Pavey facing World class field in Manchester 10k - 16/05/08

JO Pavey will have to defeat a mighty African challenge if she is to retain her BUPA Great Manchester 10k title on Sunday.
Kenya’s Catherine Ndereba, who won the marathon at the World Championships in Osaka last year to add to her solver medal at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens and Ethiopian legend Derartu Tulu, the Olympic 10,000 champion in Sydney eight years ago, are formidable opponents to Pavey.
“This is exactly the sort of test I want at this time of the year and the type of race I need,” said Pavey, who competes for Exeter Harriers.
“You put yourself on the line and give it a go. Then we will see what happens on the day.”
A year ago Pavey defeated a top class field to win the event in a personal best time of 31mins 47secs. She may have to run even quicker on Sunday but win or lose Pavey will not lose sight of the fact that her ultimate target is reaching the final of the 10,000m at the Olympic Games, in Beijing, in August.

Still time to enter Bideford 10k - 16/05/08

THE Bideford 10k takes place on Sunday from Bideford AC sports club opposite Victoria Park (11am).
Entries will be taken on the day – but no later than 10.30am - and for further information contact Gill Daniel (tel: 07816 490966).

Bristol & West seek British Masters title No 4 - 16/05/08

BRISTOL & West AC send a strong squad to defend their title at the British Masters Road Relay Championships at Sutton Park.
Phil Parry, Dan Moore, Clive Bromhall and Martin Hula lead the team with newcomer Andrew Harrison, John Duncan, Mick O’Doherty and Alec Woods completing the squad.
The club has won the event for the past three years and team manager Mike Down is confident of extending that remarkable success.
“I don’t think there will be many better squads than ours,” said Down.

Parry targets £100 cash boost at Keynsham 10k - 16/05/08

THE Bristol & West AC pair of Phil Parry and Claire Hallissey will be looking to defend their titles at the 21st Keynsham Scouts 10k road race on Sunday (11am).
The event is held from the Cadbury sport’s ground at Somerdale and a wide variety of prizes are on offer, including £100 to the top man and woman.
Entries will be taken on the day and for further information contact Charles Sanders (tel: 0117 986 5104) or log onto the race website at: www. 1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk
The course records are currently held by Martin Hula (31mins 12secs, 19990 and Amy Chalk (35:44, 2002). Last year’s races were won by the

* Avon Valley Runners stage their annual Shaw & Whitley Stampede 6 miles multi terrain from Beeches Playing Field in Shaw, near Melksham, Wiltshire (11am). Entries are taken on the day.

Reed closes in on Olympic Games dream - 15/05/08

KATE Reed is within touching distance of realising a lifelong ambition to represent Great Britain in the Olympic Games.
The 25-year-old Bristol & West AC runner took a huge stride towards competing in Beijing in August after achieving UK Athletics’ Olympic qualifying standard for the 10,000m.
Competing in the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational, Stanford University, California, last weekend Reed produced a superb performance to run a lifetime best of 31mins 35.77secs, ten seconds inside UKA’s A standard for Beijing.
The time puts Reed top of the 2008 UK Rankings and only Exeter Harriers’ Jo Pavey, who finished fourth in the 10,000m at the World Championships last year, has run quicker (31:26.94) in the past twelve months.
The pair are the only British runners to date who have achieved the standard so putting them in pole position to be selected for the event when the team is announced later this summer.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the time, I was so shocked,” said Reed
“I was running with a third group of women in the race and I led for 21 laps and was happy to do that as no-one was in front of me. I ran my own race and went through 5000m in 15minins 46secs and only ran the second half a couple of seconds slower.
“I have trained so hard for this, really worked my socks off so I’m delighted.”
Nonetheless, Reed is tempering her excitement about going to the Olympic Games for the first time until she finally receives the letter telling her it is official.
“I think I am safe but nothing is black and white,” added Reed.
“I have done the A standard along with Jo and there are three places available so hopefully I will get one of those.”
UKA’s official 10,000m trials are scheduled for next month but there now seems little point in Reed running as she would have nothing to gain - and a lot to lose.
She is also managing a long-standing Achilles tendon injury and doesn’t want to risk worsening it by running another 10k until she has to.

Stone cruises to Ivybridge 10k victory - 15/05/08

DEVON international Kairn Stone followed up his victory in the Great West Run half marathon with an easy win in the Ivybridge 10k.
Somers AC’s Daniel Stevens returned from university to win his home club’s Cowpat Canter 10k multi terrain race and defeat pre-race favourite Vito Graffagnino, who had won the opening Towpath 10k race two days earlier.

Cowpat Canter 10k multi terrain race, Midsomer Norton – men; 1 Daniel Stevens (Somer) 37:34; 2 Vito Graffagnino (Cleve) 38:02; 3 nathan Young (Mendip, U20) 39;29; 4 Mitch Piddock 40;28; 5 David Tomlin (Teignbridge T) 40;44; 6 Peter Killey (M0) 41:3. M50: Nigel Stone (Somer) 46:03.
Women: 1 Jess Sanzo (unatt) 48:06; 2 Diane Hier (Warminster, W40) 48;46; 3 Claire Prosser (untt) 49;55; 4 Frances Bird (Weston) 50:04. 226 finishers.

Ivybridge 10k – men; 1 Kairn Stone (NEC) 32:06; 2 Tom Merson (SWRR) 32;59; 3 Jim Cole (Tavi) 33;41; 4 Pete Waumsley (Tama T) 34:03; 5 Peter Monaghan (Torbay, M40) 34:07; 6 Lee Turner (Torbay) 34:58.
M45; 1 Kerry Roberts (Tiv) 36;21. M55: John Shapland (NDRR) 36:52. M60: Bill Atkinson (Dart) 42:22
Women: 1 Helen Parkinson (Torbay) 36;58; 2 Revis Crowle (ECH, W45) 39:08; 3 Annette Bruce (Plymstock RR) 39;14; 4 Alison Thorne (WRN) 39;36;
552 finishers

GWR Towpath 120k multi terrain race – men; 1 Vito Graffagnino (Cleve) 32;37; 2 Billy Sheppard (Cleve) 332; 3 Mike Blackmore (BRR) 33;48; 4 John Duncan (B&W, M50) 35;50; 5 Craig Liddell 36;25; 6 Chris Ledgard (GWR) 36:28; 7 Clive Richards (Cleve, M45) 36;47; 8 Jon Bamber (GWR, M45) 37:00.
Women: 1 Niccola Brookland (B&W) 37:14; 2 Lisa Newing (B&W) 40;23; 3 Julia Belyavin (B&W) 40:49. W40: 1 Aileen Brown (GWR) 40;48.

Deadline looming for Ivybridge 10k road race - 08/05/08

ENTRIES for this weekend’s Ivybridge 10k road race close tomorrow - and none will be taken on the evening.
So if you still want to enter this popular event, which starts from Ivybridge Station car park on Saturday (6.30pm), log onto the race website at: www.evh.5u.com or call race organiser Keith Reed (tel: 01752 893573).

Grizzly splashes the cash to charities - 08/05/08

AXE Valley Runners chairman Gary Phillips has presented £15,000 to 39 charities and organisations as a result of this year's Grizzly run. Some of the charities supported were Amnesty International, Devon Air Ambulance, Ellies Haven, Exeter Kidney Unit, MacMillan Cancer, RSPB, Tibet Foundation and Water Aid.

Cornish star Toher turns the clock back - 08/05/08

FORMER Great Britain junior international Kevin Toher ran his first steeplechase for 16 years to win the 3000m event at the Southern League Division Three West fixture at Par, in Cornwall.
The 35-year-old Newquay & Par athlete, who had a terrific cross country season, turned the clock back with an emphatic win in a time of 9mins 40.4secs to help the Cornish club to an easy victory.

O'Doherty tames the Tor in 10k victory - 07/05/08

MICK O’Doherty produced his best run of the year to win the new-look Glastonbury 10k road race.
The Bristol & West AC veteran proved too strong for veteran rival Jon James, of Wells City Harriers, as he claimed top prize in a time of 32mins 44secs with James twelve seconds adrift.
Wells runner Eddie Richards was third and first local athlete and top Devon athlete was North Devon Road Runners’ super vet John Shapland in fifth.
Exeter Harriers’ Gordon was second vet over 50 and Langport Runners’ Jim Hill won the over 60s prize.
Wells City Harrier Clare Martin was top woman in 13th place overall while veteran Jenny Moore was runner-up.

