Buckner and Camp lift Devon Schools' titles - 8/2/10
ELLIOT Buckner and Beth Camp gave assured performances to win the senior titles at the Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships, staged at Torrington Rugby Club.
Totnes-based Buckner, who is coached by Paul Batten at Erme Valley Harriers, continued his good form of the winter to beat Jack Hutchens with Tom Pugsley third.
South Devon's Beth Camp, who is a member of Exeter Harriers, is another athlete who hasa improved considerably this winter and she can drew great confidence in beating her club team-mates Anna Rust and Emily Bliss.
Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships, Torrington - senior boys: 1 Elliot Buckner (S); 2 Jack Hutchens (N); 3 Tom Pugsley (N); 4 Tom Gill (E) 5 Brennan Townsend (E); 6 Ashley Smith (W); 7 Andy reed (W); 8 James Bunney (N); 9 Rob Overney (N); 10 Ben Trigg (W). Teams: 1 West Devon 75.
Inter boys: 1 Nick Bennett(N); 2 Michael Gaunt (N); 3 Adam Speake (E); 4 George Speak (E); 5 Tom Stockley (S) ; 6 Ben Paddy (N); 7 James Smith (W); 8 Oscar Tully (N); 9 Pieres Thompson (W); 10 Oliver Friend (N). Teams: 1 North 40; 2 Exeter & East Devon 80; 3 West 113.
Junior boys: 1 Callum Hall (W); 2 Matt Bull (N); 3 David Weir (W); 4 Ned Oliver (N); 5 Sam Wordley (N); 6 Sam Fellows (S); 7Mike Bell (E); 8 Max Ansell (E); 9 Graham Tinkler (S); 10 Harnson Baker (E). Teams: 1 Exeter & East Devon 61; 2 North 75; 3 South 92.
Minor boys: 1 Jordan Channon (W); 2 Patrick Livingston (E);3 Alex rapier (W); 4 Kieran Savage (S); 5 Steven Rogers (W); 6 Harry Dunlop (W): 7 Ben Clark (N); 8 Pablo Grant (E); 9 Will Battershill (W); 10 Josh Boon (W). Teams: 1 West 34; 2 Exeter & East Devon 63; 3 North 99; 4 South 171.
Senior girls: 1 Beth Camp (S); 2 Anna Rust (E); 3 Emily Bliss (E); 4 Lauren Anning (W); 5 Becky Windermere (W); 6 Jess Fennell (W): 7 Hettie Bailey (E); 8 Becky Chapman(E); 9 Elena Holmes (E); 10 Megan Andrew (N).
Inter girls: 1 Naomi Speake (E); 2 Rosie Chamberlain (E); 3 Claire Fraser (W); 4 Helen Smith (E); 5 Frederica Richards (S); 6 Naoni Rubbra (E); 7 Ellen Riis-White (W); 8 Katie Burns (W); 9 Alice Rogers (W); 10 Jasmine Hodge (S).Teams: 1 Exeter & East Devon 44; 2 West 65; 3 North 165.
Junior girls: 1 Carrie Robertson-Bell (W); 2 Dani Jewell (N): 3 Hannah Gaunt (N); 4 Ellie Stone (E); 5 Shannon Robertson (E); 6 Martha Ellet (E); 7 Jess Bennett (N); 8 Laura Stacey (E); 9 Anju Gaston (E); 10 Kate Vine (E). Teams: 1 Exeter & East Devon 42; 2 North 58; 3 West 111.
Minor girls: 1 Lily Helston (E); 2 Alice Harman (N); 3 Poppy Tank (W); 4 Victoria Weir (W): 5 Sarah Jane-Vanstone (N); 6 Emily Ackford (W); 7 Hannah Francis (N); 8 Natalie Ferriera (N); 9 Daisy Waldron (N): 10 Summer Whitley (N). Teams: 1 North 49; 2 West 59; 3 Exeter & East Devon 110; 4 South 159.
Merson retains Exmouth 5 title - 8/2/10
TOM Merson took another stride towards returning to full fitness with a runaway victory in the Fulfords 5 miles road race.
A bout of swine flu knocked Merson out of his stride after a sparkling start to the new year and while the illness has gone the Exmouth-based runner admits he is still not quite firing on all cylinders.
Nonetheless, he was still far too strong for Torbay AC's Adam Carlson and a strong Exeter Harriers' contingent led by Oliver berry and Ashley Humphreys.
"I went out hard because I was treating the race as a hard training run to test myself again," said Merson.
"It wasn't a bad effort at all but it was hard not having anyone to chase. But I cannot grumble."
Merson's time of 25mins 11secs was also 15 seconds quicker than when he won on his debut last year.
Katherine Humphreys followed up her solid run in the South of England Cross Country Championships the previous week with an emphatic victory in the women's race.
It was good to see the Exeter Harrier take control of the race in the same fashion as Merson and finish 50 seconds clear of Torbay veteran Helen Dyke with Harriers' junior Anna Rust third.
Great West Fulford 5 miles road race, Exmouth - men: 1 Tom Merson (B&W) 25:11; 2 Adam Carlson (Torbay) 25:40; 3 Oliver Berry (Exe) 26:17; 4 Ashley Humphreys (Exe) 26:39; 5 mark Cowen (Exe) 27:20; 6 Jamie Pearson (Exm) 27:23; 7 Mike Feighan (Exe, M40) 27:33; 8 Dave Wilkinson (Exe, M45) 27:44; 9 Dave Stone (Exm) 27:49; 10 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M45) 28:04.
M40: 2 Martin Colwill (Bide) 28:37; 3 James Woolf (unatt) 29:15. M45: 2 Stephen Wilbraham (Torbay) 30:34; 3 Andrew Johnson (Exm) 32:14. M50: 1 Richard Westgate (SWRR) 33:17; 2 Gary Watson (TT) 34:11; 3 Mark Wotton (TT) 34:17. M55: 1 Dave Phillips (SWRR) 31:23; 2 David King (SWRR) 32:24; 3 Peter Bunyan (SWRR) 34:41.M60: 1 Maurice Cockwill (Bide) 35:35. M65: 1 Pete Tabenor (Ply H) 34:45. M70: 1 John Perratt (Exm) 35;22; 2 Ray Elston (Exm) 35:30.
Women: 1 Katherine Humphreys (Exe) 29:19; 2 Helen Dyke (Torbay, W35) 30:09; 3 Anna Rust (Exe, U20) 32:03; 4 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 33:13; 5 Catherine Philip (SWRR, W35) 33:23; 6 Searne Burd (WRN) 33:34. 259 finishers.
Heather second as course record goes - 8/2/10
WEST ultra distance international Heather Foundling-Hawker finished runner-up in the 18th Blackmore Vale half marathon, in Sherborne.
But Foundling-Hawker, who competes for Honiton Running Club, was left well adrift off winner Emma D'Alton with the Westbury Harrier setting a new course record of 1hr 21mins 58secs, just 26 seconds off her personal best set in Stroud last year.
18th Blackmore Vale half marathon, Sherborne, Dorset - men: 1 Steve Way (BM) 69:28; 2 John Sharkey (BM) 73:07; 3 Tristan Cooper (Wells) 74:23.
Women: 1 Emma D'Alton (WH) 1:21.58 (record) ; 2 Heather Foundling-Hawker (HRC, W40) 85:26; 3 Michelle Parsons (Evesham, W35) 86:57; 4 Chloe Felton (Tiv) 89:09. 609 finishers
Russell smashes PB in Alsager 5 - 8/2/10
WEST international Tom Russell smashed his personal best to finish third in a high-quality Alsager 5 miles road race yesterday.
The Bristol & West AC runner clocked a very impressive 23mins 43secs, over a minute off his previous set in Weston five years ago when still a teenager, to finish close behind British internationals Nick McCormick and Chris Davies.
The run will be a big boost to Russell, who was left bitterly disappointed with his fourth place in the Midland Cross Country Championships the previous week.
