This is never the easiest or flattest race as runners must tackle the climbs up and out of Torquay on the outward leg and then in reverse, back out of Paignton, on the return. This year, a very very stiff headwind - that was imperceptible as a tailwind on the out leg, but sure made its presence felt at the turn around - also served further to slow the runners down on the second half of the race.
Some of the Harriers before the start of the race, by the big wheel in Torquay.
L - R: Lisa, Carly, Adam, Dawn, Stan
Missing: Hugh (warming up/beach combing for treasure); Ellie (queuing for the toilet for the 11th time), Andy (doing his own thing)
Adam Miller found himself in a quality race at the front end of a quality pack, with former winners Johny Gilby, Kairn Stone and second claim Harrier, Tom Merson (running for Bristol and West on the night) all present and correct, not to mention the Torbay AC batallion and a smattering of other handy runners. This did not phase Adam though, who set off at a good pace and put himself in the mix from the start. Although his pace dropped off in the final 2-3 miles, so did everyone's into the headwind, and so he managed to hang on for a superb 8th place overall and 2nd MV35 in a time of 36:18.
Hugh Marsden was the next Harrier home. Despite having struggled with a calf niggle all season, this did not seem to effect him on the night as he ran a sensibly paced race to finish strongly in 38:49 for 21st spot overall and a victory in the MV50 section: quite a scoop at this race, which attracts a strong field of local veteran talent.
I, Ellie Sutcliffe, was next in. I struggled quite a bit in the second half - a combination of the headwind but also not being 10k race fit at the moment. (I'm finding there's a wealth of difference between being sharp enough to run a fast 5k and having the endurance to carry that through for another 5!) I was extremely fortunate that most of the fast ladies did not turn out for this one, as I managed to scoop the first female prize. My time of 40:12, however, was slower than when I last ran this in 2011, when my sub 40 minute time was only good enough for 8th female; further highlighting that I got a lucky break this year! But, as they say, you've got to be in it to win it!!
A real podium! *Grinning from ear to ear* :-)
Mr. Consistency - A.K.A., Andy Johnson - was the next Harrier across the line. Always a fan of these longstanding, historic road races, Andy races here year on year and never gets any slower! This year he posted a time of 43:22 for 87th overall and 5th MV50, a category that he has only recently stepped into and can look to targeting some podium positions in the near future.
The ever-improving Lisa Hatchard was next across the finish line. Hoping for a PB and, ideally, a sub 46 minute time, Lisa - indeed, none of us - had not bargained for the extremely windy conditions encountered. Add the wind to the hills and this does not make for a PB friendly concoction! Lisa did extremely well, nonetheless, to finish within less than a minute of her PB, set in Ivy Bridge in May this year, with a time of 47:23 for 157th place overall, 16th female and 5th FV35.
Carly Miller and Lisa are fairly evenly matched at the moment and this is certainly leading to an exciting battle in the club championships! On this occasion, Carly was just pipped to the post by her club mate and sparring partner, but only just. Carly finished in 47:36 for 164th place overall and 18th woman. This is Carly's 3rd 47 minute clocking this year and with her 5k time now under 22 minutes, a 46 or even a 45 minute time is most definitely there for the taking, but on a much faster and more PB friendly course than this!
Ladies' captain, Dawn Teed, was not too far adrift of Lisa and Carly either, showing that once again, the Harriers females were packing in tight at the top and punching well above our weight! Dawn ran 49:13 for 188th spot overall, 22nd female and sneaking onto the category podium as 3rd FV50. Unfortunately, there was no team prize on offer at this race, but if there had been, we would surely have been the favourites with all 4 ladies in the top 22 of females, out of about 170 females who finished.
In a recent reversal of roles, this time it was Joan Mason's turn to stand on the side lines and hold the bags and car keys and watch husband Stan Mason in action. Not feeling 100%, Joan took the sensible decision not to start the race, leaving Stan - who is now back to his best, following an injury lay-off - to record one of his fastest times on the course (not stopping this year to help a damsel in distress near the finish line will have gained him a few extra seconds!!!). He ran comfortably under the hour in 57:42 for 364th spot overall and 19th MV55.
There were 499 finishers, once again highlighting the popularity of this race. Well done to all the Harriers for putting themselves into the thick of the action and doing the club colours proud!
Harriers at the finish... not too sure what's going on with Stan's cap!
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