Men: 1 Mick O’Doherty (B&W, M40) 32:44; 2 Jon James (Wells, M40) 32:56; 3 Eddie Richards (Wells) 33:57.
M50: John Shapland (NDRR) 35:53; 2 Gordon Seward (Exe) 36:06. M60: Jim Hill (Langport) 42:22.
Women: 1 Clare Martin (Wells) 37:20; Jenny Moore (Wells, W35) 40:11; 3 Steph Moss (Tiv) 45:22. 349 finishers.

West star wendy snaps up the £1000 Bristol 10k bonus - 05/05/08

WEST international Wendy Nicholls claimed the £1000 top prize as overall winner and top Brit in yesterday’s inaugural Bristol 10k road race.
Nicholls enjoyed an excellent win over Louise Damen, just one second separating the pair at the finish of the senior women’s race.
Telford’s Clare Martin was third and Nikki Brookland, who competes for Bristol & West AC, was the first local runner in sixth. Bristol team-mate Sian Monahan was eighth and top veteran over 40.
African Jean Ndayasenga, dominated the men’s race to win with a swift 29mins 08secs, the fastest time in the country this year.
Ndayasenga and his Birchfield team-mate and training partner Zak Kihara set a fast early pace as they clipped through the opening kilometre in 2mins 50secs.
Kihara paid for that pace as his training partner soared further ahead to win with Tipton Harriers’ British international Phil Nicholls claiming second spot and Kihara finishing third.
Top west runner was Wells City Harrier Adrian Marriott in fourth place while Bristol & West AC’s Jon Wills smashed his personal best to finish seventh and claim the prize as top local runner.

Men: 1 Jean Ndayasenga (Birch/Burundi) 29:08; 2 Phil Nicholls (Tip) 29:35; 3 Zak Kihara (Birch/Kenya) 29;50; 4 Adrian Marriott (Wells) 30:30; 5 Mark Williams (Tip) 30;43; 6 Toby Lambert (Alton) 30;43; 7 Jon Wills (B&W) 30;46; 8 Alan O’Shea 30:59; 9 Rob Whalley (B&W, M40) 31:16; 10 Ewen Malloch (WG) 31;33; 11 mark Jennings (Card0) 31;44; 12 Julian Emery (Cleve, M40) 31:51; 13 Chris Powner 32:04; 14 Phil Parry (B&W, M45) 32:23; 15 Oli Mott (B&W) 32:28.
Women: 1 Wendy Nicholls (Ciren, W35) 34:07; 2 Louise Damen (Winch) 34:08; 3 Claire Martin (Telf) 34;16; 4 Karen Haslett 35:46; 5 Catherine Dugdale (Card) 37:15; 6 Nikki Brookland (B&W) 37:41; 7 Jo Bartlett (WRN) 38;22; 8 SIan Monahan (B&W, W45) 38;32; 9 Michelle Curnow (Bitt RR) 39:47; 10 Lisa newing (B&W) 40;12; 12 Steph Barnes (B&W, U23) 41:03


Kairn's Great run puts him in a different league - 04/05/08

KAIRN Stone destroyed his rivals with a superb display of front-running to win the 24th Friends Provident Great West Run half marathon in Exeter.
The Plymouth-based teacher took the lead from the gun and his winning time of 70mins 26secs left him over two minutes clear of defending champion Mark Croasdale.
“The Great West is one of my favourite courses,” said Stone. “The hills are very gradual and there are some long downhill stretches and that really gives you the chance to open your legs.”
Stone, who will attempt to win the Plymouth and Torbay races, also paid tribute to the support along the course.
“The crowd was fantastic,” added Stone. “There were loads of people sitting out on the road side clapping and cheering. It was brilliant.”
There was a real battle for the runner-up spot between defending champion Mark Croasdale and Exmouth-based Tom Merson, who competes for South West Road Runners.
Merson led early on but the experienced Croasdale paced his effort well to move ahead at nine miles and claim second spot in 72:53, 26 seconds clear of Merson.
“Mark was just too strong for me,” said Merson, who was nonetheless delighted at finishing first local runner.
Fourth was Exeter-based Francis Malone-Lee, who has moved down from Guildford while the next three places were filled by Exeter Harriers.
Nick Woollett, Peter Stockman and Dave Wilkinson finished fifth, sixth and seventh respectively and with Adam Stobbs not far behind the Harriers should claim the men’s team prize, though that had yet to be confirmed.
Twenty-two years after she first won the half marathon the 46-year-old Exmouth Harrier Cathy Newman underlined what a great competitor she is with an emphatic victory.
Newman and Torbay AC rival Helen Parkinson ran together for the opening three miles before Newman edged clear and opened a gap that stretched to 59 seconds by the finish line which she crossed in 1hour11mins 10secs.
“I have run it a few times since then but not for a couple of years now so it is great to come back and win it again. I’m pretty pleased with that,” said Newman, who now lives in north Devon.
Third place went to Exeter-based Elizabeth Kennett, who moved to the city with her work for the Met Office.
“Today is my first half marathon and I really enjoyed it,” said the 32-year-old, who clocked 3hrs 15mins in the recent London Marathon.
Race administrator Mark Cowen said the event had been a great success.
“It has been a fantastic day and the race has gone very smoothly,” said Cowen.

Friends Provident Great West Run (provisional results) – men: 1 Kairn Stone (NEB) 70:26; 2 Mark Croasdale (Marines) 72:53; 3 Tom Merson (SWRR) 73:19; 4 Francis Malone-Lee (unatt) 77:09; 4 Nick Woollett (Exe) 73:29; 6 Pete Stockman (Exe) 73:49; 7 Dave Wilkinson (Exe, M45) 78:37; 8 Kerry Roberts (Tiv, M454) 78:46; 9 Dave Quinn 78:56; 10 Angus Henderson (YO) 79:29.
Women: 1 Cathy Newman (Exm, W45) 81:11; 2 Helen Parkinson (Torbay, W40) 82:10; 3 Liz Kennett (unatt) 88:20; 4 Amelia Hall (Torbay) 90:42; 5 Deborah Pitoccco 92:10; 6 Monica Stewart 92:35.

Croasdale returns to defend his Great West Run title - 03/05/08

DEFENDING champion Mark Croasdale will line up for the 24th Friends Provident Great West Run half marathon, in Exeter, tomorrow.
The 2007 champion, who was formerly based at Lympstone with the Royal Marines but is now working up north, is returning to defend his title just two weeks after running the London marathon, where he won the Inter Services title.
Croasdale is a hardened, tough competitor and at his best he would have given race favourite Kairn Stone a real battle but the Plymouth-based teacher will be the man to beat tomorrow as he attempts to win a hat-trick of west titles with the Plymouth and Torbay half marathons to follow.
“I will be running the Great West, Plymouth and Torbay half marathons and I am hoping to win them all,” said Stone.
“It will be a tough challenge but I’m in decent shape and looking forward to it.”
With Totnes-based Ashley Humphreys, the 2007 runner-up and Exeter’s Andrew Chambers, who was third last year, both missing Sunday the race to make the podium should be an intriguing one.
Exmouth-based Tom Merson, who competes for South West Road Runners, showed he was in good form with a recent personal best of 53mins 42secs in the Plymouth Hoe 10 and could well finish first local man.
The 22-year-old was sixth twelve months ago (75mins 12secs) and later improved his personal best to 72:54 in the Torbay half.
Former champion Dave Cameron, who is a member of South West Road Runners, will be among the top veterans along with Exmouth Harriers’ Roger Rowe and Tiverton Harriers’ Kerry Roberts, the 2007 over 45s champion.
Nick Woollett, who was seventh last year, could be the leading Exeter Harrier.
With Honiton Running Club’s Heather Foundling-Hawker not entered there will be a new women’s champion.
Exmouth Harriers’ veteran Cathy Newman will be among the contenders for the title and can expect competition from Torbay’s Helen Parkinson
Karen Cook will be hoping to lead the South West Road Runners’ challenge while Tiverton’s Caroline Hewitt will be eying the veterans’ over 40s award.
“It could be quite a battle,” said race organiser Mark Cowen.
The race, which reached its 3000 limit some time ago, starts at 9.30am from the Exeter Arena with the first competitor due back at around 10.40.
The family fun run starts at 9.40am while today (SATURDAY) there is a 5k fun run at 4.30pm. Entries will be taken at the Exeter Arena.


