Athletics- Rolfe returns triumphant
East Cornwall Harrier, Keith Rolfe has returned from America after competing in the Boston Marathon. He was one of 14,000 runners who took part in the premier international event, which is reputably one of the fastest marathon courses in the world Keith completed the 26.2 mile event in a very respectable time of 3 hours 35 minutes, but well below his usual time for the distance, owing to the combined effects of a throat infection and 'jet lag'.
More familiar terrain was on offer for Keith at the annual 'Oak Croak' moorland race, which took place on Dartmoor last Sunday. Fellow East Cornwall Harrier, Mark Andrews, also took part in the 11th hour race. A total of 98 runners followed the challenging course from Okehampton up onto the moor to scale Oak Tor and then Yes Tor, the second highest Tor on Dartmoor, before returning via a welcome long descent to the finish line at the Okehampton football ground.
Neil Holmes of Erme Valley Harriers won the event in a time of 1:14:35. The first female finisher (25th position overall) was Angela Sykes of Tamar Valley Hash House Harriers, who completed the race in a time of 1:27:44.
Keith Rolfe having battled with strong headwinds and nil visibility on the cloud-covered summit of Yes Tor finished in 19th position with a time of 1:26:22. Keith also scooped second place in the male Vets 45 age catagory. Mark Andrews finished in 33rd position with a time of 1:33:22.
In other East Cornwall Harrier news, veteran runner Alan Smith competed in the Hereford Marathon which took place on the 16th May. 120 runners took part in the race. Alan completed the event in 3 hours 35 minutes. It was the 48th marathon of his distinguished running career and forms part of Alan's greater running ambition to successfully complete 60 marathons by his 60th birthday.