a vast amount of experience in the best to run a major event and Robinson believes that in view of the hot conditions and the use of a four-lap city centre course the waiting game, at which he is an expert, will be the key to a successful result on Sunday.
"If as predicted it is very hot then I think the race will start slow and then just wind up and up," said Robinson.
"I have looked at the entry and there are a mass of guys who can run between 2hrs 10m-12mins. There probably isn't the quality at the front end that there has been in the past but that means it will be extremely competitive and also very interesting.
"On Sunday I'll be looking to run a sensible first half and then come through because you have to run even pace in conditions like that.
"It would be nice to be competitive and run under 2hrs 15mins and finish in the top ten but we'll see. Only after I finish will I know if I have had a good run."
Harriers closing in on promotion - 29/07/10
EXETER Harriers' go into the penultimate British Men's League match at Winchester tomorrow (SATURDAY) knowing that a good result will virtually guarantee them promotion for a third successive season.
At the halfway stage of the season the club currently sit proudly top of Division Three, an achievement that has shocked not just their rivals but also new team manager Jon Milum,
"There is no way we can risk being complacent but if we finish in the top two again then I think we will have a great chance of winning promotion," said Milum.
"At the moment the team is looking pretty good but we'll have to see how it goes on the day and it will be interesting to see what sort of team Southend (their biggest rivals) put out."
Don't forget the Great West fell race! - 29/07/10
A FINAL reminder that pre-event entries will be accepted for the first time Great West fell race on Dartmoor on Saturday July 31st (2pm).
The event, which is held under fell running rules, covers five miles and includes 1360 feet of climbing. The race HQ is at Meldon reservoir, near Okehampton and after holiday traffic chaos delayed the start last year runners are recommended to get their early. For full details see the race website at: http://www.gwfr.co.uk/
Cornish ace Jordon on the comeback trail - 29/07/10
GREAT to see Jordon West back in action at the British Milers' Club meeting at the Exeter Arena on Tuesday evening.
The 21-year-old former English Schools' champion has endured a few years in the wilderness as his faultless early career hit the buffers with injuries and growing up problems halting his progress.
But on Tuesday West powered to victory in the C race in a time of 1min 56.9secs and genuinely seemed to enjoy the experience.
"I'm giving it a go again and in the autumn I'm off to St Mary's College in London," said West. "But there is a long way to go."
West boasts a PB of 1:53.09 set five years ago in the BMC meeting at Solihull. In 2005 he was also British and English Schools' 800m champion and won the AAA Under 15s 1500m title.
Knowles pride in west BMC Grand Prix - 29/07/10
PRAISE must go to BMC regional organiser John Knowles for the success of the meetings at the Exeter Arena.
On Tuesday there were 170 pre-entries and 155 athletes who turned up for the BMC races held over 800m and 3000m.
"I'm not sure whether that is a record but it is definitely one of our best ever turn-outs," said Knowles. "I'm delighted with the way the series has gone and while it is a lot of hard work it is worth it when this many athletes turn up."
Moreover Exeter Harriers have enjoyed a spin-off for their open meetings that are held alongside the BMC races and on Tuesday there were a total of 241 athletes at the meeting, including a top class discus competition won by UK No 1 Brett Morse.
Claire smashes Bridge Inn 5k record - 29/07/10
CLAIRE Hallissey produced a superb performance to smash the course record in the Brdge Inn 5k road race.
The Bristol & West AC international won the final race of the summer series on Tuesday in a sparkling time of 16mins 21secs to carve 17 seconds off the previous record held by fellow international Wendy Nicholls of Cirencester.
"It was a terrific performance," said race organiser Chris Elson.
Clubmate Matt Crane clocked a PB of 15mins 42secs to win the men's race - wife Grace was a distant third to Hallissey - with Cardiff's Pete Ryder second and Westbury Harriers' Matt Ellis third.
Men: 1 Matt Crane (B&W) 15:42; 2 Peter Ryder (Card) 16:02; 3 Matt Ellis (WH) 16:08; 4 Steve Francis (B&W) 16:09; 5 Stuart Crees (Les Croups) 16:16; 6 Claire Hallissey (B&W, 1st woman) 16:21.
Women: 1 Hallissey; 2 Jane Wassell (Ciren) 18:39; 3 Grace Crane (B&W) 18:59. 69 finishers.
Totnes 10k offering cash bonuses - 29/07/10
ORGANISERS of the Totnes 10k multi terrain race on Sunday (August 1st ) are again offering cash bonuses for any course records that are broken.
Teignbridge Totters have put up a £50 cash incentive for the runner breaking the men's record of 35mins 29secs set by Jim Cole in 2006 or the women's record of 39:39 held by Jo Kesley (2000).
Both records should be well within the scope of runners like Tom Merson, Kairn Stone or Lucy Commander.
There are also bonuses of £25 for each of the veterans' age group records. For a full list see the race website at: www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk
Mitchell lifts South West 3k title - 28/07/10
STEVE Mitchell is the new South West 3000m champion. The Bristol & West AC runner took the crown away from clubmate Jon Wills, who was missing, with a commanding performance and victory in 8miins 26.0secs at the Exeter Arena last night.
"I'm pleased with that," said Mitchell, who unleashed a terrific last lap to leave Cardiff's Nat lane - who was not eligible for the championships - trailing in his wake.
"I didn't have a very good performance at the BMC race in Belfast on Saturday (he dropped out) so it is nice to bounce back with a decent run tonight."
Training partner Owen Jones was runner-up (8;34.6) with Tavistock's Pete Freedman third (98:36.2).
Top junior was Taunton AC's Charlie Maclean (8:39.2) with clubmate Blair Brown winning the Under 17s age group.
Yate's Hannah Alderson is the south west women's champion although was clearly not happy with her time of 9:57.6. Teenager Imogen Wolsey, of Team Bath AC, was second (10:24.1) and Tavistock's Jo Meek was third (10:26.5).
West love affair is just the tonic - 28/07/10
WEST athletics fans can delight in Chris Thompson's silver medal in the 10,000m at the European Championships last night as he has a romantic connection to the region.
Thompson is the boyfriend of Cornish runner Jemma Simpson, who looked pretty impressive herself in cruising through the heats of the women's 800m.
Simpson has said they often do their easy runs together, especially when they are based in America. And who knows, perhaps being in love has added an extra spring to both their strides!
