RACE PREVIEWS
by Pete Sargent (Newquay Road Runners)

 

St Michael’s Mount Remembrance Run

Mounts Bay Harriers present the first St Michael’s Mount Remembrance Run on Sunday, 11 November 2007 at 11.02am.  There will be a two minutes silence beforehand.

The course is a 4.2-4.5 mile or so beach run (depending on the tide) on sand, shingle, pebbles, seaweed, etc.  The river crossing is quite fast flowing and is usually about ankle-deep but may be deeper if heavy rain precedes the run.  A footbridge crossing is optional but makes the course longer!   There are outlet pipes along the beach so care may be needed in manoeuvring around them - marshals will be stationed at these points.  At the water stop, which is also the turnaround point, a note of your number will be made to ensure that you run the entire course.  The run is purely on the beach and not on the footpath which runs parallel with the beach. 

Please pick up your number and poppy from The Lounge (NOT The Gig Bar as mentioned on the entry forms) at The Godolphin Arms, West End , Marazion.  Registration is from 9.00am.  Pin your number and poppy to the front of your running top.

£1 of your entry fee will go to the British Legion in respect of their Poppy Appeal.  Please wear your poppy with pride!!

Entry forms available at www.mountsbayharriers.co.uk

CORNISH MARATHON PREVIEW.
Who wants a lovely piping hot Cornish Pasty, free of charge?
 
 Heres what you do. Go to  http://www.tamartrotters.co.uk/entry_forms/cornish_marathon_18-11-07.htm,  print off an entry form for the marathon, and send it off together with the entry fee to Hilary.....  you know her, the "very quiet marshal" seen helping out at many of our local races.
 
Then all you do, is turn up on Sunday Nov 18th at Pensilva, which is stuck somewhere out the back and beyond of Liskeard. Put your running shoes on, maybe wrap up warm, and then spend the next two hours or five following the guys or gals in front of you, who will be going in the direction of where the marshals direct them. Whilst doing this, you have the option of admiring the scenery around Bodmin Moor. Make your way back in your own time to Pensilva, and there waiting for you will be that nice hot pasty.
 
So good luck and best wishes to all taking part. I shall be thinking of you as Iie on my sun lounger by the pool in Lanzarote.

 

NEWQUAY 10K PREVIEW.

Sunday October 7th sees the 21st running of this very popular race, organised by the Newquay Road Runners club.

When it was first held, on the first Sunday in July 1987, the Miller 10k, as it was known then, was one of the highlights of the Newquay 1900 week festival. That year, nearly 450 runners set off from Whitegate Road, adjacent to the Newquay Sports Centre, surprisingly a figure that was not to be surpassed until the Truro Half marathon just two years ago.

In those days, Sunday morning traffic did not pose the problems of today. The course that year took the runners along the sea front, along Mount Wise to Pentire, before returning to the town and a loop "up" around the Atlantic Hotel. And that was what you called a hill. And then it was back through the town, along the sea front, before finishing on the grass in front of the Sports Centre club house.

A few years later, with the opening of the Gannel link road, a two lap circuit of the town was used, but with ever increasing traffic problems, the race was switched to the old airfield area at R.A.F.St Eval, and became known as the Cornwall 10k. With what was virtually a flat and traffic free course, this venue provided both a safer environment for the competitors, and also an ideal opportunity to run a PB for the distance without having to venture out of the county. Extremely cheap "post race " refreshments also proved more than popular with some runners !!

However, with the opening of the brand new multi million pound sports centre in Newquay three years ago, it was decided that it was time to bring the race back to its rightful "home". Due to the sheer volume of traffic in Newquay in July, the race date was moved to the somewhat quieter time of October. 2005 saw 305 runners complete the course, while 385 finished last year.

The course now takes the runners out alongside the River Gannel and out towards Crantock, before following the same "outward route" back to the Sports Centre.

For full details of everything you need to know go to... http://www.newquayroadrunners.co.uk/pages/nq10k/nq10k.htm 

 

TRURO HALF MARATHON PREVIEW.
 
This weekend, Sunday 16th of September, sees what has now become Cornwalls biggest road race take place. This is the City of Truro Half Marathon, organised by the Truro Running Club, and sponsored by Skinners Brewery. The race also incorporates Round 12 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix series. Last years race attracted an all time high off 699 entries for a Cornish road race.
 
