News Archive 2023

Our weekly round up of local races (and other news worthy notes!)

If you have anything you’d like included please to mail@city-runs, or tag us via our social media channels.

21st November

WESTWARD LEAGUE - ROUND 2 NEWQUAY

Mud, Wind, Hills and Rain were on offer at round 2 of the Westward League in Newquay on Sunday…proper cross country conditions!! Some great racing across the age categories.

Full Results: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league

ENGLAND HONOURS FOR LOCAL RUNNERS

Brighton 10k

Bideford Aac's John Shapland won his age cat 0:43:18 and Lorraine Clements did the same, 0:44:53 - this qualifies them both to run for England in a home international match - well done more international honours for Bideford Acc!

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7120011429951427328

Tatton 1/2 Marathon

This was an England Masters qualifying road race set in the incredible venue of Tatton Park in rural Cheshire two Exmouth Harriers; Langdon Williams & Hannah Bown produced fantastic finishing times to qualify to represent England Masters in the 2024 Great Master Half Marathon on 26th May.

44th Langdon Williams 1.21.51 3rd M55
157th Hannah Bown 1.33.09 3rd W45

Full Results: https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487...

Please let us know if any other Westcountry runners qualified?

SOME WISE WORDS FROM LOCAL SPEEDSTER

Very interesting blog post from local elite speedster Shaun Antell, who is returning to some of the his best ever form and enjoying the process at the same time!

Read here... https://shaunantellblog.co.uk/my-year-of-2023-racing.../...

Photo Credits: North Devon Ac Facebook / Plymouth Harriers Facebook (Leigh Robinson / Susan Eason) / Bideford Aac / Shaun Antell

14th November

CARDIFF CROSS CHALLENGE

Some of the regions top cross country runners headed to South Wales for the Cardiff Cross Challenge, there were some great performances across the various age groups. Exeter Harriers Innes Fitzgerald took the gold in the Under 20 Ladies race.

Below are some of the standout performances we spotted from local Westcountry Runners... Please let us know if we missed anyone!?

U13G- 2nd, Isla Bater, North Devon
U13G - 4th, Ellie Birchall, Exe H
U13B- 2nd, Edward Salter, Taunton Ac
U20F- 1st, Innes Fitzgerald, Exe H
U15F - 5th, Paige Quinn, Torbay Ac
U15F - 12th, Olivia Steer, Exe H
SF, 35th, Alice Murray-Gourlay, Taunton Ac
SF, 36th, Inca Padfield, Exeter Uni (Western Tempo)
SF, 37th, Kirstie Booth, Taunton Ac, (F45)
SF, 43rd, Bethany Wallis, Exeter Uni (Western Tempo)
SF, 46th, Emma Powell, Exeter Uni (Western Tempo)
U20M, 6th, Joe Ponter, Taunton
SM, 20th, Phil Norman, Woodford Green
SM, 23rd, Thomas Crockett, Exeter Uni
SM 27th, Flynn Jennings, Bideford Aac
SM, 38th, Sam Goodchild, Cornwall Ac

Results: https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2023/GBR/ccc/event/

DROGO 10

Sunday saw South West Road Runners ever popular Drogo 10.

The podiums were...

1 Mike Page Exeter Tri Club Sen. Male 1:06:39.6
2 Chris Ayles Sen. Male 1:07:31.9
3 Simon Minting Exmouth H MV40 1:07:57.8
1 Charlotte Walker Tavistock AC Sen. Female 1:14:27.6
2 Amy Jones SWRR FV40 1:16:27.4
3 Nicky Savill SWRR Sen. Female 1:16:27.8

Results: https://www.swrr.co.uk/.../11/Results-for-Website-2023-1.pdf

Photo Credit: @phil_norman / @innes_fitzgerald / @swrr_runningclub / @tauntonac

TAUNTON'S KIRSTY BOOTH SHORTLISTED FOR MASTERS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Taunton’s Kirsty Booth has been shortlisted in the British Masters category for the prestigious @athletics.weekly awards 2023, alongside a certain @gomofarah in the Men’s master’s category! Please do show your support for Kirstie, by placing your vote before midnight of Sunday 19 November - vote via @athletics.weekly

ENGLAND ATHLETICS SOUTH WEST VOLUNTEERS AWARDS

This weekend saw the England Athletics SW Volunteers Awards, some absolute legends of our sport in the region were recognised for their contribution to athletics, these people really are the life blood of the sport.

Photo Credit: @tauntonac / @jopavey

7th November

BIDEFORD 10MILES

Sunday was Bideford AAC's ever popular 10miler, 708 finishers on the day... There was a tough old head wind runners had to battle in the second half, but this didn't stop some quick times being posted.

Men

1 Phil NORMAN 50:29.9

2 Ronnie RICHMOND 52:06.1

3 Jacob LANDERS 52:37.7

Ladies

1 Rebecca EZRA-HAM 58:40.2

2 Sammy ANTELL 1:01:24.0

3 Nikki KELLY 1:01:48.4

FUL RESULTS: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=2367

CORNWALL MARATHON

East Cornwall Harriers put on the annual Cornish Marathon on Sunday, this is Cornwall's only road marathon.

1st Tom Morton Male Under 35 Mile High 2:44:29 2:44:28

1st Sarah Reel Female Under 35 Falmouth Running Club 3:24:55 3:24:44

FULL RESULTS: https://eastcornwallharriers.com/.../Cornish-Marathon...

31st October

TAVY 7 & ROSS SHEILD

Sunday saw Tavistock Ac's long standing Tavy 7 and was popular as ever. It was a clean sweep for the home club taking the overall wins with Adam Holland and Nikki Kelly.

Full Results: http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk/.../T7-2023-Results...

Tavistock Ac also took both the Mens and Ladies Ross Shield titles, which is one of Devon's oldest competitions. We found a set of results from November 1997... Some keen local athletics followers will recognise some names!!

Ross Shield Results: http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk/.../T72023-Results...