Now Pavey targets Chicago marathon - 28/07/10
JO Pavey has admitted she was both disappointed and frustrated at having to pull out of tonight's 10,000m final at the European Championships in Barcelona.
An unfortunate toe injury cost Pavey the chance to make her international comeback and despite intensive treatment she reluctantly decided to withdraw.
"I am very disappointed because I battled really hard to get back from the pregnancy last year," said the 36-year-old Devonian from Feniton.
"I felt a bit like I could run on it, but when I went down to the track I couldn't do the training sessions I needed to in order to prepare.
"It's something I have been carrying all season but I had still managed to do things that I wanted to do. I was hoping I would be able to do enough work to try and compete at the European Championships, but unfortunately it became a lot worse."
Now back at her London base Pavey has revealed that she will not turn her attentions to tackling the Chicago marathon in October.
"I hope the injury will settle down and allow me to do the marathon in the autumn," added Pavey.
Curr offered ticket to America - 28/07/10
RISING west star runner Tom Curr has been offered a scholarship in America.
The 17-year-old middle distance runner from Stroud has been contacted by Butler University, Indianapolis, about a scholarship to continue his athletic and academic studies in the States.
"I've still got a year to decide what I'm going to do, but having met with the university's representative Darren Gauson I think I'd be a fool to ignore it," said Curr.
Jemma sets out of medal quest in Barcelona - 27/07/10
CORNISH ace Jemma Simpson opens her European Championship campaign in Barcelona this morning.
The Newquay & Par athlete goes into the heats of the women's 800m in terrific form after clocking a personal best of 1:58.74 in Monaco last week, a performance that lifted the 26-year-old Cornish runner to seventh on the UK All-Time Rankings.
"I felt amazing and I finally broke the 1.59 barrier," said Simpson. "And I know I can run faster."
Simpson has spent the past three weeks training at altitude in the Pyrenees and is hoping that will give her an extra edge to not just reach the 800m final scheduled for Friday but also challenge for a medal.
"I have had the experience of a major championships before so I'm looking to make the final and hopefully get a medal," added Simpson.
Also competing this morning is Rose-Anne Galligan, a 22-year-old Gloucester AC runner and Republic of Ireland champion. She knows that she will probably have to run a lifetime best to make it to tomorrow's semi finals but according to coach David Farrow that's not a problem.
"You look at the rankings and it is clear that Rose-Anne will have to run the race of her life to get through the heats and qualify for the semi finals," said Farrow.
"There are a lot of girls quicker than her at the moment and if she makes the semi finals that will be a huge success but we are looking beyond the next couple of days and planning for the next couple of years."
Sadly west Jo Pavey has been forced to pull out of tomorrow's 10,000m race with a toe injury.
Tasty line-up for tonight's Exeter BMC meeting - 27/07/10
BRISTOL & West AC's Steve Mitchell will be among the favourites for the South West 3000m Championships which is incorporated into the British Milers' Club meeting at the Exeter Arena tonight (TUESDAY).
A fast 800m is also expected with clubmates Mike Wilsmore and Richard Peters both entered and both men are seeking low 1min 50secs.
For road runners the last Bridge Inn summer 5K races takes place tonight (TUESDAY). As usual entries are on the night with race registration from 6.30pm. The race starts at 7.30pm
"We have had a big entry with aroud 150 athketes already registered," said organsier John Knowles.
New-look west team for UK School Games - 27/07/10
FOR some bizarre reason the south west team has transmogrified into ‘Team Bristol' for the UK School Games in Gateshead, in September.
From a meaningful, geographically recognised entity the Team Bristol squad has been drawn from the counties of Avon, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Somerset, Sussex and Wiltshire.
Might as well have called it Team Southampton or Team Brighton for all its worth.
Nonetheless, that won't unduly bother the athletes who have been selected for the end-of-season finale.
Team Bristol - men 100: Leon Reid (Avon); 200 Jay Amin (Sussex); 400: Chris Ladhams (Hants); 800: Andrew Provost (Hants); 1500: Charlie Grice (Sussex); 3000: Conor Robinson (Cornwall); 1500m steeplechase: Zak Seddon (Berks); 100hurdles: Nicholaas Ofongoro (Sussex); 400 hurdles; Sean Adams (Hants); HJ: Ryan Boniface (Berks); PV: Jamie Moore (Sussex); LJ: George Rumney (Gloucs); TJ: Jimi Tele (Somerset); SP: Henry Riggers (Hants); DT: Nick Percy (Hants); HT: Roberet Duke (Sussex); JT: Robin Danaher (Somerset); 4x100m relay; Louiis Obaka (Somerset); 4x400m relay: Daniel Kelland (Devon)
Women - 100: Salisha Patrick (Berks); 200: Funto Fabunini-Adale (Berks); 300: Kerreann Body (Sussex); 800: Rosie Chamberlain (Devon); 1500: Olivia Sadler (Avon); 3000: Nicola Swaffield (Berks); 80 hurdles: Shawna Walsh (Devon); 300m hurdles: Rebecca Brown (Devon); HJ: Isobel Brown (Sussex); PV: Lucy Bryan (Avon); LJ: Becky Curtis-Harris (Hants); TJ: Kimberley Morgan (Devon); SP: Tanisha Clayton; DT: Phoebe Dowson (Hants); HT: Sarah Jane Anthony (Hants); JT: Freya Jones (Hants); 4x100m relay: Bethan Wakefield (Avon); 4x300m relay: Gabrielle Rowsell (Dorset).
Pavey out of European Championships - 26/07/10
DEVON international star Jo Pavey has been forced to pull out of the European Athletics Championships.
The 36-year-old Exeter Harrier was due to run the 10,000m on Wednesday but has been struggling with a toe injury which has severely restricted her training at a crucial time.
Pavey, who missed last year after having a baby, joins the likes of Greg Rutherford, Christine Ohuruogu, Goldie Sayers and Kelly Sotherton on the sidelines
Harriers women clinch cup final prize - 26/07/10
CONGRATULATIONS to Exeter Harrieres' women's team after they qualified for the Plate finial of the British Athletics Cup.
Dave Robinson's squad produced yet another superb performance in the semi finial match at Yate on Saturday, tying with British League club Cardiff for second place overall behind Cardiff AC.
"It means we could go to either the cup or plate finial but the plate would be better because of a clash with final Southern Women's League match," said Robinson.
British international Sophie Skinner was the only individual winner on the track while the medley relay squad of Gabi Tillson-hawke, Rebecca Brown, Emily Weeks and Skinner again also took maximum points.