Asics Alsager 5 miles road race - men: 1 Nick McCormick (Morpeth) 23:33; 2 Chris Davies (Telford) 23:37; 3 Tom Russell (B&W) 23:43. WEST: 20 Phil Wylie (B&W) 24:44; 37 Matt Withey (Stroud, U20) 26:29; 112 George Robinson (Stroud) 30:01; 117 Nick Holliday (Stroud, M50) 30:06.. 610 finishers
Dan pulls out of Alsager 5 miler - 5/2/10
TOP west Olympic marathon runner Dan Robinson has withdrawn from the Alsgaer 5 miles road race on Sunday.
Robinson has been suffered from a heavy cold all week and while still ticking over in training doesn't feel he will do himself justice in a race that is traditionally a top class event.
Robinson and coach Chris Frapwell will now consider their options in the buld-up to the Virgin London Marathon in the spring and are looking at possibly running tthe Bath half marathon.
West kids must apply to run London mini marathon - 5/2/10
YOUNGSTERS interested in representing the south west in the Virgin mini marathon, in London, on Sunday April 25th need to apply for selection this year.
Unlike last year, when a trials race was held in Bristol, it has been decided that a squad will be selected on the basis of performances this winter.
Runners eligible must either live, go to school, or were born in the one of the west counties - Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucester - and six runners will be selected for each age group.
"Selections will be based on performances in recent events but athletes will development potential will also be
considered," said a statement from the team management.
Members of the selected teams will travel together by coach, from a central pick up point, to London on April 24th. They will have an overnight stay and travel to the race start for 9am. All travel, accommodation, kit, and meals will be provided.
For further information email Keith.Reed@plymouth.gov.uk or tel 01752 307349, or contact the team manager: Sonya Ellis on e-mail sonyaellis@hotmail.com or tel 077456 16852. Closing date for entries: Sunday 1 March 2010
Devon Schools' showdown - 5/2/10
DEVON'S top young runners will be in Torrington tomorrow for the County Schools' Cross Country Championships.
Postponed last month due to the big freeze the event should see strong competition to win places in the county team for the South West Championships in Truro at the end of the month.
Devon Schools' Cross Country Championships, Torrington Rugby Club, Great Torrington Sports College (EX38 7DJ) - timetable: 10:45 Senior boys; 11:00 Minor girls; 11:15 Minor boys; 11:45 Senior & Inter girls; 12:15 Junior boys; 12:45 Junior girls: 1:00 Inter boys.
Hallissey leads strong students' bid - 5/2/10
GREAT Britian international Claire Hallissey runs her final British Students' Cross Country Championships at Stirling University tomorrow so is looking to go out in a blaze of glory and will be backed up by Bristol University team-mates Imogen Ainsworth, Georgie Bruinvels, Sarah Wigmore, Erica Golland and Hannah Pollak.
"It's a strong squad," said team manager Keith Brackstone.
Merson to defend Fulfords 5 title - 5/2/10
ON Sunday (11am) a large turn-out is expected for the Fulfords Great West Run 5 miles road race in Exmouth.
The two-lap town centre course usually attracts a strong local field but it is hard to see who can deny local star Tom Merson, who will be defending his title.
Merson was below his best at the Midland Cross Country Championships last weekend due to a recent bout of swine flu that had forced home to his best for a week but he'll still be the main to beat with Torbay's Adam Carlson his strongest rival.
"This is the first week that I have felt okay in training (after the illness) so it seems like I'm getting there," said Merson.
"I did the race for the first time last year and won it although it wasn't as quick as I had hoped because it was very windy on the day. Hopefully conditions will be better this time."
Entries will be taken on the day at Exmouth Sports Centre and for further information see the club website at: www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk
Don't forget new Obelisk date- 5/2/10
ALSO on Sunday (10.30am) in an unfortunate clash of fixtures is the Oh My Obelisk 11 miles multi terrain race organised by Dawlish Coasters. The event was originally due to be held on January 10th but was postponed due to the bad weather.
Entries will be taken on the day at Dawlish Leisure Centre and for further details see the race website at: www.dawlishcoasters.co.uk
Russell seeking fast 5 in Alsager - 5/2/10
FRUSTRATED by his fourth place in the senior men's race at the Midland Cross Country Championships Bristol & West's Tom Russell will be seeking to make his mark in the quick Alsager 5 miles road race on Sunday. West Olympic marathon runner Dan Robinson is also entered.
"It is usually a high quality race and iIm hopinig for a fast time," said Russell.
All in a day's work for busy Kairn - 03/2/10
KAIRN Stone made sure he made the most of his trip to Exeter for the opening Great West Run Warm-Up 5k.
The Plymouth-based teacher used the race as part of a hard work-out to prepare for the European Club's Cross Country Championships, in Bilbao, this weekend, by adding on a swift warm-up and warm-down on the 2.5k loop.
"Originally I was going to run the South of England Cross Country Championships but decided a 5k would be better preparation for Bilbao than 15k in the mud," said Stone.
"So I did a 2.5k tempo run warm-up in 7mins 45secs, had 90 seconds recovery before doing the 5k race (winning in 15mins 21secs) then had another 90 seconds rest before a warm-down in around 7mins 50secs.
"It was freezing cold and even snowed at one stage so it was a very good work-out and shows I am probably in sub 31-minutes shape for 10K."
That should give Stone confidence ahead of the trip with his Newham & Essex Beagles team-mates to northern Spain although he knows that race will be a different proposition all together.
"We have a strong team with Lee Merrien, Dave Mitchinson and Kevin Skinner and to be honest I'm there just to make up the numbers," added Stone. "But I have never done it before and it should be a great experience. I'm really looking forward to it."
Strong-man Ashley leads the way - 03/2/10
JUST 48 hours after completing a gruelling 15k in the South of England cross Country Championships Exeter Harriers' Ashley Humphreys showed impressive powers of recovery to finish third in the latest Puma Ironbridge Runner 3k track race at the Exeter Arena.
Fastest woman on the night was Felicity Elliott of South West Road Runners with Exeter teenager Anna Rust just six seconds behind.
Puma Ironbridge Runner Winter 3k, Exeter Arena - men: 1 Jack Bancroft (Wells) 8:48; 2 Sam Petty (NDAC, U20) 8:56; 3 Ashley Humphreys (Exe) 9:15.
LOCAL: 5 Josh Trigwell (Exe, U17) 9:33; 13 Tim Legg (HRC, M45) 10:27; 15 Caspar Wanders (Exe Uni, U20) 10:47.
B: 1 Ned Oliver (Bide, U13) 10;32; 2 Michael Robbins (Exe Uni) 10:41; 3 Kit Grierson (SRC, U15) 10:42. Women: 1 Felicity Elliott (SWRR) 11: 12; 2 Anna Rust (Exe, U17) 11:18; 3 Caroline Hewitt (Tiv, W45).
C: 1 Patrick Livingstone (Exe, Uu13) 11:10; 2 Caroline Steven (Launc RR, W40) 11:16; 3 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 11:32.
D: 1 John Caswell (SWRR, Mm50) 12:41; 2 Alex Lach (SWRR, M50) 12:43; 3 John Perratt (SRC, M70) 12:49.
E: Molly Greenslade (SDAC, U13) 14:;11; 2 Kieran Anderson (HRC, U13) 14:25; 3 Nell McClean (SDAC, U13) 14:34.
Sweet silver for Cornish star Amy - 02/2/10
THERE were three west country medallists at the South of England Cross Country Championships staged at Parliament Hill.
In addition to Kevin Heywood's superb bronze in the senior men's race (see below) there was also a bronze for Weymouth runner Benedict Westhenry in the Under 15 boys' race and a silver for Newquay & Par AC's Amy Sweet in the Under 15 girls.
Fourth place is always the worst place to finish but Wells City Harriers' Laura Parker can take great encouragement from her performance in the Under 20 women's race.
Likewise Wells clubmate Oliver Fox ran well for seventh in the Under 13 boys' race while in the Under 15s Cornwall AC's Callum Jones also had to settle for the dreaded fourth place with Taunton's Rowan Preece just behind.
