Contact Kevin - kevinwfahey@btinternet.com

High Viz | Sports Nutrition | Winter 3k Series
HAVE YOU RUN A PB?
YES...THEN COME DOWN TO IRONBRIDGE RUNNER AND WRITE IT ON THE 'IBR PB PILLAR'. EVERY PB WILL GET AFREE ENERGY GEL!
IBR EVENTS INVITATION...THE GREAT WEST RUN | SUNDAY 6th MAY 2012
Half Marathon - 2 Lap City Centre Course
5k - Super Fast 2 Lap City Centre 5k (There aren't many of these around anymore!!)
Click here for futher details
Competitive Prize List - Elite & Good for Age Places available, contact ibr.events@btinternet.com for details.
Now Annabel opts for London trip - 03/02/2012
ANNABEL Gummow has been offered the chance to run in the Marazion 10k on Sunday after all - but has opted not to bother.
As I reported this week the Cornish junior international runner, one of the most talented and dedicated young runners in the west country, had originally been told that the popular race was full having reached its limit of 500, a story that has generated much comment.
She told me last night that colleagues at Cornwall AC had offered her this week the chance to run in one of their numbers due to drop outs with injury or illness but by then it was to late.
"After being told I had missed the deadline I arranged to go and see Wendy Sly (ex-GB international and Olympic medallist) in London for the weekend," said Gummow.
I don't suppose that missing Sunday's race will harm Gummow's preparations for the English Championships at the end of the month or detract from the event which is being organised by Hayle Road Runners. After all, being a sell-out it is already a success but the matter does raise interesting questions about how far races should go to cater for our regions' top runners and this is a topic I will revisit in the next few days.
Top west youngsters in Exeter - 03/02/2012
THE main cross country action of the weekend takes place at the Exeter Arena with the South West Schools' Cross Country Championships with the first race at 1.30pm.
Reminder of new event in Plymouth - 03/02/2012
THOSE good folk at Frank Elford Sports would like me to remind runners of the new event to commemorate the sad death of one of their long-serving employees from cancer last year.
The inaugural Chris Reason 5 miles trail event will be held on Sunday (11am) through Newnham Park Estate, Plympton and while there were will be no prizes or results every finisher will get a memento. For further details call 01752 265122.
* Also on Sunday is the popular Fulfords 5 miles road race in Exmouth (11am) and entries will be taken on the day from 9.30am at Exmouth Sports Centre. For further information see the website at: www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk
* For the latest details on entries for tomorrow's Longleat 10k, which is also incorporating the first race in the new Wiltshire Road Race League, check the website at: http://www.209events.com/ but all 500 entries have been snapped up for the Marazion 10k in Cornwall. Likewise no entries will be taken on the day for the Blackmore Vale Lions half marathon in Bishops Caundle, Dorset.
* Looking further ahead next Wednesday sees both the Street 5k (http://www.wellscityharriers.org.uk/) and the Plymouth 3k road races (http://www.armadaathletics.com/) take place and both events take entries on the night.
Bring on the Hoe 10, says Antell - 02/02/2012
SHAUN Antell is now gearing himself up for taking another big chunk off his personal best in the Plymouth Hoe 10 two weeks on Sunday.
The Barnstaple baker romped to victory in the Braunton 10 on Sunday in a time of 54mins 21secs to carve 62 seconds off his 2010 best set in the Bideford 10.
"Braunton is a much tougher course than Bideford and has two big hills but once you get past six miles it s flat and downhill," said Antell.
"I couldn't have asked any more really and I really enjoyed the race. Now I'm looking at the Plymouth 10 next and I'll be aiming to go sub 54 minutes as that is a faster course again and the competition will be a lot tougher, especially as it includes the Cornwall v Devon Peninsula Challenge."
Mind you, Antell and his colleagues will have to hope that the Hoe 10 get their act together this year after the debacle of 2011 when a marshal sent the field the wrong way and Antell took 1hr 40 mins to find his way back to the finish line, a stat that much to his embarrassment made it into the UK Power of 10 Rankings.
"Last year everyone went wrong and it was a shocker," added Antell.
Mitchell's bad night in Vienna - 02/02/2012
Bristol & West AC's Steve Mitchell was disappointed to finish only sixth in a time of 3mins 47.0secs for 1500m in Vienna on Tuesday night.
"I was in the right place with 400 metres to go but there was nothing left in the legs and that is very frustrating," said Mitchell.
Champion MacLean gets Armagh invite - 02/02/2012
BOUYED by his victory in the midland Cross Country Championships Taunton's Charlie MacLean has accepted an invite to run the Armagh International 5k road race a week today.
"I raced the Midlands just 48 hours after returning from a month training at altitude in Kenya and that went really well," said Maclean.
"My coach (Tom Watson) now wants me to race two weeks after returning to see how I go and then after that I'll do the ‘National' which will be a month after the spell in Kenya.
"In that way I can monitor how well I race at different times after returning from altitude training."
That information will be invaluable to Maclean and Watson in their long-term planning because there are no hard and fast riles as to how individuals will react to spending long periods running in thin air.
But following his terrific win in the under 20 men's race at Nottingham at least Maclean knows that he can race and compete straightaway after returning from altitude.
"I felt great and so comfortable," he added.
If he can maintain that short of form to the National then Maclean is surely in with a chance of winning another medal.
Annabel turned down by west race - 02/02/2012
No disrespect to our legions of volunteer west race organisers, who give up their time for the love of the sport to put on the hundreds of road and multi terrain events without which the sport would crumble but sometimes they don't help themselves.
After romping to an impressive victory in the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff the other week Truro junior international Annabel Gummow told me that she had wanted her next race to be the Marazion 10k on Sunday (February 5th) but the organisers turned her down as they had reached the limit of 500.
Now I know rules are rules but here we have one of the most talented young female runners ever to come out of the county being denied the opportunity to race locally and giving the event - and its sponsors - a much higher profile than they might normally get.
Any race organiser with an eye to enhancing his event profile would keep a few places back for the top local runners and it seems a travesty that Gummow has been denied a place.
Holland leads Devon victory over Cornwall - 31/01/2012
ADAM Holland led a Devon clean sweep in the Mt Edgcumbe Country Park 10 miles multi terrain race.
Racing into an early lead the Tavistock runner was never challenge as he claimed victory from Pete Waumsley with Matt Bisco securing third for the Devon men.