A below-par men's team finished sixth.
British League Cup semi finals, Yate - men: 1 Bristol & West AC 78; 2 Swansea Harriers 71; 3 Swindon Harriers 62; 4 Cardiff AC 60; 5 Severn AC 47; 6 Exeter Harriers 46; 7 Newport Harriers 45.
EXETER HARRIERS: 100: 7 Josh Tunstall 12.2; 200: 6 Stephen Bailey 23.7; 400: 4 Byron Fitzgerald 51.9; 800: 5 Jack Bancroft 1:56.9; 3000: 3 Ollie Berry 9:05.5; 110H: None; Medley relay: 4 Exeter (Fitzgerald, Alex Macgregor, Jack Bancroft, Bailey) 2:33.1; HT: 3 Jon Milum 48.23; TJ: 2 Tunstall 12.65; JT: 7 Milum 31.91; PV: Macgregor 3.70.
Women: 1 Swansea Harriers 92; 2= Cardiff AC & Exeter Harriers 72; 4 Bristol & West AC 51; 5 Swindon Harriers 47; 6 Newport Harriers 3.
Exeter performances - 100; 2 Rebecca Chapman 12.4; 200: 4 Gabi Tillson-Hawke 27.0; 400; 2 Rebecca Brown 58.6; 800: 4 Emily Weeks 2:17.8; 3000: 4 Anna Rust 11:08.7; 100H: 1 Sophie Skinner 14.3; Medley relay: 1 Exeter 2:47.5 (Tillson-Hawke, Brown, Weeks, Skinner); HT: 5 Beth Shearman 28.10; PV: 4 Leonie Rowe 1.30; JT; 3 Chapman 32.30; TJ: 3 Rowe 10.56;
Another true Commander performance! - 26/07/10
LUCY Commander is the 2010 Devon off-road champion after a runaway victory in the Yelverton 6 Moor Miles race yesterday.
Commander, who won the Haytor Heller race the previous week, took charge from the gun and lead all the way to finish over two minutes clear of Anne Luke of Tamar Trotters with Tavistock's Sharon Daw third.
"As soon as the race started I felt strong and like at Haytor I led from the start and just enjoyed it," said Commander, who competes for South West Road Runners.
"It wasn't quite as hilly (as Haytor) but the terrain was a bit more even, so could get into a good pace. It was great to gain distance on people towards the end as normally I go off too quick and I just missed out on a top ten finish trying to out sprint my team mate at the end."
Erme valley Harriers' Neil Holmes won the men's race by just 15 seconds from Tavistock's Adam Holland with Andrew valance of Okehampton Running Club third.
SWRR's Karen Cook won the veterans' over 50s field after finishing fourth women. There were 352 finishers.
6 Moor miles multi terrain race, inc Devon off-road championships, Yelverton, Dartmoor - men: 1 Neil Holmes (EVH, M40) 38:45; 2 Adam Holland (Tavi) 39:00; 3 Andrew Vallance (ORC) 41:17. SWRR: 9 Paul Thomas 42:38; 10 Nick Einchomb 42:53;
Women: 1 Lucy Commander (SWRR) 42:55; 2 Anne Luke (Tamar T) 45:07; 3 Sharon Daw (Tavi) 46:22; 4 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 47:26. 352 finishers.
Diamond pride in World Juniors - 26/07/10
EMILY Diamond will return home to Bristol today (TUESDAY) after finishing sixth in the final of the 200m at the World Junior Championships in Canada.
After clocking a time of 23.62secs the former Easy Runner athlete of the month winner admitted she was a spent force following an intense schedule of races and a big personal best of 23.47secs in the semi finals.
"My legs died after the bend - I tried to get my legs to go fast but they just wouldn't listen to me, but I'm happy, sixth is good, better than expected," said Diamond.
American Stormy Kendrick took the 200m title in 22.99 from GB 100m champion Jodie Williams (23.19) with Holland's Jamile Samuel third.
A botched handover in the relay denied Diamond the chance of a medal but the 19-year-old from Clifton can reflect on a great week in her career.
"I didn't expect to get to the final," conceded Diamond. "It was always my aim but I knew I would have to PB to make it."
Finial Bridge Inn 5k of the summer - 26/07/10
FOR road runners the last Bristol Bridge Inn summer 5K race organsied by Bristol & West AC takes place tomorrow (TUESDAY). As usual entries are on the night with race registration from 6.30pm. The race starts at 7.30pm.
Skinner heads strong Harriers cup squad - 23/07/10
GREAT Britain international Sophie Skinner heads a strong Exeter Harriers women's squad at the British League Cup semi final in Bristol tomorrow.
Skinner will contest the 100m hurdles, one of ten events in two hours of non-stop action which provides a refreshing alternative to the normal league format.
The Harriers boast a good record in this competition and will fancy their chances again against top Welsh clubs Cardiff and Swansea, plus Bristol & West AC, Newport and Swindon.
"The ladies have a fairly strong team and I am fairly confident that we will be pushing for a place in the Cup or Plate final once again," said team boss Dave Robinson.
"The winners will go to the cup final and the plate final will go to the best placed non-UK Women's League team in our match."
Also in the squad is England Schools international Rebecca Brown.
The men also have a team but Jon Milum has opted to give youth a chance as the British Men's League remains the priority.
"It's still important for us to be involved in the BAL Cup but our focus must still remain on the league," said Milum.
Exeter Harriers - women 100: Becca Chapman; 200: Gabi Tillson-Hawke; 400: Becky Brown; 800: Emily Weeks;
1500: Anna Rust; 100mH: Sophie Skinner; Hammer; Beth Shearman; Pole Vault/triple jump: Leonie Rowe; Javelin: Chapman; Medley Relay: Tillson-Hawke, Chapman, Skinner, Weeks.
Men 100: George Robinson; 200: Stephen Bailey; 400: Byron Fitzgerald; 800: Jack Bancroft; 3000: Ollie Berry; 110 hurdles: Matt Parsley; medley relay: Fitzgerald, Robinson, Bailey, Matt Parsley; Hammer: Jon Milum; Triple jump: Josh Tunstall; Pole vault/javelin: Alex Macgregor.
Whalley is on the move! - 23/07/10
ROB Whalley looks like missing tonight's annual Mob match on the Towpath 10k course as he is moving house.