With the ever ongoing traffic problems on a Sunday morning, the organisers have made a few major changes to this years route, and have removed the final three mile run in from Threemilestone. Instead, runners will remain in and around the valley behind Treliske Hospital, before re entering the City Centre from the direction of the old viaduct. Several experienced runners who have already tested the new route all agree that it will be a much tougher course, with a rather severe hill around the 10 mile mark.
 
Even so, the upside is that  with most of the Piazza on Lemon Quay set aside for the race, and many of the city centre streets closed to traffic, this is the one race in Cornwall that has " the big city " feel to it, that local runners can usually only experience if they travel further afield to compete.
 
Full details and all the information you may require about the race and the accompanying Carrick Schools Challenge can be found elsewhere on this site.
PROBUS 10K PREVIEW.
 
The second Probus 10k road race takes place this weekend, Sunday September 9th, starting at 10-30 am. To save you time digging out your atlas or googling "Probus", you will find it on the Truro to St Austell road. Race H.Q this year will be at the local CP. School, and not the village hall as was the case last year.
 
The race is organised by the Probus 10k Race committee on behalf of the Probus Playing Field Committee, with the usual "professional input" from village locals Rob & Abby Cockings, and their colleagues at Truro Running Club.
 
There will be a comprehensive prize list to GP standards on offer, plus a memento to all finishers.
 
Full details and further information can be found on the forthcoming events link on this site.
 
TREGGY 7 MILE PREVIEW.
After a five weeks break from G.P. action, this weekend sees the Treggy  7 mile road race at Launceston, which incorporates Round 11 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix series, sponsored by the Sandy Hill Physical Therapy Centre in St Austell.
 
Last years race attracted 250 entries, and with a week to go, this figure has already been surpassed this year.
 
Although the race starts near the Launceston Football ground in the middle of the Pennygillam Industrial Estate, the runners will quickly find themselves on a scenic circuit around the surrounding countryside. From what I can recall of the course, there is a lovely long steep downhill section around the half way mark, followed by a pleasant stretch along the valley. And then there's quite a nice uphill section, so don't say you weren't warned !!...well it is Launceston after all.
 
In addition to the normal GP standard prize list, there is a £50 prize on offer for the first male to break Ollie Shilstons course record time of 39mins 04 secs, and the first female to break Zelah Morralls 45mins 58 secs.
 
For full race details and all the other information you might like to know, go to   http://www.treggy7.co.uk/Treggy%207%20Road%20Race%20Info%202007.htm
 

 

INDIAN QUEENS HALF MARATHON   -   Sunday 5th August 2007.
 
This weekend, 25 years ago, around 70 runners set off from the recreation field in St Columb Road taking part in the first ever Indian Queens Half Marathon. The race was organised then by the Indian Queens Youth & Leisure Committee. Several of those members are still involved today, but the "local squire" of St Columb, Kevin Burnett, with assistance from the Newquay Road Runners is now at the helm.
 
Back in the eighties, it didn't matter too much where you ran on a Sunday morning, as there was very little traffic to worry about then, but over the years, the subsequent increase has resulted in a few variations to the route. Unlike the old days, runners now have to run at least 13.1 miles - the original course was measured in a car -  as was the norm then - and subsequently found by yours truly when officially measured to be well short of the required distance, which helps explain some of the rather quick times recorded in those days.
 
A couple of things have not changed though over the years. You can almost guarantee that if you want to top your sun tan up, then you run the Queens half, its nearly always bloody hot. And of course, its always hilly. Who can forget that long awful plod up Barton Lane in the old days. It wasn't even a hill really, but at the eleven mile mark in the mid day sun, it just went on and on and on. But the Queens courses have always been scenic if you care to look around you. And if you are running Sunday, then do take in the views, as in all probability, this will be the final time this route will be used. With the opening at last , of the new A30 through the area, a new and much flatter route looks to be on the cards for future years, possibly incorporating  the new leisure path replacing some of the old A30.
 
Last years race saw a record 299 finishers, but with a full week to go, and no doubt many more entries still in the post, no fewer than 305 runners have already signed up for this years 25th anniversary race. Rumour has it that one of Cornwall's all time greats Dave Buzza might actually take part for the first ever time. Two definite starters though will be the Newquay Road Runners duo Mike Kestle and Ron Shapland. Looking back in the programme of the 1983 list of entries, apart from Andrew Cassidy of Truro R.C. who has raced occasionally this year, and yours truly, unfortunately sidelined for the foreseeable future, it appears that only Mike and Ron will be the only "remnants and survivors" of that first ever Queens.
 
