Duchy 20 signals start of Spring and Westward XC season closes at Stover

The 3^rd Club Championship race of the season took place on Sunday 1^st March, at the Duchy 20 in Redruth.

This race was brought back into the racing calendar in 2019 by Hayle Runners, having ceased in 2012.

The race started outside the Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth. The race route comprised of two loops, varying in length. The runners headed out through the town and on towards Illogan, through lovely country side. They continued out onto the beautiful Northern Cliffs coast road for a long flat section towards Hells Mouth, before turning inland through Coombe and Pool. This completed the longer loop. The shorter loop took the runners around the outskirts of Tehidy Park and back to the finish outside the hotel in Redruth. There was a sting in the tail within the last mile, with a couple of tough climbs on top of the strong wind!

An early start for the ten Trotters who took part, with a 9:00 am start! Weather conditions were fresh but bright, with just one short sharp shower just after the start. The stretch along the cliffs was met with a strong headwind, with little protection.

The event was superbly marshalled, and the plentiful water stations were manned by the local cadets.

All our Club runners ran superbly, on what was a good opportunity to see where their fitness levels are approaching the spring marathons.

James Saunders was the first Trotter home, completing the tough challenge in 2:29:45 to finish in 30^th place.

Hannah Jones ran brilliantly, as did Eleanor Taylor to win age category prizes. Hannah clocked a time of 2:40:06 to finish 47^th and 3^rd in the FV40-44 category. Eleanor went one better, by finishing 2^nd in the FV60-64 age category. She posted a great time of 3:20:27 to finish 147^th overall.

A special mention must go to Kim and Duncan Knight, as well as Kathryn Steemson, whom had never run 20 miles, let alone race the distance! All three passed the test with flying colours.

The other Trotters positions and times were: Duncan Knight (43, 2:39:45), Kathryn Steemson (97, 2:58:29), Max Conroy (114, 3:03:53), Kim Knight (117, 3:05:41), Peter Blakesley (118, 3:05:38), Ruth Johnson (176, 3:35:26), Sue Tremlett (181, 3:37:28). There were 219 finishers.

The race winner was Carl Murphy representing Mile High. The winning time was 2:05:48, in what was a sprint finish with a fellow club runner.

The final round of the Charles Stanley Westward Cross Country League took place at Stover School, in Newton Abbot on Sunday.

Recent rain meant that the conditions were tough, with plenty of mud to get through.

Helen Anthony didn’t let this worry her, as she stormed around the course in a time of 00:26:27, to finish in 8^th place. Helen had a great XC season, finishing in 3^rd place in the FV40 category competition.

Wendy Goldthorp, the Clubs XC Captain, ran consistently throughout the season. Her considerable efforts helped her finish 35^th overall. Wendy also finished 35^th today, posting a time of 00:30:13.

Our ladies Vets team finished in 10^th place overall, in which 49 teams took part. A great team performance.

Tavistock athlete, Joe Meek, won the round, clocking a time of 00:24:38.

In the men’s event, three Trotters stepped up to the plate. Joe Hornsby, who has taken to this form of racing like duck to water, finished in 35^th place, crossing the line in 00:38:13.

Matthew Day and Chris Broadbent both ran well. Matthew finished 55^th (00:40:19), and Chris completed the tough test in 00:42:47 to finish 71^st.

The new season starts in October, so let’s get behind Wendy, and show as much enthusiasm as Wendy does in this form of racing.

Karen O’Brien took part in The Vitality Big Half Marathon. This is a community running event to encourage Londoners especially, to come together to run from all back grounds.

The race started at Tower Bridge and finished at Cutty Sark, passing through the boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Greenwich. This race gave potential London Marathon entrants a chance to run some of the course in preparation for the big day.

Karen ran superbly, setting a new personal best for the distance. Karen clocked a time of 2:02:31, one minute quicker than when she raced at Reading last year. Well done Karen.

The re-arranged Exeter Half Marathon took place on Sunday, the race cancelled three weeks ago thanks to Storm Ciara.

The race was a great flat, traffic free course run on the footpaths and cycle tracks around the River Exe and Exeter Canal. The route and distance makes it suitable for all, especially those chasing PB's or novice runners looking to complete their first event.

Darren Petch was the Clubs only representative. He finished in 136th position, posting a time of 2:40:32.

There were 152 entrants. Simon Fitze, representing Erme Valley Harriers, took the honours, winning in a time of 1:19:43.

Susanne Westgate and Kate Blackmore took part in the Resolution 10K on Sunday, with proceeds going to the Stroke Association. There were three distances on offer, including a 5K and 15K options.

The undulating route followed beautiful trails around the Saltram Estate and through Woodlands alongside the River Plym.

There was no official timing, but Susanne finished in just under an hour, with Kate completing the distance on the hour mark.

This popular event was in aid of a cause close to Susanne and Kate's hearts, as they both have family members who have suffered strokes. Well done ladies.