"Rob was going to race but it now looks like he will actually be moving house on that day now," said coach Mike Down.
"But in his absence Tom Merson hasa told me he wants to come up to race if he can leave work (in Exeter) in time.
"It is the first time we have done this event and I think we may even surprise a few people!"
Ben Morley leads a strong GWR squad - clubs aim to field at least 30 runners to count towards the team - while Clevedon AC and Westbury Harriers will also be in attendance.
Fancy a race with a great view? - 23/07/10
MINEHEAD Running Club stage their gruelling Exmoor Sea View 17 miles race on Sunday (10.30am) from West Somerset Community College and entries will be taken on the day though call to book transport to the start on 01643 704669.
* Avon Valley Runners' off-road race, also on Sunday, isn't as rugged as the Sea View but its Conkwell Killer 8.5 miles event from Bradford-on-Avon Rugby Club (10am) is still a good challenge. See the website for entry details: www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk
Wills pledges support to BMC Exeter race - 23/07/10
BRISTOL & West AC runners Jon Wills and Tom Merson plus Stroud's Tom Curr are among the entries for the South West 3000m Championships will be held in conjunction with the next British Milers' Club meeting at the Exeter Arena next Tuesday (July 27th ) and any senior or junior athletes interested in taking part need to contact organiser John Knowles (tel: 07850 812229).
Now Lucy tackles Yelverton - 22/07/10
FRESH from here victory in the Haytor Heller 6 Lucy Commander will now tackle the Yelverton 6 Moor Miles event this Sunday (10.30am).
Commander, the winner of the 2010 Great West Run, revealed that she only entered the Haytor as a training run but soon found herself in the lead and heading to a commanding victory.
"When the race started on the climb up to Haytor, I thought this was going to be a bit more tough than I initially thought and I was glad I was wearing my off road shoes," said Commander, who competes for South West Road Runners.
"I went into the lead from the start, felt great and to be honest just enjoyed it! There were some great climbs and had to scramble over boulders in places. I loved it!"
Sunday's Yelverton race incorporates the Devon off-road championships and for further entry details see the race website at: http://www.plymoutharriers.org/
Commander also revealed that she has entered her first duathlon on 15th August. "Just to get a taste for it as I love cycling too! " explained Commander.
But her main goal for the autumn remains the Bristol half marathon when she will be looking to challenge her personal best of 82mins 40secs set in Brighton last year.
Totnes 10k offer cash - 22/07/10
ORGANISERS of the Totnes 10k multi terrain race on Sunday August 1st are again offering cash bonuses for any course records that are broken.
Teignbridge Totters have put up a £50 cash incentive for the runner breaking the men's record of 35mins 29secs set by Jim Cole in 2006 or the women's record of 39:39 held by Jo Kesley (2000).
Both records should be well within the scope of runners like Tom Merson, Kairn Stone or Lucy Commander.
There are also bonuses of £25 for each of the veterans' age group records. For a full list see the race website at: www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk
Jess back on the comeback trail - 22/07/10
GOOD to see Jess Burns back in action again at the recent Saltram Park 5k road race. The 19-year-old City of Plymouth athlete has finally recovered from a lower back problem that forced her to miss the bulk of the track season and troubled her for around a year.
"It took the physios a long time to find out what was the problem but it is under control now and I have been back training properly for the last three or four weeks," said Burns, who has just finished her first year at Loughborough University.
"Running the Saltram 5k was a bit of a shock but it is good to be back."
Now Lucy conquers Dartmoor! - 21/07/10
GREAT West Run champion Lucy Commander, of South West Road Runners, won the women's race at the Haytor Heller fell race held on Dartmoor. Commander covered the rugged six miles course in 47mins 11secs to finish 20th overall of the 240 finishers. Tiverton Harriers' Chloe Felton was third woman (50:29).
Exmouth Harriers' Hugh Marsden won the veterans' over 50s prize finishing eighth overall but top local runner was Okehampton Running Club's Andrew Vallance in sixth.
The South West Road Runners' pair of Gareth Hurst and Paul Thomas also made the top ten in seventh and tenth respectively while Exeter Harriers' top man was Brian Charters in 18th.
* Luke Reed of Axe Valley Runners finished third (1hr 11mins 39secs) from 277 finishers in the Votwo Kamikaze Run at the weekend.
Gummow calls time on track season - 20/07/10
ANNABEL Gummow has called time on her season after a heart-breaking finish to the campaign.
Representing England at the British Schools' Championships in Glasgow the 16-year-old Penair school student from Truro was on course for a marvellous victory in the 3000m when a foot injury forced to drop out with just three laps remaining.
"Lap by lap it got worse and worse and in the end it was so painful I could just couldn't carry on," said Gummow.
"There will be no more track races for me now and I'm just going to focus on getting ready for the cross country season."
Freedman targets World Duathlon Champs - 20/07/10
PETER Freedman is looking to sharpen up his running to prepare for the World Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh next month.
The 26-year-old Tavistock AC athlete is in the British team for the event, which comprise a 10k run, 40k cycle and a finial 5k run, on Sunday September 5th so is looking for local road and track races to get himself into peak condition.
"I have been riding my bike a lot recently because I have had a few niggles and problems with my Achilles tendon," said Freedman.
"I did the Armada 5k in Saltram Park last week and then the Tavy relays but I'm looking for a few more events to sharpen up."
Freedman confirmed he will run the South West 3000m Championships which is being staged as part of the British Milers' Club Grand Prix at the Exeter Arena next Tuesday.
* The South West 3000m Championships will be held in conjunction with the next British Milers' Club meeting at the Exeter Arena on Tuesday July 27th and any senior or junior athletes interested in taking part need to contact organiser John Knowles (tel: 07850 812229).
Now Laura switches back to the flat - 20/07/10
LAURA Parker will now concentrate on improving her flat speed after a successful debut season at the steeplechase.
The 20-year-old from Minehead was runner-up in the 3000m chase at the England Athletics Championships and her first national senior medal represents another significant milestone in her career.
"This has been my best ever season and I have come a long way in what has been my first season in the steeplechase," said Parker, who competes for Yeovil Olympiades on the track and wells City harriers on the road and country.
"I have improved my personal best a lot but that is my last steeplechase for the summer and now I will concentrate on improving my flat speed."