BMC races in Exeter are a huge success - 02/05/08

THERE was a fantastic turn-out off 99 runners for the opening British Milers’ Club meeting at the Exeter Arena on Tuesday night.
“When I first took the event over we got around 40 runners taking part so to have 99 tonight is fantastic,” said organiser Truro-based John Knowles, who was ably assisted on the night by Mark Brace of North Devon AC.
The pair and the BMC are to be congratulated for their work in promoting this series of races which are so popular with middle distance runners. Top performers on the night were British junior international Joanne Harvey (2:11.07) and Michael Cole (1:53.89).
The next meeting will be on Tuesday May 27th (1500m men and women).

local pride and cash bonus at stake in new Bristol 10k - 02/05/08

A strong Bristol & West AC entry is headed by veteran international Rob Whalley in Monday’s first Bristol 10k road race (9.30am).
Despite recently turning 40 Whalley will want to show he is still the man to beat and earn the £500 on offer to the first British runner.
But – younger – clubmates Robbie Bugden, Ollie Mott and Jon Wills will be hoping to show they are now the main men and their contest should provide an intriguing sub-plot to the event.
Whether they or any of the other top British runners like Phil Nicholls of Tipton Harriers or Toby Lambert, can beat the strong African presence led by Birchfield Harriers’ Burundi athlete Jean Ndayasenga, who boasts a personal best of 28mins 33secs, remains to be seen.
If they did then they would earn a tidy £1,000 with £500 on offer to the first man overall on top of the British only prize list.
There is probably a better chance of a British athlete winning the women’s race with internationals Wendy Nicholls and Louise Damen in the line-up to take on the sole African challenger, Kenyan Caroline Cheptanui, who has a 31:55 best on her CV.
If she produces that then Cheptanui will win it but don’t rule out the Brits.
Further cash prizes are being offered down to sixth place overall and among British runners while there are Up & Running vouchers for the leading veteran performers, the top three local runners to finish and the leading teams.
For many the goal is a fast time and technical advisor Ray Jaeckels believes that weather permitting the Bristol course offers that chance.
“I think it is a very fast course, possibly the fastest course you could find in Bristol,” said Jaeckels.

Stone hopes to launch hat-trick bid in Exeter's Great West Run - 01/05/08

WEST international Kairn Stone will launch his bid this weekend to claim a unique hat-trick of half marathon titles.
The 31-year-old Plymouth-based teacher will line up for the Friends Provident Great West Run in Exeter (9.30am) on Sunday on stage one of his tour around the west country.
“I will be running the Great West, Plymouth and Torbay half marathons and I am hoping to win them all,” said Stone.
“It will be a tough challenge but I’m in decent shape and looking forward to it.”
Stone, who is also an accomplished duathlete, will start favourite for this year’s race.
The 2007 champion Mark Croasdale, who was formerly based in Devon with the Royal Marines, is returning to defend his title just two weeks after running the London marathon, where he won the Inter Services title but is unlikely to hold Stone at his best.

Glastonbury Tor event switches to 10k distance - 01/05/08

IF you missed the entry deadline for Sunday’s Great West Run half marathon or the new Bristol 10k on Monday then there is also the 27th Glastonbury road race on Sunday (11.15am).
For the first time the event has been extended to 10k from its previous traditional 5.7 miles around Glastonbury Tor.
Once again an attractive package of prizes totalling £1,000 is on offer and for entry details log onto the race website at: www.mendipac.org.uk

Ironbridge Runner is backing Exeter 5k series - 30/04/08

WITH the support of Exeter’s Ironbridge Runner shop a new series of 5k road races has been launched in Devon this summer.
The series will be held over a traffic-free, two-lap course from Flowerpots Playing Fields, in Exeter, on Thursday evenings (7.30pm) with the series kicking off on July 3rd.
Further events will be held on August 7th and September 4th and further details can be obtained from calling Ironbridge Runner (tel: 01392 493800) or log onto the race website at: ww.ironbridgerunner.co.uk

Ivybridge 10k - get your entries in NOW - 30/04/08

A reminder that strictly no entries will be accepted on the evening for the Ivybridge 10k road race next Saturday (May 10th) which starts at 6.30pm from the station car park. Anyone wishing to enter should log onto the race website at: www.evh.5u.com

South West to send teams to 2009 London mini marathon - 30/04/08

IT has been confirmed that England Athletics South West will be invited to send teams to the adidas London mini marathon next year.
In previous years only the top counties, based on results at the English Schools’ Championships, have been able to enter so this change in rules will allow young athletes from all over the west country to take part in the event which is held on the same day as the Flora London Marathon.

Ward canters to victory at Arlington - 30/04/08

THE Bideford AC pair of John Ward and Wayne Stephens enjoyed a one-two in the 12th Arlington Court Canter 10k multi terrain race.
Ward, who is on the comeback trail after a period out of the sport, was the clear winner in a time of 35mins 52secs, almost a minute ahead of Stephens (36:51) with Torbay veteran Peter Monaghan third (37:12).
Veteran Vicky Skelton, of North Devon Road Runners, won the women’s race (43:42) from Holly Symons of Great Western Runners (45:12) with Deborah Pitocco, of South Devon AC, third (45:32).

Sam's asthma misery robs Bristol & West of medal chance - 28/04/08

AS asthma attack to one of their star runners almost certainly denied Bristol & West AC’s senior women the chance of a medal at the Women’s 6-Stage Road Relay Championships.
Sam Gray was well placed as she took over on the fifth and penultimate stage but the Welsh athlete was left gasping on the Sutton park course, in Birmingham.
“Twice Sam was reduced to a walk due to the asthma,” said team manager Mike Down.
Despite not feeling well Gray battled bravely to the finish having dropped a place to fifth. Claire Hallissey then ran the fastest time of the day for the club to retrieve one position to fourth but Winchester were fifty seconds clear to claim the bronze medals.
“Sam was very upset afterwards and felt she had let down the girls,” added Down.
In the men’s race Wells City Harriers’ GB international Frank Tickner caught the eye with a sparkling 13mins 55secs fro the short 3.1 miles stage, 16 seconds slower than Harrow’s 1500m specialist Andy Baddeley.
Wells eventually finished 12th with Bristol & West Ac the top west club in eighth place.

Men’s 12-Stage Road Relay Championships: 1 Leeds City AC 4:09.40; 2 Notts AC 4:11.01; 3 Belgrave Harriers 4:11.58.
8 Bristol & West AC 4:17.39 (Jon Wills 26:41, Richard Peters 15:02, Craig Peters 27:59, Steve Mitchell 15:22, Oliver Mott 28:01, Mick O’Doherty 15:30, Robbie Bugden 27:25, Alec Woods 15:44, Phil Wylie 26:40, Dan Moore 15:43, Phil Parry 28:31, Dave Bishop 15:01).
West clubs: 12 Wells City Harriers 4:23.34 (Eliot Haimes 27:50, Jack Bancroft 16:25, Ben Tickner 26:47, Frank Tickner 13:55, Andrew Hennessy 27:38, Jon Gilling 16:23, Peter Grist 28:59, Rob Parfit 16:47, Alan Jones 30:05, Eddie Richards 15:59, Adrian Marriot 27:01, John James 15:45); 22 Cheltenham Harriers 4:33.36; 48 Cirencester AC 4:56.22; 52 Severn AC 5:07.12.
Fastest – long: J Ndayesenga (Birch) 25;33. Short: Andy Baddeley (Harrow) 13:39; 2 Frank Tickner (Wells) 13:55

Women’s 6-Stage Road Relay Championships – 1 Aldershot, Farnham & District 1:41.48; 2 Chester le Street 1:41.52; 3 Winchester 1:44.45; 4 Bristol & West AC 1:45.35 (Charlotte Coffey 17:04, Rebekah Randall 16:57, Heidi Moulder 17:46, Imogen Ainsworth 17:46, Sam Gray 19:21, Claire Hallissey 16:41); 5 Charnwood 1;46.27; 6 Birchfield Harriers 1:46.37.
West clubs: 13 Bristol & West AC B 1:50.40 (Vicky Tester 18:17, Helen Taylor 18:33, Clare Conway 18:39, Sian Monahan 17:59, Lisa Newing 19:01, Debbie Niccol 18:10). 36 Westbury Harriers 2:03.08 (Lynne Gallagher 19:03, Emma Smith 19:54, Pat Gallagher 20:46, Evita Gonzalez 21:07, Heather Potten 21:39, Kelly Winstone 20:39).