For full race details and all the information you need, go to  http://www.cornwallroadrunning.co.uk/races/indian_queens.htm
 

 

TYWARDREATH TROTTER  - Saturday  28th July 2007

This weekend, Saturday July 28th, will see the second running of  the Tywardreath Trotter. Last years race saw 141 runners complete the course, with the general consensus being that it was an enjoyable and scenic run.
 
Organised by the Tywardreath Fete Committee, and assisted by the Newquay Road Runners, the "Trotter" is a Multi-terrain race of approximately 6.5 miles. Half of the course comprises of footpaths and bridleways, with the other half along quiet country lanes.
 
The race starts from the New Inn at Tywardreath, near Par, St Austell at 6.30pm. The entry fee is £6 for affiliated runners, £8 unaffiliated, with entries also accepted on the evening, £2 extra. Various prizes are on offer to individuals, veterans and teams, with a T.Shirt and goody bag to all finishers. There is also a children's one mile fun run, which will start at 5.30pm.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to village charities.
 
Anyone requiring further information can contact the race organiser Matt Ward Tel. 01726.815313, or check out the website www.tywardreathtrotter.co.uk

 

 

MAGNIFICENT 7 -  15th July 2006
 
The second Cornish Grand Prix race this week takes place on Sunday when the Tamar Trotters club based in Saltash hold their annual Magnificent 7 mile road race.
 
Those that have done this race before will know that  the first mile is magnificent if you enjoy running down hill, but after that its best if you make your own mind up, but there certainly
is some magnificent scenery around if you care to admire it.  What everyone does agree with though is it is yet another extremely well organised Cornish race with that feel good factor very prevalent on the day.
 
There is a 350 limit on race entries but with 7 days still to go, there are still places available, but these wont last for long. So if you are thinking of running, enter sooner rather than later.
 
Full race details and info available on www.tamartrotters.co.uk 

 

SUMMER TURKEY TROT -  11th July 2007

 
Round 8 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix Series takes place this coming Wednesday evening..July 11th.. when Cornwall A.C. will be staging their BROOKS SUMMER 4 MILE TURKEY TROT.
 
3 days prior to the event, almost 300 runners have already entered, and one of the highlights of the race looks as if it could be the battle between one of Cornwalls former all time greats, Dave Buzza of Cornwall Athletic Club, and one of the Countys up and coming stars, and definitely one for the future, Matt Cleave representing Falmouth Road Runners.
 
The race starts at 7-30 with entries accepted on the evening at Trickies.
 
Directions to Trickies, the latest car par parking arrangements, a map of the course  and the latest list of entries can all be found on this link.

 

 

LAUNCESTON HALF MARATHON PREVIEW  -  SUNDAY 1st JULY 2007

 
Races continue to come thick and fast now in the Cornish Grand Prix series. This weekend, Dave Gordon and his dedicated group at the Kernow Runners hold their annual half marathon, generally regarded as one of the toughest halfs to be encountered anywhere. While there are one or two typical Cornish hills around the course, the real sting in the tail is in the final couple of miles, where competitors face the long steep climb back into the town. If you care to admire the scenery when running, around the 11 mile mark, you can catch an excellent view of the towns castle perched high on top of the hill amongst the clouds....and towards where you are heading !!  But don't let this put you off, this is another of the excellently organised Cornish races.
With one week to race day, more than 230 entries have been received already, so I think it is safe to say there will be a record field for this years Launceston Half.
 
LAUNCESTON HALF MARATHON RUNDOWN
Date:           Sunday July 1st
Start time:   10.30am
Venue:         Coronation Park, Launceston, sign posted from the A30.
Contact:       Dave Gordon. Tel 01566 774706
Entry fees:    £10 Affiliated  £12 Unaffiliated.
Closing date: Entries accepted on the day, £2 surcharge.
Awards:        As per G.P. standards, plus T.Shirt to all finishers.
Course description: Very hilly, advertised as possibly the toughest half marathon in the South West.
Time of last finisher 2006:  3hrs 14mins 56secs.
Additional information: A  2 mile family fun run starts at 10.45am, quality awards to all finishers.
 
STICKER 5 MILE
 
Round 6 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix series takes place on Saturday June 23rd when Sticker A.F.C. , assisted by the Newquay Road Runners, stage their annual 5 mile road race and 1 mile fun run.
 
