Dartmoor Discovery another Massive Success

On Saturday the Club played host to the Dartmoor Discovery. This is a massive undertaking and under the Stewardship of Chairman Rog and his Committee the Club got right behind the event and the outcome was an inspirational day for all concerned.

The following is a press statement put out by John Ludlam on behalf of the club and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the Club Committee.

JOHN WARD SMASHES COURSE RECORD
Bideford runner knocks more than two-and-a-half minutes off previous record
All-time record number of finishers proves growing popularity of DD event

Newton Abbot, 10 June, 2012 – Bideford AC’s John Ward smashed the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon course record on Saturday (9 June), storming round the 32-mile circuit in a blistering 3:33:36 and knocking more than two-and-a-half minutes off the previous record.
Mike Feighan, who set the existing record of 3:36:18 in 2002, also posted his time in a Bideford vest, proving that the hills of north Devon are an admirable training ground for the challenge of the DD, which takes in some of the stiffest hill climbs and descents to be found on the UK ultramarathon scene. Starting and finishing in Princetown in the heart of Dartmoor, the DD is the UK’s longest single-lap road race and attracts top ultra distance runners, as well as a growing number of determined enthusiasts spanning all ages and a wide range of abilities.
It was a particularly good day for John, who was running the DD for the first time, making his achievement even more notable in an event that is often won by runners who have experience of its daunting nature. In addition to his overall winner’s trophy, John picked up a clutch of MV40 category, course record and newcomer awards totalling £215. He finished ahead of DD veteran and 2010 winner Dave Stone, of the Exmouth Harriers, who clocked 3:43:59 to take second place. Third-placed Crawley AC runner Paul Navesey crossed the line in 3:46:34.
The DD is organised by Newton Abbot-based running club the Teignbridge Trotters, who took over the race in 2010, when the previous organiser announced his retirement, casting doubt over the future of the well-loved event. The 2012 race has proved more popular than ever before, with a record 175 finishers conquering the gruelling course.
Teignbridge Trotters Chairman Roger Hayes, who is also the DD’s Race Director, said: ‘The weekend was another massive success, from the Friday night pasta party right through to the after-race disco. But the stand-out moment had to be John Ward’s superb new course record. His achievement proves that this event offers top runners a chance to perform at their very best in one of the country’s toughest running environments. At the same time, this year’s record number of finishers demonstrates that ultramarathons and the DD in particular are growing in popularity for the wider community of runners who are looking for that special challenge. But none of this would be possible without the huge army of helpers that make the event what it is. I take my hat off to them. Roll on next year!’
The Ladies’ event produced a stunning performance from another newcomer to the race, as Truro Running Club’s Isobel Wykes powered round the hilly course in 4:07:32 – just a few minutes adrift of the female course record. Ellie Sutcliffe, running for the Teignbridge Trotters, came second in 4:27:02, bettering her 2011 time. Unattached runner Rachel Tuck finished third in 4:31:46.
Saturday’s conditions – cool, with moderate breezes and occasional rain showers – spurred on the competition right through the field. In the race categories, John Ward took the MV40 award in addition to his overall winner’s trophy. Garry Smart, of the Teignbridge Trotters, won the MV45 category with a time of 4:18:49. Exmouth Harrier David Wright bagged the top MV50 slot, in 4:46:41. Mark Andrews, of the East Cornwall Harriers, won the MV55 battle, in 4:56:54. The MV60 honours went to Jon Bateman of the Road Runners Club: he posted 4:42:48. Kirsty Reade, of the Didcot Runners, completed the course in 4:51:14 to take the FV35 award. Weston AC runner Teresa King clocked 5:00:25 to win FV40 colours. Ingrid Harris, of Almost Athletes, triumphed in the FV45 category, with 4:56:40. Littledown Harrier Heather Khoshnevis won the FV50 award in 5:14:30. And Sue Taylor of the Mounts Bay Harriers lifted the FV55 trophy, crossing the line in 5:29:10.
The Men’s Team award went to the Teignbridge Trotters A team of Garry Smart, who ran bravely despite a severe blister, an on-form and astoundingly insouciant John Tweedie (4:39:27) and 2011 DD winner Dave Tomlin (4:40:04), who battled injury to help clinch the trophy for the Royal Blues. The Tamar Trotters took second place and the third spot went to the Teignbridge Trotters B team of Ewan Walton (4:43:11), Travis Wood (4:48:19) and Alan Boone (4:49:19).
The Ladies’ Team event was also won by the Teignbridge Trotters A team of Ellie Sutcliffe, Emma Sidebotham (5:18:22) and Tracy Elphick (5:18:23). The Littledown Harriers were second. In third place was the Teignbridge Trotters B team of Jacki Woon (5:18:23), Sharon Bowman (5:48:41) and Sally Ingledew (6:09:57).
Other Trotters running were: Wavell Vigers (4:59:10), Mark Hutchins (5:08:37), Stuart Moulson (5:08:53), Chris Wride (5:17:14), Gary Clark (5:17:50), Allen Taylor (5:39:32), Roger Hales (5:39:33), Mark Wotton (5:40:08) and Phil Perry (5:40:32).
 

Photos Top: Smartie on his way to MV45 success at the DD (Photo courtesy Julia Proctor) Middle: Wavell Vigers - hot work at the DD (Photo courtesyJulia Proctor). Bottom: Done it - A jubilant Fizz crosses the line at the DD (Photo courtesy Peter Royle)