Wills cashes in on Pensford 10k victory - 28/04/08

JON Wills scooped the £100 top prize for winning the Pensford 10k road race, improving from third place twelve months ago.
Nikki Brookland completed a Bristol & West AC double by winning the women’s race from Wells City Harrier Anna Lewis.

Pensford 10k, north Somerset – men; 1 Jon Wills (B&W) 33:35; 2 Oli Mott (B&W) 34:17; 3 Phil Matthews (Chep) 35:19; 4 Dan Noad (B&W) 36:26; 5 Nathan Young (Mendip, U18) 37;46; 6 Markus Schlosser (unatt) 38:44; 7 Martin Bird (NRC, M40) 39:29; 8 Nikki Brookland (B&W, 1st woman) 39:45
M40; 2 Charles le Bek (unatt) 40:39; 3 Mark Curtis (TRC) 40;45. M50: 1 Leslie Lock (Wells) 40:37; 2 Graham Grew (GWR) 42:17; 3 Bob Porter (GWR) 42;49. M60: Vic Garner (HT) 44:34
Women: 1 Brookland; 2 Anna Lewis (Wells) 41:42; 3 Sally Curnow (Bitt RR, W40) 45:27. W40; 2 Maria Powell (NRC) 45:57. W50: Sonia Chant (unatt) 48:40

Team Bath on top as record field line sup at Corsham - 28/04/08

TEAM Bath AC swept up the team prizes as a record field of 630 runners completed the St George’s 10k race in Corsham, Wiltshire.

St George’s 10k road race, Corsham – men: 1 Paul Synott (TBAC, M40) 35:30; 2 Frances Okumu (Army) 35;57; 3 Luke Quilliam (Bitt RR) 36:05.
M40: 2 Paul Cox (TBAC) 36:15; 3 Neil Urquhart (TBAC) 37;20. M50; Paul Dodd (Chipp) 37:00. Teams: 1 Team Bath AC.
Women: 1 Georgia Wood (unatt) 38:30; 2 Jenny Carter (TBAC, W35) 40:41; 3 Jane Khan (W’bury) 41:00. W35; 2 Anita Mellowdew (TBAC) 42;36; 3 Melanie Rood (unatt) 42:57. W40: Alison Vuagniaux (TBAC) 43:21. U18: Naomi Webber (unatt) 49;10. Teams: 1 Team Bath AC.

Cheers! Multi terrain specialist Vito romps to victory - 28/04/08

TOUGH Guy champion Vito Graffagnino was in a class of his own in winning the Wrington Woodland 10k multi terrain race, Cleeve, north Somerset,.
Weston AC’s Frances Bird won the women’s race Maria Powell of Nailsea running Club.

Wrington Woodland 10k multi terrain race, Cleeve, north Somerset – men; 1 Vito Graffagnino (Clev) 36:02; 2 Jim Plunket-Cole (Frome) 40:02; 3 Simon Tucker (Cheddar) 40:03; 4 Matt Evans (unatt) 40:35; 5 Pat Foley (PRC, M40) 40:50; 6 Stuart Hancock (Cleve, M40) 40:59; 7 Malcolm Treby (TBAC) 42:05; 8 Shaun Callaghan (Weston, M40) 42:59; 9 Adrian Noble (Weston, M40) 43:02; 10 Ben Cox (Cheddar) 43:03. M50: John Mallone (NRC) 45:08. M60; Roger Trubridge (unatt) 44:26.
Women: 1 Frances Bird (Weston) 45:58; 2 Maria Powell (NRC, W40) 46:49; 3 Kate Britten (Clev) 47:18

Top ten is Down's target at national road relay championships - 25/04/08

TEAM manager Mike Down has set the Bristol & West AC senior women a minimum top ten goal in the English 6-Stage Road relay Championships at Sutton Park, Birmingham, tomorrow.
While the club’s men strive to reach the holy grail of winning a medal in this prestigious event, arguably the greatest test of a club’s strength-in-depth, Bristol’s women have achieved that twice in the last three years.
Victory in 2005 was arguably Down’s finest hour as team boss followed by third in 2006 and seventh place last year.
Hopes of getting back amongst the medals have been hit by the loss of Kate Reed as she is off to America to prepare for a crack at the Olympic Games qualifying time for the 10,000m.
Also Lucy Hasell and Amy Chalk are both recovering from recent marathons while Cornish runner Katie Knowles has been ill.
“I think we are definitely capable of a top ten place and maybe if things go our way perhaps a top six,” said Down.

St George 10k organisers expecting big turn out - 25/04/08

ORGANISERS of the St George 10k road race, in Corsham, are hoping for another huge turn-out on Sunday ( 11am ) to beat last year’s record of 559 runners.
Registration is at Corsham Football Club and late entries are advised to get there as early as possible. For further details log onto the race website at: www.corshamrunningclub.co.uk

Cash bonus on offer for Pensford 10k record breakers - 25/04/08

ENTRIES for the popular Pensford 10k road race, in north Somerset, on Sunday ( 1pm ), which offers £100 for the top man and woman, will be taken on the day. The race starts from Pensford Memorial Hall and for further information log onto the race website at; www.pensford10k.com

Galt facing the best in World Schools' Championships - 24/04/08

ROB GALT steps onto the international stage today when he lines up in the World Schools’ Cross Country Championships.
The 15-year-old Westbury Harrier from Wotton-under-Edge, south Gloucestershire, is in the England team for the race being held in Zdar nad Sazavau, south east of Prague in the Czech Republic .
Galt won his place in the team after finishing third in the English Schools’ Championships last month and according to coach Tom Watson is eagerly looking forward to his first international race abroad.
“It is going to be a big step up for Rob running at this level,” said Watson.
“It is difficult to compete in a race like this when you have no idea what the standard will be but it is sure to be high with the Chinese and Moroccans there.
“I have told Rob to focus on the other British runners and give it a real go. He is looking forward to it and is sure to gain a lot from the experience.”

Heywood pulls out of 12-Stage Road Relay showdown - 24/04/08

KEVIN Heywood has been forced to withdraw from the Bristol & West AC team for the National 12-Stage Road Relay Championships on Saturday.
Heywood won’t be travelling to Sutton Park, in Birmingham from his home near Bude as he is still recovering from the Flora London Marathon.
“Kevin said his legs are still shot to bits so he can’t make it,” said team manager. “That’s understandable but he’ll be a big loss.”
New signing Andrew Chambers is also out following his on-going groin problem.

British Milers' Club's new season opening at Exeter Arena - 24/04/08

THE first BMC meeting at the Exeter Arena will be on Tuesday April 29th and will feature 800m for men and women.
Further BMC races at the Arean will be held on the following dates: Tuesday may 27th (1500m men and women); Tuesday June 24th (800m men and women); Tuesday July 29th (1500m men and women0 and finally Tuesday August 26th (800m men and women).
For entry details log onto the BMC website at; www.britishmilersclub.com

Coach Rush backs his marathon star wife to go even faster - 24/04/08

COACH Martin Rush believes that his wife Holly can go even faster this year after improving her personal best to 2:37.34 in the Zurich marathon last weekend.
“We know there are a few things we can work on to improve Holly’s time,” said Martin.
“If she can keep training well I’m sure there is room to go faster and after a good rest an autumn marathon is a definite possibility.”

