RACE PREVIEWS
by Pete Sargent (Newquay Road Runners)
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NEWQUAY 10K PREVIEW.
Sunday October 5th sees the 22nd 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 four years 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 four 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 429 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 race details, information and entry form
etc, visit www.newquayroadrunners.co.uk
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PROBUS 10K
PREVIEW
The third Probus 10k road race takes place this
weekend, Sunday September 14th, 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. You
will find the Race H.Q. in the Village School, located
just off the main road through the village.
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 T.shirt to all finishers if
you enter early enough.
ST LEVAN 10K RACE
PREVIEW
This race takes place on Friday August 15th, and is
described as the countries "most westerly road
race". And there is not much point getting your map
out to find where St Levan is, because you wont find
it, there is no such place!! Therefore, I've added
the directions below for where you must aim for.
Once there , you will find an excellent race over a
quiet one lap rural course, there is a couple of
hills on the way round, but there is also plenty of
good running ground, so there is the chance of a PB.
ST LEVAN 10KM RUNDOWN.
Date: Friday August 15th
Start time:7pm
Venue: St Levan playing fields, Polgigga, nr
Penzance.(On A30 from Penzance towards Lands
End, turn left to St Buryan, then follow signs
to Porthcurno.Do not turn off to Porthcurno, but
continue on main road for 300 metres.The playing
fields are on the right hand side, after the
Methodist Chapel.)
NB After leaving the A30, the road to
Polgigga is very narrow in places and can also
be very busy with holidaymakers returning to
camp sites etc.Therefore it is advisable to
allow plenty of time in reaching the race HQ.
Contact: Steve Chapple Tel 01736 786164
Entry fees: £5 Affiliated, £7 Unaffiliated.
Closing date: Entries accepted on the evening,
£2 surcharge.
Awards: Trophies to individuals, veterans and
teams (4 to score)
Time of last finisher 2007: 69mins 20secs.
Additional information: A children's 2 mile race
starts at 7pm.
TYWARDREATH TROTTER RACE
PREVIEW - 26th July 2008
This weekend, Saturday evening
starting at 6-30pm, sees the third running of this trot
around the countryside overlooking St Austell bay. It is
approximately 7 miles in length, a short stretch
of road at the beginning and the end, with lots of ups and
downs across the fields. Around 150 runners have taken
part each year, and all have expressed how scenic the
course is.
After the recent non stop
serious grand prix action, this event can be treated as an
enjoyable run with the pressure off for once. It is a well
organised event run by local Tywardreath residents and
former N.R.R. members Matt and Lianne Ward. And in true
N.R.R. fashion, they have got their priorities absolutely
right. The race starts and finishes outside the village
pub.
For full details go to
MAGNIFICENT 7 RACE PREVIEW.
- Wednesday 20th July 2008
With races continuing to come up thick and fast at the
moment, this weekend , Sunday July 20th sees Round 9 of the
Sandy Hill Physical Therapy Centre Grand Prix taking place
in Saltash, where the Tamar Trotters will be holding their
annual 7 mile road race in and around the Tamar Valley.
Last years winner Dave Buzza is amongst the near 400 record
number of entries, as is last years third place finisher
Pete Waumsley. However, sure to be making a strong challenge
will be Newquays Shaun Milford, the long time holder of the course
record time of 38mins 14seconds. Entries for the race have
now closed.
For those runners who have never done this race, the first
mile is truly magnificent if you like a long steep fast
downhill start, but after that, it will not seem quite so
magnificent, with a real belter of a climb just after one
mile, and finishing off with having to climb that lovely
downhill stretch you did at the start. But it is a well
organised race, loads of friendly marshals to cheer you on
your way, with the odd rendering of the "Magnificent
7" theme tune which is beginning to sound a little bit
the worse for wear.
The race starts from the Saltash Rugby Club at 11am. The 1.5
mile fun run starts at 10-15am.