Top west runner in the senior women's race was Exeter Harriers' Katherine Humphreys in 39th, one place ahead of Newquay & Par's Lucy Kelvey.
South of England CCC, Parliament Hill - senior men: 1 Neilson Hall (Bedford) 50:57; 2 Jon Pepper (Enfield) 51:08; 3 Kevin Heywood (Bideford) 51:39.
WEST: 8 Kevin Toher (N&P) 52:27; 10 Ben Tickner (Wells) 52:40; 17 Adrian Marriott (Wells) 53:20; 51 Mark Jenkins (Bide) 56:12; 58 Elliot Haimes (Wells) 56:49; 70 Jon James (Wells) 57:23; 83 Ashley Humphreys (Exeter) 57:58; 85 Dave Buzza (Corn) 58:04; 168 Tim Hawkins (Wells) 61:04; 177 Alistair Lindsay (Wells) 61:21; 207 Andrew Ingle (Bide) 62:16.
U17 men: 1 Richard Goodman (SB) 19:48. WEST: 11 Conor Robinson (Corn) 21:08; 24 Simon Cooper (Taun) 21:55; 96 Jordan Roberts (Corn) 23:53; 102 George Harris (Wells) 23:58.
U15 boys: 1 James McMurray (St Albans) 15:57; 2 Matt Mclaughlin (SB) 16:08; 3 Benedict Westhenry (Weymouth) 16:11.
WEST: 4 Callum Jones (Corn) 16:22; 5 Rowan Preece (Taun) 16:24; 9 Tom Rawet (Corn) 16:33; 40 Nyle Clinton (Swin) 17:05; 47 Andrew Worden (Corn) 17:14; 67 Isaac Taschimowitz (Taun) 17:36; 71 Ben Hawkins (Taun) 17:37.
U13 boys: 1 Tom Newham (IoW) 11:21. WEST: 7 Oliver Fox (Wells) 11:43; 68 Luke Prior (Wells) 12:57.
Senior women: 1 Jess Sparke (WHEL) 30:05. WEST: 39 Katherine Humphreys (Exe) 34:34; 40 Lucy Kelvey (N&P) 34:39; 48 Kate Jacobs (Swin) 35:03; 54 Jenny Moore (Wells) 35:32; 129 Anna Lewis (Wells) 38:23; 155 Sandra Toher (N&P) 39:19.
U20 women: 1 Hannah Walker (Dacorum) 22:53. WEST: 4 Laura Parker (Wells) 23:58.
WEST: 12 Rachel Heard (Taun) 25:42; 15 Bethany Alston (Corn) 26:06; 21 Emily Bliss (Exe) 27:33; 23 Elaina Gard (Corn) 27:40; 24 Jenny Almey (Corn) 27:42; 30 Hannah Taunton (Taun) 28:55; 46 Lizzie Gard (Corn) 32:52.
U17 women: 1 Emilia Gorecka (AFD) 18:36. WEST: 7 Melissa Courtney (Poole) 19:59; 20 Anna Rust (Exe) 21:22; 40 Lizzie Hart (Wells) 22;21; 59 Helen Smith (Exe) 23:09; 75 Jess Wood (Wells) 24:03; 84 Olivia Ballard (Corn) 24:23.
U15 girls: 1 Jessica Judd (Chelsmford) 14:48; 2 Amy Sweet (N&P) 14:57; 3 Rebecca Knapton (Winchester) 15:01.
WEST: 20 Rosie Chamberlain (Exe) 15:56; 25 Emily Smith (Wells) 16:07; 61 Siobhan Stewart (Wells) 17:05.
U13 girls: 1 Becca Croft (WSE) 12;30 . WEST: 10 Charlotte Cayton-Smith (N&P) 12:54; 29 Georgia Timmins (N&) 13;31
Fisher 'slaughters' rivals - 02/2/10
TOM Fisher got 2010 off to a winning start with an emphatic victory in the Slaughterford 9 miles multi terrain race.
The multi terrain specialist, who lives in Winsley near Bradford-on-Avon, was too strong for Larkhall's Alec Woods as he finished a minute clear of the 351-strong field.
Ben Lang was Team Bath's top runner in fifth place, just ahead of the experienced Guy Woods making a rare outing.
Jenny Carter had a solid run to finish third in the women's race with clubmate Alison Vuagniaux runner-up in the veterans' over 45s age category.
Slaughterford 9 miles multi terrain race - men: 1 Tom Fisher (unatt) 55:13; 2 Alec Woods (B&W, M40) 56:22; 3 Chris Maxwell (unatt) 58:40; 4 Marcus Mumford (Bad Tri) 59:16; 5 Ben Lang (TBAC) 60:01; 6 Guy Woods (TBAC, M40) 60:09.
Women: 1 Vicky White (Chipp) 64:11 (record); 2 Clare Prosser (Wells, W35) 65:08 (veterans' record); Jenny Carter (TBAC, W35) 67:41. W45: 1 Lynette Porter (BRR) 70:27; 2 Alison Vuagniaux (TBAC) 73:49; 3 Joc Dodd (Chipp) 74:27. 351 finishers.
Kairn's looking hot for Euro challenge - 02/2/10
KAIRN Stone warmed up for the European Club's Cross Country Championships this weekend with a handsome victory in the first of the new Great West Run warm-up races.
The Plymouth-based teacher, who will join his Newham & Essex Beagles clubmates for the trip to Bilbao, Spain, later this week, cruised around the 5k course in Exeter in a swift 15mins 21secs.
That was far too hot for Torbay AC's Adam Carlson, who finished a distant runner-up in 16:17 while it was encouraging to see James Denne back in action after injury with third place while the 2009 Grizzly champion James McFarlane was fourth.
Top woman was Claire Hudson, who was representing the Ironbridge Runner All Stars, as she clocked 19:02 to finish a minute clear of Exeter University student Charlotte Davies with Stephanie Kitson third.
There were 76 finishers for the first event and organiser Peter Ferlie will be hoping to build upon that in the next two events which are planned for Sunday February 28th (10k) and Sunday March 21st (10k).
Men: 1 Kairn Stone (NEB) 15:21; 2 Adam Carlson (Torbay) 16:17; 3 James Denne (Exe) 16:46; 4 John McFarlane (THH) 17:15; 5 David Wilkinson (Exe) 17:31; 6 James Miller (Chelt) 17:42; 7 Tom Humphrey (unatt) 17:45; 8 Luke Reed (AVR) 17:49; 9 Simon Tucker (SWRR) 18:03; 10 Clare Hudson (IR) 19:02
Women: 1 Hudson; 2 Charlotte Davies (Exe Uni) 20:03; 3 Stephanie Kitson (unatt) 22:09;
Heywood delight at bronze in Southerns - 01/2/10
KEVIN Heywood enjoyed arguably his best performance on the country with third place in the South of England Championships on Saturday.
The Bideford AC runner had targeted the regional showpiece all winter and h is preparations proved spot-on over the gruelling Parliament Hill course in London .
"I'm well chuffed with that result," said Heywood. "I always knew it was going to be hard but I seem to run well at Parliament Hill.
"It is definitely one of my best ever runs, it is right up there. It was my main target for the winter and it is nice that it all came together."
Heywood led a strong west showing in the senior men's race with Newquay & Par AC's Kevin Toher eighth and the Wells City Harriers' pair of Ben Tickner and Adrian Marriott in 110th and 17th respectively.
South of England CCC, Parliament Hill - senior men: 1 Neilson Hall (Herts Phoenix); 2 Jon Pepper (Enfield); 3 Kevin Heywood (Bideford).WEST: 8 Kevin Tohere (N&P); 10 Ben Tickner (Wells) 17 Adrian Marriott (Wells).
Hallissey leads the Bristol golden girls - 01/2/10
BRISTOL & West AC's women were the club's golden girls at the Midland Counties Cross Championships on Saturday.