With the event also incorporating a Devon v Cornwall challenge the result was never in any doubt after that
Ian Smart was fastest man from Cornwall, running comfortably to a well run fourth place.
Cornwall's Naomi Teir stormed ahead in the senior women's race with a brace of Devon runners, Jane Allison and Sarah Hirons, chasing hard.
In the veteran women's category a great run by Cornwall's Sharon Daw wasn't quite enough to see off a strong effort by Cathy Darby running for Devon, with Anne Luke pushing Daw hard for a good all round Cornish effort.
"Overall, there was some great feedback about the course and venue and we've been asked to run both the 10k and 10 mile events again next year," said a spokesman for the organisers.
Men: 1 Adam Holland (D) 63:02; 2 Pete Waumsley (D) 66:13; 3 Matt Bisco (D) 69:50; 4 Ian Smart (C ) 71:45; 5 Marc Smeadon (D) 72:49; 6 Peter Kinahan (C ) 72:20. M40: 1 Damian Sandercock (D) 73:28.
Women: 1 Naomi Tier (C ) 70:46; 2 Jane Allison (D) 76:36; 3 Sarah Hirons (D) 79:48. W35: Cathy Darby (D) 80:55.
Antell rises to the occasion- 31/01/2012
SHAUN Antell smashed his personal best and his rivals to win the Alby's Memorial 10 miles road race in Braunton.
Forcing the pace from the fun the Braunton baker, wearing his local club colours of North Devon Road Runners, quickly surged clear of the 267-strong field.
Clipping along at fie-and-a-half minute miling the 24-year-old crossed the finish line in 54mins 21secs to carve 62 seconds off his 2010 best set in the Bideford 10. Furthermore, to underline how much Antell has improved in the past two years it is worth recalling that he also clocked 58:21 for third place in the 2010 Braunton race.
On top of his eighth place in the South West Cross Country Championships it hasa been a good start to the new year for Antell and even better is sure to come.
Almost five minutes behind was clubmate Aaron Richmond with Jack Hutchens of North Devon AC third. Top woman in the field was well-known west country racer Helen Dyke, who now competes for Poole Runners.
Alby's Memorial 10 miles road race, Braunton - men: 1 Shaun Antell (NDRR) 54:21; 2 Aaron Richmond (NDRR) 58:59; 3 Jack Hutchens (NDAC) 59:22. M40: Jon Parkinson (Torbay) 61:02. M50: John Shapland (NDRR) 61:51.
Women: 1 Helen Dyke (Poole R, W35) 63:47; 2 Magdalen Miller (NDRR) 66:28; 3 Rosemary Terribile (NDTri, W45) 68:19. 267 finishers.
It's a right humdinging win for Bolam - 31/01/2012
LAURENCE Bolam made steady improvement in 2011 and on the basis of his win in the Hestercombe Humdinger that looks like continuing in the new year.
The Sidmouth Running Club athlete has only been in the sport for two years but clearly has the ability to make an impact on the local circuit as he wins in the Ottery St Mary 10k, Otter reindeer Run 10k and the Great West 5k last year suggested.
Bolam didn't have things all his own way on Sunday as David Cutlere, of South Molton, finished only three seconds adrift while veteran Gerry Hogg was also a close third.
Top Exeter Harrier was Howard Bailey in fourth.
Weston AC's Liz Wiggins won the women's prize from SWRR's Karen Cook. There were 262 finishers.
Hestercombe Humdinger 9.5 miles road race, Taunton - men: 1 Laurence Bolam (SRC) 56:49; 2 David Cutler (SMolton S) 56:52; 3 Gerry Hogg (RF, M45) 56:55; 4 Howard Bailey (Exe) 57:52; 5 Peter Fews (unatt, M50) 58:52; 6 Martin Pearse (Unatt, M50) 59:07.
Women: 1 Liz Wiggins (Weston, W35) 64:08; 2 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 66:57; 3 Holly Ashford (RF, U20) 68:43. 262 finishers.
Rose blossoms to clinch first big win - 31/01/2012
TURNING 40 has certainly given Stephen Rose a new lease of life as he raced to his best ever victory in the Slaughterford multi terrain race.
The Team Bath AC runner showed enormous tenacity and determination over the nine miles challenge to defeat as quality field, including one of Wiltshire's top runners in Simon Plummer, digging deep to unleash a sprint finish to clinch victory in arguably the closest finish in the history of the event with just two seconds separating Rose from h is main rival.
Slaughterford 9 miles multi terrain race, Wiltshire - men: 1 Stephen Rose (TBAC, M40) 55:09; 2 Simon Plummer (Salisbury RC) 55:11; 3 Michael Towler (AVR) 55:24; 4 Luke Surgess-Durden (TBAC) 58:07; 5 Peter Cusick (Chipp, M40) 58:45; 6 Barry Awan (TBAC, M40) 59:07; 7 Alex Devine-Wright (TBAC, M40) 59:33; 8 Ben Lang (Bath Bats) 60:44; 9 Stephen Goulding (unatt, M40) 60:52; 1- Andrew Duncan (Calne) 60:53.
M50: 1 Andrew Vaudin (unatt) 62:30; 2 David Vaudin (TBAC) 62:52.
Women: 1 Rachael Elkins (CLC) 65:54; 2 Niki Morgan (Chepstow, W35) 66:40; 3 Lynette Porter (BRR, W45) 68:39. 371 finishers.
Tickner celebrates Southern victory - 29/01/2012
BEN Tickner produced arguably the best result of his career with a fantastic victory in the South of England Cross Country Championships around Stanmer Park, Brighton, yesterday.
The 30-year-old Wells City Harrier came close twelve months ago when finishing runner-up at Parliament Hill and having gone so close he made no mistake this time with a gutsy performance over 15k gruelling kilometres.
To clinch his first major title Tickner had to defeat two-times former champions Phil Wicks and Neilson Hall and the former certainly had seemed intent on completing a hat-trick of wins as he chased Tickner hard to the line.
With younger brother Frank enjoying terrific form on the country , winning the McCain Challenge in Cardiff and finishing top Brit in Edinburgh and Antrim, it hasa been a great start to the year for the Tickner brothers.
It has not been a bad start to the new year for Bideford's Kevin Heywood, either and he was delighted with his fifth place after his long trip from his home in north Cornwall.
"It went well and it was a very close race with only 16 seconds between Ben and myself," said Heywood. "It was a good, tough course."
Heywood's result maintains his excellent record in the championships that has seen him finish in the top ten on each of the past five years, a very impressive achievement.