17th October

POWER RUN HALDON

SWWR’s Nikki Saville took the overall win in Saturday’s Power Run Haldon lite race, with a commanding victory. Theo Miller retained his tittle in the men’s lite race.

Exmouth Harriers Oliver White was unsure what his legs had to offer post Berlin Marathon but he made light work of the the race and took the win. Laura Wilby retained her ladies tittle from year and also took second overall.

Full Results: https://static1.squarespace.com/.../powerrun-harcombe...

EXMOUTH 5MILER - 1ST NOVEMBER

Our winter series starts on Wednesday 1st November - a great midweek race to test fitness and winter training.

We are looking to line up some pace makers for this… PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT PACES YOU’D LIKE?? And we’ll do our best!

Wednesday 1st November 2023, 7pm - 5mile
Wednesday 24th January 2024, 7pm - 5km
Wednesday 13th March 2024, 7pm - 5mile

BATH HALF

Some speedy local runners headed up to the popular Bath Half on Sunday, here are the pick of the performances we spotted!

Female:

3rd Anna Harrold, Truro Rc, 1.16.37
4th Rebecca Ezra-Ham, Tamar Trotters, 1.16.52
10th Nikki Kelly, Tavistock Ac, 1.20.41
11th Sammy Antell, Bideford Aac, 1.21.13

Male:

6th Shaun Antell, Bideford Aac, 1.05.57
3rd M40+, Sam Larkin Tavistock Ac, 1.13.43

GREAT SOUTH RUN

Great to see local lad Jake Smith on the way back from injury and illness, he finished 8th in 48.30 for the 10mile race.

EDEN PROJECT MARATHON & HALF

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7118534794174020864

10th October

MASTER 5000

Saturday saw our inaugural Vets 5k in Weston Super Mare, with some very impressive performances across the age groups.

Full Results: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/masters-5000

WESTWARD XC LEAGUE 2023/24 IS GO!

Westward XC league kicked off in style on Sunday in Newnam Park, Plymouth. Some cracking racing across the age groups!

Full Results: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league

EXMOUTH WINTER SERIES IS BACK

Our Exmouth Winter Series is back for 2023/24. A great mid week test of your winter fitness on fast and flat route, this winter we are including both 5mile and a 5km distances is the series.

- Wednesday 1st November 2023, 7pm - 5mile (Inc: Mob Match)

- Wednesday 24th January 2024, 7pm - 5km

- Wednesday 13th March 2024, 7pm - 5mile

Entries are now open via our website.

NATIONAL ROAD RELAYS

We spotted some Exeter Harriers and Cornwall AC teams headed up to Birmingham to the relays mecca that is Sutton Park for the national road relays. Stand out performance was Exeter Harriers ladies finishing 11th, with Innes Fitzgerald running the 5th quickest leg of the day, note our local multiple Olympian running the 3rd leg.

11 Exeter Harriers. 1:00:59

1 S Livingstone (22) 15:18

2 Lucy Milliner (28) 15:59

3 JoPavey (21) 15:33

4 Innes Fitzgerald (11) 14:09

Full Results: https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2023/nat64rel23r.php

TEMPLER 10

Sunday saw Teignbridge Trotters popular Templer 10.

1st - Joel Seward, Axe Valley Harriers

1st - Sarah Markwick, Erme Valley Harriers

Full Results: https://www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk/.../2023%20templer...

3rd October

RECORDS FALL AT EXETER 3K

It took meet records to win the 'Dave Eveleigh' memorial trophies on Friday night, with Western Tempo runners making it a clean sweep. Lauren Cooper smashed the Senior ladies record with a 9.47, Matthew Brunnock clocked 8.31 to take the Under 20 record. The Dave Eveleigh trophy presented by his wife Carol, is in memory of Dave who was the original founder of these 3k races and was a stalwart of the local running community.

Other records that fell on Friday were...

9.23 Matthew Bradley Male 35+ City of Plymouth Ac

12.10 John Shapland Male 70+ Bideford Aac

8.33 Thomas Crockett Male Sen Exeter University AC

9.49 Theo Glew Male U15 Torbay Aac 2023

9.15 Olly Morris Male U17 Exeter Harriers

Full Results: https://static1.squarespace.com/.../3k_2023_master.pdf

Other local races that took part this weekend...

Cardiff: https://results.sporthive.com/.../7107027636.../races/486890

Honiton Hippo: Results TBC

Barnstaple...

• Half: https://www.stuweb.co.uk/live/race.shtml#4339-12431

• Marathon: https://www.stuweb.co.uk/live/race.shtml#4339-12432

26th September

TAUNTON 10K

It was the 35th edition of the Taunton 10k on Sunday, which saw a great race with the entry limit being reached. Local lad and current National Schools Steeplechase champ Dillon Millard took the win and in the ladies race Nicky Savill of South West Road Runners was a clear winner.

Male

1st Dillon Millard, Taunton AC, U17B, 00:33:06
2nd Wayne Loveridge, Chard RR , M35, 00:33:12
3rd Patrick Cole, Taunton AC, U20M, 00:33:49

Female

1st Nicky Savill, South West RR, SF, 00:38:56
2nd Nicole Avery, Taunton AC, SF, 00:43:09
3rd Hayley Burrows, Black Pear Joggers, F35, 00:43:23

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/.../7110178879.../races/487005

LADIES 10K

It was Teignbridge Trotters popular ladies 10k which saw a good field take part. Naomi Flanagan of Torbay Tri taking the win.

1 Naomi FLANAGAN V35 Torbay Tri Club 00:38:46
2 Molly SHOREY F Junior City Of Plymouth Ac 00:40:46
3 Chloe OLFORD F Senior Teignbridge Trotters 00:41:29

Full Results: https://www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk/.../ladies%2010k...

BERLIN MARATHON

We know a lot of local runners headed over to Berlin for the Marathon on Sunday. Here are the results we spotted. Please let us know if we missed anyone?

