Athletics- Large crowds for half-marathon
The Plymouth Half-Marathon took place on Sunday in overcast and sultry weather conditions. Over 1700 runners took part in the event, which followed a course from the Hoe Promenade up to Saltram Park, then returning via the Barbican. It was a well-organised event, which drew large crowds of spectators to cheer on the competitors.
Stuart Hall of Tipton Harriers won the race in a record time of 1:07:09. The first female runner to finish was Plymouth Harrier Angela Allan, with a time of 1:22:32.
A squad consisting of 12 East Cornwall Harriers was eager to put their training to the test in this increasingly popular event in the racing calendar. The East Cornwall Harriers' female team, comprising Amanda Erith, Carol Pollard and Revis Crowle ran exceptionally well against stiff competition to win third place in the overall ladies' team category in this major event.
A good performance was given by Revis Crowle who, after a two-year absence from the half-marathon circuit returned with a personal best. The result suggests that Revis is returning to form after a difficult period of injury and is poised to run well during the summer.
Carol Pollard ran a very plucky race and was rightfully pleased with her performance. Amanda Erith completed the race in one of her best times for the distance.
Mike Erith put his training to good use by leading the Harrier runners for the majority of the race. Len White, who also carefully prepared for the run had a very good race and was within 100 metres of Mike Erith as they approached Saltram Park. Len kept up the pressure and overtook Mike near Laira bridge to finish with a time of 1:27, with Mike finishing two minutes later.
Mark Andrews knocked five minutes off his previous half-marathon time and crossed the finishing line with a personal best time of 1:31. Mike Palmer was rewarded with a fine run, as was Alan Smith, who completed the event in a time to be envied by many runners half his vintage.
Nick Stone, after a couple of below-par races, crossed the finishing line in more confident style to collect his finishers medal. Andrew Lord running the club in his first Plymouth half-marathon notched up a successful run. The race formed part of Andrew's training for the Dublin Marathon later this year.
Tony Blank drawing upon the fitness he has gained from competing in a number of recent races, and he ran a good race. East Cornwall Harrier Rob Pick also took part in the event. Rob, who confessed he had not trained for this event, still managed to finish in a very creditable time.
The East Cornwall Harriers runners very much appreciated the support and encouragement given by the non-running club members who spectated at the event.