Clubmate Mark Jenkins was 53rd with John Ward 55th, Chris Sellens 91st and Andrew Ingle 192nd.
The women from Newquay & Par AC were also rewarded for their effort in making the trip as Lucy Hodgson and Miranda Heathcote finished an excellent 10th and 11th respectively. Top Devon runner - and there was sadly little competition - was Bideford's Sarah Ivory in 60th while Torrington AC's Emma Gooding was 201st. well done to both women for making the effort.
Otherwise Devon runners were, sadly, few and far between and the only other notable result was Exeter Harriers' Anna Rust finishing 30th in the under 20 women's race.
South of England cross Country Championships, Stanmer Park, Brighton - senior men: 1 Ben Tickner (Wells) 49:11; 2 Phil Wicks (Bel) 49:15; 3 Jon Pepper (Enfield) 49:21; 4 Glen Watts (SB) 49:25; 5 Kevin Heywood (Bide) 49:27.
WEST: 17 Ben Noad (High) 51:33; 55 Mark Jenkins (Bide) 54:20.
U17 men: 20 Benedict Westhenry (Weymouth) 21:27.
U15 boys: 7 Oliver Fox (Wells) 15:17; 34 Sam Somerville (Wells) 16:04.
U13 boys: 32 Oliver Dickinson (Wells) 11:04.
Senior women: 1 Ceri Mitchell (Southampton) 29:44.
WEST; 10 Lucy Hodgson (N&P) 31:21; 11 Miranda Heathcote (N&P) 31:26; 60 Sarah Ivory (Bide) 34:27; 126 Anna Lewis (Wells) 37:17; 201 Emma Gooding (Torr) 40:50.
U20 women: 30 Anna Rust (Exe) 26:29.
U17 women: 50 Rebecca Carver (Wells) 20:20; 52 Lily Hawkins (Wells) 20:25.
U15 girls: 33 Charlotte Cayton-Smith (N&P) 15:32.
U13 girls: 28 Lily England (N&P) 11:51; 36 Lucy Baldwin (Wells) 11:57.
Charlie is the man of thhe Midlands! - 29/01/2012
CHARLIE MacLean and his Bristol & West under 20 men clubmates were the local stars at the Midland Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham yesterday.
Just 48 hours after returning home from four weeks training in Kenya Maclean, who is based in Taunton, looked superb as he cruised to victory around Wollaton Park to claim his first significant regional title.
His team-mates were clearly inspired asa Nathan Young had his best race for some time to finish fifth, Dan Studley was sixth and Rhys Park 15th as Bristol & West AC defeated reigning champions Stroud & District AC by eleven points.
For Stroud the loss of Tom Purnell, racing indoors for England today and an illness to Gregg Halliwell, which saw him finish a below par 14th when he had been hoping for a medal, were decisive in losing their title.
Nonetheless, a great contest among the two west clubs.
Under 20 men - teams: 1 Bristol & West AC 27; 2 Stroud & District AC 38; 3 Notts AC 50.
1 Charlie Maclean (B&W) 24:49; 2 Sam Densham (C'wood) 25:13; 3 Ben Norris (Notts) 25:26.
WEST: 4 Ben COldray (S) 25:35; 5 Nathan Young (B&W) 25:37; 6 Dan Studley (B&W) 25:42; 7 Rob Galt (S) 25:46; 9 Conor Robinson (CAC) 25:54; 10 Alex Hill (TBAC) 25:57; 13 Brett Halliwell (S) 26:14; 14 Gregg Halliwell (S) 26:26; 15 Rhys Park (B&W) 26:32; 20 Dan Own (C ) 27:05; 23 Luke Grenfell-Shaw (B&W) 27:2; 49 Matt Deacon (B&W) 29:29;
Hannah steps up to silver - 29/01/2012
HANNAH Alderson also added another medal to her collection by finishing runner-up in the under 20 women's race.
Going one better than here bronze medal at Leamington twelve months ago Alderson was just three seconds adrift of Birchfield's Chloe Richardson as the pair finished third and fourth overall in the combined under 17/20 women's race.
That's an encouraging performance for the 19-year-old Alderson, who has steadily improved her form over the winter.
The only other local medal winners were Bristol & West's under 13 boys' team. Hugh Sadler led the way in 12th and he was backed up by Anton Mills in 21st, Billy Cochrane 25th and finally George Green in 32nd.
Under 13 boys: 1 Leicester Coritanians 85; 2 Bristol & West AC 90; 3 Charnwood AC 124.
Bugden clinches top ten finish - 29/01/2012
TOP west runner in the senior men's race at the Midlands was Bristol & West's Robbie in eighth, wto places ahead of clubmate Tom Russell.
In the senior women's Top local runner was Bristol & West's Rebekah Randell in a fine sixth as she continues her return from injury while top Harrier was Emma D'Alton in 13th.
Midland Cross Country Championships, Wollaton Park, Nottingham - Senior men: 1 James Walsh (Leeds) 36:;36; 2 Rory Fraser (Owls) 37:02; 3 Josh Lilly (Tipton) 37:26.
WEST: 8 Robbie Bugden (B&W) 38:00; 10 Tom Russell (B&W) 38:24; 32 Matt Ellis (WH) 39:41; 49 Joe Dalgleish (Stroud) 41:00; 55 Andrew kaighin (C ) 41;13;
Teams: 1 Notts AC 79; 2 Tipton Harriers 97; 3 Coventry Godiva 157; 7 Westbury Harriers 510 (32 Ellis; 60 John Collier; 76 John Terry; 102 Charlie Jones; 117 Gregg Ward; 123 Karl Dunn).
Senior women - teams: 1 Charnwood 50; 2 Notts AC 82; 3 Telford AC 151; 4 Coventry Godiva 152; 5 Westbury Harriers 167 (13 Emma D'Alton 29:44; 23 Sophie Voller 31:41; 53 Lizzie Smith 34:00; 78 Kelly Winstone 35:53).
1 Juliet Doyle (C'wood) 27:43; 2 Hannah Doran (C'wood) 27:45; 3 Jane Potter (C'wood) 27:52.
WEST: 6 Rebekah Randell (B&W) 28:42; 17 Jane Wassell (S) 30:51; 24 Claire Stevinson (B&W) 31:45; 28 Rebecca Pierce (TBAC) 31:51; 39 Charlotte Green (B&W) 32:43; 46 Louise Durman (S) 33:18;
Heywood fired up for Southerns - 27/01/2012
KEVIN Heywood's cross country season could reach its climax in the South of England Championships tomorrow.