The quartet of Claire Hallissey, who finished an excellent second, Imogen Ainsworth, Suzanne Richards and newcomer Erica Golland pulled off a surprise victory from Birchfield Harriers and Telford.
"We went to Stafford Common missing several first team runners so I thought we would do well to get among the medals but in the end we won it easily," said team manager Mike Down.
Bristol & West's victory ended the reign of Charnwood Harriers, who had won the senior title for the past seven years.
"In fact they have own it every year since last lifted the trophy in 2002, which was the first time for us," added Down.
Senior women: 1 Gemma Steele (Charnwood) 31:35; 2 Claire Hallissey (B&W) 31:38; 3 Debbie Walters (Birch) 31:42.
West: 4 Imogen Ainsworth (B&W) 32:08; 12 Louise Durman (Stroud) 34:43; 13 Gwen Kinsey (Sev) 34:48; 14 Suzanne Richards (B&W) 34:58; 22 Erica Golland (B&W) 35:41;28 Rebecca Pierce (TBAC) 36:33; 40 Kirsty Morrison (TBAC) 38:25; 45 Julia Belyavin (B&W) 38:44; 50 Alison Hurford (B&W) 39:21.
Teams: 1 Bristol & West AC 42 (2,4,14,22); 2 Birchfield Harriers 107; 3 Telford 166.
Bugden is getting back tto his best - 01/2/10
ONE of the best results of the day at the Midland Counties Cross Championships came from Cornishman Robbie Bugden.
Bugden has steadily been running himself back into form after a lengthy absence from competition while he completed his training to join the RAF and his second place in Saturday's senior men's race wasa easily his best performance for a long time.
"That was more like the old Robbie Bugden and he really looked strong," said his Bristol & West team manager Mike Down.
"he hasa been improving every week since he started concentrating more on his training again and itw as a great effort by him and he wasn't far off winning the race."
For the second successive year clubmate Tom Russell had to settle for second but a weakened Bristol & West team couldn't capitalise on that start and had to settle for fourth spot in the team event.
Senior men: 1 James Walsh (Leeds) 40:25; 2 Robbie Bugden (B&W) 40;29; 3 Billy Farquharson (Notts) 40:31.
WEST: 4 Tom Russell (B&W) 40:39; 14 Seb Foy (Chelt) 41:46; 15 Josh Lilly (Sev)41: 54; 21 Tim Dalton (Sev) 42:32; 29 Craig Peters (B&W) 43:16; 38 Dan Woolford (B&W) 43:53; 39 Tom Merson (B&W) 43:55; 42 Ander Russell (Stroud) 44:00; 43 Ben Morley (GWR) 44:08; 54 Phil Parry (B&W) 44:55.
Teams: 1 Coventry 116; 2 Notts 118; 3 Tipton 120; 4 Bristol & West AC 166 (2,4,29,38,39,54).
Harvey poised to make comeback in London - 29/1/10
KATHERINE Humphreys leads a contingent of Exeter Harriers up to London on Saturday for the prestigious South of England Cross Country Championships.
The legendary Parliament Hill course on Hampstead Heath, one of the toughest and most iconic venues in the country, hosts the event and will ensure an afternoon to remember for the Harriers' girls.
"Katherine, who is having an excellent winter will find the senior race (8K) a real challenge but should be confident of a high placing," said Harriers' team manager Dave Robinson.
British junior international Jo Harvey, who is studying in London, had pencilled in the race to make her comeback after injury but will delay her decision until the day but Emily Bliss will definitely be there.
The club's Under 17 women's squad of Beth Camp, Anna Rust and Helen Smith will relish the competition but sadly are just one short of fielding a full team.
Finally Rosie Chamberlain will be flying the club flag in the Under 15 girls' race.
"For Rosie, this will be one of her last few races as an U15 athlete and she is another good bet to be well placed," added Robinson.
Merson is back in action after illness - 29/1/10
EXMOUTH runner Tom Merson has recovered from a bout of swine flu and will travel with the Bristol & West AC senior men's squad for the Midland Counties Cross Country Championships on Stafford Common.
"I missed a whole week of running stuck in bed and while I've been back this week and aerobically feel okay I've definitely lost a bit of pace in my legs which is understandable," said Merson.
Meanwhile Devon county champion Kevin Heywood heads to London hoping for a top ten finish in the South of England Championships at Parliament Hill, one of his favourite courses.
The 31-year-old farmer was eighth last year and sixth in 2008 when the event was last held at Parliament Hill.
Plymouth-based teacher Kairn Stone is also running as a loosener ahead of the European Club's Championships the following week, when he will be on duty for his London club Newham & Essex Beagles.
Russell leads Bristol & West medal bid - 29/1/10
CAN Bristol & West AC's senior men repeat the silver medal team success of last year at the Midland Championships?
With Rob Whalley, Phil Wylie and Oli Mott missing the odds seem against it but then it is never wise to second-guess who will turn up at the regional championships and the Bristol squad has consistently finished among the top three in recent years.
"But we still have Robbie Bugden, Tom Merson, Steve McGuigan, Dan Woolford, Craig Peters, Phil Parry and Dave Green," said team manager Mike Down. "A lot will depend on who turns up but we've got a medal chance."
The women's squad will be led by British international Claire Hallissey with Rebekah Randell, Imogen Ainsworth, Suzanne Richards and Jenny Jagger in support.
Reigning Under 20 women's champion Katie Knowles has been ruled out with a knee injury and the 2009 Under 17 women's champion and Bristol & West clubmate Eleanor Wimshurst is also out injured.
New event launched in Exeter - 29/1/10
ORGANISERSof the Great West Run launch a new warm-up series of races starting this Sunday (Jan 31st).
The first race is a gentle 5k before stepping up to 10k on February 28th and March 21st, with all three races held on a flat, traffic-free multi lap course around the River Exe and flood relief system.
Entries will be taken on the day from 8am at the Ironbridge Runner shop in Bartholomew Street, from which it is 0.75miles walk or jog to the start.
"Entries are going okay and we are pleased so far," said organiser Pete Ferlie. "First time we want to keep it low and make sure it works and then go from there."
Entries cost £8 per race for club runners (£10 unattached) with £20/£25 covering all three races.
For further details see the race website at: www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk
Four Trigs Challenge filling up fast - 29/1/10
ENTRIES are filling up fast for the 10th Four Trigs Challenge organised by Sidmouth Running Club on Sunday February 14th.
The race, which is sponsored by Hayman's Butchers so every finisher will receive a tasty pasty, will take a maximum of 100 runners so anyone interested should get in their entry quickly.
For further details see the race website at: http://www.sidmouthrunningclub.org.uk/ or call Bob Keast (tel: 01395 579687).
GB selectors name Karla as reserve - 27/1/10
KARLA Drew has been named as first reserve for Great Britain squad for an Under 23 multi events international in France against the hosts and Spain.
The 20-year-old from Exeter still hasn't given up hope of being promoted into the starting line-up to make her GB debut as one of the girls who finished ahead of her at the national championships, Lucy Boggis, has made it known she isn't interested in the match.
"Lucy has told people she won't be doing it but until I definitely hear from the selectors then I'll have to wait and see," said Drew.
"In the meantime I just have to wait and that is quite annoying. I'd like to know one way or the other so that I can get on with my training and prepare for the event or not."
Eden Project marathon has big plans - 27/1/10
ORGANISERS of the second Eden Project Marathon are vowing to make the 2010 even bigger and better.
Around 1200 runners took part in the first event last year and despite some teething problems the event was pronounced a welcome addition to the west country race calendar.
"The Eden Marathon takes place on a fantastically challenging course and one steeped in Cornish heritage," said Tracey Smith, Eden Marathon Project Manager.
"From the majesty of the clay country's pits and peaks to the granite quarries of the Luxulyan valley, our marathon route is probably one of the most spectacular in the country."
This year's event will be held on Sunday October 10th and race details www.edenproject.com/marathon. Places are limited and given out on a first come, first served basis.