Exactly one week away from the race, 280 entries have been received already, so another record field looks highly probable.
 
For all the race information you require, together with directions to Sticker, click on "Sticker 5" on the Forthcoming Events Diary on this site.

Meet Your Max  -  15th June 2007

This annual race organised by the Truro Running Club takes place on Friday June 15th. For full details and information click on the "forthcoming events " link on this site.

If you have never done this race, then from personal experience, you should certainly give it a go, it is really great fun. All I would add to the information given by the organisers is this, which may provide further clues to the terrain. Whichever type of shoe you wear, MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE WELL TIED UP, otherwise you might not see them again. Nuff said !!!

 

Cubert 5 2007  -  Tuesday 5th June 2007

 All roads will lead to the village school at Cubert near Newquay on Tuesday evening. June 5th.. for the annual 5 mile road race, starting at 7-30 pm and the 1 mile fun run, starting at 6pm. Last year saw over 400 finishers in the 5 mile race and a further 250 in the fun run. This race always attracts most of the Counties leading runners, but at the same time is ideal for someone taking part in their first ever competitive outing.

The race, previously known as the Tree Tops 5 is organised by the Newquay Road Runners club, is part of the Sandy Hill Physical Therapy Centre Grand Prix Series, and also incorporates the Cornwall 5 mile road race championships. As with all Cornish G.P. races, there will be a very extensive list of awards on offer together with a special memento awarded to all finishers.
This year will again see the award of the Vic McKee Memorial Trophy, which will go to the first runner to reach the 1 mile mark, who also then goes on to finish the race.
Entries will be accepted on the night if you have not already entered. Don't forget to arrive in good time to collect your number.
 
This is one race on the Cornish calendar where you can guarantee a brilliant and vibrant atmosphere, and PB,s are highly likely on this fast, gently undulating course. Running 2 laps ensures large enthusiastic crowds at the end of the first lap, and then again along the finishing straight. 
 
There will also plenty of other things going on, including  Coconut Shy, Football challenge, Bouncy Castle, B.B.Q., Refreshments, Hot and Cold drinks, food, and a licenced bar.
Anyone requiring further info or details should contact Jan Sargent Tel 01637 830382 or visit www.newquayroadrunners.co.uk 
 
DIRECTIONS TO RACE HEADQUARTERS. The village of Cubert is located one mile off Cubert Crossroads - (Sign posted Cubert and Holywell Bay ), on the A3075 Newquay to Chiverton Cross Roundabout.
 On reaching the first roundabout in Cubert, turn right. 150 yards down this road, you will find the school playing fields, which double as the official car park on the night. Should this car park become full, you will be directed to a nearby overflow car park.
Under no circumstances will parking be allowed on neighbouring side streets.
 
 

AN RESEK HELLYS - 1st April 2007 10-30 start.

 
Round 4 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix series takes place this weekend. Exactly one week prior to race day, just over 300 entries have been received already, most of whom you can find listed elsewhere on this site. Last year's race saw 318 finishers, so it is almost certain we shall see yet another record field for a GP event.
 
This year, competitors are reminded that the event is based at the Rugby Club in Helston, and NOT, as in previous years, the Cricket Club, which is located on the opposite side of the road.
 
For those who have never taken part, the race is run over a mixture of town and country roads, private paths through a National Trust Estate, together with sections of coastal path and beach.
 
 Because of the "multi-terrain" aspect of the course, there can be no exact measurement of the course to the standards required by UKA, consequently, it was always assumed that the distance run was around 10.5 miles. However, times recorded during the last couple of years suggest that it is probably somewhat short of 10 miles. Hopefully, this weekend, we shall endeavor to find out a more reliable estimate for the distance.
Following a suggestion at last weeks Cornwall Road Running & Racing Group meeting, the organisers are asking any runners who will be taking part and wearing a GPS, to notify either myself or Jan Sargent.
We shall then record the distance run from as many GPS,s as possible, with the resulting "average" figure hopefully producing a more accurate reflection of the true distance. And before you start thinking it, NO, IT IS NOT AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE !!! 
 
As if I would. !!
 

DUCHY MARATHON & 20 - 11th March 2007

This weekend, Sunday March 11th sees Cornwall Athletic Club stage the 31st running of the Duchy Marathon.