The Bideford farmer will make the long journey to Stanmer Park, Brighton, full of confidence after his victory in the South West Championships and then finishing seventh in the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff the following week.
"This could be my main race of the winter as I'm not sure whether I will make the National at Parliament Hill as we will have started lambing by then and work gets very busy," said Heywood.
Heywood boasts an impressive record in the regional event having finished eighth, third, eighth and sixth in the past four championships.
On the evidence of his strong run in Cardiff and knowing that he will relish the challenge of racing over 15k Ii can see no reason why Heywood can't maintain his top ten record and, if he goes well on the day, a top six finish could be in his grasp.
Competition, of course, will be fierce with Wells City Harriers' Ben Tickner, who works in the city, also entered along with previous two-time winners Phil Wicks and Neilson Hall.
There should also be strong west interest in the women's race with Taunton AC's Naomi tasachimowitz defending her senior women's title.
Hollie back in action on the boards - 27/01/2012
GOOD to see Devon athlete Hollie Knight racing well again in America as she posted a time of 9mins 55.36secs for 3000m in Lexington (Kentucky).
The 23-year-old Bideford athlete, who is studying at Auburn University, only raced once last year due to injury so this was her first competitive action for twelve months.
Closer to home Rebecca Chapman of Exeter Harriers was third in the Welsh Indoor Championships in Cardiff clearing an indoor best of 5.80m.
Waumsley tackles Edgcumbe challenge - 27/01/2012
FRESH from his win in the Plymouth Jaunt 10k Tamar Trotters' Pete Waumsley is among the entries for the Mt Edgcumbe 10 miles multi terrain race on Sunday (11am).
To add extra spice to the race the event also incorporates a challenge between teams from Cornwall and Devon around the testing course in the grounds of Mt Edgcumbe House.
For further details see the race website at: www.shredstore.co.uk
Braunton 10 entries still open - 27/01/2012
ON the road Alby's Memorial Braunton 10 miler is the main event in Devon on Sunday (11am) and for further details see the website at: www.northdevonroadrunners.com
* On Sunday (11am) entries will be taken on the day for the latest race in the Bath Skyline 10k multi terrain series with registration at Bath University. For further information see the website at: http://www.relishrunningraces.com/
* In contrast the Slaughterford 9 from Leafy Lane Playing Fields, Rudloe, near Corsham on Sunday (9.50am) is a 350-sell out so no entries will be taken on the day. Race details are available at: http://www.chippenhamharriers.co.uk/
* Likewise entries are closed for the Hestercombe Humdinger 9.5 miles road race near Taunton but there is still capacity in the Hurtle 5k but check before travelling on the website at: http://www.hestercombehumdinger.co.uk/
Merson injury confirmed as stress fracture - 25/01/2012
TOM Merson has finally got to the bottom of his on-going hip problem that has hampered his training since the autumn.
An MRI scan revealed that the Exmouth-based runner has a stress fracture and the only cure for that is time and rest. Merson had already taken off three weeks so the worst may be behind him but he cannot afford to return o full training too quickly otherwise he runs the risk of the injury recurring.
Wilsmore is South of England champion - 25/01/2012
STEVE Mitchell and Mike Wilsmore had plenty to celebrate over the weekend as they both won major 1500m titles.
Bristol-based Mitchell raced to victory in the Welsh indoor Championships held in Cardiff, clocking a time of 3mins 50.76secs to finish almost two seconds clear of Stroud junior Tom Purnell. The 23-year-old already boasts a season's best of 3:43.65, putting him third on the 2012 UK Rankings.
Wilsmore, who is based in Plymouth, made the long trip to the Lee Valley Stadium, in London, for the South of England Championships and was rewarded with his first regional title in a time of 3:53.22, having earlier won his heat in 3:52.98.
Marriott's dramatic ultra marathon debut - 25/01/2012
ON Sunday Yeovil-based GB international marathon runner Adrian Marriott made his ultra marathon debut at the Gloucester 50km race.
On a blustery day with winds gusting over 25mph Marriott, who runs for Wells City Harriers, tackled the undulating course with his traditional front running commitment.
Breaking clear of the field in the second mile he continued to build his lead during the first 2 hours of the race as he pursued the holy grail of ultra running - a sub 3 hour clocking for the 50km distance.
With fellow marathon international Steve Way leading the chase there was no opportunity to relax the pace, even into the strong winds and on the steepest hills of the 4 lap course.
Despite slowing slightly in the closing miles, as the fast early pace took its toll Marriott ran strongly to the finish, crossing the line in a time of 3 hours and 47 seconds to break the course record and secure qualification for the IAU World Trophy Final in Italy on 20th October. It was also the seventh fastest time ever by a British runner over the 50k distance.
Steph flies to victory on the Prom - 25/01/2012
STEPH Barnes warmed up for the Midland Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham on Saturday with a runway victory in the latest Weston Prom 5 miles road race.
Barnes finished fourth overall and easily top woman in a time of 28mins 41secs - just three seconds ahead of Westbury Harriers' team manager John Terry! Second woman was Westbury's Lucy Richens in 29:21 on a night when fast times were ruled out by the gale force winds.
Westbury's Matt Ellis won the men's race (26:32) from new signing Scott Campbell (28:02).
Why Dan's the man in form! - 25/01/2012
DAN Alsop is certainly one of the top west runners on form at the moment. In his last four races the St Austell Running Club athletes has notched up three wins with victories in the Torrington Christmas Caper last month followed by his first ever success in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League at Bideford and then an impressive triumph in the Storm Force 10 miles road race last weekend smashing his personal best with a time of 54mins 21secs.
In addition the 32-year-old, who only took up regular racing in 2010, also finished a fine 11th in the South West Championships at Bicton College. It will be interesting to watch his progress in 2012.
Dani back on the medal podium - 25/01/2012
IT won't cause too many headlines nationally but it is definitely worth pointing out the significance of Dani Barnes' third place in the senior women's 1500m at the South of England Indoor Championships at the weekend.
The 26-year-old Newquay & Par AC runner claimed the bronze medal with a time of 4mins 31.74secs, her fastest time for six years and the surest sign yet that the former British junior star is starting to find her feet after years of struggling against injury.
