The Plymouth 10k, in memory of Roger Hockey, took place on Sunday. The two lap course, in and around Central Park, was described as undulating, although most runners found the undulations quite steep!
The start, outside the Mayflower Sports Centre, had to be delayed by 15 minutes due to many participants being caught in heavy traffic. Weather conditions were comfortable for racing, and the rain held off until after the event finished and most of the runners were inside the sports hall awaiting the presentation.
The winner of the race was Stuart Hall, from Tipton Harriers, in a time of 32:05. Second was Robert Wise from Westbury Harriers, and third was Alister Bristow from Erme Valley.
The first lady to finish was Kerrie Wood, from Glossopdale, in a fast time of 38:01. Second was Rachel Wilson from South Devon AC, and third was Revis Crowle from East Cornwall Harriers. Revis was awarded the trophy for second lady in the veteran category 35 - 44.
Amanda and Mike Erith did well in the race. Amanda picking up the trophy for first lady over 45, and Mike received the trophy for first man over 50.
In the team trophies awarded Tamar Trotters won three of the five prizes. First male team prize went to Tamar Trotters 'A' team, second to DML and third to Tamar Trotters 'B' team.
First female team prize was won by East Cornwall Harriers; Revis Crowle, Jacky Tyler, Amanda Erith and Sharon Dawe. Second was Tamar Trotters. ECH Results: Mike Erith 39:54, Len White 41:07, Toby Erith 41:24, Nick Stone 42:15, Revs Crowle 42:51, Andrew Lord 45:02, Jacky Tyler 47:24, Amanda Erith 47:27, Sharon Dawe.
Earlier in the week on Tuesday August 10, the Annual ECH Handicap race took place. All members of East Cornwall Harriers are invited to take part in this event that starts and finishes at Merrymeet. The course takes the runners from Merrymeet to Fore Down, then up Caradon Hill to the mast, the course then follows the road down towards Minions, then back along the disused railway track to Fore Down, and back to Merrymeet.
The handicaps for this eight mile race are based of current race results, and in theory, if everyone runs to form, the runners should all finish together The winner of this years event was Len White, who stormed though to a personal best time of 54:18.
The ladies race was won by Amanda Erith, who managed to out run Jacky Tyler over the last couple of miles to finish in 65:10. The fastest time overall was recorded by Andy Gwillum, also a personal best of 50:30. Vi Gold bravely took on the challenge, despite falling during training recently, and finished in a time of 94:44. Dave Clatworthy, who hasn't been racing for many months due to a foot problem also completed the run, in a time of 77:90. Finishing times and positions: Men: (1) Len White 54:18, (2) Andy Gwillum 50:30, (3) Bill Muller 57:40, (4) Alan Smith 56:09, (5) Anton Luiton 66:42, (6) Rod Andrews 57:10, (7) Mike Erith 54:31, (8) Rob Pick 58:25, (9) Mark Andrews 60:00, (10) Jeremy Bennett 66:40, (11) Andrew Lord 62:47. Ladies : (1) Amanda Erith 65:10, (2) Jacky Tyler 64:16; Revis Crowle 57:06, (4) Vi Gold 94:44.