Promising a bit of everything, with the first 5k being flat and on road, and the last 5k being undulating and mainly off-road on woodland trails, this run attracted some top level club runners and first time charity entrants alike and had a great atmosphere.
5 Harriers toed the startline, all opting for the 10k rather than the shorter 5k option. Conditions were hot and humid with little breeze and so the shaded sections under the trees were very welcome. With the route following an accurately measured 10k loop of tracks in and around the Castle grounds and with any public roads used - e.g. the stretch along the River Exe - being closed to traffic, this was a safe and enjoyable run for all.
Following a much needed 2 week rest period, the first Harrier home on the day was myself, Ellie Sutcliffe. I finished 9th overall and 1st female in 39:32. My prize was a signed copy of Adharanand Finn's new book, 'Running with the Kenyans', and Adharanand was also running in the race on Sunday, finishing 4th overall in 37:00. (Good job he didn't finish in the top 3 or he'd have won his own book!).
Next in, having a fine run, was Moira Glen. Moira tried to hang onto super-vet runner, Karen Cook, but Karen proved a little too strong for Moira on the long 1 mile climb at mile 4 and a gap opened up, with Moira hanging on for 4th place in the ladies race and 22nd overall in 42:28. She was also 1st in her FV45 age category but unfortunately no category prizes were awarded.
Then came new Harrier, Kurt Margison, having a strong run, despite the hot and sunny conditions, to clock 51:04 which placed him 98th overall and so in the top third of all finishers.
Having their own little private battle were Stan and Joan Mason. After Joan came out on top at the Torbay Regatta 10k, Stan had a point to prove at Powderham and so he went out hard, stuck to his task, and sure enough managed to score the equaliser! Stan finished in 55:48 for 146th place overall and Joan was not far behind, 174th, 57th female, in 57:53. And so to Woodbury 10k in 2 weeks time which has been selected as the decider! Who will it be? Place your bets please!
With live music, a good selection of excellently prized refreshments, post-race massage available and 50% discount for runners and their supporters into the castle after, this was a superb event and one which other Harriers should definitely give a go next year!
Moira finishing strongly for 4th place.
The 5 participating Harriers in front of the Castle: great backdrop to a race!
No comments:
Post a Comment