Having watched Barnes career since she was a teenager being coached by Chris Woolridge it is heartening to see here back racing successfully and hopefully she can enjoy an injury-free year in 2012. And for the reecord Barnes' PB is 4:15.00 set in 2003.
Rosie lifts Devon Schools' title - 23/01/2012
ROSIE Chamberlain raced to an excellent victory in the senior girls' race at the Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships.
The 16-year-old Exeter College student, who is a member of Exeter Harriers, did enough to defeat Ivybridge College runner Jess Harvey by nine seconds with Exmouth student Alice Kelly a minute adrift in third.
Colyton Grammar School's Adam Speake was the clear winner of the senior boy's race from Nick Bennett of West buckland.
The Weir family had a good day with David winning the inter boys' race and younger sister Victoria - they are both students at Plymstock School - lifted the junior girls' title.
Senior girls: 1 Rosie Chamberlain (Ex Coll) 16;23; 2 Jess Harvey (Ivybridge) 16:32; 3 Alice Kelly (Exmouth) 17:25.
Inter girls: 1 Carie Robertson (Ivy) 9:17; 2 Alice Rubbra (Okehampton) 9:18; 3 Daniella Jewell (Bideford) 9:19.
Junior girls: 1 Victoria Weir (Plymstock) 12:22; 2 Emily Ackford (Ply Coll) 12:28; 3 Lily Helston (Colyton) 12:30.
Minor girls: 1 Emma England (Plymstock) 9:17; 2 Sian Temple (Kelly Coll) 9:19; 3 Annabel Heath (West Buckland) 9:23.
Senior boys: 1 Adam Speake (Colyton) 24:10; 2 Nick Bennett (West Buck) 24:30; 3 Mike Gaunt (Petroc) 25:22.
Inter boys: 1 David Weir (Plymstock) 15:23; 2 Ned Oliver (Holsworthy) 15:54; 3 Jim Blackford (DHS Boys) 16:05.
Junior boys: 1 Will Battershill (Ivybridge) 15:13; 2 Thomas McShane (Isca) 15:25; 3 Bug Hall (West Buck) 15:30.
Minor boys: 1 Billy Craske (Ivy) 10:16; 2 John Morgan (St Michael's) 10:29; 3 Kyle Hartnell (Kings) 10:34.
Stormings PBs by Alsop and Stepto - 23/01/2012
St Austell Running Club's Daniel Alsop won the Storm Force 10 miles road race yesterday. Alsop clocked a time of 54mins 21ses to finish over a minute clear of the Cornwall AC pair of Noel Kindomn (55:35) and Colin Snook (55:47) in the opening race in the 2012 Cornish Grand Prix Series.
For Alsop that time represented a huge improvement on his previous PB of 55:52 which the 32-year-old set in the same race last year when finishing runner-up. Top Devon runneer was Plymouth Harriers' Tom Lapthorn in sixth (58:03).
Top woman in a superb eighth place overall of the 545 finishers was Cornwall AC's Emma Stepto, who smashed her personal best with a time of 58:46. Here previous best was 59;11 which she ran in the Bupa Great South Run last year. Clubmate Naomi Tier was second (62:10) with Anne Luke of Tamar trotters third (63:14).
Shock as Eden Project races are dropped - 20/01/2012
THIS year's Eden Marathon has been surprisingly axed. After three years of hard work to establish the event on the west athletics calendar, culminating in nearly 2,000 runners taking part in the three races last October, organisers have confirmed that in Olympic year the race will not take place.
"Due to it being leap year we were left with the dates of October 7th or 14th for the 2012 race and we didn't want the 7th as that would clash with the Newquay 10k," said race director Paul Bullock, chairman of St Austell Running Club.
"The 14th was the likeliest date but the people at the Eden Project said the ice rink is set up by then and that is very popular so they didn't want to commit to that date.
"Eden thought they could not do the event justice on the proposed date as they want to make a total weekend out of it."
It seems a great shame that in the year when the Olympic Games returns to the country for the first time since 1948 that one of Cornwall's premier events won't be held but Bullock said Eden Project are keen to return in 2012.
In the meantime St Austell RC is hoping to launch a new event to plus the gap in the autumn calendar. Further details will be revealed when available.
Waumsley was the Jaunt winner. Honest! - 20/01/2012
APOLOGIES to Pete Waumsley for not giving him due credit in winning the recent Plymouth Jaunt 10k.
Your correspondent somehow logged onto the 2011 results so I'm happy to report that Waumsley, of Tamar Trotters, clocked 35mins 02secs to finish 14 seconds clear of Adam Holland with Garry Harding third in 36:07.
Top woman and completing a Tamar Trotters' double was Amy Wilkinson, who was eighth overall from the field of 232 finishers in a time of 38:42. Chepstow's Nikki Morgan was well adrift in second (42:30) with East Cornwall Harriers' Sharon Daw third (43:03).
Cornish young stars on show - 20/01/2012
HOBIE Martin takes on Dan Nash while Charlotte Cayton-Smith goes head-to-head with Molly Long in what looks like being an exciting morning of racing at the Cornwall Schools' Cross Country Championships tomorrow. Truro School hosts the event with the action starting at 10.30am and the final race at 11.50.
Other county school events on tomorrow include Somerset (Millfield School) and Wiltshire (Grittleton House).
Tickner targets McCain win No 3 - 20/01/2012
FRANK Tickner goes in search of his third McCain Cross Challenge win of the winter in Antrim tomorrow. Fresh from his triumph in Cardiff on Sunday the in-form Wells City Harrier can cement his grip on the overall standings - and the top prize of £2,000 - with another result though he can expect a tough race with the likes of James Walsh and Jonny Hay in the field.
Annabel Gummow was another west winner in Cardiff who is also heading to Northern Ireland today only this time the British junior international is stepping up to run the senior women's race.
The Truro College student has also confirmed she will not be contesting any of the schools' championships, preferring to target the national and then the World Junior Track & Field Championships in the summer.
Its going to be a Storm in Camborne - 20/01/2012
THE opening race in the 2012 Cornish Grand Prix takes place on Sunday with the Storm Force 10 miles road event in Camborne (10.30am) and entries are taken on the day. For further information see the website at: www.carnrunners.co.uk
* Also on Sunday (10.30am) are the Gloucester Marathon and 50k road races from Seven Vale Sports Centre, Quedgeley (http://www.beyondthelimitations.co.uk/) and for multi terrain fans Bristol-based club Town & County Harriers stage their popular Moorland Community Challenge 10k race from the Avon Riding Centre, in Henbury. For further information see the website at: www.tach.org.uk
Don't forget the Hoe 10 - 20/01/2012
ANYONE fancying a 10 miles race next month might like to consider the Brooks Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road race on Sunday February 19th. For entry details see the website at: http://www.armadaathletics.co.uk/ or email Ross at: paul.ross25@blueyonder.co.uk
Exeter's super-men take over top spot - 18/01/2012
EXETER Harriers' men have prised open an eight points lead in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League.