SUMMER TURKEY TROT - Wednesday 9th
July 2008 PREVIEW
Round 8 of the Cornwall Road Running
Grand Prix Series takes place this coming Wednesday
evening..July 9th.. when Cornwall A.C. will be staging their
BROOKS SUMMER 4 MILE TURKEY TROT near Redruth.
3 days prior to the event, over 300
runners have already entered, and the race looks to be one
of the most competitive that there has been for some time.
Leading veterans Dave Buzza and Shaun Milford will face a
stiff challenge from several of the Counties rapidly
improving youngsters. However they will all have to keep an
eye out for the Tipton Harrier Nigel Stirk who ran out a
very easy winner in last years Sticker 5.
Also looking very tasty will be the resumption of the battle
for honours in the mens team race between Cornwall A.C. and
the Newquay Road Runners, with the hosts seeking a
quick revenge following their shock defeat in the
recent Sticker 5.
The race starts at 7-30 with entries
accepted on the evening at Trickies.
Launceston Half Marathon
Preview - 5th July 2008
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 one of the excellently organised Cornish races.
Well, it may still be probably the toughest half marathon in
the South West and known as "The Beast", but it is
certainly not putting people off a Sunday morning confrontation
with him.
Five days before the race, over 300 runners have signed up to
tackle him, {see latest update of entries }, and again a Cornish
Grand Prix race will almost certainly see another record field.
Race organiser Dave Gordon has set a limit of 350 on the race, so
entries may well be tight come Sunday morning. No doubt we shall
squeeze them all in somehow !!
The race starts from Coronation Park, Launceston at 10-30am.
STICKER 5 MILE PREVIEW
SATURDAY JUNE 21ST
All roads lead to the home of Sticker F.C.
tomorrow afternoon for the clubs annual 5 mile road
race. There should almost certainly be a record field this
year, easily surpassing last years figure of 370 finishers.
To date just a few short of 400 entries are already in.
Top of the agenda for many , will be
revenge. Dave Buzza, still smarting from his defeat at
Cubert by the "unfancied" Newquay Road Runner
Ollie Gibson, will certainly be seeking revenge. Will Daves
superior experience on this course be the telling
factor, or will the much younger Ollie again come out on
top. Rumour has it that Ollie has already been seen testing
out the course in recent days. Could be close.
Can a somewhat weaker Newquay mens team
gain their revenge for a narrow defeat at Cubert ? Time will
tell.
Despite the terrible weather forecast,
inside information leads me to believe that all will be ok
by mid afternoon. The race starts at 6-30pm, and dont forget
all the post race entertainment that has been laid on to
round the evening off.
CUBERT 5 TUESDAY JUNE
3RD PREVIEW.
Entries are now flooding in for
next months Cubert 5 mile Road Race at Cubert, nr Newquay.
Over 300 entries have been received already, with just over
100 from the Hayle Runners. Early indications are that last
years record number of 503 finishers may well be eclipsed.
KERNOW 5 MILE PREVIEW, LAUNCESTON.
Anyone looking for a quick blast on Bank Holiday Monday
morning (May 5th), might well consider doing this race.
It is a one lap course starting from the Football Club, and
apart from a medium rated climb in the final mile, its not too
bad a course.
The race is organised by Dave Gordon & Co, who also
organise the half marathon, so you know everything will be ok.
Fair old prize list on offer as well.
As of today, 86 entries have been received so far.
Click
here for full details and information
AN RESEK HELLYS
- 30th March 2008 10-30 start. Race Preview.
Round 4 of the Cornwall Road
Running Grand Prix series takes place this weekend.
Exactly one week prior to race day, well over 300
entries have been received already, a figure which
does not include any yet from the Hayle
Runners. Add in their usual 50 plus entries, then it is
highly likely that last years 400 plus record number of finishers
will be well and truly smashed.