Fancy a canter at Arlington Court? - 24/04/08

ENTRIES are flowing in for the Arlington Court Canter 10k multi terrain race, staged near Barnstaple, this Sunday.
For further information contact Tom McClenaghan (tel: 01271 850469) or log onto the race website at; www.northdevonroadrunners.webeden.co.uk

Wylie delight at British title victory - 23/04/08

SOMERSET TEACHER Phil Wylie is the new British Duathlon champion.
The 28-year-old from Shepton Mallett, who competes for Bristol & West AC, defied bitterly cold wind and rain at Tredegar Country Park, in Wales, to claim victory in the event that comprises a 10k run, 40k bike ride and a final 5k run.
“This is the best result I have ever had by some distance, I’m ecstatic,” said Wylie.
“I was fifth last year and 21st a couple of years ago so to finally win and beat a very good field is brilliant. The race worked out perfectly for me.”
The victory now guarantees Wylie a place in the GB team for the European Duathlon Championships, in Greece, next month. Also joining him will be Bristol-based Oli Mott, who finished runner-up but Plymouth-based Kairn Stone opted to give the championships a miss.

Why Wendy was not happy with Highworth victory - 23/04/08

WEST international Wendy Nicholls reclaimed her Highworth 5 miles title but was well outside her 2006 course record time of 27mins 03secs.
“I was disappointed with my time today and my 27:50 was nowhere near my course record,” said Nicholls, who has been struggling with an Achilles tendon problem.
“At least I was pain free today so that is a good thing but I literally just couldn’t go any faster!”
London-based Simon Plummer ran away with the men’s title and finished just five seconds outside Mark Flint’s course record of 24:44, set eight years ago.
Cirencester AC’s Chris Illman, finished runner-up in a new personal best and club record time of 25:42.

Highworth 5 miles road race, Wiltshire – men: 1 Simon Plummer (WGWEL) 24:49; 2 Chris Illman (Ciren) 25:42; 3 Adrian Williams (Ciren) 27:07; 4 Jaime Lobo (Spain) 27:19; 5 Alex Fisher (Swin) 27;38; 6 Simon Fortnam (Sev) 27:38.
M40: Wayne Lillis (Newbury) 29:11. M50: David Wright (Ciren) 29:36. M55: Jeff Davies (SWVets) 32:19.
Women; 1 Wendy Nicholls (Ciren, W35) 27:50; 2 Kate Jacobs (Swin) 30:33; 3 Yasmin Smith (Swin, U20) 30:47. W40: Carole Phillips (Swindon Striders) 34:02

Victory to Sheppard while super vet Duncan sets new record - 23/04/08

CLEVEDON AC’s Billy Sheppard was the convincing winner of the 28th Frenchay 10k multi terrain race that attracted a record 630 finishers. Runner-up John Duncan set a new super veteran’s record with a super run that suggested he is returning to his best after injury.

Frenchay 10k multi terrain race, Bristol – men: 1 Billy Sheppard (Clev) 35:18; 2 John Duncan (B&W, M50) 35:40 (M50 record); 3 Peter Stephens (Sev) 36:08; 4 Neville Adams (B&W) 36;46; 5 Martin Shapland (SWRR, M40) 37:08; 6 Matt Langdon (Bitt RR) 37:24.
Women: 1 Nicola Brookland (B&W) 38;59; 2 Lucy Hamilton (GWR) 40:11; 3 Jane Khan (W’bury) 40:21. W40: Maria Powell (NRC) 43:56. W50: Bettina Broughton (TRC) 47:30.

Holly races to personal best in Zurich marathon - 21/04/08

WEST international marathon runner Holly Rush leapt to fifth in the UK 2008 Rankings with a sparkling personal best in the Swiss city of Zurich yesterday.
The 30-year-old member of Team Bath AC carved 1mins 20secs off her previous best with a time of 2hrs 37mins 34secs to finish sixth.
“I secretly thought I wouldn’t get a PB after falling ill after the Bath half marathon so I am so pleased,” said Rush.
Wiltshire’s Amy Chalk opted for the Bonn marathon, in Germany but didn’t have a good day, clocking 2hrs 43mins 10secs, well outside her best of 2:39.37.
“I was down on my intended time from 10k and just dropped further and further behind,” said Chalk. “I think it is back to the drawing board for me,” said Chalk.

Rush and Chalk on the European marathon beat - 18/04/08

WEST international marathon runners Holly Rush and Amy Chalk are in marathon action this weekend.
Rush, who competes for Team Bath AC, is racing the Zurich marathon on Sunday while Bristol & West AC runner Chalk is heading to Germany for the Bonn marathon.
Rush goes into her race with a recent confidence boost of a personal best of 74mins 24secs in the Bath half and she has a real chance of beating her marathon PB of 2:38.54 that she ran in Amsterdam last year.
“All the hard work has been done and a PB is always the aim,” said coach and husband Martin Rush.
Chalk made a late decision to tackle the Bonn marathon after encouraging results in the Gloucester 20 and the Bath half, where she finished just ahead of Rush (74:13).
“I made the decision after Bath because I feel I have nothing to lose,” said Chalk.
“My endurance is good as I showed by winning the Gloucester 20 and I believe there is no reason why I shouldn’t run 2:36/37.”
Chalk’s current PB is 2:39.37 which she ran in London three years ago but since then she has not raced one seriously after becoming a mother for the first time.

Entries flooding in for Frenchay 10k - 18/04/08

THERE have already been close to 500 entries for the Frenchay 10k multi terrain race tomorrow (Sunday) (11am) from the UWE Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Fishponds, in east Bristol but runners can still register on the day.
Contact John Honeywell for further information (tel: 0117 9561049) or see the race website at: www.frenchay10k.co.uk.

Ex-marathon champion Thompson in Highworth 5 - 18/04/08

FORMER European and Commonwealth Games marathon champion Ian Thompson, who lives in Wiltshire, is among the entries or tomorrow’s Highworth 5 miles road race, just outside of Swindon. The race has reached its 500 limit so no entries will be taken on the day.

Stone targets British Duathlon title - 18/04/08

TOP west runner Kairn Stone is among the entries for the British Championships, in Tredegar Country Park, tomorrow.
Joining the Plymouth-based runner will be Bristol & West AC runner Phil Wylie and Oli Mott but Cheltenham’s Tom Lowe has been ruled out with injury.

Hemsworth and Coupe are the west's top master marathon runners - 16/04/08

CONGRATULATIONS to Caroline Hemsworth of Falmouth Road Runners for finishing third veteran in the Over 50s age group at the Flora London Marathon on Sunday.
Theresa Frost, of the Women’s Running Network, was ninth (3:27.01) and Pat Curtis of Bristol-based club Hogweed Trotters 19th (3;33.11).
There was also a third place for Nailsea Running Club’s Michael Coupe in the Over 70s age group on Sunday. Coupe completed the course in 3hrs 41mins 51secs. The winner was Scunthorpe’s Bob Newell with an astonishing time of 3:14.06.
Other good veteran performances came from Pam Carroll of Tamar Trotters (7th over 65, 4:30.43) and Jon Goodland of Bristol-based club Great Western Runners.
Goodland clocked a personal best of 2:49.02 gave him 10th place in the Over 50s age category.

Purnell delight as he lifts London mini marathon trophy - 16/04/08

WEST teenager Tom Purnell won the boys’ race for 13-14-year-olds at the adidas London mini marathon.
The 14-year-old Stroud & District AC runner produced a stunning sprint finish to beat the outstanding Irish twins Patrick and Andrew Monaghan.
“I had never beaten them before,” said Purnell. “At the start of the three miles race I sat in the pack and waited until we reached the finishing straight on the Mall to put in my sprint.
“I was neck and neck with Andrew and we were both given the same time (15mins 38secs) but I was given victory.”

Brown laps up Tresco challenge to seal victory - 16/04/08

CORNISH ultra distance specialist Bob Brown won the Tresco marathon, held over a tough multi-lap course in the Isles of Scilly, in a time of 2hrs 59mins 29secs. Fiona Ruetsch, who lives in Penzance, was the women’s winner (3:32.10).

How Heywood's London Marathon dream died - 15/04/08

KEVIN Heywood admitted he was bitterly disappointed with his run in the Flora London event.
The 29-year-old former Devon cross country champion and south west silver medallist ran a personal best of 2hrs 27mins 57secs to finish 41st overall and sixth British runner in the elite men’s race but that was little consolation.
“I was going okay until 22 miles and was on for a time around 2hrs 22mins,” said Heywood.
“But then I went to pieces and my legs really died in those last three miles. I am very disappointed.”
Heywood, who lives near Bude and competes for Bristol & West AC, will now take a rest but is determined to bounce back in the summer and is already plotting another marathon.
“I’ll have a rest now and then do some 10ks and stuff in the summer and have another crack at the marathon in the autumn, possibly in Berlin, because preparing for that over the summer months may suit me better.
“If that doesn’t work then I’ll try something else!”