Last Chance Saloon entries are open - 20/07/10
ENTRIES for this years Last Chance Saloon Open Meeting on Sunday 12th September are now being accepted. The event will start at High Noon and athletes can compete in up to four events, athletes under 15 years of age up to three events (100m / 200m / 300m / 400m / 800m / 1500m / HJ / LJ / TJ / SP / DT / HT / JT). The entry fee is £3 per athlete.
Download and complete the booking form below and send along with payment of £3 postal order or cheque payable to "North Devon Athletic Club" to: Sue Richards, East Hagginton House, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9SB.
Entries must be received by 4th September 2010. For further details see the event website at: http://www.northdevonac.co.uk/
Jurassic Coast 10k launched - 20/07/10
THE 2010 Jurassic Coast 10k run will be held on Sunday August 14th (11 am) and for full details see the race website at: http://www.jurassiccoast10k.co.uk/
The Jurassic Coast 10k starts on the seafront at Budleigh Salterton in east Devon and according to the organisers is a stunning multi terrain run, encompassing coast, cliff, river and rural paths.
Organised entirely by volunteers, all money raised after costs is donated to FORCE Cancer Charity, a local charity based in Exeter.
Wilsmore puzzled over Gateshead setback - 19/07/10
MIKE Wilsmore's expedition from Plymouth to the north east went very smoothly - it was just a shame that he hit a dead end on the track.
Wismore travelled by car and plane for the 800 miles round journey to Gateshead to contest the England Athletics Championships, in which he had high hopes of clocking a personal best in the 800m.
Sadly it wasn't his day and Wilsmore bombed out in the heats clocking a time of 1mins 54.74secs.
"Unfortunately I probably had my worst race of the season," said Wilsmore.
"I just didn't get involved in the race at all and I'm not sure why. Perhaps I'm not getting to grips with the call-up room because after warming up we had to sit around for 40 odd minutes before the race and maybe I had got a bit cold.
"It wasn't even a quick race so I'm pretty disappointed with the way it went especially as I know I'm in good shape and due a fast time.
Hopefully Wilsmore will get just that when he embarks on his next big outing to Belfast next Saturday for the British Milers' Club meeting in the city.
Freeman 5k road PB is ruled out - 19/07/10
PETER FREEDMAN scorched to an impressive victory in the Armada 5k in Saltram Park but sadly his winning time of 15minis 22secs won't count as a personal best.
While Freeman's time was eleven seconds quicker than his PB set on the Yeovilton 5k course last summer the course in Saltram Pak hasn't been officially measured and organiser Keith Reed admits is short,
"We had guys measure it on their watches at 4.9k," said reed. "Unfortunately we have not had time to get it officially measured yet but we will try and do so in time for the next race."
Short or not that won't detract from the quality of Freedman's run as the Tavistock AC athlete finished 46 seconds clear of Plymouth Harriers' Simon Anderson.
"It would be nice to think I'm in that shape but I know I'm not and my watch said it was short too," said Freeman.
Experienced Ami Yetton was top woman from the Burns sisters Jess and Katie.
Plymouth Armada 5k, Saltram Park - men; 1 Peter Freedman (Tavi) 15:22; 2 Simon Anderson (Ply H) 16:08; 3 John Cooper (Ply H) 16:31. Women: 1 Ami Yetton (Ply H) 17:49; 2 Jess Burns (CoPly) 19:09; 3 Katie Burns (CoPly) 19:53. 94 finishers.
Curr leads Stroud clean sweep in road mile - 19/07/10
TEENAGER Tom Curr led a Stroud AC clean sweep at the Bourton road mile as he clocked a swift 4mins 19secs to hold off Robert Galt and Tom Purnell.
Gloucester AC's Irish international Rose-Anne Galligan wound up her preparations for the forth coming European Championships, in which she will contest the 800m, with an emphatic run in 4:37 to finish seventh overall from an field of 121 finishers.
Bourton mile - men: 1 Tom Curr (Stroud, U20) 4:19; 2 Robert Galt (Stroud, U20) 4:21; 3 Tom Purnell (Stroud, U20) 4;22; 4 John Parker (CLC Striders) 4:32; 5 James Miller (Chelt) 4:35; 6 Gregg Halliwell (WH, U20) 4:36.
Women: 1 Rose-Anne Galligan (Gloucs) 4:37; 2 Gemma Collier (Gloucs) 5:24; 3 Michelle Kerfoot (Bourton RR, W40) 5:25. 121 finishers.
Jo is a class apart in carnival race - 19/07/10
JO Meek crushed her rivals to finish top woman in the Chudleigh Carnival 6 miles road race finishing 91 seconds clear of Torbay veteran Wendy Urban.
Torbay runners Lee Turner and Peter Monaghan claimed a one-two in the men's race with Plymouth's neil Mytton third.
Chudleigh Carnival 6 - men: 1 Lee Turner (Torbay) 31:06; 2 Peter Monaghan (Torbay, M45) 31:32; 3 Neil Mytton (Ply H) 31:37.
Women: 1 Jo Meek (Tavi) 34:30; 2 Wendy Urban (Torbay, W45) 36:01; 3 Caroline Hewitt (Tiv, W45) 36:15; 4 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50 1st) 38:00. 135 finishers.
EXETER: 6 Jamie Pearson (Exm) 33:14; 7 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M45 2nd) 33:30; 8 Mike Musgrove (Exm, M40) 33:48; 9 Sam Hopton (SWRR) 33:52; 13 Lee Salter (Exe) 34:36; 14 Andy Jones (SWRR, M45) 34:45; 15 Adam Miller (Exm) 34:57; 33 Lewis Jones (SWRR, M60 2nd) 37:53;
Magnificent 7 miles road, Saltash - men: 1 Peter Ellis (Hayle) 39:42; 2 Dave Buzza (CAC, M45) 39:56; 3 Richard Shelley (Plymstock) 42:08.
Women: 1 Emma Stallard (CAC, W40) 44:04; 2 Suzy Bosustow (CAC, W35) 46:30; 3 Anne Luke (Tamar, W50) 46;53. 402 finishers.
Wilsmore goes that extra mile to seek PB - 16/07/10
HOW about this for devotion to the sport. Plymouth-based 800m runner Mike Wilsmore will today begin an 820 miles round trip this weekend in the hope of achieving just 1mins 50secs of satisfaction.
The 25-year-old Bristol & West AC runner has entered the England Athletics Championships in Gateshead and is looking to beat his current personal best of 1:51.43.
It won't be good enough to win a medal and probably won't even get him into the final but as far as Wilsmore is concerned it would be reward enough for the time and money he will invest in travelling from his home in Plymouth to the north east.