Oliver White, 2.32, Exmouth Harriers
Gwylym Gibson, 2.37, SWRR
Dominic Spayne, 2.38, Exeter Harriers
Thomas Humphrey, 2.39, SWRR
Jacob Maddison, 2.41, Exeter Harriers
Miko Cadeddu, 2,42, SWRR
Nick Bruce White, 2.42, South West Road Runners
Lorna Spayne, 3.01, Bad Boy Running
Lawrence Schneck, 3.04, Greenbow

https://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx...

HAYLE RUNNERS - MARAZION 10K

Down in Cornwall popular 10K...

1st Peter Le Grice, 32.22, Bristol & West
1st Jo Temple, 40.02, Truro Rc

Full Results: https://www.haylerunners.com/.../5d8b5c...

EXMOUTH HARRIER JENNY REAY… EUROPEAN CHAMP!

On Thursday 21st Jenny Reay raced for GB in the 10,000m in the European Masters Track & Field Championships in Pescara, Italy. Jenny finished in 46.05 and was awarded the W65 Gold Medal and the title of European 2023 W65 10,000m Champion.

Photo Credits: @swrr_runningclub / @teignbridge_trotters / @exmouth_harriers / @greenbowrunningclub

19th September

SUB 8.30 STEEPLE FOR NORTH DEVON OLYMPIAN

North Devon's Phil Norman has had a very quite track season by his own very hard standards, that said in his first and last 3k Steeplechase of the 2023 season he still managed to clock an 8.27 in Zargreb.

We understand it will be back into training now with eyes full focused on the Paris Olympics!!!

SOUTH WEST INTERCOUNTIES - CHIPPENHAM HALF

South West County teams did battle on Sunday for the Half Marathon tittle. With Devon taking the honours in both the men’s and women’s race.

Overall…

Shaun Antell 1.08.25 - Devon
Simon Nott 1.10.31 - Wiltshire
Josh Benfold 1.11.59 - Devon
Sammy Antell 1.21.19 - Devon
Stephanie Hutton 1.21.28 - Cornwall
Nikki Kelly 1.21.34 - Devon

Full Results:

Mens: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=426&EId=4&dt=0&so=0&st=UeV59cypcaHkgEVI1Af8V6EY0UwM%2bro8BKjncpUXMzE%3d

Ladies: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=426&EId=4&dt=0&so=1&st=jXZinHpAGAb1OQ0GIYx6QvB2woPsULeEvM0i6u66zY0%3d

Photo Credits: @phil_norman // @shaunantell

5th September

CARDIFF 10K

Bideford Blues do the business!! Some very impressive performances in the Welsh capital from Bideford AAC athletes. Shaun Antell continued his recent run of impressive form finish 3rd man and breaking the 30minute barrier, wife Samantha also had a a fantastic run finishing 4th lady overall… not a bad day out for Antell household!! Martin Cowell also had a cracking run 33.57 to take the in the M55 cat.

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7099388461446256384

BRIDGEWATER RACES

There were lots of Westcountry athletes taking part in the Half Marathon and 10k race.

Half

Zack Hurrell 1.13
Katie Synge-Curtis 1.22

10K

William Tew 36.15
Kate Saddler 39.39

Full Results: https://www.bridgwaterhalfmarathon.co.uk/results.html

BIG HALF LONDON

We spotted a SWRR contingent headed up to the big smoke for this half marathon.

Gwylym Gibson 1.15
Nick Bruce-White 1.16
Ash Voralia 1.27

TREGGY 7

Down in Launceston it was the popular 7mile road race.

Josh Rose, Cornwall Ac
Anna Harold, Truro Rc

Full Results: https://launcestonroadrunners.co.uk/.../Overall-Results.pdf

Coming Soon…

Exeter 3k & Mile Races - 29th Sept
Masters 5k, Weston Super Mare - 7th Oct
Power Run Haldon, 9 & 5mile - 14th Oct

29th August

With a bank holiday there was an extra day for racing!!

DARTMOUTH REGATTA ROAD RACE

Saturday saw one of the great historic Devon races, with the Dartmouth Regatta Road Race. Some legends have been round this course over the years. The mens record is held by Barry Knight (if you know you know!) who has to be one of the "all time" great westcountry runners. The women's record is held by Cornish based Olympian Marion Sutton, who actually twice won the Chicago Marathon in 1996 &1997!!!

2023 Winners:

31:21, Roger Easterbrook, Teignbridge Trotters
32.27, Katie Synge-Curtis, Royal Navy

Course Records:

25:45, Barry Knight, Torbay AAC, 1983
29:41, M Sutton, Tipton Harriers, 1992

Full Results: https://drive.google.com/.../1p081.../view...

OTHER LOCAL RACES

Lustleigh 10K: https://thelustleighshow.com/lustleigh-10k-run/

Peter Tavy Plod https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=326217...

Severn Bridge Races:

RUN EXE 5K

One week until the final race of the 2023. Series standings are online and it’s all to play for!!

Don’t forget it’s an earlier start for the final race - 7pm Start

15th August

GLOUCESTER 24 HOUR TRACK RACE

Exmouth Harrier’s Hannah Bown and Adrian Vanstone took on this monumental challenge this weekend both completing 85miles!!! Hannah finished 2nd female and Adrian 15th male. Chapeau

HOME NATIONS 5K - CARDIFF

Several Westcountry speedsters headed over the bridge for this fast and furious 5k.

Full Results: https://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx...

SOUTH WEST INTER-COUNTIES 10K

The top South West 10k runners were doing battle for their respective counties this weekend, which saw some very competitive racing.

Full Results: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=409...

SOUTH DEVON RELAYS

Was a good turn out on Friday night for South Devon Ac’s 4x3km Relays.

Full Result: https://www.southdevon.run/.../43b472...

Photo Credits: @exmouth_harriers // @danmapp // @omt96 // @swrr_runningclub // @joshb.runs

8th August

BARRY ISLAND 10K

A few Westcountry speedsters headed over the boarder to South Wales for the Barry 10k, it proved to be a successful trip!