With two fixtures remaining at Bovey Tracey and Plymouth the 2011/12 season is heading to a thrilling climax as just 34 points separate the top there clubs Exeter, Cornwall AC and Bideford AC.
That promises to serve up the closest finish in the history of the competition and if the Harriers are to prevail they will have to call upon all their men to join the cause.
In Sunday's four match at Westward Ho! They did just that with James Denne (second), Jack Bancroft (fifth), Ashley Humphreys (sixth) all making the top ten with Dave Wilkinson (14th), Howard Bailey (27th) and Adam Stobbs (37th) completing the scoring as they out-pointed the Cornish boys by just 22 points to take over top spot.
But in the senior women's event it is an all-Cornwall fight with Cornwall AC enjoying a 120 points lead over close rivals Newquay & Par AC with East Cornwall Harriers a further 62 points behind in third. Torrington is currently the leading Devon outfit in fourth.
Overall - senior men (after four matches): 1 Exeter Harriers 5,730; 2 Cornwall AC 5,722; 3 Bideford AC 5,696; 4 City of Plymouth AC 5,417; 5 Tavistock AC 5,317; 6 Newquay & Par AC 5,153.
Senior women: 1 Cornwall AC 1,117; 2 Newquay & Par AC 1,097; 3 East Cornwall Harriers 1,035; 4 Torrinigton AC 906; 5 N&P B 864; 6 Exeter Harriers 809.
Bolt helps out with Jemma 2012 appeal - 18/01/2012
NOW that Olympic year has arrived the good folk in St Austell who have set up a fund to support Jemma Simpson after she was dropped by UK Athletics from their World Class Performance programme have some exciting ideas in the pipeline.
Russell B Lawrance, the Director of Sport & Public Services at Cornwall College, has been over-seeing the launch of the fund and he tells me that Simpson has just sent him a pair of track spikes, a Jamaican vest and a signed photo from Usain Bolt.
Definitive plans have yet to be confirmed but I gather there may be a sporting auction in the very near future.
"I am in the early planning stages of preparing and sports training and testing evening in partnership with the college, the Mid Cornwall Community Spot and Physical Activity Network and hopefully Polkyth," said Lawrance.
"We are also working with the White River Cinema to put on an event on May 19th the day the torch comes to town.
"We hope to have an activity day either in the town or at the college or Polkyth, that will culminate in an "charity film" evening at the cinema with a trailer film produced by college students on sport in St Austell, followed by Chariots of Fire, buffet and raffle."
Bristol 10k & half marathon entry offer - 18/01/2012
RUNBRISTOL are offering special discounts for clubs booking bulk places in the 2012 Bristol 10k on Sunday May 20th and the half marathon on Sunday September 30th - starting at 25 per cent off 10 entries. For further information see the event website at: www.runbristol.com
Emily upsets Plymouth clean sweep - 18/01/2012
TAVISTOCK'S Emily Attfield prevented a Plymouth Harriers' clean sweep in the latest Armada 3k as she clinched the women's prize from Ami Yetton as Neiil Mytton raced to overall victory. There were 82 finishers.
Armada Athletics Winter 3k, Central Park, Plymouth - men: 1 Neil Mytton (Ply H) 9:45; 2 Tom Lapthorn (Ply H) 9:50; 3 Damrah Arbab (Ply H) 9:53.
Women: 1 Emily Attfield (Tavi) 11:13; 2 Ami Yetton (Ply H) 11:20; 3 Jane Allison (Ply H) 11:51. 82 finishers.
Croome enjoys run on the riverbank - 17/01/2012
EXMOUTH Harrier s' Jonathan Croome finished 30th out of 302 runners in the Thornbury Riverbank Rollick covering the 9 miles in a time of 64:27.
Miranda rises to the challenge - 17/01/2012
NEW South West champion Miranda Heathcote can feel very satisfied with her performance in the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff yesterday.
The Newquay & Par AC runner finished just outside the top ten in 12th place and was the first runner home from Cornwall and Devon and third in the west behind internationals Naomi Tasachimowitz (4th) and Emily Pidgeon (6th).
Interestingly it was Heathcote's debut in the series and she more than held her own in a good quality field.
Bristol & West AC's Hannah Alderson, making a comeback after injury, was an encouraging 14th which gives here something to build upon for the rest of the season.
Tripartite champion Laura Parsonage of Team Bath AC was 16th while Tavistock's Heather Fell was top Devon athlete in 23rd.
Oh my, what a cracking run Maddie - 17/01/2012
THERE was an outstanding run by Maddie Horton to finish 12th overall and first woman of the 239 finishers in the Oh My Obelisk 9 miles multi terrain race organised by Dawlish Coasters.
Horton, running for Tamar Trotters, covered the testing challenge in 1hrs 17mins 09secs, less than three minutes behind husband Jay Horton in seventh. Top man was another Tamar Trotter, Michael Robinson.
Oh My Obelisk - men; 1 Michael Robinson (Tamar T) 68:54; 2 Jon Parkinson (Torbay, M40) 69:37; 3 Mike Feighan (Exe, M40) 69:41.
Women: 1 Maddie Horton (Tamar) 77:09; 2 Wendy Urban (Torbay, W40) 84:10; 3 Jane Allison (Ply H) 85:24. 239 finishers.
Tickner and Gummow are the west stars - 16/01/2012
FRANK Tickner and Annabel Gummow were the west stars at the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff yesterday -
Tickner, of Wells City Harriers, claimed his second McCain win of the season after success in Bristol to strengthen his overall lead in the senior men’s series which has two fixtures remaining at Antrim on Saturday and then Birmingham.
"That was definitely a lot harder than last year," said Tickner. "It was probably the worst possible course from my point of view being flat and fast but you have to run on everything."
Tickner forced the pace from the gun well aware that he had to drop former junior international star Jonny Hay, making his senior debut in the McCain Challenge.
He did just that after the halfway mark and finished six seconds clear.
Just a week after winning the South West title Bideford AC’s Kevin Heywood had a terrific run to finish seventh and top Devon runner.