"I think some people reckon I'm crazy but I love the sport and while the cost of getting to Gateshead comes out of my own pocket it is worth it," said Wilsmore.
"Obviously it is a bit of a trek but I'm driving to Bristol on Friday night then catching the 8am flight from Bristol to Newcastle for the heats of the 800m at 3pm. I'll then come back on Sunday.
"I feel I'm in great shape and ready to run 1min 50secs, it is just getting the right race - hopefully that will be on Saturday and I'll be delighted if I can get that sort of time."
Also joining Wilsmore on the trip north will be 22-year-old Steve Mitchell, who has entered the 1500m and will be looking to attack his 2009 B of 3:44.25 while Debbie Niccol will run the women's 1500m
And Rebecca goes even further . . . 16/07/10
TALKING of long journeys Exeter Harriers' Rebecca Brown faces an even more arduous journey today.
The Torquay-based sprint hurdler must travel to Glasgow but the 16-year-old will relish every mile of the trip as she is due to make her England debut at the British Schools' Championships.
Brown, who is coached by Sonya Ellis, was runner-up in the inter girls' 300m hurdles at the English Schools' Championships last weekend, a superb achievement coming in only her first season at the event.
Other west athletes joining her in the England squad include the Somerset trio of Blair Brown (steeplechase), Robin Danaher (javelin) and Jimi Tele (triple jump), the Avon pair of Lucy Bryan (pole vault) and Olivia Sadler (1500m) and Cornwall's Annabel Gummow (3000m), although she was mulling over whether to make the trip.
10k trail race in Gloucestershire - 16/07/10
THE St James' Place 10k multi terrain race takes place in Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire, on Sunday (10am) and for entry details call Andrew Hughes (tel: 07817 724878) or see the race website at: www.activeSomewhereelse.com
Gwent League dates revealed - 16/07/10
IT may still be summer but the 2010/11 Gwent Cross Country League dates have just been released. The league opens on Sunday October 10th at Bridgend followed by Sunday November 14th at Bath University and Saturday December 4th at Blaise Castle. The final two fixture sin the new year will be on February 12th or 13th at Brecon and finally March 12th or 13th at Swansea.
Champion Sam runs out of gas - 14/07/10
HOW about this for back-to-back races? On Saturday afternoon Devon athlete Sam Petty won the senior boys' 800m title - albeit in controversial circumstances, see story earlier this week - at the English Schools' Championships at the Alexander Stadium, in Birmingham.
Rather than head back to his Barnstaple home to celebrate the 18-year-old North Devon AC runner, who is coached by Mark Brace, made the short journey to Solihull to run in the British Milers' Club Grand Prix that same evening.
Petty lined up for the 800m C race but not surprisingly faded on the second lap to jog across the line a weary eighth and last in 1:59.83 - over eight seconds slower than he ran earlier that day.
Rose-Anne joins west athletes at Europeans - 14/07/10
ROSE-Anne Galligan can now look forward to competing in the European Championships in Spain for the first time after her selection in the team was confirmed last night.
The 22-year-old Gloucester AC runner booked her ticket to Barcelona after retaining her 800m title in the national championships in Dublin over the weekend.
"Rose-Anne's place in the team has now been confirmed and she is one of just three Irish girls who have qualified to run in the middle or long distance events," said her Cheltenham-based coach David Farrow.
Galligan is one of six west athletes to be selected for Barcelona. In the British team are Gloucestershire double Olympic marathon runner, Cornwall 800m star Jemma Simpson, Exeter's 5000m and 10,000m runner Jo Pavey all included in the Great Britain squad and sprinters Katherine Endacott (Plymouth) and Elaine O'Neill (Chippenham), who are both named in the relay squad.
Great West fell race taking advance entries - 14/07/10
PRE-event entries will be accepted for the first time Great West fell race on Dartmoor on Saturday July 31st (2pm).
The event, which is held under fell running rules, covers five miles and includes 1360 feet of climbing. The race HQ is at Meldon reservoir, near Okehampton and after holiday traffic chaos delayed the start last year runners are recommended to get their early. For full details see the race website at: http://www.gwfr.co.uk/
West sprint ace Emily arrives in Canada - 14/07/10
BRISTOL & West AC sprinter Emily Diamond has arrived in Canada to complete her preparations for the World Junior Championships.
The action doesn't start until July 19th but the GB squad are spending this week at a holding camp in Prince Edward Province before moving on to the event venue at Moncton.
"I'm really looking forward to it." Diamond told me before the transatlantic journey.
Joining her on the team are fellow west sprinters Danny Talbot (Chippenham) and Jennie Batten (Stroud).
Exeter to host South West 3k Champs - 14/07/10
THE South West 3000m Championships will be held in conjunction with the next British Milers' Club meeting at the Exeter Arena on Tuesday July 27th and any senior or junior athletes interested in taking part need to contact organiser John Knowles (tel: 07850 812229).
Busy Merson is definitely back on track - 13/07/10
ONE thing Tom Merson can never be accused of is lacking an appetite for racing so how about this for a busy 24 hours.
On Saturday he drove up to Solihull from his Exmouth home to run the 5000m B race in the British Milers' Club Grand Prix and in warm conditions and finding himself isolated early on finished 13th in 15mins 22.77secs his second fastest of the season.
Getting home close to midnight Merson then hauled his weary legs to the Exeter Arena on Sunday for the Devon League and won the 3000m in around 8mins 45secs.
"The legs were a bit tired but it is all good training," said Merson.
Why Annabel said No to her coach - 13/07/10
ANNABEL Gummow's decision to defy her coach and run the English Schools' Championships was rewarded with a superb victory in the inter girls' 3000m.
The 16-year-old Penair School student and British junior cross country international from Truro admitted she had lost her confidence on the track ahead of Saturday's race at the Alexander Stadium, in Birmingham.
"I developed a mental block about the track and my training wasn't going well at all," said Gummow. "I talked to my coach (Chris Wooldridge) and he suggested that I just give the track a miss and tick over until the cross country season started.
"But I said No, I wanted to have a go at the schools' and I'm just so pleased that I came here and managed to win. I was very nervous before the race because I had nothing to go on."
Gummow's victory also earned her selection to represent England at the British School's Championships in Glasgow next weekend.