Shaun Antell - - 30.46
Phil “coach” Wylie - 4th - 31.34
Samantha Antell - 4th - 38.17

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7089190203254559744

EURO FINAL FOR SAM MILLS

Exeter Harrier Sam Mills successfully navigated his heat to make it through to the European U20 1500m Final on Wednesday. We’re all rooting for you Sam

TOTNES 10K

Skip Snelon, Banbary Harriers, 39.35
Katie Synge-Curtis, Royal Navy, 44.47

Full Results: https://www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk/.../2023%20totnes...

INDIAN QUEENS HALF MARATHON

Jim Cole, Tavistock Run Project, 73.13

Anna Harrold Truo/Cornwall Ac 79.01

Full Results: https://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx...

Photo Credits: @shaunantell // @sam.mills04 // @teignbridge_trotters

23rd July

SAM MILLS GETS THE NOD

Exeter Harrier has been selected for the European U20 Championships which take place in Jerusalem, Israel on 7-10 August.

WORLD RECORD FOR TAUNTON ATHLETE

Taunton Athlete @kirstie_booth sets F45 2km Steeplechase World Record

MILLARD TAKES THE WIN

Not a bad England debut for @dillon_millard07 a win and a PB at the UK Schools champs.

EXETER 10K LADIES RECORD BROKEN

Rebecca Ezra-Ham of Tamar Trotters takes down the Exeter 10k ladies course record with a 36.34. A particularly strong run given the windy conditions.

WESTWARD LEAGUE 2023/24

Sunday 8th October – Plymouth (Newnham Park)
Sunday 19th November – Newquay
Sunday 10th December - Exeter
Sunday 14th January – Westward Ho! (with N Devon XC League)
Sunday 11th February – Plymouth (Central Park)
Sunday 3rd March – Redruth

4th July

Weekly Round Up...Wow there was a fair bit going on

ENGLISH SCHOOLS T&F CHAMPS

Some of the Westcountry's top junior talent headed to Birmingham for the national schools champs. The stand out performance we spotted was Taunton athlete Dillon Millard winning inter boys 1500m Steeplechase in 4.29, despite clipping a barrier and hitting the deck!

Full Results: https://entry4sports.co.uk/#/results/482

EXETER HARRIER SAM MILLS RUN EURO QUALFIER

Sam Mill headed to Watford for a British Milers Club race on Saturday for a last roll of the dice to run the GB qualifying time for the Euro Under 20 champs. Sam executed a great race and dipped under the required 3.45!! Now it is a nervous wait to see if the GB selector will give him the nod. Well done Sam... and nice vest by the way!!

Full Results: http://enteronline.britishmilersclub.com/.../results.aspx...

ERME VALLEY RELAYS

Friday night was the Erme Valley Relays with the usual fast and furious competition across all of the categories. Some of regular pacers put together on non-scoring team and finished 6th overall, well done chaps!

Full Results: https://www.ermevalleyharriers.co.uk/.../Erme-Valley...

PORTHCAWL 10K

Not a bad Sunday morning out for the Antell house over in South Wales. Shaun finish 2nd in 30.22 and Samantha finished 7th lady in 36.57, both in stacked elite fields. Sorry we've not managed to find a photo of Samantha.

Other notable performances...

Phil Wylie, Super Vet and Coach, 30.55

Ollie Thorogood, SWRR, 31.47

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/.../7079392704.../races/486311

OTHER LOCAL RACES

Magnificent 7 - Full Results: https://cornwallrunning.co.uk/r/Magnificent_7_2023/

Arlington Court Canter - Full Results: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=320062

28th June

LAND & SAND

Friday night saw @greenbowrunningclub Land & Sand 5k, looked to be a stunning evening down at Exmouth Beach. A great turn out for this popular event , Well done to everyone involved

Full Results: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=319308...

WESTCOUNTRY MILE

We spotted that Exmouth Harriers Cathy Newmans 5:45 on Wednesday night ranked her 4th on the UK All Time List

COMING UP

Time is running out to enter our Exeter 10k on Wednesday 19th July Don’t miss out get signed up.

NEW 3HOUR RELAY

6th August - Teams of 3 run as many laps as they can of interesting 2mile multi terrain lap. See website for further details.

13th June

Welsh Castles Relays

Last weekend saw the legendary Welsh Castles Relays which see's teams battle it out over 20 stages over 2 days, South West Road Runners were flying the flag for the Westcountry, fielding 2 teams... the Open team finishing 13th and the Vets team 5th. Well done to everyone involved.

Full Results: https://sites.google.com/view/wcrresults

Dawlish Dash

Thursday night saw the Dawlish Dash down at the Warren, Michael Lesniak, South Moulton and Melanie Brooks took the wins, our lad Jamie Town also had a run out pictured flying along the sea wall.

Full Results: https://www.dawlishcoasters.com/dawlish-coastal-dash

Swansea Half Marathon

We spotted Nikki Kelly from Tavistock Ac had a great run, finishing 4th lady and clocking a time of 1.18.25.

Try The Track

Don't forget there is a chance to try 'Try The Track' on Wednesday 21st June at Exeter Arena...

Devon 10,000
Westcountry Mile
Try The Track Miles

6th June

Dartmoor Discovery

Saturday saw the 'Legendary' Dartmoor Discovery Ultra Marathon organised by Teignbridge Trotters - it is the UK's longest single lap road ultra marathon 32miles and 899yards. There were 149 warriors who made it to the finish! Joe Beaton, 3.44.50, taking the win in the mens race and Kirsteen Welch, 3.59.52 taking the win in the ladies race in which we believe was a course record!

Full Results: https://www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk/.../2023%20dartmoor...

Uplowman 10K

Bank Holiday Monday saw the second edition of Tiverton Harriers Uplowman 10kK, which was part of the Instep Race Series. Jamie Price and Ellie Dominey taking the wins.

Full Results: http://www.tiverton-harriers.co.uk/uplowman-10k-2023-results

BMC

On the track there were some super quick British Milers Club races...

Exeter: https://www.britishmilersclub.com/.../exeter-30-may-2023.../

Millfield: https://www.britishmilersclub.com/.../millfield-pb.../

Don't forget there is a chance to try 'Try The Track' on Wednesday 21st June at Exeter Arena...