This year, competitors are
reminded that the event is again 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, details taken from runners who wore a GPS
in last years race, showed that the average distance run
was 10.2 miles. This year, although a new approach to
the finish is being utilised for safety reasons,
there should be hardly any difference in the distance
run.
DUCHY MARATHON & 20 MILE -
Sunday 9th March 2008
The 32nd running of the Duchy
Marathon, organised by Cornwall Athleteic Club, takes place
on Sunday March 9th, and is the 3rd race of the Cornwall
Road Running Grand Prix series. The race starts at 10-30am,
and any late entries will be accepted on the day from 8am
onwards.
The race these days takes place
over a "runner friendly" two lap 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 latest course, first used
in 2000, is best described as "gently undulating",
with the first climb of any note around the 7 mile mark,
(and 19 mile on the second lap). There is then another
longish uphill section around the 9 mile mark, which doesn't
seem too bad the first time round, but around the 21mile
mark second time round, seems to have suddenly become
much longer and steeper.
Also starting at the same time,
will be the Duchy 20 mile run, which offers an ideal opportunity
of a long training run for anyone preparing for a spring
marathon. The course comprises of the same opening 13 miles
or so of the marathon course, but the runners then do a
separate half mile "out and back" stretch, and
again join in with the marathon runners. Around the 15.5
mile mark, they then take a "short cut" and rejoin
the marathon course at the 22 mile mark, and then proceed to
the finish at the Penventon.
New for 2008 will be the
Penventon Pasta Party, open to all runners and friends on
the evening prior to the race. Here, runners can pick up
their race numbers, and late entries for both events will
also be accepted.
Full details of the marathon,
the 20 miler, the Pasta Party, and the 200 plus race
entries received to date, can be found elsewhere on this
site.
PLYMOUTH HOE 10 MILE
incorporating the PENINSULA CHALLENGE - Sunday 17th February
2008
Team Cornwall renew their annual rivalry
with near neighbours Devon this weekend Sunday February
17th, starting at 10 am from the Brickfields Sports
Complex in Plymouth.
With the usual injury and unavailability
problems, the County selectors have nevertheless put
together a couple of very competitive teams who will be
giving their all on the day.
Twelve months ago, Cornwall's Kevin Toher
led the race until coming off the final bend on the track,
where Devons Kairn Stone then powered past him to
clinch victory by just one second. On Sunday, these two
renew their rivalry in what is sure to be a very close and
competitive race.
A strong ladies team is spearheaded by
Cornwall A.C's Jo Friday, currently ranked No.1 in the
country this year with her excellent run in the recent
Blaythorne 10.
Teams. Men : Kevin Toher (Newquay/Par A.C.),
Matt Pullen (Cornwall A.C.), Shaun Milford (Newquay R.R.),
Mike Robinson (Hayle Runners), Tim Drew (Mounts Bay
Harriers), Peter Ellis (Hayle Runners).
Ladies: Jo Friday (Cornwall A.C.), Paula
Telford (Carn Runners), Julit Knowles (Carn Runners), Steph
Martin (Newquay R.R.)
MOUNTS
BAY 10k - Sunday 3rd February 2008
Round 2 of the Cornwall Road
Running Grand Prix series takes place this coming weekend,
Sunday Feb 3rd, 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 400 entries on this race, and were over
subscribed. This year, the limit was again set at 400,
but this figure was attained several weeks ago. Whilst
not actually accepting any more entries for the race, there
have been runners who have been forced to withdraw for
whatever reason, but their places have been immediately
snapped up by other members of their club.
Subsequently, Hayle are asking that any other 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.
Last year, victory in this race went
to the popular Newquay Road Runner Kevin Sharp. Sadly,
nothing has been heard of Kevin since he set off on the
final stages of a climbing expedition in South America last
November. Rescue teams recently resumed a search for Kevin,
but as of today - January 27th - there is no further news to
report.
On Sunday,we welcome several of
Kevins close friends from his university days who are
travelling down to Cornwall to take part in this race.