Oh my Obelisk!

On cold, crisp and sunny January day, 5 Exmouth Harriers hopped across the estuary to Dawlish to tackle the Dawlish Coasters' organised 'Oh my obelisk!' race. Despite the twee name, this is in fact a rather tough, hilly and off-road 11 miler that takes runners up a hill out of Dawlish to the obelisk that stands at the summit.

Weather conditions were favourable this year so there was not much mud to navigate on the course, making for some very fast times. In fact the winner, Michael Ronison of Tamar Trotters, negotiated the 11 miles in a time of 1.08.54. Our Harriers contingent did not discredit themselves, however, and also posted some impressive times.

Top of the pile was Jon Garrity. Since joining the club in the summer he has improved no end and his efforts in training and competing saw him place in the top 20 finishers of the race - 19th in 1.19.30. In a very strong Vet 40 field, this was only good enough for 9th MV40.

Very hot on his heels was Richard Bishop. On the back of a fine performance and a new PB at last week's 'First Chance 10k', Richard followed with a time of 1.20.07 for 21st place over all and 10th MV40.

David Wright also ran well for a top-50 placing: 49th in 1.25.21 and 8th MV50.

Not having such a great day at the office was usual Mr. Speedy pants, Dave Stone. Unusually for Dave he not only placed outside the top 10 but outside the top 50, coming 54th and 22nd MV/40 in 1.26.17... did you give your number to someone else, Dave?!

Representing the female Harriers were the evenly matched pairing of Jane Macdonald and Sue Hill. Jane clocked 1.47.09 for 171st place and Sue rolled in a minute later in 1.48.21 for 181st spot.

There were 239 finishers so all the Harriers finished well up in the field.