Nowadays, the race takes place over a 2 lap "runner friendly" course, starting and finishing at the Penventon Park Hotel at Redruth. Long gone are the infamous hills associated with the Duchy of years gone by. This new course is best described as "gently undulating", with the first real drag around the 7 mile mark, (and 19 mile mark on the second lap ), and then a bit of a climb around the 9 mile mark, ( and 21 mile mark on the second lap ). The race also incorporates Round 3 of the Sandy Hill Physical Therapy Centre Grand Prix Series. The race starts at 10 30 am, and any late entries will be accepted on the day from 8 am onwards. At this moment, seven days prior to the race, 152 entries have so far been received, details of which can be found elsewhere on this site.
 
Looking at the entries so far, the men's race looks to be wide open, but that will undoubtedly change on the day, as someone turns up ten minutes before the off for "a training run" and then leads all the way for a comfortable win. The ladies title could well go to one of the South Wests leading long distance runners, Heather Foundling-Hawker representing Honiton A.C. Also entered are the winners from 2002, 2004 and 2005, namely Steph Martin - Newquay R.R., Sharon Daw - E.C.H., and Jenny Mills - Launceston R.R.
.
Also starting at the same time will be the Duchy 20 mile run, offering an ideal training run for anyone preparing for a spring marathon. This comprises of the same opening 13 or so miles of the marathon, but runners then do a half mile "out and back " stretch, and join in again with the marathon runners. Around the 15.5 mile mark, they then take a "short cut" and re join the marathon course at the 22mile mark, and then proceed to the finish.  So far, 141 entries have been received for this option.
 

MOUNTS BAY 10k - 4th February 2007

 
Round 2 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix series takes place this coming weekend, Sunday Feb 4th, when the Hayle Runners stage their Mounts Bay 10 kilometre road race. The race starts at 11 o,clock, but with car parking space at a premium, runners are advised to arrive in good time, to avoid any last minute panic. 
 
As was the case with all Grand Prix races last year, and again with the only race so far this year, there will be a record turn out.  Twelve months ago, Hayle placed a limit of 350 entries on this race, and were over subscribed. This year, they upped the limit to 400, but this figure was attained a couple of weeks ago. Whilst not actually accepting any more entries for the race,   anyone submitting an entry will be added to a reserve list, and will only take part if other runners are unable to take part for whatever reasons.
 
Subsequently, Hayle are asking that any runner who has a confirmed entry, but now know that they are unable to run, to please inform either Craig Tonkin at Hayle or Jan Sargent at Newquay as soon as possible.
This will then able one of your fellow runners to take part who might otherwise be watching on the sidelines. Contact details can be found elsewhere on this site.
 
Those runners who have never participated in this race before, can look forward to a relatively quiet, one lap rural course, with the main uphill sections after approximately one and a half miles and then , unfortunately, the final 600 metres or so to the finish line.
 
Good luck.
 
PRS.

Before my first report of 2007, myself and Jan would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the coming year, stay fit and healthy, and enjoy your running. 

 
Hopefully, you all know what you would like to achieve during the coming twelve months. If not, set yourself some targets now. As Paula Radcliffe said, "Aim for the moon, if you fall short, you may still end up amongst the stars" 
 
My own personal motto is "It is far, far better to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all"  And thats what I shall be doing. Having missed much of the last eighteen months, I have tried to start running again, albeit very slowly due to total lack of fitness, and the little matter... ( that should read "large matter" ).... of an extra stone in weight. Then I shall be taking one day at a time, and see what happens.
 
BLAYTHORNE 10 MILE PREVIEW.
 
First race up in the  2007 Grand Prix series will be the Blaythorne 10 miler, organised by the Carn Runners at Camborne. This now traditional curtain raiser takes place on Sunday Jan 21st.
 
 For those who have never done this race, the opening mile is usually very quick, with all of it downhill. And yes, as you would expect, most of the next half a mile or so is all uphill. After that, its pretty gentle for a few miles , until a longish steady climb to the half way point, prior to Leedstown. You then have at least four miles good running ground, including that hill you ran up after the first mile. All thats left then is the final three quarters of a mile, which is a bit of a drag.
 
For all your race day information, and directions to the Race Venue, go to the forthcoming events link on this web site.
 

This weekend will see a record turnout in the Blaythorne 10 mile road race at Cambourne.  The past 3 years has seen a gradual increase in numbers, 202 in 2004, 252 in 2005 and then 277 last year. This latest figure though has been well and truly eclipsed, with 356 runners already signed up for Sunday.

Good luck and best wishes to everyone.

Good luck. PRS.