Keast leads Cornish PB charge at London - 15/04/08

CORNISH runners seemed to enjoy their day out to the capital with a glut of personal bests.
Cornwall AC’s 40-year-old Jon Keast had a terrific race to carve 5mins 35secs off his previous best with a time of 2:39.40.
His was one of several PBs for the Cornwall AC squad with bests also for Shaun Tozer, Steven Wherry and David Angilley while in the women’s race clubmates Suzy Bosustow and Sarah Keast also ran faster than ever before.
Top Cornish woman was Carn Runners’ Juliet Knowles. She smashed her 2007 PB by almost eight minutes to finish 65th in the elite race with a time of 3:01.05.

Fox family delight at success in Exmoor marathon - 15/04/08

SO you thought running the London marathon was hard? It is but arguably an even tougher challenge was the Exmoor marathon, the finale of the Endurance Life Series.
Fred and Sue Fox, of Yeovil Town Road Runners, opted for the rural challenge in contrast to the big city marathon in an event that ended up being 29 miles rather than the usual 26.2 miles.
Runners also had to endure 10 major climbs as well as a number of other hills with over 7000 feet of climbing in all.
Fred ran superbly for equal sixth place and a time of 5hr02m03 while Sue completed the course in 7hr34m11.
Clubmate Mike Shead was unlucky to get lost on the course and finished two places behind Sue.
The Exmoor marathon was the fifth marathon of the series and the Foxes completed them all and after races across the hills of Pembrokeshire, Portland, Cornwall, the South Devon Coast and Exmoor, Fred won the veterans’ over 50s title and Sue the over 55s prize.

Dan's the man with personal best in London Marathon - 14/04/08

WEST international Dan Robinson confirmed his position as Britain’s top marathon runner with a sparkling personal best in yesterday’s Flora London Marathon.
Robinson’s time of 2hrs 13mins 10secs shaved 43 seconds off his previous best, set four years ago over the same course.
But more than that it re-confirmed the 33-year-old Stroud & District AC runner’s ticket to Beijing for the Olympic Games in August.
“I was first British runner, I got a personal best and I have guaranteed my selection for the Olympic Games so as far as I am concerned it is job done,” said Robinson.
“I’ll now take a week off with a holiday in Orkney and then it will be 20 weeks to the Olympic marathon so that is plenty of time to plan my build up.”
While Robinson was clearly delighted at beating all the other British contenders he was still left feeling a little frustrated with his result that placed him 13th overall, just one place and four seconds behind Olympic champion Stefano Baldini of Italy.
“I really wanted to get under 2hrs 13mins and I honestly feel I am in 2:11 shape,” added Robinson.
“But the first half, which I ran in 65:26, was probably a bit too quick but I had to go off with that group otherwise I would have been in no-man’s land.”
Robinson said he didn’t feel the conditions were perfect but in view of the fast times, with winner Martin Lel running a course record of 2:05.15, he conceded there couldn’t have been too much wrong with the weather.
“The pace those front guys run at is mind-boggling,” added Robinson.
West farmer Kevin Heywood, who competes for Bristol & West AC, finished 41st overall and sixth British runner in a time of 2:27.57.
Mike Blackmore, of Bristol club Bitton Road Runners, set a new club record of 2:33.11 in 85th place.
Leading west woman was Somerset’s Lucy Hasell. The Bristol & West AC runner finished 15h overall and third Brit but admitted that her gamble of running her second marathon in two months – she won the Austin, Texas, event in a personal best of 2:36.27 in February –didn’t pay off.
“It wasn’t very pleasant but I just felt I had to go for it and there are no regrets,” said Hasell, who clocked 2:40.31.
“And I still finished third British athlete so it wasn’t disastrous but I completely tied up in the second half of the race after reaching halfway in 1:17 and I was suffering badly with my back.”


Male West runners - Bitton Road Runners: 85 Mike Blackmore 2:33.11 (PB and club record); 765 Ian Hoare (M40) 2:56.13.
Bourton Road Runners: 107 Dennis Walmsley (M45) 2:35.28; 175 Ian MacDougall (M45) 2:39.35; 1007 Andrew Chapple (M45) 2:59.07.
Bristol & West AC; 41 Kevin Heywood 2:27.57.
Cheltenham & County Harriers: 665 Paul Fittock 2:54.15; 723 Andrew Yates (M40) 2:55.28.
Chippenham Harriers: 713 Frank Checchia 2:55.14.
Cornwall AC: 412 Shaun Tozer 2:48.22; 1087 Steven Wherry (M40) 2:59.53; 1142 David Angilley (M40) 3:00.44.
Clevedon AC: 253 Jason Williams 2:43.07; 340 Clive Richards (M45) 2;46.06; 967 Richard Smith (M40) 2:58.43; 988 Paul Bird (M40) 2:58.56.

Crewkerne RC: 867 Nicholas Sale 2:57.46.
East Cornwall Harriers: 864 Oliver Jones 2:57.43.
Exeter Harriers: 619 Nick Sirs (M50) 2:53.33.
Exmouth Harriers; 165 Dave Stone 2;38.49; 787 Adrian Kearns 2:56.32.
Frome Running Club: 1146 Anthony Sprules (M50) 3:00.47.
Forest of Dean: 790 Ian Smith (M45) 2:56.35.
Gloucester AC: 614 Tom Randles 2:53.23.
Great Western Runners: 436 Jonathan Goodland (M50) 2:49.02; John Thorpe (M40) 2:56.13; Steve Threadgold 3:03.18; Andy Smith 3:05.31 (PB).
Hogweed Trotters: 903 David Fitch 2:58.10; 1148 Geoff Doyle (M50) 3:00.48; 1275 Justin Littlechild 3:02.49; 1287 Julian Lewis (M40) 3:03.03; Trinity Booth 3:31.34; Pat Curtis (W50, 20th) 3:33.11; Sue Hutchinson 4:23.13.
Langport Runners: 1041 Robert Ellis 2:59.23.
Newquay Road Runners; 357 Ryan Kestle 2;46.44; 507 Martin J Davis (M45) 2:50.41.
Newquay & Par: 749 Ben Hieber (M45) 2:55.58.
Severn AC: 273 Alex Hope (M40) 2:43.54; 1020 John Holland (M45) 2:59.13.
South West Road Runners: 464 Ben Partridge (U20) 2:49.39; 623 Andy Jones (M40) 2:53.37; 935 Shaun Parkin 2:58.26.
Stroud AC: 264 Rob Gornall 2:43.33; 854 Simon Barnes 2:57.37.
Swindon Harriers: 829 Jon Blaney (M40) 2:57.12.
Team Bath AC: 151 Matt Ray 2:37.54; 319 Ben Lang 2:45.15; 606 Dave Coales 2:53.13; 954 Craig Davey 2:58.36; 1055 Luke Sturgess-Durden 2:59.34.
Thornbury Running Club: 1063 Roger Denton (M40) 2:59.37.
Torbay AC: 461 Lee Turner 2:49.36.
Wells City Harriers: 272 Jon Gilling 2:43.53.
Weston AC: 500; Kevin Minty (M40) 2:50.28.
Yeovil Town Road Runners: 170 Tim Hawkins 2:39.08; 288 Paul Rose (M40) 2;44.22; 798 Martin Smith (M50) 2:56.42.