Devon 10,000
Westcountry Mile
Try The Track Miles

Photo Credits - @kirsteenwelch @exmouth_harriers @charlottefishercoaching1

16th May

Wow it's been a busy week/weekend for Westcountry racers...!!!

Here are some of the standout performances/events we spotted...

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR WESTCOUNTRY SPEEDSTERS

A lot of Westcountry athletes headed up the M5 to Birmingham Uni for British Miles Club races last Wednesday....

800m

Oliver Capps, Exeter Harriers, 1.53

1500m

Elliot Moran, Exeter Harriers, 3.47
Sam Mill, Exeter Harriers, 3.52
Scarlett Livingstone, Exeter Harriers, 4.27
Hannah Taunton, Taunton Ac, 4.35

3000m

Oliver Smart, Tavistock, 8.20
Poppy Tank, Plymouth Ac, 9.07
Innes Fitzgerald, Exeter Harriers, 9.07

PLYMOUTH HALF, 10K AND 5K

We were down at Plymouth Hoe on Sunday providing the chip timing on behalf of Raceahead, it was great to see so many people taking part across the various distances and seeing some familiar faces at the sharp end.

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7052224644248068352

SOUTH WEST ROAD RUNNERS - CREDITON CRUNCH

SWWR's off road 10k took place on Sunday, Michael Lesniak - South Moulton Strugglers and Hannah Richard - Exeter Uni Tri taking the wins.

Full Results: https://www.swrr.co.uk/.../Crediton-Crunch-2023-Results...

DEVON COUNTY CHAMPS

Sunday saw Devon's finest turn out for County Champs at Exeter Arena.

Full Results: https://www.ermevalleyharriers.co.uk/.../DCAA-Champs...

WELL DONE TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART IN ONE OF THE MANY EVENTS THIS WEEKEND.

RUN EXE RELAYS - WARNING

Places are filling up fast for our relays on the 26th - entries will close Wednesday 24th if limit is not reached before this.

9th May

A busy weekend of Westcounty racing... with just the 2 Olympians taking part!

Bideford 10k

A super competitive race at the sharp end... Not your usual local road race! In the mens race all of the podium have represented their country.

North Devon Olympian Phil Norman took the win just ahead of Shaun Antell, with Ronnie Richmond in 3rd, only a couple of weeks after competing in the elite race at London Marathon. In the ladies race Nikki Kelly was a clear winner!

1st Phil Norman, Woodford Green, 30.35
2nd Shaun Antell, Bideford Aac, 30.39
3rd Ronnie Richmond v40, Bideford Aac, 31.05
1st Nikki Kelly, Tavistock Ac, 35.55
2nd Ruby Orchard, F40, Cornwall Ac, 38.28
3rd Freya Woodhead, F20, Bideford AAC, 38.51

Too many to mention… but the standard of the vets results was really high!!

Full Results: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/Results.aspx?CId=16421...

Ottery 10k

Sunday was also Honiton Rc's Ottery 10k, which saw a good turn out including Olympian Jo Pavey. Exmouth Harriers Oliver White 33:58 and Serene Stone, Bideford Aac 39.44 took the wins.

Full results: http://www.honitonrc.com/.../9893707/ottery10k2023draft.pdf

Saltash Half and 5k - Full Results: https://www.tamartrotters.co.uk/saltash-half-marathon/

Any other outstanding Westcountry performances... Let us know!!

Run Exe 5k - Course Record Attempt

After seeing the women's all time course record smashed in Round 1, we've persuaded in-form Bideford speedster Shaun Antell to come and have a crack at the mens all time course record of 14.47 currently held by none other than Exmouth's Tom Merson.

We're calling all other Westcountry speedsters to come along as this will be a cracking race!

2nd May

West Athletics Round Up...

Last Tuesday saw the start of the British Milers programme at Exeter Arena with a 800m & 1500m races, this series attracts some of the top Westcountry athletes... Including GB international Sam Mills who started his track season in the 800m.

Full Results: https://www.britishmilersclub.com/.../exeter-25-april.../

The Bideford boys made a long trip up north on Friday night... Dan Mapp and Simon Mugglestone took on the infamously quick Mid Cheshire 5k. Dan running 14.50 for 25th place. Mugglestone took the win in the M55 cat in 17.23.

Sunday saw one of the regions classic races, Glastonbury Road Races - Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7057371187114473984

Sunday also saw Cardiff 5km Race for Victory with several Westcountry runners heading over the boarder to do battle...

Scarlett Livingstone, Exeter Harriers, 16.50
Katies Knowles, Newquay RR, 17.41
Kirsty Booth, Taunton Ac, 17.47
Simon Fox, Exeter Harriers, 14.54
Joshua Rowe, Hayle Runners, 14.54

South West Road Runners went on mass to Cardiff, with some great performances...

Gareth Davies, SWRR, 15.50
James Benham, SWRR, 17.03
Ash Voralia, SWRR, 17.54
Paul Thomas, SWRR, 18.06
David Wilson, SWRR, 21.37

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7058362650250130688

Over in Ibiza it was the 2023 World Triathlon Duathlon & Aquathon Championships and there were some Westcountry athletes representing GB

Elite Mens Duathlon - Phil Wylie, 24th

Age Group

25-29 Ben Tull 8th - Standard
30-34 Alex Crump 4th - Sprint
40-44 Luke Reed 14th - Sprint

Aquathon

25-29 Oli Thorogood 4th
25-29 Jamie Pullinger 18th
30-34 Nicky Savill 6th
45-49 Samantha Lake 2nd

Apologies if we've missed anyone... Let us know.

