Harriers scoop the prizes at Dartmouth Regatta race

There were just a handful of Harriers on the start line at the Dartmouth Regatta 5.1 mile road race, held on Saturday 31st August, but it was certainly quality and not quantity that mattered on this occasion as between them they had 3 members in the top 20, 2 in the top 5, a third place overall and 2 category wins: not a bad tally at such a competitive event.

The Dartmouth Regatta brigade: Adam, Carly, Dawn, Hugh, Dave

The first Harrier to finish, in thrid place overall, was Dave Stone. Once again, showing that as the years pass he is not getting any slower or less competitive, Stonie finished as top in the vet 40 section as well in a time of 30:35. He would normally run around 26 minutes for a five mile race such as our own, flatter Fulford 5, which just highlights how hilly this course is with a long, steep climb in the first half as runners ascend the road up and out of the town.

Dave collects 2 prizes - for 3rd overall and for 1st MV40

Stonie was no doubt spurred on to finish as top Exmouth runner, knowing that he had men's captain and current male athlete of the year, Adam Miller, on his tail. Continuing his good vein of form this year, Adam ran a strong, well-paced race to finish 5th and put himself in amongst all the strongest runners from the nearby Torbay AC and some other visiting clubs. He was timed at 31:14.

Hugh Marsden, running his first race of the weekend, was the next Harrier home in a time of 33:34 for a very respectable 15th place overall. However, the male vet 50 field at this race was astoundingly competitive, with 7 men over the age of 50 all inside the top 20 finishers. So on this occasion, Hugh had to settle for a 4th spot in his category, despite having a solid run.

Carly Miller brought our ladies home, having a fantastic race to place 6th lady in a competitive field and 55th overall. Carly says that she was somewhat misinformed about the length and gradient of the hill. Ignorance could well have been bliss and helped her on her way to her time of 40:10 as she pushed hard up the hill, not knowing just how long it really was!

Dawn Teed certainly made up for her partner, Hugh's, disappointment at not placing in his vet 50 category by winning her FV50 category outright! She finished top lady in that section and 77th overall in a super time of 42:03. A commemorative mug was her reward for her efforts... as was a well deserved ice-cream as a 'cool down' method!

Dawn picks up her prize for first FV50

Well done to all the Harriers for once again representing the club so well.

The race was won by Simon Longthorpe of Torbay AC in 28:48. The winning lady was Jo Meek of Tavistock AC in an impressive 32:26. 139 finishers.

This was Carly and Dawn's 'cool down' technique!