Mum Lucy launches her comeback - 12/07/10
WHAT a difference a year has made for British international Lucy Macalister. Twelve months ago the Bristol & West AC runner finished second overall and top woman in the Wellington 10 miles race setting a course record of 60mins 08secs.
Now a mum, which has meant her running has taken a back seat for a while, Macalister relinquished her title to Torbay AC's Wendy Urban in yesterday's race, running over five minutes slower than in 2009.
Still Macalister, whose family home is near Wellington, was only five seconds adrift of Urban with Tiverton Harriers' Caroline Hewitt third.
"The Wellington 10 was the last race I did before I found out I was pregnant and it is my first race back since I had Ella three months ago," said Macalister.
"The course is much hillier than I remember but it is a good benchmark for me and now I'll try and find a few 10ks as well. I'm confident about getting back into it."
Phil Burden, formerly of the Royal Navy and Poole Runners, won the men's race in 60:45 over a minute clear of Tiverton veteran Kerry Roberts.
10 miles race - men: 1 Phil Burden (unnat) 60:45; 2 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M45) 62:03; 3 Milan Goc (SRC) 63:01. Women: 1 Wendy Urban (Torbay, W40) 65:24; 2 Lucy Macalister (B&W) 65:29; 3 Caroline Hewitt (Tiv, W40) 66:57.
10K - men: 1 Adam Watt (Birchfield) 34:30; 2 Matt Morgan (Belgrave) 35:03; 3 Mark Cowen (Exeter) 36:15. M40: Chris Sabine (unatt) 36:43.
Women: 1 Jo Hetherington (unatt, W35) 40:44; 2 Jane Khan (WH) 41:22; 3 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 42:54.
Ami makes a big splash at Duckponds - 12/07/10
PLYMOUTH Harriers' Ami Yetton was top woman in the Duckponds 7k multi terrain race but hopes of a club double failed to materialise as Neil Mytton had to settle for third overall in the field of 200 finishers.
Duckponds 7k multi terrain, Plymouth - men: 1 Les Newell (Abingdon) 22:44; 2 Adam Holland (Tavi) 22:58; 3 Neil Mytton (Ply H) 23:05; 4 Peter Monaghan (Torbay, M45) 23;25; 5 Tim Hughes (WHH, M55) 24:00; 6 David Tomlin (T'bdge T) 24:12. Women: 1 Ami Yetton (Ply H) 25:00; 2 Jo Meek (Tavi) 25:32; 3 Charlene Shorey (unatt) 26:37. 200 finishers.
McFarlane cruises to victory - 12/07/10
GRIZZLY champion John McFarlane, who is based in Exeter, won the Otter Valley Rail & River Run with some ease finishing almost three minutes clear of the field.
Otter Valley Rail & River 10k multi terrain race, Tipton St John, Devon - men: 1 John McFarlane (THH) 37:07; 2 Robin Ridge (unatt, M50) 39:49; 3 Tim Legg (HRC, M45) 40:45; 4 Guy Bennett (SRC, U20) 40:53; 5 Kit Grierson (SRC, U17) 42:23; 6 Ben Chesters (SRC) 42:48.
Women: 1 Eleanor Wood (AVR, W50) 45:09; 2 Naomi Garrick (SRC, W40) 45:34; 3 Ceri Oak (HRC, W35) 45:36. 112 finishers.
West athletes are in the medals - 12/07/10
WEST athletes won 31 medals at the Aviva English Schools' Championships in Birmingham. Twelve of those were gold, two of which also included championships best performances from Somerset's Izzy Jeffs in the senior girls' javelin (50.54m) and Avon's Lucy Bryan in the inter girls' pole vault (3.76m).
Gloucestershire sprinter Jennie Batten, who flies out to Canada tomorrow with the GB team for the World Junior Championships, clinched here fourth successive 200m title.
For brave solo runs Cornwall's Annabel Gummow was among the best of the weekend as she took the lead after one lap and was never headed in the inter girls' 3000m.
GOLDS (12)
Annabel Sherry JG shot 12.89m.
Lizzie Wessely SG 400m hurdles 60.83secs PB
Jimi Tele inter triple 14.86 46cs clear.
Sam Petty senior boys 800m 1:51.07.
Robin Danaher inter boys' javelin 62.01m.
Lucy Bryan inter girls' pole vault 3.76 CBP.
Jennie Batten senior 200m 24.38 - 4th successive title
Annabel Gummow inter girls 3000m 9:45.96.
Izzy Jeffs senior javelin 50.54 CBP.
Nicholas Hunt junior boys high jump 1.93m.
Charlie Maclean senior 2000m steeplechase 5:45.39.
Devon Senior girls' relay squad 47.52secs.
SILVER (9)
Rebecca Brown inter girls 300m hurdles 43.33secs
Blair Brown inter boys 1500m steeplechase 4:17.46.
Natalie Whisken junior girls javelin 38.65m.
Julia Walkden senior discus 44.23m
Matt Halton senior boys' shot 15.61m
Kitty Eleyae senior long jump 5.55m
Ronnie Wells junior 100m 11.26.
Matt Sumner senior boys' 400m hurdles 53.95
Olivia Sadler inter girls' 1500m 4:32.78 PB
BRONZE (10)
Karis Harrington junior girls shot 11.14.
Tim Williams senior hammer 63.29m
Jordanna Morrish junior girls' high jump 1.69.
Hannah Alderson senior girls 3000m 9:46.82.
Keeleigh Chapman junior girls 75m hurdles 11.30secs.
Conor Robinson inter boys' 3000m 8:36.32
Gareth Winter senior discus 51.10m.
Rebecca Chapman senior girls' 100m 12.28secs
Jenny Robinson senior girls' 100m hurdles 14.37secs.
Lauren Priest senior girls' triple jump 11.98
Petty is Devon's surprise golden boy - 11/07/10
DEVON athlete Sam Petty will wake up today as the new English Schools' senior boys' 800m champion - even though he didn't win the race.
The 18-year-old North Devon AC runner, who is coached by Mark Brace, finished runner-up to Northumberland's Guy Learmonth and was celebrating a silver medal, a fitting way to mark his finial appearance in the championships.
"But then an official came over with the result and I was down in first because Gut had been disqualified," said Petty.
"Apparently it was for pushing another runner out of the way but I didn't see anything and it is an 800m race after all. To be honest I don't feel I won the race."
Nonetheless, Petty was called up to collect the bronze medal at the Alexander Stadium, in Birmingham and his name will be in the record books for ever more.