Other west runners who made the top twenty were the Bristol & West AC pair of Tom Russell and Robbie Bugden in 11th and 17th respectively while Bristol-based Stroud AC runner Gregg Halliwell had another solid performance in 20th.
Gummow also led from the front to win the under 20 women’s race and afterwards said she was delighted to be back racing after recent illness.
"After illness forced me to miss Edinburgh I needed a race and Jenny (runner-up Jennifer Walsh) gave me that," said Gummow.
Team Bath’s Alex Stainthorpe came eighth just ahead of Stroud’s Amber Watson with Jess Harvey of Erme Valley Harriers 13th and Bristol & West AC’s Olivia Sadler was 14th.
In the under 20 men’s race there was a silver medal for Cornwall runner Hobie Martin, returning to action for the first time since the cross country relays in November.
"I had a slight foot problem but that’s cleared up now and it is good to be back racing again but I just lack sharpness," said Martin.
Reading’s Jonathan Davies was the winner with Severn AC’s Kyran Hale having his best run of the winter in third. Taunton AC’s Rowan Preece was ninth with Bristol & West’s Zak Tobias tenth.
Top west runner in the under 20 men’s race was Team Bath’s Alex Hill in a fine sixth place with Taunton’s Blair Brown eighth and Bristol & West AC’s Rhys Park ninth.
Eat Cornwall Harriers’ Dan Nash, who had that superb effort to finish third overall and top junior in the South West Championships the previous week, was 11th and Brett Halliwell 14th.
Tavistock AC’s Samuel Lane De Courtin was 13th and leading west runner in the under 15 boys’ race while in the under 13 boys’ race Taunton AC’s Dan Wilde ran superbly for third place.
Gummow was the only west medallist in the female races with Taunton AC’s Naomi Taschimowitz just missing out after finishing fourth in the senior women’s race, a steady performance but one that left her feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
Former west junior star Emily Pidgeon had an encouraging run in sixth place.
The Bristol & West AC pair of Annasley Park and Victoria Kenny ran strongly to finish seventh and eighth respectively in the under 17 women’s race while Imogen Keeling, another member of the large contingent from Taunton, was sixth in the under 13 girls’ race.
Young the younger wins in Street - 13/01/2012
KIERAN Young won the 134th running of the Street 5k road race series in a time of 16mins 38secs. Young, whose older brother Nathan dropped out of the senior men's race at the South West Cross Country Championships, clocked 16minis 38secs to finish 10 seconds clear of Crewkerne Running Club's Ed Stahl with Bristol & West's Pete Woodward third (17:01).
Leading veteran was Clevedon AC's Stuart Hancock in ninth overall (17:58) while top woman in the field of 88 finishers was Linda Lascelles of Maiden Newton Runners in a time of 19:30.
Now Heywood tackles McCain Challenge - 13/01/2012
WITH his confidence high after winning the South West title Kevin Heywood will line up for the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff on Sunday.
The Bideford AC runner knows that the third race in the series will represent a big step up in class but the manner of his win at Bicton College suggests he is back to his best after an injury-ravaged 2011.
"I have been training consistently now for a couple of months and I felt strong at Bicton," said Heywood. "Now we'll see how we go in Cardiff, which is sure to be a lot tougher."
Among his west rivals will be Cornwall's No 1 Robbie Bugden, whom he beat last weekend and Frank Tickner of Wells City Harriers. Tickner, the twice former National champion, finished first British runner in the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run last weekend and will start favourite to retain his senior men's title.
"It seems to be coming together," said Tickner, who hasa fought a constant battle against a foot injury over the past two years.
"The foot is not giving me any problems now and I'm back to full training."
Other west runners in action in Wales include Truro's Annabel Gummow, who was forced to pull out off the under 20 women's race in Edinburgh last weekend due to illness.
Bristol & West's Steph Barnes and Taunton's Naomi Tasachimowitz go in the senior women's race and Team Bath's Alex Hill is in the under 20 men's field.
Westward League action in Bideford - 13/01/2012
THE next round in the Brooks Westward Cross Country League takes place at Bideford on Sunday while Tawstoke hosts the North Devon League.
Fancy a run in the forest? - 13/01/2012
ONE of the top multi terrain races on Sunday (10.30am) is the Oh My Obelisk race organised by Dawlish Coasters.
The 10 miles race starts at Dawlish Leisure Centre - where late entries will be taken until 10.20am- and takes runners to the Obelisk monument in Haldon Forest and back, mostly along green lanes, forest tracks and country lanes.
The organisers warn that the course can be ‘hilly and muddy' but the recent weather should ensure conditions are pretty firm underfoot at present. For further details see the race website at: www.dawlishcoasters.co.uk
* Other multi terrain races in the west on Sunday include the Riverbank Rollick in Thornbury, south Gloucestershire (http://www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk/) and the Rough ‘n'Tumble 10 near Marlborough, Wiltshire (www.grassroots.co.uk).
Weston Prom 5 reminder - 13/01/2012
THE next round in the Weston Prom 5 miles series will be held on Thursday (7.30pm) with entries taken on the night as usual. For further details log onto: http://www.westonac.co.uk/
Get set for the Hoe down in Plymouth - 11/01/2012
AFTER slow start entries are picking up quickly for the Brooks Plymouth Hoe 10 miles road race on Sunday February 19th.
The organisers, Armada Athletics Network, have made some minor changes to the course this year to enhance the safety of the runners and their marshalling staff.
"Following the lessons learnt from the 2010 event we reviewed the course and have tweaked it in a couple of places," said race director Paul Ross.
"I still feel we have an interesting course taking in Plymouth's Waterfront which presents a challenge to athletes of all abilities"
The event is again hosting the Devon Championships and the Peninsula Challenge between teams from Cornwall and Devon. For entry details see the website at: http://www.armadaathletics.co.uk/ or email Ross at: paul.ross25@blueyonder.co.uk
Exeter half is a sell-out - 11/01/2012
THE new Exeter half marathon organised by Ironbridge Runner Events on Sunday February 12th is already a big hit having sold out.
The limited 300 entries for the three-lap, traffic-free course from the quayside were quickly snapped up underlining the demand for races to test fitness ahead of the major spring marathons and half marathons.
New Cornish MT GP is OK - 11/01/2012
The growth in popularity of multi terrain races has been reflected in the establishment of a new series in Cornwall.