Women – Bristol & West AC: 15 Lucy Hasell 2;40.31. Avon Valley Runners: 75 Liz ringham (W40) 3:03.21. Carn Runners: 64 Juliet Knowles (W35) 3:01.05. Cornwall AC: 72 Donna Hillman (W35) 3:03.01. Exmouth Harriers; 194 Hannah Dupain 3:37.11. Newquay Road Runners: 117 Steph Martin (W40) 3:09.29. Salisbury: 128 Fiona Ross (W45) 3:11.22. South Devon AC: 181 Kay Fowler (W50) 3:21.43. Team Bath: 53 Sarah Urwin-Mann (W35) 2;58.51; 178 Emer Brangan 3;20.15. Torbay AC: 69 Wendy Urban (W40) 3:02.23; 108 Amelia Hall (W40) 3:08.20. Truro RC: 197 Anna Phillips 4:38.14. Wells Harriers; 31 Clare Martin 2:51.08; 57 Jenny Moore (W40) 3:00.13. Weston AC: 135 Phillippa Stevens (W35) 3:12.45. Women’s Running Network: 129 Jaine Swift (W35) 3:12.00.

Lucy aiming to prove she's among the best of Brits at London - 10/04/08

TOP west female marathon runner Lucy Hasell will be aiming to use Sunday’s Flora London Marathon to confirm that she is now one of Britain’s best at the distance.
The 30-year-old Somerset international is already second on the UK Rankings for 2008 after her superb run to win the Austin marathon, in Texas, barely two months ago in a personal best time of 2hrs 36mins 27secs.
While the Olympic Games qualifying mark of 2:31 is probably beyond her at this stage – Liz Yelling will start favourite to join Paula Radcliffe and Mara Yamauchi in the GB team for Beijing – Hasell is looking to better her American time and give notice to her rivals that she is a force to be reckoned with.
“I’d love to do a major championship in the near future, that is my aim,” said Hasell.
“I feel fit and healthy and I’m very excited about Sunday’s race and my aim will be to see if I can run faster than I did in Austin.”
Hasell will have plenty of support along the course from students at London’s St Paul’s School, where she teaches biology.
“A lot of them have promised to be out cheering me on so that will be nice,” added Hasell.

Missed out on London? Horton Bull run still taking entries - 10/04/08

ENTRIES will be taken on the day for Sunday’s Horton Bull Run four miles road race (11am), held on quiet country lanes around the south Gloucestershire village.

Bristol stages new young athletes track and field meeting - 10/04/08

BRISTOL & West AC will be holding an opening meeting for young athletes (U11s-U17s) on Wednesday (April 16th) with registration from 6.45pm and the first event at 7.00. There is also another meeting scheduled for Wednesday April 30th.

West athletes enjoying sunshine break in Portugal - 09/04/08

WEST coaches Alan Thomas (Yate & District AC) Mark Brace (North Devon AC) took a large group of athletes to escape the chilly British spring this week.
The group headed for some sunshine training in Portugal to prepare for the summer track and field season.
“All together 41 athletes and coaches are making the trip to Monte Gordo on the Algarve coast for six days of warm weather training,” said Thomas.
“Mark and his group stayed at the same hotel in October 2006 so he knows the area well.”
Apart from three pole vaulters and their coach Tim Snowdon all the athletes are middle distance runners aged from 14-19 and the plan is for an intensive period of training.
“It is the first time my group have travelled abroad for warm weather training,” added Thomas.
“All the middle distance athletes will train three times a day on a variety of surfaces including track, soft wood pine trail and sand with one rest day.
“The purpose of the trip is to prepare the athletes for the 2008 season and, in particular, to give them the best possible chance in the competitions leading up to the English Schools’.”

Super vet Tom's top tip for a marathon PB - 09/04/08

TOM Hutchison has set an inspiring marker for his fellow west country runners ahead of Sunday’s Flora London Marathon.
The 52-year-old doctor, who competes for Team Bath AC, ran a personal best in the Paris marathon on Sunday, shaving 45 seconds off his previous fastest time with an impressive 2hrs 57mins 01secs.
“I did not expect to run that quick at all,” said Hutchison. “I got under three hours at London in 2005 but wasn’t sure I would do it again in Paris.
“But I have been training well and regularly and the weather conditions were good on the day and the organisation was excellent.
“It was the first time I have done the race and I was very impressed.”
Hutchison has also learned the virtues of even-paced running, reaching halfway in 1hr 28mins before clocking 1hr 29mins to the finish line on the Champs Elysee.
“The secret of doing your best in the marathon is not to go off too fast and run even pace,” warned Hutchison.
“That is the message I would give to the other runners who are doing London this weekend.”

Luke claims veterans' prize in Totton 10k - 09/04/08

ANNE Luke, who runs for Tamar Trotters, finished a creditable fifth (37mins 34secs) overall and first veteran over 45 in the Totton 10k road race.
The event was won by Aldershot’s Susie Bush (34:19) from Louise Damen (34:43). Team Bath AC’s Laura Parsonage was sixth (37:43).

Great West track & field meeting entries still being taken - 09/04/08

ENTRIES are still being taken for the Great West Open track and field meeting at the Exeter Arena on Sunday.
While postal entries closed last weekend anyone still interested in the meeting, which is being sponsored by Ironbridge Runner, can email their details to: janetm.phillips@btinternet.com.
The meeting starts at 10.45 with a full programme of events on the track and in the field covering all age groups. For full details of the programme log onto the club website at: www.exeterharriers.co.uk

We're the best in the west, says Bristol boss Down - 08/04/08

BRISTOL & West AC underlined their claim to be the best all-round road and cross country club in the west country with silver medals in both the men’s and women’s races at the Midland Counties Road Relay Championships, in Birmingham .
“Again if you add the two results together then we are the top team at the moment and that is very satisfying” said Down.
Bath-based international Rob Whalley may now have joined the veteran over 40 ranks but his boast that he still has his sights on beating his younger rivals was no idle one as he clocked the fourth fastest time of the day on the long stage around Sutton Park.
“It was a good effort by Rob in very tough conditions which slowed all the times,” added Down.
Jon Wills also made the top ten fastest times with a bright effort on the opening stage while there ere quick short stage times by Dave Bishop and brothers Craig and Richard Peters.
The women were actually leading with just two stages of the six stages remaining but then Charnwood unleashed the Potter twins to secure the title.
“We were also second in the four-stage relays last autumn but I think this was an even better result,” added Down.

* Meanwhile at Aldershot, Wells City Harriers recorded their best ever performance to finish seventh in the South of England Championships.
Despite tired legs after winning the Swiss half marathon championships the week before Adrian Marriott clocked the 10th fastest time of the day for Wells’ best performance.
“Overall it was a decent performance,” said team manager Clive Thomas.


Midland Counties 12 Stage Road relay, Sutton Park, Birmingham - men: 1 Notts AC 3:47:57; 2 Bristol & West AC 3:52:14 (Jon Wills (2) 26:59 Richard Peters (2) 15:08 Steve Mitchell (1) 15:26 Tim Wallis (2) 27:08 Tom Kingsnorth (3) 15:44 Dave Bishop (2) 14:44 Rob Whalley (2) 26:44 Tom Marley (2) 15:56 Dan Moore (2) 15:50 Phil Parry (2) 27:57 Mick O'Doherty (2) 15:49 Craig Peters (2) 14:49); 3 Tipton Harriers 3:53:39
West teams: 10 Cheltenham & County Harriers 4:13:07 (Dave Roper (9) 27:45 James Miller (11) 16:24 R Forsbrook (11) 16:09 Andy Prophett (11) 29:41 Dave Randall (11) 16:55 Elliot Prince (11) 16:48 Darren Jordan (11) 29:02 Rich Parr (11) 17:44 Ali McNay (11) 17:24 Andrew Hussey (11) 29:48 Mike Cardew (11) 18:14 Corin Hughes (11) 17:13); 12 Bristol & West AC 'B' 4:15:20; 13 Severn AC 4:16:18; 18 Cirencester AC 4:24:19; 22 Bitton Road Runners 4:28:28; 29 Stroud & District Ac 4:42:11.
Fastest - long stage: Zak Kihara (Birch) 25:52; 2 Ian Boneham (Notts) 26:16; J Noayesenga (Birch) 26:28; Rob Whalley (B&W) 26:44. 7th Jon Wills (B&W) 26:59.
Short: Bruce Raeside (Notts) 14:23; I Mitchell (Tip) 14:30; J Thewlis (Notts) 14:37; 4= Dave Bishop (B&W) 14:44 & Tim Dalton (Sev) 14:44; 6 Craig Peters (B&W) 14:49; 9th Josh Lilly (Sev) 14:53.