Petty's triumph was one of four Devon golds with the others coming from Izzy Jeffs, the senior girls' sprint relay squad and Lizzie Wessely, who clocked a championship record of 60.83secs to win the senior girls' 400m hurdles.
Cornwall's top performer was Annabel Gummow, who salvaged a low-key track season with a powerful front-running performance to win the inter girls' 3000m.
"I was delighted with that," said Gummow.
DEVON GOLD
Lizzie Wessely senior girls 400m hurdles 60.83secs PB
Sam Petty senior boys 800m 1:51.07.
Izzy Jeffs senior girls javelin 50.54 CBP
Senior girls' relay squad 47.52secs.
SILVER
Rebecca Brown inter girls 300m hurdles 43.33secs
Julia Walkden senior girls discus 44.23m
Matt Sumner senior boys' 400m hurdles 53.95
BRONZE
Rebecca Chapman senior girls' 100m 12.28secs
Jenny Robinson senior girls' 100m hurdles 14.37secs.
Lauren Priest senior girls' triple jump 11.98
CORNWALL GOLD
Annabel Gummow inter girls 3000m 9:45.96.
SILVER
Matt Halton senior boys' shot 15.61m
BRONZE
Karis Harrington junior girls shot 11.14 Cornwall
Jordanna Morrish junior girls' high jump 1.69
Conor Robinson inter boys' 3000m 8:36.32
Jenny aims to bow out with medal challenge - 9/07/10
JENNY Robinson will make her final appearance at the Aviva English Schools' Championships this weekend and would love to bow out with a medal.
The 17-year-old Honiton College student, who is a member of Exeter Harriers, tackles the senior girls' 100m hurdles and knows she will never have a better chance of winning her first national medal. Robinson finished fifth in Sheffield twelve months ago but has improved considerably since then and is now ranked No 6 in the country.
Robinson is included in as strong Devon senior girls' squad with Blundells student Lizze Wessely hoping to medal in the 400m hurdles while Emily Bliss, Anna Rust, Julia Walkden and Rebecca Chapman will all be hoping to do well.
Steve Turnock, who is coached by George Eccles at the Harriers, knows what it takes to win a medal after winning silver last year on top of a bronze in 2008. The 17-year-old, who is sixth tint he UK Under 20 Rankings, would love to make it god but will face very strong opposition.
Devon squad - Junior Boys: Callum Reynolds, Daniel Petty, Jack Kennedy, Marcus Coope.
Inter Boys: Daniel Kelland, David King, Nathan Higgins, Nick Bennett, Connor Pettitt.
Senior Boys: Tyler Johnson, Sam Petty, Matthew Sumner, Haydn Brown-Williams, Oliver Wright, Steven Turnock.
Junior Girls: Fleur Millership, Anna Caswell, Carie Robertson-Bell, Rebecca Spear, Sophie Mason, Tyler Thorne, Lizzie Godwin.
Inter Girls: Rosie Chamberlain, Rebecca Brown, Kimberley Morgan, Bobbie Leigh Lenehan Hodge.
Senior Girls: Rebecca Chapman, Hayley Harvey, Jenny Robinson, Lizzie Wessely, Emily Bliss, Anna Rust, Lauren Priest, Julia Walkden, Emily Mousley,
Tonight's Towpath 10k is a sell-out - 9/07/10
THE third Towpath 10k will be held from Greville Smyth Park, in Bristol, tonight (FRIDAY) (7.30pm) but no entries will be taken on the evening as the race limit has been reached. Entries have also been closed for two remaining races in the Towpath 10k series.
"We have now taken 300 entries for the next two races on July 30th and August 27th," said Mike Willcox, on behalf of the organising club Great Western Runners.
The first two events were surprisingly not sold out although Willcox believes that a clash with the Bristol 10k and then the half-term school holidays may have been the reasons behind that.
However, runners wanting to experience the Towpath event can still take part in the inter-club mob match on July 23rd with local clubs able to register up to thirty runners in the race.
Claire tackling England 5k road championships - 9/07/10
BRISTOL & West AC international Claire Hallissey heads to Blackburn on Sunday for the England Athletics 5k road championships.
Wellington races still open - 9/07/10
ENTRIES are still being taken for the Wellington 10 miles (10.30am) and 10k (10.40am) road events being held tomorrow (SUNDAY) from the sports centre/rugby club in the Somerset town. For further details see the race website at: www.wellingtonten.co.uk
Horsfail wins Carnival 10k - 9/07/10
Thornbury Running Club's Paul Horsfail won the Thornbury Carnival 10k on Thursday night in a time of 35mins 04secs, 22secs clear of Bitton Road Runners' Mike Blackmore.
Men: 1 Paul Horsfail (TRC) 35:04; 2 Mike Blackmore (BRR) 35:26; 3 James Rodgers (Clev) 35:45; 4 Lee Christmas (Stroud, M50) 37:05; 5 Ben Toomer (Imperial) 37:19; 6 Stephen Caldwell (Chep) 38:04.M45: Nigel Charman (Clev) 38:48. M60: Peter Willoughby (HT) 40:21.
Women: 1 Marianne Gittoes (Chep) 40:06; 2 Tamsin Chick (WH) 41:58; 3 Lou Summers (Chep, W40) 42:06.
Debbie back in the winning groove - 9/07/10
GOOD to see Debbie Marsden back in winning form again as the Westbury Harrier finished top woman and ninth overall in the latest Bitton 5k road race on Wednesday evening. Top man was in-form Team Bath runner Allistair Sheffield.
Men: 1 Allistair Sheffield (TBAC) 15:56; 2 Paul Davis (unatt) 16:25; 3 Dave Coales (TBAC, M40) 16:33; 4 Andrew Cooke (B&W) 16:53; 5 Jo Hanley (Mizuno) 16:54; 6 Dan Jones (TBAC) 16:58.
Women: 1 Debbie Marsden (WH) 17:58; 2 Jenny Carter (TBAC, W35) 18:32; 3 Michelle Kerfoot (BRR, W35) 18:37.
Merson is back in the groove - 07/07/10
TOM Merson has revealed he hasn't missed a day's training for the past five weeks.
That consistency underlines why he has just put together back-to-back wins over 5000m in the Midland League Division One match at Stoke (15mins 27.5secs) and then last night in the Saucony Run Exe 5k road race in Exeter (15:27).
"They were good, solid training runs," said Merson. "I have not had a rest day