Tough Ten entries hotting up - 27/1/10
ENTRIES are filling up fast for the Tough Ten in Weston-super-Mare on Sunday February 14th (11am).
"We are currently seeing a surge in entries," said a statement from the organisers. "Please be advised we will close when we reach 1,300 or one week before race day - which ever comes first." For further details of the event see the race website at: http://www.toughten.co.uk/
Yeovil line up treat for lovers and runners - 27/1/10
YEOVIL Town Road Running Club is gearing up for a busy schedule of races, with the Inca Trail in Ilchester taking place on Sunday 14th February - what better way to spend Valentine's Day than a gentle run in the fields?!
Given the date of the race, all runners completing the race will receive a special heart shaped medal - and there will be a special prize for the first Inca Trail couple to cross the finish line hand-in-hand!
"This might mean that one of the couple may have to sacrifice a good running time to wait for the other, or the other may have to really push themselves to keep up, but love is all about compromise and sacrifice, isn't it?" said a spokesman for YTRR.
"So, no need to use the ‘I can't come, it's Valentine's Day' excuse, bring your loved one with you! "
Further dates for the diary include the Sherborne Castles 10km on Sunday 14th March and the Easter Bunny 10km that takes place at Yeovilton on Easter Monday, 5th April, where there is an Easter Egg on offer for all runners. For further information see the club website at: http://www.yeoviltownrrc.com/
Richard I reigns over the west - 26/1/10
TAVISTOCK dentist Richard Drage was the clear winner of the South West Veterans Cross Country Championships over a new course in Sidmouth town centre.
Drage, who is in the over 50s category, finished 29 seconds clear of Tiverton's Kerry Roberts with Exeter David Wilkinson third.
Torrington's Marilyn Blair and Tiverton's Caroline Hewitt have had some good battles over the years and on Sunday Blair had the edge.
Sidmouth and South West Veterans Cross Country Championships, the Byes, Sidmouth - men: 1 Richard Drage (Tavi, M50) 32:19; 2 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M45) 32:48; 3 David Wilkinson (Exe, M45) 32:49; 4 Kevin Archer (Weymouth, M55) 34:08; 5 Rob Williams (Tiv, M50) 34:33; 6 Nick Martin (SWVAC, M45) 35:25; 7 Nick Ireland (Dorch, M40) 37:35; 8 Jim Jennings (Torr, M60) 37:39.
M65: 1 Jim Wyatt (Exm) 35:38; 2 Les Turner (Exm) 39:47. M70: Ray Elston (Exm) 34:19; 2 Mike Horwood (Clev) 35:55; 3 Mick Allen (SRC) 38:00
Open young athletes races - Under 17 men: 1 Stephen Moss (SRC) 28:47; 2 William Rozier (Exe) 33:08;
Under 15 boys: Blake Blackwood (Exe) 20:35; 2 Kit Grierson (SRC) 20:50; 3 Sam Urquhart (HRC) 22:59.
Under 13 boys: 1 Nick Smith (SRC) 13:48; 2 Grey Grierson (SRC) 13:59; 3 Jake Harvey (HRC) 15:47
Under 11 boys: 1 Harry Felgate (unatt) 6:53; 2 Huw Williams (HRC) 7:12; 3 Arthur Heeler Frood (HRC) 7:43.
Women: 1 Marilyn Blair (Torr, W50) 29:39; 2 Caroline Hewitt (Tiv, W45) 29:51; 3 Lynne Whitaker (Romsey R, W50) 30:30; 4 Jane Beech (SRC, W40) 31:04; 5 Naomi Garrick (SRC, W40) 31:13; 6 Karen Cook (SWRR, W50) 31:19; 7 Lucy Owen (SWRR, W45)0 31:26; 8 Zina Marchant (TBAC,W55) 31:47.
Under 15 girls: 1 Megan Edwards (unatt) 24:21; 2 Katie Davey (HRC) 27:51; 3 Sophie Keywood (unatt) 28:29.
Under 13 girls: 1 Lily Helston (HRC) 14:46; 2 Layla Felgate (unatt) 14:57; 3 Georgia Hanson (SRC) 15:48.
Under 11 girls: 1 Isabel Helston (HRC) 7:44; 2 Ceri Edwards (unatt) 7:53; 3 Franki King East (SRC) 8:21.
Annabel and Conor are top of the class - 25/1/10
JUNIOR internationals Annabel Gummow and Conor Robinson took centre stage at the Cornwall Schools' Cross Country Championships held at Truro School.
On a perfect day for running the pair not only underlined their pre-eminence in the county but also reinforced their credentials as contenders for medals at both the South West Schools - which is also being staged on ‘home' soil in Truro - and the English Schools' Championships in Manchester on March 20th.
"It was a good run-out after a heavy week of training and I enjoyed it," said 16-year-old Gummow, who won the combined senior and inter girls' race with some ease.
Redruth School's Robinson, who was English Schools' junior boys' champion in 2007, celebrated his recent 16th birthday with a powerful performance that left him 15 seconds clear of Liskeard's Dan Nash with Newquay Tretheras School's Hobie Martin third.
"It was a nice, controlled run by Conor and he looked pretty effortless ," said county team manager John Knowles. His daughter, GB junior international Katie, gave out the medals.
Cornwall Schools' Cross Country Championships, Truro School - B=Bolitho; Bo=Bodmin; Ca=Callington; F=Fowey; H=Helston; HD=Humphry Davy; L=Liskeard; NT=Newquay Tretheras; S=Saltash; TC=Truro College; TH=Truro High; TS=Truro School; P=Penair; Pe=Penrice; Py=Penryn.
Senior boys: 1 James Waldie (TC) 20:13; 2 Jacob Landers (S) 22:12; 3 Guy Hopson (B) 22:33; 4 Sam Harry (TC) 23:46; 5 Mark Budge (L) 24:36; 6 Alex Bowden (NT) 27:51 Teams: 1 Truro College.
Inter boys: 1 Conor Robinson (R ) 19:43; 2 Dan Nash (L) 19:58; 3 Hobie Martin (NT) 20:49; 4 Callum Jones (H) 21:15; 5 Thomas Rawett (Py) 21:25; 6 Andrew Worden (H) 21:46. Teams: 1 Helston 27; 2 Truro School 31; 3 Newquay Tretheras 31.
Junior boys: 1 Oscar Holdsworth (TS) 14:48; 2 Sam Heslop-George (F) 15:00; 3 Danny Old (T) 15:05; 4 Sam De Courtin Lane (Humphry Davy) 15:27; 6 Dan Davis (P) 15:31. Teams: 1 Penair 41; 2 Truro School 84; 3 Callington 102.
Minor boys: 1 Ben Rogers (P) 10:49; 2 Jacob Wilson (TS) 10:54; 3 Tom Rogers (L) 10:57; 4 Harry Clarke (P) 11:05; 5 Corey Crook (Bo) 11:08; 6 Curtis Pray (TS) 11:25. Teams: 1 Truro School 26; 2 Penair 54; 3 Newquay Tretheras 67.
Senior girls: 1 Amy Rundle (TC) 17:27; 2 Olivia Ballard (TC) 17:45; 3 Jennifer George (NT) 18:43; 4 Sam Hawken (NT) 20:40; 5 Eleanor Parkin (TC) 22:34. Teams: 1 Truro College.
Inter girls: 1 Annabel Gummow (P) 14:14; 2 Amy Sweet (Pe) 14:58; 3 Dulcie Atkinson (P) 16:37; 4 Olivia Connell (TS) 16:40; 5 Megan Davis (P) 16:58; 6 Alice Vage (P) 17:02. Teams: 1 Penair School 9; 2 Penryn 28; 3 Truro School 28.
Junior girls: 1 Charlotte Cayton-Smith (NT) 14:54; 2 Yvonne Chart (TS) 15:17; 3 Zoe Fisher (P) 15:20; 4 Danielle Holmes (F) 15:31; 5 Finlay Bray (P) 15:39; 6 Catherine Marston (P) 15:54. Teams: 1 Penair School 23; 2 Truro School 42; 3 Newquay Tretheras 46.