Photo Credits - @danmapp / @alexcrump90 / @luke_reed / @swrr_runningclub

25th April

So there was a little race going on in London at the weekend… looked pretty cool

There were a lot Westcountry Runners who headed up to the capital to do battle. Sorry too many to mention everyone but Chapeau to each and everyone of you

Here are some of the speedy Westcountry results we spotted . Sorry in advance for anyone we’ve missed… please do let us know in the comments

Ladies

Sammy Antell, Bideford Aac, 2.46
Alice Kelly, Exmouth Harriers 2.51
Emma Kiernan, Taunton Ac 2.57
Serane Stone, Bideford Aac 2.59
Anna Jenkins, Cornwall Ac, 2.59
Victoria Hill, SWRR, 3.01
Amy Jones, SWRR, 3.06
Alice Regan, SWRR, 3.14

Men’s Elite

Bideford's Ronnie Richmond, 2.19 - 3rd Vet 40 behind 2 Olympians Sir Mo and Chris Thompson

Men

Samuel Kelly, Exmouth Harriers, 2.27
Rob Ellis, Exmouth Harriers, 2.28
Arron Kearney, Bideford AAC, 2.35
Oliver White, Exmouth Harriers, 2.37
Sam Larkham, Tavistock, 2.37
Jason Hurford, Torbay Tri, 2.39
Thomas Humprhey, SWRR, 2.39
Graham Bale, Plymstock RR, 2.40 - 3rd M55
Adam Kidson, Exeter Harriers, 2.41
James Kelly, Exmouth Harriers, 2.41
Darren Roose, Newquay RR, 2.42
Simon Fitze, Erme Valley, 2.46
Ollie Parker, Plymouth Harriers, 2.47
Martin Colwill, Bideford Aac, 2.49
Alex Payton Jones, Tavistock Run Project, 2.51
Scott Hunter, SWRR, 2.52
Paul Sole, Cornwall Ac, 2.53
Francis Coledge, SWRR, 2.54
Milan Goc, SWRR, 2.57
Richard Gannon, Plymouth Harriers, 2.57

City Runs Family

Jamie Town, Suzie Tosh, Martin Sterry and Calvin Town all smashed it

Mini Marathon

Innes FitzGerald, Exeter Harriers comprehensively won the U17 title

Under the lights 5k.

Shaun Antell took a tidy win on Friday night in Battersea Park 'Under The Lights 5k', he clock 14.25. We also spotted former Sidmouth Rc Flurry Grierson was 6th in 14.30. Full Results: https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx...

Photo Credits @innes_fitzgerald / @athletics.weekly / @swrr_runningclub / @jctown27 / @shaunantell / @postrunpat

18th April

So we've well and truly hit marathon season... This weekend saw Manchester Marathon and Newport Marathon & 10k take place, a lot of Westcountry athletes were taking part with some amazing performances across the board.

Some of the outstanding performances we spotted from speedy local athletes we spotted...

NEWPORT:

Marathon:

Gwylym Gibson, SWRR, 2.37.44
Richard Hardy, Axe Valley, 2.40.52
Joel Seward, Axe Valley, 2.44.30

10K:

3rd Megan Davis, Newquay RR, 34.01
2nd Shaun Antell, Bideford Ac 30.11
6th Ben Neale, Tavistock 31.49
15th Sam Hopton, SWRR, 33.13
26th James Cutland Cornwall, 33.53

We spotted a BIG showing from local club South West Road Runners…Chapeau!!!

Gwylym Gibson, 02:37:44
Hamish Fletcher-Cooney, 02:54:13
Jason Hockridge, 03:13:39
Don Rufus, 03:16:00
Heidi Simms, 03:41:35
Daniel Hawkrigg, 03:41:37
Kristy Rowe, 03:59:40
Lee Cusick, 04:40:25
George Andrews, 05:06:27

Full Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7039258833384920064

MANCHESTER MARATHON

Josh Benford, Bideford 2.30.07
Jack Broom Axe Valley 2.38.08
Matt Frost, Axe Valley 2.56.23
Stephanie Hutton, Cornwall Ac 2.59.37

Full Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7039548795219704576

Anyone else maybe Rotterdam or Boston?? Let us know...?

TONIGHT sees the start of our Run Exe 5k... Looking at the start lists we think we might see some super speedy times... Perhaps a couple course records might me taken down!?

Photo Credits: @emmakessie / @swrr_runningclub / @axevalleyrunners / @ben_neale_rfrf / @shaunantell

4th April

WEST ATHLETICS WEEKLY ROUND UP

Saturday saw the second edition of our Power Run at Powderham Castle event, the wet weather in the week leading up made for very tough going in several sections of the course!

The podiums:

10Mile

Laura Wilby, Torbay Tri
Joanne Page, Okehampton RC
Jenny James, Unattached

Gwylym Gibson, SWRR
Scott Jamieson, Exmouth Harriers
Richard Pedrick, Vegan Runners

5Mile

Clare Cowen, Exeter Harriers
Anna Whittaker, Unattached
Victoria Jewitt, Riveria Racers

Jason Hockridge, SWRR
Tim Vialls, SWRR
Kyson Chugg, Unattached

Fast Friday 10k Preview:

Looking at the current entry list for our Good Friday 10k, it looks like it will be a competitive affair!

In the men's race Exeter Harrier Simon Fox will be looking to go one better than his 2nd place last year, no doubt he'll be push hard by Tavistock Ac's Ben Neale and one of the toughest competitors on the local circuit Jim Cole Tavistock Run Project.

In the ladies race, Newquay RR Katie Knowles looks to be the front runner but will certainly be chased hard by local runners Victoria Hill - SWRR, Any Jones - SWRR, Serene Stone Bideford AAC and Samantha Lake - Tavistock Ac.

We'll have to see if we get any late elite entries who might mix things up!!

@whitwortht89

28th March

WEST ATHLETICS... Weekly Round Up

Feighan Fury

It was the inaugural Feighan Fury on Sunday, which looked to be a great success, WELL DONE to everyone involved.

We are sure Mike would have approved of the hills and the mud

Simon Minting, Exmouth Harriers and Amy Jones of the home club SWRR taking the win.

Full Results - https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=309629...

Tavy Half

Down in Tavistock it was the Tavy Half which saw a clean sweep for the home club Tavistock Ac with Ben Neale and Samantha

Lake taking the wins.

http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk/.../Tavy13-2023...