Women: 1 Charnwood Ac 'A' 1:45:12; 2 Bristol & West AC 1:48:50 (Vicky Tester (8) 18:05 C Hallissey (2) 16:52 Clare Conway (2) 18:45 R Randall (1) 17:43 Lisa Newing (2) 19:47 I Ainsworth (2) 17:38); 3 Coventry Godiva Harriers 'A' 1:50:59.
West clubs: 13 Westbury Harriers 'A' 2:02:14; 15 Stroud & District Ac 2:05:02; 18 Bitton Road Runners 'A' 2:06:08; 19 Clevedon Ac 2:06:46; 20 Forest Of Dean Ac 2:07:32.
Fastest: Jane Potter (C’wood) 15:54; Juliet Potter (C’wood) 16:16; Claire Martin (Telf) 16:35; Sarah Maude (C’wood) 16:43; Claire Hallissey (B&W) 16:52.

Tomlin races to victory in new-look Taunton marathon - 08/04/08

THE new-look Taunton marathon and half marathon courses were given a positive reception by another big turn out despite the bitter conditions on Sunday.
“I had quite a few people ring up to ask whether it was still on but of those who took part I got very good feedback,” said organiser John Lewis.
David Tomlin, of Teignbridge Trotters, was a clear winner of the men’s event by over a mile while Highgate’s Joanna Carritt claimed the women’s race.
Bristol & West AC veteran Phil Parry, who ran in the relays the day before, was in a class of his own in the half marathon finishing almost five minutes clear of Torbay veteran Peter Monaghan while Stephen Sincock, of South West Road Runners, clocked a PB in third place.
Torbay’s Helen Parkinson was an equally impressive winner of the women’s race as she dipped under 80 minutes.

Taunton Marathon - men: 1 David Tomlin (TT) 2:40.25; 2 Kevin Beattie (Stock) 2:48.03; 3 Neil Holmes (EVH, M40) 2:50.20; 4 Martin Pearse (Taun, M45) 2:51.22; 5 Jon Coles (Frome, M40) 2:51.43; 6 Gerry Hogg (Trull Troggers, M40) 2:51.46; 7 Gary Vernon (Launcs RR) 2;550.5; 8 Steve Babb (Launcs RR, M40) 2:55.43.
M50: David Booth (Hydro Harriers) 3:08.45. M55: Bill Howes (RRC) 3:34.56. M60: Charles Pope (Northbrook) 3:56.36. M65: Danny Kay (100 Club) 3:45.22.
Women: 1 Joanna Carritt (High) 2:58.11; 2 Vicky Skelton (NDRR, W40) 3:14.24; 3 Alison Mewing (EVH) 3:16.28.
W45: Jenny Moloney (Portland) 3:44.28. W50: Kathryn Hooper (Bath Uni) 4:00.12. W55: Sue Taylor (Mounts Bay) 3:41.34.

Half marathon - men: 1 Phil Parry (B&W, M45) 71:30; 2 Peter Monaghan (Torbay, M40) 76:18; 3 Stephen Sincock (SWRR, M45) 76:32.
Women: 1 Helen Parkinson (Torbay) 79:38; 2 Dinah Cheverton (Torbay, W40) 86:26; 3 Kathleen Sincock (SWRR, W40) 86:47.
W45: Sian Monahan (B&W) 89:09. W50: Karen Cook (SWRR) 91:54. W55: Joyce Rendell (AVR) 102:4

Bugden delight at World Championships team silver - 08/04/08

ROBBIE Bugden finished 17th and third scorer to help Great Britain win the team silver medals at the World Students’ Cross Country Championships, in France.
“I’m absolutely elated,” said the Bristol & West AC runner. “We just beat the Aussies by five points so it was a great result for us.”
Bugden laid off the fast early pace and opted for more conservative tactics.
“I think I was about 60th and the end of the first of seven laps but then steadily worked my way through and out-kicked four guys in the finishing straight,” added Bugden.

16th World Student Cross Country Championships, Normandy, France - men (10.76k) : 1 Najim Elqady (Mor) 36:14; 2 Liam Adams (Australia) 36:19; 3 Stephan Hohl (Ger) 36:24.
Teams: 1 France 38; 2 Great Britain 61 (6 Andy Vernon 36:38, 14 Keith Gerrard 37:19, 17 Robbie Bugden 37:26, 24 Rory Fraser 37:45); 3 Australia 66; 4 Spain 68; 5 Italy 104; 6 Algeria 121.

Devon star Jo goes top of UK Rankings in 10k - 07/04/08

DEVON international Jo Pavey went top of the UK Rankings in the Irish capital of Dublin yesterday.
The Exeter Harrier clocked a time of 32mins 21secs in the BUPA Great Ireland Run to take over the No 1 spot by three seconds from Stoke runner Michelle Ross-Cope.
That performance, which as outside her personal best on the road of 31:47 which she set in Manchester last year, gave Pavey second place in the event which is the biggest 10k in Ireland.
Only top Kenyan Doris Changeywo, who was fourth in the World Cross Country Championships last week, beat Pavey but the African was forced to work hard for her victory.
“Jo pushed the pace all the way even though it was windy otherwise it would have been a jog,” said husband and coach Gavin Pavey.
“With about 2k to go Doris put in a spurt up a hill and got a few yards on Jo. That proved to be enough but Jo was closing her down again at the finish. I think we have to be pleased with that.”
The pair head out to South African tomorrow for another spell of intensive training so Jo was pleased to get a decent result.
“It was nice to get back racing again and I’m quite pleased with that especially considering the hilly course and the fact that I was only beaten by Doris, who is clearly in excellent shape,” said Jo.
“It shows things are going in the right direction.”

BUPA Great Ireland Run 10k, Dublin - women: 1 Doris Changeywo (Ken) 32:14; 2 Jo Pavey (Exe) 32:21; 3 Aniko Kalovics 32:44; 4 Kate Reed (B&W) 32:49; 5 Lisa Weightman 32:57; 6 Helen Clitheroe (GB) 33:13; 7 Benita Johnson (Aus) 34:42.


Pavey and Reed are seeking great runs in Dublin - 04/04/08

TWO of the west’s top women are included in a world-class line-up in the Great Winter Run 10k in Ireland on Sunday.
Exeter Harrier’s Jo Pavey and Bristol & West AC runner Kate Reed from Clevedon will join top Australian Benita Johnson, who was 11th in the World Championships last weekend, around the historic Phoenix Park in Dublin.
Both Pavey and Reed have recently just returned from a spell of intensive training in South Africa where they both regularly topped 100 miles a week.
“Jo is in pretty good shape and it will be a good test for her,” said husband and coach Gavin Pavey.
Likewise Reed, who is ultimately hoping to win a place alongside Pavey (who already has the qualifying standard) in the GB team for the Beijing Olympics for the 10,000m, believes she is in great shape.
“I’m looking forward to this race,” said Reed.
Reed’s last 10k on the road was a sparkling victory in the UK Athletics Championships in Chichester, when she ran a personal best of 32mins 07secs to go top of the UK Rankings.
The Dublin course isn’t renowned for being super fast but of more importance for both women will be the manner of their performances and where they finish in the event.

Bugden hoping for a master class in World Students' Championships - 04/04/08

CORNISHMAN Robbie Bugden finally winds up a long cross country season when he represents Great Britain at the World Students Championships in Normandy, France, on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Bristol & West AC runner got the call-up after finishing third in the British Championships and despite a disappointing 32nd place at the UKA Inter Counties Championships last month.
“It may not be the World Championships in Edinburgh but it is still a global event and I am really looking forward to it,” said Bugden, who is due a big performance after an intensive three-week spell of training in South Africa.
Having celebrated his birthday yesterday (THURSDAY) Bugden will be aiming to have something to celebrate on Sunday night.

Whalley leads Bristol & West bid in Midland 12-Stage - 04/04/08

NEW British Masters Cross Country champion Rob Whalley spearheads the Bristol & West AC team in the Midland Counties 12-Stage Road Relay Championships tomorrow.
Bristol won’t be at full strength with Bugden unavailable, former Devon champion Kevin Heywood resting ahead of next Sunday’s Flora London marathon and Phil Wylie racing for his duathlon club in France.
“But we still have a competitive team and an outside chance of a bronze medal,” said team manager Mike Down.
New signing Andrew Chambe