Minor girls: 1 Francesca Waters (TS) 8:34; 2 Harriett Lord (TH) 8:50; 3 Georgia Timson (NT) 8:52; 4 Amy Bennalick (Ca) 9:16; 5 Mia Trythall (B) 9:27; 6 Claudia Carlyon (Pe) 9:34. Teams: 1 Newquay Tretherras 31; 2 Truro High School 59; 3 Truro School 60.
Roy second in Gloucester marathon - 25/1/10
EAST Cornwall Harriers' Diana Roy finished second woman and first veteran in yesterday's Gloucester marathon, in which there were 282 finishers.
Gloucester marathon - men: 1 Paul Davies (Centurion, M40) 2:47.47; 2 Calvin Scoltock (B&R, M40) 2:52.04; 3 Wayne Usher (CLC Striders) 2:53.33. Women: 1 Sally Haselhurst (San Dom) 3:05.22; 2 Diana Roy (ECH, W40) 3:17.04; 3 Isobel Knox (Hunters) 3:17.59. 282 finishers.
Turtle is flying high - 25/1/10
IN-FORM Gloucester AC runner Gemma Turtle smashed her PB as she broke 33 minutes for the first time in the Telford 10k road race. Turtle, who clocked a PB to win the 1500m at the Welsh Indoor Championships the day before, finished 11th overall from a field of over 400 runners.
Telford 10k - women: 1 Gemma Turtle (Gloucs) 32:52 (11th overall); 2 Rose-Anne Galligan (Gloucs) 34:12. 407 finishers.
Meek keeps up winning run - 25/1/10
JO MEEK followed up her win in the First Chance 10k with a comfortable victory in Alby's Memorial 10 miles race at Braunton.
The Tavistock AC runner finished over two minutes clear of Helen Dyke with North Devon Road Runners' Alicia Neal a distant third.
Bideford's Dan Mapp was a popular winner off the men's race from Bristol & West AC veteran Mick O'Doherty, who made the long journey from his home in Bath.
Alby's memorial 10 miles road race, Braunton - men: 1 Dan Mapp (Bide) 57:08; 2 Mick O'Doherty (B&W, M45) 58:14; 3 Shaun Antell (unatt) 58:21. Women: 1 Jo Meek (Tavi) 62:05; 2 Helen Dyke (Torbay, W35) 64:28; Alicia Leal (NDRR) 69:25. 265 finishers.
Goss is second veteran at Weston - 22/01/10
EXETER Harriers' Steve Goss finished sixth overall and second veteran over 40 in the latest Weston Prom 5 miles road race last night.
Goss clocked 28mins 36secs to finish just 17 seconds behind top veteran Nick Hides of Clevedon AC. Ben Morley, of Great Western Runners, won the race in a time of 26mins 36secs. Morley finished almost half a minute clear of Birchfield Harrieres' Adam Watt as 209 runners completed the course.
Westbury Harriers' Debbie Marsden was in a class of her own to win the women's race by over three minutes from Nathalie Young and Julia Belyavin.
Men: 1 Ben Morley (GWR) 26:36; 2 Adam Watt(Birchfield) 27:00; 3 Mark Hopkinson (Taunton) 27:15; 4 Nick Hides (Clev, M40) 28:19; 5 Mark Fisher (Taunton) 28:21; 6 Steve Goss (Exeter, M40) 28:36; 7 John Terry (WH) 28:58; 8 Jon Goodland (GWR, M50) 29:09; 9 Matt Ellis (WH) 29:11; 10 David Miller (GWR) 29:12.
Women: 1 Debbie Marsden (WH) 29:21; 2 Nathalie Young (unatt) 32:32; 3 Julia Belyavin (B&W) 32:42. 209 finishers.
New venue to host South West Masters - 22/01/10
THE South West Masters' Cross Country Championships will be held in Sidmouth on Sunday but note there is a change of venue from Pinn Barton Farm to a town centre course using the ‘Byes' for the first time thanks to permission from East Devon District Council.
The event will be held in conjunction with the Sidmouth Leg of the East Devon Series of Junior Cross Country Races and according to the organisers the course is a good fast one starting close by the entrance near the Old Toll House, and continuing up on the grass to the second footbridge where a U-turn brings you back over the hump and on to loops in the meadow behind the Hunters Moon.
For full details see the race website at: www.sidmouthrunningclub.org.uk
West road runners facing quiet weekend - 22/01/10
WEST road runners are ill-served this weekend with no races in or even around greater Bristol. For any action keen athletes will have to travel to north Devon for the Braunton 10 miles road race - for details see: http://www.northdevonroadrunners.webeden.co.uk/ .
The other alternative is the Gloucester marathon on Sunday (11am) but it is hardly advisable to enter a race like that at the last minute. Still, if it does take your fancy call Norman Wilson (tel: 07979 865453).
Ellie aiming to lift Avon Schools' title - 22/01/10
BRITISH junior international Eleanor Wimshurst will start hot favourite to race away with the senior girls' title at the Avon Schools' Cross Country Championships around Blaise Castle tomorrow.
The Bristol & West AC runner, who is coached by Nick Rose and made her international debut at the European Cross Country Championships in December, will be making her first appearance of the year.
Avon Schools' Cross Country Championships, Blaise Castle, timetable - 11am: JG; 11.02: SB; 11.25: MG; 11.35: MB; 11.55: SG; 12.05: JG; 12.25: IG; 12.35: IB
Bath Uni stages indoor meeting - 22/01/10
TEAM Bath stage an indoor open meeting at the University tomorrow (SATURDAY) (12noon) with 60m and 60m hurdles for all ages on the track and in the field high, long and triple jumps, shot and pole vault. Yate's George Rumney and the Bristol & West AC pair of James Preston and Theo Campbell are competing and entries will be taken on the day and cost £5 - £4 for students and Team Bath athletes - for any number of events.
All ready for Bristol's new Moorland 10k - 22/01/10
THE inaugural Moorland 10k multi terrain race will be held on Sunday (11am) from the Avon Riding Centre on Kings Weston Road, in Henbury, north-west Bristol.
The course comprises a variety of surfaces, from short grass around Moorgrove Wood, jumps, a canter track, woods, potentially slippery descents and rough grazing on Lawrence Weston Moor. Race details are available on the club website at: http://www.tach.org/.uk or call Bloor on 0117 9624099.
Ferlie delight at new Great West Run sponsor - 21/01/10
THE 2010 Great West Run will have a new headline sponsor after race director Peter Ferlie negotiated an innovative deal with Devon County Council Trading Standards Service Department.
The race in Exeter city centre on Sunday May 2nd will now be known as the ‘Buy With Confidence' Great West Run with Ferlie delighted at securing a package that will make the race even better than before.
"The Devon County Council Trading Standards have been involved with us for a few years doing bits and bobs and they are starting to promote the ‘Buy With Confidence' scheme this year and though the Great West would be an ideal way to promote it," said Ferlie, who owns Ironbridge Runner.
"They see the event as a great way of advertising their scheme and getting their message across. I'm delighted they will be backing this year's event."
Ferlie also revealed that the Great West 5k will be supported by the University of Exeter Sport while the highly success Children's Great West Run is being backed by Clifton Hill Sports Centre.
"We already have 22 schools committed and our target is to get 1,000 youngsters involved," said Ferlie.
The main event has a limit of 3,000 and already the race is half full and for further details see the race website at: http://www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk/ or pop into Ironbridge Runner, 15 Bartholomew Street East, EX4 3BG.
This year's event will be in aid of 4 charities, EDP Drug & Alcohol Services, ELF, Force and Hospiscare.
"On behalf of the Great West Run team I would like to thank all our event supporters - Jurys Inn, Asics, Exeter City Council, Gatorade, RAF Careers, Express and Echo, Ironbridge Runner, Hendy Group, Exeter Physio, Exercise Science Consulting, Exeter FM, Tea On The Green - because without them the event would not be possible," said Ferlie.