Cardiff 10k

Over boarder we saw some very impressive performances by westcountry athletes in the Cardiff Bay 10k

Megan Davis - Newquay RR 5th 34:15
Alice Murray-Gourlay - Taunton Ac 17th 38:52
Kirsty Booth - Taunton Ac 18th 38:54
Thomas Crockett - Exeter Uni 3rd 30:12
Shaun Antell - Bideford Aac 5th 30:24
Samuel Goodchild - Cornwall Ac 13th 31:04
Simon Fox - Exeter Harriers 15th 31:16
Adam Leaworthy - Noth Devon Ac 31st 32:59
Liam Nicholls - Cornwall Ac 34th 33:08
Callum Crawford - Exeter Harriers 38th 33:23

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7036327316696659200

Up Coming Races:

Fast Friday 10k, Good Friday, 7th April - Pace Makers - 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65mins

Limited Places Remaining!

/// Photo Credits: @feighanfury / @emmakessie / @tavistockathleticclub / @ben_neale_rfrf / Simon Fox / @shaunantell

21st March

We spotted some local athletes headed out to Italy for some action…2023 Europe Triathlon Duathlon Championships Venice-Caorle

Stand out performances...

Phil Wylie- 20th Mens Elite Race

Age Group Racing…1st & 2nd for @swrr_runningclub pair Sam Hopton and Alex Crump in the 30-34 Sprint Race

□ Chris Shakya 14th 35-39 Sprint Race

□ Dave Brown @duathlon_dave 5th 40-44 Sprint Race

□ Luke Reed 9th 40-44 Sprint Race

Full Results: https://www.triathlon.org/.../2023_europe_triathlon...

In Nottingham it was the English Schools Cross Country Champs with Devon, Cornwall and Somerset teams taking part.

Top 10 finishes we spotted from Westcountry juniors…

□ 1st, Innes Fitzgerald - Senior Girls - Devon

□ 9th, Scarlett Livingstone - Senior Girls - Devon

□ 10th, Sophie Nicholls - Senior Girls - Somerset

□ 7th, Paige Quinn - Junior Girls - Devon

□ 11th Olivia Steer - Junior Girls - Devon

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7042160131037168896

Photo Credit: @alexcrump90 / @wylieduathlon / @luke_reed / @englishschoolsaa / @athletics.weekly

14th March

WEST ATHLETICS - WEEKLY ROUND UP

One of the most competitive XC races of the year took place on Saturday at the Inter Counties XC Champs at Prestwood Hall, with County Teams sending there best runners to take part, there was good showing from the Devon and Cornwall teams that took part. Stand out Performances...

@innes_fitzgerald Devon winning the U17 Ladies from gun to tape, followed home in 12th by teammate @scarlettlivingstxne 12th and @molly.shorey 20th.

Devon and Cornwall's senior teams performed well...

Cornwall Ladies:

Megan Davis 18th
Imogen Wood 28th
Rebecca Ezra Ham 51st - fresh from winning Bideford Half the weekend before.

Cornwall's Callum Jones first senior man home in 20th position,

Full Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7039975178045137920

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR POWDERHAM RACE 1st APRIL & FAST FRIDAY 10K - CAN YOU HELP? FREE ENTRY TO ANOTHER RACE - https://www.city-runs.co.uk/racemaker

Sunday saw the Chester 10k, which included a Masters Home International we spotted a few Westcountry runners taking part.

Jenny Reay, Exmouth Harriers, 4th F60 - 44:01
Andrew Chambers, 5th M35 - 31.58
John Shapland, Bideford Aac, 7th M65 - 41.51
Peter Sargent, SW Vets, 7th M75 - 57.47

If we missed anyone please let us know.

Full Results: https://ale.niftyentries.com/Results/2023-MBNA-Chester-10K

There was a Half Marathon down in Falmouth with over 500 runners on Sunday - Results: https://www.thebat.biz/results/Falmouth_Half_2023/

Photo Credits: @athletics.weekly / David Hewitson

7th March

Well it was a very busy weekend...

There was some outrageous speeding at @bidefordaac Bideford Half Marathon. Both @postrunpat and @shaunantell of the home club Bideford Aac smashed the previous course record recording 65.35 and 65.41 respectively. In the ladies race Rebecca Ezra-Ham took the win in 77.45.

The work of our friend @danmapp leading the 90min train was pretty solid... well done sir!

Podiums...
1 Ronnie RICHMOND 1:05:35
2 Shaun ANTELL 1:05:41
3 Simon FOX 1:07:26
1 Rebecca EZRA-HAM 1:17:45
2 Sammy ANTELL 1:18:13
3 Alison MCEWING 1:19:05

Full Results: https://dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=2346

Over at Seaton it was the Grizzly and as ever it didn't disappoint..

Podiums...
1 Samuel Kelly
2 David Green
3 James Parkinson
1 Molly Smith
2 Molly Browne
3 Alice Kelly

Full Results: https://chiptimingresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=61&RId=524

The grizzly always brings back memories of our sadly departed friend Mike Feighan, pictured winning a previous edition ❤️

We're please to report our route boss @jctown27 (1181) made light work of the race completing the event with his Fire Service Team.

Well done to @axevalleyrunners @grizzlyavr for putting another fantastic grizzly you are LEGENDS!!!

It was the final race of the 22/23 Westward XC League down in Redruth.
Full Results: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league

📸Photo Credits: @grizzlyavr @newquayroadrunners @jctown27

28th February

One of the greatest event on the English running calendar took place on Saturday... The Nation Cross Country (if you know, you know!).

It was great to see some of our Westcountry athletes traveling up to do battle in Chester, in particular the U20 category was really dominated

Innes Fitzgerald, Exeter Harriers emphatically won the U20 ladies races.

In the U20 mens race Joe Ponter, Taunton Ac won a bronze followed home by Finn Jennings Bideford Aac in 4th.

Other notable performances:

Taunton Ac U20's Mens team finished 6th
Ronnie Richmond, Bideford Ac, 83rd Senior Mens.