The Cornish multi terrain Grand Prix has been set up by Personal Best Running and the National Trust and will comprise 10 races from around the county.
Anyone can enter the series and to contest the overall awards, which include open and veteran age groups, a minimum of six races have to be completed.
The series kicks off with the 5 Tors 10 miles event organised by East Cornwall Harriers on April 1st and culminates with the Remembrance Run 7 miles race on November 11th staged by Mounts Bay Harriers.
The full series is as follows: April 1: The 5 Tors; May 6: Bocconoc 5; May 20th: St Austell half; June 13th: Bude Lifeboat Run 6 miles; June 20th: Meet Your Max 7 miles; June 24th: Lanhydrock 10 miles; July 28th: Tywardeath Trotter 7 miles; August (TBC): Trellisick 10k; October 14th: Race for Wildlife 10k; November 11th: Remembrance 7 miles.
Marazion 10k entries closed - 11/01/2012
I can also report on further success in Cornwall with all 500 places in the Marazion 10k road race on Sunday February 5th now taken up. The race is the second in the 2012 Cornish Grand Prix Series which officially launches a week on Sunday (January 22nd) with the Stormforce 10 miles road race.
Organised by Carn Runners from Camborne School & College the race has seen some fast times in the past and always attracts a decent field. For further entry details see: www.carnrunners.co.uk
Now Caddy rules the airwaves - 10/01/2012
IT was great to bump into Neil Caddy at the South West Cross Country Championships. The Cornishman is well known in his home county as the voice of the Pirate FM breakfast show, one of the biggest growing programmes in the country.
His many listeners probably don't realise what a talented runner Caddy was but those in the sport know that personal bests of 1:47.89 (800m), 3:39.03 (1500m), 3:55.84 (mile), 7:48.76 (3000m) and 13:48.91 (5000m) deserve the utmost respect and certainly mark the 36-year-old former Newquay & Par AC runner out as one of the best runners to come out off the west country.
Sadly Caddy's career was left unfulfilled as injuries forced him to quit aged just 25 but it is no surprise that he channelled his energies and drive into his career. Tune in when you cross over the Tamar River and get your day off to a good start.
Cole takes his chance to claim victory - 10/01/2012
JIM Cole's decision to give the South West Cross Country Championships a miss was rewarded with a comfortable win in the First Chance 10k road race organised by South West Road Runners in Exeter.
In-form Cole was in a class of his own as he scampered around the quayside course in a time of 31mins 51secs to put him 1min 41secs clear of Torbay's Lee Turner while Exeter's Ashley Humphreys was a further four seconds back in third.
Top woman was Alison Thorn of Erme Valley Harriers, who finished 42nd overall in a field of 503 runners clocking a time of 39:10. Tiverton Harriers' Serane Burd was just two seconds behind while third woman was Alexandra Cutts of SWRR (40:05).
Race organiser Ayse Vahiboglu said she was delighted with the response to the race, which was sponsored by Ironbridge Runner and Hodgson Sports Massage.
"We had a great turnout with 503 runners finishing out of the 600 entrants (and) it was a real pleasure to see all the runners happy," said Vahiboglu.
Super vet Karen at the double! - 10/01/2012
KAREN Cook loves to race and on Sunday she demonstrated that by packing in two events back-to-back. In the morning Cook finished seventh woman and first veteran over 50 in the First Chance 10k road race, organised by her own club South West Road Runners, in Exeter.
Cook then jumped in the car to drive down to Bicton College, near Budleigh Salterton, for the South West Cross Country Championships and finished 30th in the senior women's race.
Surprise winner Miranda reveals all - 10/01/2012
TOP senior woman at Bicton College was Miranda Heathcote. Who is she, did I hear you ask? A few minutes after finishing a quickly recovered Heathcote explained she only moved to Newquay from Kent last year but with a lifetime of impressive running behind her at Tonbridge AC it was only a matter of time before she settled in and began making her mark.
The 39-year-old boasts personal bests of 37mins 22secs for 10k and 81:42 for the half marathon and after taking a break from the sport to start a family clearly has more to offer.
"That's my first South West title and I'm delighted with that," said Heathcote.
Wilsmore smashes 1500m PB - 10/01/2012
DEVON runner Mike Wilsmore opened his new year in superb style with a massive personal best at the British Milers' Club Indoor Championships in Sheffield.
Wilsmore's effort in making the long trip north from his home in Plymouth was fully rewarded as he finished third in the 1500m in a time of 3mins 47.20secs, which not only carved over four seconds from his previous best set in 2010 but was also his first time under 3:50.
Amy shows she can beat the Challenge - 10/01/2012
AMY Greenhalgh of Axe Valley Runners made a superb start to the new year as she finished eighth overall and top woman in the Axmouth Challenge 10 miles multi terrain race.
Greenhalgh covered the demanding course in a time of 67mins 20secs to finish over a minute clear of clubmate Lin Lascelles.
The clear overall winner was Steve Osborne of Votwo as he finished over a minute ahead of the AVR pair of Alex Todd and Patrick Devine-Wright.
Just a quick jaunt for Cooper - 10/01/2012
PLYMOUTH Harriers' John Cooper led home, a field of 228 runners in the Plymouth Jaunt 10k on Sunday. Cooper clocked a time of 37mins 35secs with Garry Harding (37:47) and Matt Brown (38:11)0 second and third respectively. Leading woman was Linda Lawrence in 19th overall (41:48).
Heywood & Heathcote win at Bicton - 08/01/2012
KEVIN Heywood regained his title while Miranda Heathcote marked her debut in the South West Cross Country Championships with her first triumph.
Bideford AC runner Heywood was in irrepressible form over the testing course around Bicton College taking Robbie Bugden clear in the early stages before surging clear.
Making light wok off the hills Heywood eventually finished almost a minute clear to reclaim the senior men's crown for the first time since 2009.
Bugden repeated his second place of twelve months ago when beaten by Kairn Stone, who was ruled out with injury, while impressive Cornwall junior Dan Nash produced a terrific performance to finish third from fast-finishing Kevin Toher.
Heathcote was contesting her first championships after re-locating to Cornwall from Kent last year and emerged the winner after a good dual with her county team-mate Emma Stepto.
The pair had stretched well clear of Avon champion Laura Parsonage in third while Olympic modern pentathlon medallist Heather Fell was fourth.
South West Cross Country Championships, Bicton College, Budleigh Salterton - senior men: 1 Kevin Heywood (D) 24:40; 2 Rob