Exmouth 5 challenge is looming - 21/01/10
A reminder that the Fulfords Great West Run 5 miles road race in Exmouth will be held on Sunday February 7th from Exmouth Sports Centre. The town centre 2-lap race is a good early season race and an ideal stepping stone for runners training for the Great West Run on Sunday May 2nd.
For further details of the event see the race website at: www.exmouth-harriers.co.uk
West boys seal team hat-trick in Cardiff - 19/01/10
TOM Russell led the South West to team victory in the McCain Cross Challenge at Cardiff. The Gloucestershire runner couldn't hold onto in-form British international Andy Vernon, w ho streaked clear for a handsome win but Russell did well to hold off the experienced Peter Riley to finish runner-up.
"It was a good run by Tom and good to see him lead in the team for our third successive title victory in the senior men's event," said team manager Mike Down.
Devon champion Kevin Heywood was the next west runner home in sixth with Cornish international Robbie Bugden, getting stronger with every race, eighth and Mark Jenkin completing the scoring in 25th.
"I thought it would be touch and go when we lost both Tom Merson (flu) and Kevin Toher but the boys ran well to hold off the Wales team," added Down.
Top west woman was Bristol & West AC international Claire Hallissey, who in her first race of the year finished a solid fifth. Avon champion Imogen Ainsworth battled well for 16th, just ahead of Exeter Harriers' Katherine Humphreys.
McCain Cross Challenge, Cardiff - men: 1 Andy Vernon (AFD) 28:12; 2 Tom Russell (SW) 28:41; 3 Peter Riley (North) 28:43. WEST: 6 Kevin Heywood(Bide) 28:47; 8 Robbie Bugden (B&W) 29:27; 25 Mark Jenkin (Bide) 31:02; 26 Dan Woolford (B&W) 31:18; 30 Phil Parry (B&W) 32:27; 38 Simon Burley (Swin) 36:36.Teams: 1 South West 41; 2 Wales 59.
Masters: 1 Julian Emery (Clev, M40) 20:53; 2 Mick O'Doherty (B&W, M45) 20:56; 3 Brian Gardner (Swin, M50) 22:04. WEST: 5 Dickie Wythe (Wells, M50) 22:54; 11 Steve Hollier (Clev, M60) 24:00; 14 Dave Lowthian (Sev, M40) 24:15; 16 Ian Summers (Gloucs, M40) 24:28; 26 Steve Connolly (Swin, M55) 25:18; 34 Dave Stanfield (Wells, M45) 26:49.
Women: 1 Hattie Dean (Hallamshire) 21:16; 2 Ave Hutchinson (Cardiff) 21:25; 3 Andrea Whitcombe (Swnsea) 21:36. WEST: 5 Claire Hallissey (B&W) 21:57; 16 Imogen Ainsworth (B&W) 23:15; 19 ; Katherine Humphreys (Exeter) 23:54; 21 Jenny Jagger (B&W) 24:09; 26 Julia Cooke (Chelt) 24:49; 28 Erica Golland (B&W) 25:37. Masters: 1 Ann Nixon (FoD, W50) 25:02; 3 Alison Hurford (B&W, W45) 26:24;
Annabel powers to victory - 18/01/10
THE young athletes races proved highly successful for west athlete with five victories. Cornwall teenager Annabel Gummow led the way with a terrific run to win the Under 20 women's race.
"It was a good blow-out for me as I haven't raced since Liverpool at the end of November, which didn't really count," said 16-year-old Gummow, referring to the European Championships trials race which she failed to finish due to a foot injury.
"It was nice to get back racing again and I felt it was a good run although not as long as I wanted as the organisers changed it to 4.8k instead of 6k."
And there were also wins for Dorset's Melissa Courtney (Under 17s) and talented Cornish youngster Amy Sweet (Under 15s).
Newquay teenager Hobie Martin produced a surprise by beating Weymouth's Dominic Westhenry to lift the Under 15 boys' title.
"It was a good day for west athletes and shows what talent there is in the region," added Down.
McCain Cross Challenge, Cardiff - Under 20 men: 1 Richard Goodman (SB) 18:55. WEST: 4 Matt Withey (Stroud) 19:33; 6 Richard Peters (B&W) 19:42; 8 Charlie Maclean (Taunton) 19:47; 9 Tom Curr (Glos Schools) 19:50; 13 Rob Galt (GS) 20:19; 15 Matt Peters (B&W) 20:52; 22 Jake Waldron (SWRR) 21:49; 23 Andrew Watt (GS) 21:50; 25 Will Massey (GS) 21:56; 26 William New (Chelt) 22:00; 28 Nathan Young (B&W) 22:17; 29 Rob Whitham (B&W) 22:21; 30 Jordan Frapwell (GS) 22:27; 31 Dan Studley (WH) 22:28; 34 Joss Cheli (GS) 22:36; 36 Lewis Gray (GS) 22:50; 37 Dan Owen (GS) 22:51; 39 George Livingstone-Thompson (GS) 23:05; 40 Jack McMullen (GS) 23:09; 41 Oliver Starkey (GS) 22:33; 44 Iain Docherty (GS) 24:19; 46 William McKerney (GS) 24:28; 49 James Outhwaite (GS) 24:39; 52 Ross Langworthy (GS) 25:33.
Under 17 men: 1 Ross Matheson (Lasswade) 18:34. WEST: 5 Brett Halliwell (WH) 19:22; 6 Aaron Phelps (GS) 19:25; 7 Rhys Park (B&W) 19:30; 12 Alex Hill (TBAC) 20:02; 13 Tom Purnell (Stroud) 20:11; 22 Luke Carroll (GS) 20:50; 27 Matt Deacon (B&W) 21:04; 31 Adam Thrall (GS) 21:13; 34 Harrison Coldray (GS) 21:21; 39 James Gardner (GS) 21:58; 41 Xander Brown (GS) 22:03; 49 Max Holdsworth (Truro) 22:19.
Under 15 boys: 1 Hobie Martin (N&P) 13;30; 2 Ben Westhenry (Weymouth) 13:36; 3 Jon Davies (Reading) 13;38. WEST: 5 Alex Carter (TBAC) 13:48; 6 Luke Jacobs (B&W) 13:52; 8 Cameron Coetzee (NSAC) 14:00; 9 Zac Tobias (B&W) 14:09; 10 Kyran Hale (Sev) 14:10; 15 Kieran Young (Shepton Mallet) 14:30; 16 Ben Hawkins (Taunton) 14:30; 19 Rowan Preece (Taunton) 14:44; 21 Matt Parr (GS) 14:55; 24 Alex King (Truro) 15:02; 28 Dominic James (GS) 15:14; 29 Euan Whitbourn (GS)15:14; 30 Tom Parnell (GS) 15:17; 32 Harry Mahoney (GS) 15:21; 34 Dmitriy Nazarenko (GS) 15:24; 35 Jack Cooper (GS) 15:24; 36 Emmett Thompson (GS) 15:24; 38 Fraser White (GS) 15:30; 40 Connor Wray (GS) 15:32; 44 Jack Frear (GS) 15:35; 15:35; 46 Matt Davies (GS) 15:40; 50 Hugh Gunn (GS) 15:49.
Under 13 boys: 1 Jack Crabtree (East Cheshire) 9:14; 2 Oscar Holdsworth (Truro) 9:32.
WEST: 7 Alfie Kilgour (TBAC) 10:23; 9 Jacob Pickering (GS) 10;26; 15 Andrew Evans (FoD)0 10;44; 16 Charlie Docherty (GS) 10:45; 18 Dan Brown (GS) 10:48; 22 Ryan Wilson (GS) 10:51; 27 Sam Johnson (GS) 11:00; 28 Hector Chamberlain (GS) 11:01; 31 Alex Eves (GS) 11:02; 34 Bruce Dyer (GS) 11:06; 39 Finnian James (GS) 11:17; 42 Rory Lipscombe (GS) 11:19; 44 Matt lewis (GS) 11:21; 48 Ben Greenslade (NSAC) 11:24.
