Adam Holland Beats The Train and Lucy Payne is sweet at Bramley 20/10

On Sunday 17^th February, Jolly Running ‘Beat the Train’ race was staged. This race is one of five races being organised by Tracey Jolly and Brian Lewis in 2019.

The start line for the race was at the South Devon Railways, Totnes Station. Spectators with a ticket, boarded the Jolly Running Express Race Train, in the hope of catching a glimpse of their family and friends running as the train made its journey. The runners and the Jolly Running Express then waited for the whistle to blow, signifying the start of the race.

The ‘Beat the Train’ is a 6.8 mile ‘out and back’ route, taking the runners along the riverside paths and woodland trails between Totnes and Staverton, before heading back to Totnes.

The train and the runners raced to Staverton Station, where the train had a short stop before returning back to Totnes. This was where the runners could steam on ahead and make it back to Totnes before the train. How many runners will Beat the train?

The weather conditions on the morning of the race were on the cool side with a moderate breeze and some light drizzle to contend with.

The course was run mainly on narrow tracks alongside the River Dart. There were gates, steps, muddy puddles and tree roots to negotiate along the way, as well as some steep ascents to climb.

The marshal’s around the course were friendly, helpful and encouraged each runner as they made their way around the course.

The winner of the event was Adam Holland who finished well ahead of the train, finishing in a time of 53:40. Adam represents Tavistock AC. In a close second was Stephen Cameron (Bideford AC) crossing the line in 53:49. The first female home was Joanne Page, clocking a great time of 57:19. Hannah Warne finished second in the ladies competition, finishing in a time of 59:43.

31 runners ‘Beat the Train’ back to the station!! The Trotters first finisher was Andrew Fox finishing in a great time of 59:39. Andrew said that cross country isn’t his forte, but this tested his mental endurance.

The other Trotter finishing positions and times were: Tom MacTaggart (39, 1:00:51), Neil Rutley (61, 1:02:28), Bon Rymel (70, 1:03:26), Kate Lenthall (74, 1:03:40), John Holland (90, 1:05:04), Chris Wilde (97, 1:06:02), Danny Brown (128, 1:10:50), Sue Brown (146, 1:12:52), Sue Tremlett (156, 1:14:46), Karen O’Brien (159, 1:15:30), Ed Hounsell (188, 1:19:59), Susanne Westgate (195, 1:20:36), Beverley Dennis (197, !:21:12), Sara Allen (200, 1:21:42), Yasmin Jeffrey (219, 1:26:05), Andy Distin (227, 1:27:04), Angela Blakesley (228, 1:27:52), Sharon Still (230, 1:28:10), Amy Robson (248, 1:31:20). There were 279 finishers.

Yet again, Jolly Running has successfully staged a fun running event, and judging by the positive feedback received by some of the runners, everyone had a great time. The unique ‘Beat The Train’ medal also proved very popular!

Also on Sunday, Lucy Payne travelled to Reading, to take part in the 25^th running of the Bramley 20/10, the flagship event of Reading Road Runners. 633 runners took part in the 20 mile race, and 743 runners ran the 10 mile event.

Lucy was using this race as part of her London marathon training . The race was run on quiet country lanes, and the elevation was quite flat, other than two climbs at the 6 & 8 mile marks. Weather conditions were just about perfect for distance running.

Lucy was really pleased with her performance, and she is well on target to perform well in the ‘big one’. Lucy’s time was 3:24:19 to finish in 551st position. A superb effort!!

The winner of the 20 mile race was Matthew Richards, clocking a time of 1:52:59, representing the home club. The 10 mile race was won by Rob Corney, also running for Reading Roadrunners, finishing in a remarkable time of 49:43.