Full results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7034530289041792256

Closer to home down in Cornwall, it was the Looe 10mile, which saw 531 finishers. Full Results: ttp://www.looepioneers.co.uk/.../120.../overall_results.pdf

Out Upcoming Races:

15th March - Exmouth 5mile (3/3)
1st April - Power Run @ Powderham 10 & 5mile
7th April - Fast Friday 10k
18th April - Run Exe 5k (1/6)
2nd May - Run Exe 5k (2/6)
26th May - Run Exe Relays
6th June - Run Exe 5k (3/6)
21st June - Devon 10,000m, Westcountry Mile & Try The Track Mile
30th June - Taunton Relays

Photo Credits - @ac_phots @postrunpat @davidjlee1

21st February

WEST ATHLETICS NEWS

Weekly update…

Was great to see local lad Sam Mills taking on the best in the world over in Oz this weekend at the World Cross Country championships. It was a tough course and brutal hot with temperatures reaching 35+ degrees despite this Sam managed to finish 49th in the Under 20's race, we are sure that this is just the start of his journey competing on the World stage

Poppy Tank from Plymouth Ac put in a great performance also, finishing 37th in the seniors ladies races. So good to local westcountry athletes completing at this level

Full race report: https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/.../impressive.../

Friday night saw the “Under The Lights 5K" in Battersea Park, London and we spotted a few Westcountry athletes that headed up to the capital to do battle

Finn Jennings, Bideford Aac, 14.17
Callum Jones, Cornwall Ac, 14.43
Ollie Thorogood, SWRR, 15.03
Sam Sommerville, Yeovil, 15.32
Dan Mapp, Bideford Aac, 15.33
Hannah Taunton, Taunton Ac, 17.27

Full results: https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx...

Some local runners headed out to Spain for the Seville Marathon, clocking some quick times...

2:40:42, Terry Emmett V40, Axe Valley
2:47:52 Stephen Burrows V45 Erme Valley
2:49:34 Paul Sole V40 Cornwall AC
3:10:36 Amy Sole V35 Cornwall AC
3:19:45 Emily Warren V35 Plymstock RR

Results - https://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx...

On Saturday it another Tavy 5k - Results: http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk/.../T5k-February-2023...

Our 2023 Relay Series

Run Exe Relays
Taunton Relays
3 Hour Relay

Details: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/relays

Photo Credits: @harrymills2805 @poppytank / World Athletics @athletics.weekly @sportsshoes_races @omt96

14th February

Another busy few days of racing...here are some of the highlights we spotted from last week

Over in Northern Ireland it was the Armagh International 5k and 3k races. In the mens race there was a North Devon Express with Phil Norman and Dan Mapp clocking 13:59 and 14:54 respectively To illustrate the quality of this race 132 runners went under 15minutes

In the Ladies 3k, Taunton Ac put in a superb showing, finishing team ahead of a French team - Alice Murray-Gourlay 9:36, Hannah Taunton 9:57, Kirstie Booth 9:57. Newquay RR Katie Knowles also had a great run clocking 9:53. Great to see our local athletes getting out there and taking on the very best!! BIG RESPECT

Full Results available here: https://myrunresults.com/.../brooks_armagh.../4623/results

Sunday saw round 5 of the Westward League on tough course in Plymouth's Central Park, some great racing across all the age groups.

If you haven't already seen, full results available here: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league

Over in Belgium it was another international Cross Cup event, Taunton Ac's Joe Ponter representing finished 6th in the Junior Mens race, we think this was his international debut which makes it an even better performance. Exeter Harriers Innes Fitzgerald won the Junior Ladies race, to continue here fantastic run of form this season. It just goes to show what great talent we have down here in the Westcountry!! Full results available here: https://my3.raceresult.com/227822/RRPublish/data/pdf?name=02%20Uitslagen%7CTotaaluitslag&contest=0&lang=en

Bideford Aac's racing machine Ronnie Richmond was in action at the Bramley 20 and taking victory by almost 10mintues. Prep for the London Marathon elite race looks to be going ok

There was the Exeter Half Marathon taking place on Saturday and Sunday, results available here: https://www.runbritainrankings.com/res.../resultslookup.aspx

Next Race Up for us... The FLAT FAST EXMOUTH 5MILER - 15th March, 7pm Kick Off.

Photo Credits - @keithmcclurephotography @running_squirrel @innes_fitzgerald @postrunpat

7th February

Lot's going on last week... Exmouth Harrier's - Exmouth Express was back, after a few years break due to covid and they couldn't of had a nicer morning for it 😎 Local Exmouth Harrier Tom Merson 🥇taking the win and South West Road Runners Victoria Hill 🥇taking the ladies tittle. Full results on our website - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7026494285036905984/races/484751

The Newquay 10k took place on Sunday, with a some fierce racing and a strong South West Road Runners contingent heading down to do battle - full results are available via our website - https://www.newquayroadrunners.co.uk/newquay-10k

It was BUCS Cross Country Champs in Swansea this weekend... Take our world for it the atmosphere at these champs are so good!!! Well done the @euac_official and was great to see the teams competing so strongly across all the 4 races. Full results available here: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7027240492605634816

Two South West Athletes are heading down under to represent GB at the World Cross Country Champs in Australia, @sam.mills04 Exeter Harriers in the Under 20 mens race and Poppy Tank, City of Plymouth Ac in the Senior Womens race - full write up from British Athletics: https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/great-britain-and-northern-ireland-team-selected-for-the-2023-world-athletics-cross-country-championships/

We presented South West Road Runners their Mob Match trophy from our Exmouth 5miler last week. Well done @rosie.j.mew @jamiepullinger @alexcrump90 @samhopton89 . See final results: https://www.city-runs.co.uk/run-exe-winter-5m

Exciting news we hear on the grapevine local Bideford runner Ronnie Richmond will be sharing his training in the build up to his elite start in this years London Marathon... Super informative and motivating so if your on Instagram give him a follow @postrunpat

Photo credits

📸 Exmouth Harriers

📸 @alexcrump90

🎥 @euac_official

📸 South West Road Runners

31st January