Under 20 women: 1 Annabel Gummow (B&W) 15:25; 2 Claire Pring (Norwich) 15:48; 3 Ruth Haynes (AFD) 15:54.
WEST: 9 Emily Merrick (B&W) 16:32; 17 Vanessa Brann (GS) 17:43; 19 Brittany Teague (Bourton RR) 18:20; 20 Rachel Underhill (GS) 18:28; 25 Emily Docherty (GS) 19:31; 26 Ellie Pudifoot (GS) 19:34; 28 Olivia Wilson (GS) 20:04; 30 Hannah Gornall (GS) 20:10; 31 Victoria Moore (GS) 20:14; 33 Alice Thomas (GS) 21:08.
Under 17 women: 1 Melissa Courtney (Poole) 16:09. WEST; 4 Imogen Wolsey (TBAC) 16:24; 6 Amber Watson (GS) 16:47; 7 Imogen Briscoe (GS) 16:59; 9 Olivia sadler (B&W) 17:02; 20 Beth Pudifoot (GS) 18:13; 24 Rebecca Summers (GS) 18:48; 27 Elizabeth Wynn (GS) 18:59; 28 Beth Hawling (GS) 19:03; 29 Samantha Roberts (GS) 19:09; 32 Millie Mather (GS) 19:14; 34 George Gunn (GS) 19:17; 37 Beth Wells (GS) 19:29; 41 Holly Hill (GS) 19:51; 48 Philippa Matthews (GS) 20:23.
Under 15 girls: 1 Amy Sweet (N&P) 12:18; 2 Becky Mills (Scarborough) 12:28; 3 Loren Bleaken (TBAC) 12:37. WEST: 9 Miranda Sadler (B&W) 13:06; 10 Annie Ingram (TBAC) 13:07; 12 Annasley Park (B&W) 13:26; 15 Harriet Rogers (Taunton) 13:58; 17 Corrigan Cox (GS) 14:07; 22 Shannon Carroll (GS) 14:15; 31 Lucy Goudsward (GS) 14:33; 34 Holly Russell-Jones (GS) 14:38; 37 Sadie Melhuish (GS) 14:45; 43 Bethan Tomlinson (GS) 14:56; 46 Katy Townsend (GS) 15:01; 50 Jessica Robins (GS) 15:16.
U13 girls: 1 Lydia Turner (North east) 9:46; 2 Katie Rowe (Guernsey) 9:47; 3 Charlotte Cayton-Smith (N&P) 9:50. WEST: 9 Amy Cooper (Marlbro) 10:19; 19 Emily Dowle (GS) 11:10; 20 Clemmie Montgomerie (GS) 11:18; 24 Ellie Parker (NSAC) 11:29; 25 Claudia Ovens (GS) 11:31; 26 Emily Moss (GS) 11:35; 27 Judith Richards (GS) 11:36; 28 Georgina Bathurst (GS) 11:39; 33 Phoebe Crawley (GS) 11:44; 34 Izzy Moulding (GS) 11:47; 35 Georgia Gordon (GS) 11:49; 436 Jasmine Hart (GS) 11:51; 37 Abigail Ball (NSAC) 11:59; 45 Gemma Green (GS) 12:16; 49 Hebe Field (GS) 12:24.
Freedman feels the Force! - 18/01/10
TAVISTOCK AC's international triathlete Peter Freedman opened the 2010 season with victory in the Storm Force 10 miles road race, the opening event in the 2010 Cornish Grand Prix. Freedman clocked 53mins 10secs for 28 second gap over Cornish champion Kevin Toher with Matt Pullen almost a further minute behind in third.
Storm Force 10 miles road race, Camborne - men: 1 Peter Freedman (Tavi) 53:10; 2 Kevin Toher (NRR) 53:28; 3 Matt Pullen (Corn) 54:22. Women: 1 Emma Stallard (Corn, W35) 61:47; 2 Lucy Kelvey (NRR, W35) 64:05; 3 Suzy Bosustow (Corn, W35) 64:54. 397 finishers.
Matthews smashes Rollick record - 18/01/10
FORMER Chepstow runner Phillip Matthews smashed the course record to win the Riverbank Rollick held from Thornbury, in south Gloucestershire. Matthews, who now runs for Swansea Harriers, finished 48 seconds clear of Stroud's Lee Rankin from a record field of 258 finishers.
Riverbank Rollick 8.7 miles multi terrain race, Thornbury - senior men: 1 Philip Matthews (Swansea) 54:57 (course record); 2 Lee Rankin (Stroud) 55:45; 3 Robert Hicks (Town & Country Harriers) 58:43. Teams: 1 Chepstow.
Women: 1 Katherine Matthews (Chepstow) 1:03:33; 2 Marianne Gittoes ( Chepstow) 1:05:59; 3 Chloe Felton ( UWE Athletics Club) 1:08:10 . Teams: 1 Chepstow. 258 finishers.
New Devon relay makes a big splash - 18/01/10
THE inaugural East Devon Way Relay from Exmouth to Lyme Regis has been pronounced a big success.
Fears that the event would fall victim of the big freeze proved unfounded as glorious running conditions greeted the runners of the 14 teams for the 9.30am start on Exmouth sea front.
Over the following 42 miles the Exmouth Harriers'' squad of Dave Stone, Mike Musgrove, Joe Morter and Jamie Pearson exerted their dominance to win by twenty minutes in a time of 4hrs 56mins from Axe Valley Runners' B team.
"It was a spectacular event and everyone seemed to love it," said race organiser Chris Irving. "Everyone said they are looking forward to coming back again next year."
While the snow and ice had disappeared runners shad to navigate a flood on the lanes between Colyford and Musbury, wading through waist-high water.
East Devon Way Relay, Exmouth to Lyme Regis 42 miles : 1 Exmouth Harriers 4hrs 56mins (Dave Stone, Mike Musgrove, Joe Morter, Jamie Pearson); 2 Axe Valley Runners B 5:16 (Chris Keefe, John Blackledge, Ian Apps, James Jackson); ; 3 AVR 5:23 (Gary Perratt, Dominic Schneiders, Phil Bayliss, Richard Hale); 4 Maiden Newton 5:24; 5 Rampersand Raiders (SRC, SWRR, & Exeter Tri) 5:25. Mixed: 1 Exmouth Harriers 6:12
It's on! East Devon Way Relay goes ahead - 15/01/10
AXE Valley Runners have confirmed that the inaugural East Devon Way Relay on Sunday will go ahead. The race starts from Exmouth at 9.30am and covers the south west coastal footpath to Lyme Regis.
Latest: Westward League called off - 13/01/10
IT has just been confirmed that the course at Bideford is too icy and dangerous to hold the Westward league fixture on Sunday. As a result the organsiers have cancelled the event. All the scores for the end of season awards will be based on the best 4 from 5 results.
Westward League is still looking good - 13/01/10
ORGANISERS of the Brooks Westward Cross Country League, due to be held in Bideford on Sunday, are confident the fixture will go ahead.
Exeter Harriers will be out in force with Katherine Humphreys (seniors) and Anna Rust (Under 17s) both looking for good performances while South West Road Runners are also likely to have a strong presence.
If the weather deteriorates again and you have any doubts on whether the event will go ahead keep a close eye on the Ironbridge Runner website.
Coasters confirm new date for Obelisk race - 13/01/10
DAWLISH Coasters have confirmed that the ‘Oh my Obelisk' race, which was postponed last Sunday due to the bad weather, will now be held on Sunday February 7th. For further information on how to enter see the race website at: www.dawlishcoasters.co.uk
And January's Street 5k is also switched - 13/01/10
FOLLOWING the postponement of tonight's Street 5k organising club Wells City Harriers have confirmed the race will now be staged on Wednesday January 27th (7.30pm) with entries taken on the night as usual.