Run Exe Summer 5k series: that's a wrap!

On 4^th September was the final round of the Ironbridge Runner Run Exe Summer 5k Series and back in town to guest star for Exmouth Harriers was Eithiopian runner, Berihu Tesfay, who won the race comfortably in 14:57. This was an improvement of over a minute on his attempt at the same course this time last year and was pretty close to the course record, set last month by Tom Merson, despite Berihu being unchallenged for first place and having to push the pace himself. Rumour has it that this Wednesday he is going to run in the final round of the Yeovilton 5k series, which boasts a slightly faster course still than the Exeter track, so watch this space for another sub-15 clocking from Berihu!

There have always been great rivalries in athletics and often intra-club contests are more intense than those across clubs. There was certainly a bit of friendly sparring going on between Andrew Johnson and Dave Eveleigh throughout the summer 5ks as these were the only Exmouth Harriers to complete all three races in the series. Coe and Ovett it may not be, but going into this final run of this year’s event each had finished in front of the other once and so both were vying for the deciding victory in the last round. With no more than 200 metres to go Dave looked to have done enough when he slowed drastically, allowing Andrew to pass him and claim club bragging rights!
On the night Andrew was 47^th in 20:38 in and Dave 48^thin 20:43. For the overall series standings, both finished 3^rd in their age group (Dave V55, Andrew V45) and Dave in particular can take encouragement from the fact that his times for this year were well up, by around 2 minutes, on those he posted last year. Will this pair have a rematch at the Winter 3k track series? We'll have to wait and see!