RACE REVIEWS
by Pete Sargent (Newquay Road Runners)


NEWQUAY 10k  -  2nd October 2005

After an absence of 10 years the Newquay 10 k returned to its former base at the all - new Newquay Sports Centre on Sunday morning. The general consensus of the 320 odd runners who took part was that the decision was a good one. Even though we are now in October it was a nice sunny autumninal morning, a bit breezy in places, and the course itself was well received...a bit hilly in the first half, but nothing too severe. Consequently several runners had big smiles on their faces as they posted new pb times.

First home was Ronnie James of Cornwall A.C. He spent most of the first 6 miles letting his team mate Noel Kindon set the pace, before putting in a strong finish to clinch top spot. Noel, having spent nearly all the race setting the pace, suffered in the closing stages and was overhauled by holidaymaker Gary Harris from Headington R.R. in the battle for second place.
First home in the Ladies race was Jude Craft, also from Headington R.R. She finished almost a minute clear of local star Revis Crowle with Truro's Anna Loveless close behind.

CRANTOCK COASTAL RACE REVIEW.

4th September 2005

The first ever running of this "ladies only" race attracted 60 runners, and the majority all finished by saying how much they had enjoyed it.

 

 With the opening half mile or so ploughing through lots of lovely fine dry sand....ideal for laying on your back and catching a few rays, but murder for running on, the field was soon spread out. Next up came a short sharp climb and onto the coastal path, a couple of undulating  miles around to the next bay, another nasty little climb out of the valley, and before they knew it, everyone was making their way back across the beach to the finish. And just for the benefit of the watching supporters, organiser Bev decided it was for  the best if they finished in the car park rather than on the beach, so a nasty little climb over a sand dune was a real sting in the tail.

 

The race was all about the ladies though, several of them racing for the first time, getting out and enjoying themselves. As one remarked when she crossed the finishing climb, "My God, I never ever thought I could do that. I only started jogging in January, and then I was a 20 a day girl. "
For the record, the first home was Anna Loveless, a member of Truro Running Club, in a shade over 30 minutes,who finished  well clear of Newquay Roadrunner Sue Ogilvie, and Lisa Prangle of the Womens Running Network in third. 

 

PRS

 


 

St Levan 10k review.

 

On a lovely summers evening, a record 186 runners managed to find their way to Britains most westerly road race.
Showing true Cornish hospitality, we thought it only right that a couple of visitors to the County should take the major honours.
First man home was a former Irish international athlete Paul O,Callaghan who at his best has run around 28 minutes for 10k. He finished almost 2 minutes clear of the local Penzance star Ronnie James.
The first lady home was Judith Nutt from Elswich Harriers, who finished just 8 seconds clear of Truros fast finishing Anna Loveless.
Anna finished the race covered in cuts and bruises to her knees and elbows after a nasty fall at the start of the race.

 

PRS

INDIAN QUEENS HALF MARATHON - 7th August 2005

Race Review by Pete Sargent

 

A record field of 248 runners took part in the 23rd running of the Indian Queens Half Marathon.

First home was Richard (Glyn) Davis, the former Carn Runner from Cambourne. Glyns winning time of  79mins 31 secs was the slowest winning time ever in this race, but as he said afterwards "who cares, there was still no-one any quicker today, and thats all that matters" And who said you need to be "race fit" to do well ? This was his first race for over 14 months.
First lady home was Sharon Daw of the East Cornwall Harriers, who maintained her run of excellent form this year. Rumour has it, that this year, she has increased the size of her herd of cows back home on the farm, and is having to run quicker to get back home earlier and get the milking done.
Anyhow, congratulations to both of them and well done.
On a sadder note,our thoughts must go to Jane Tonkin of the Hayle Runners, and wife of the infamous Craig. During the race, Jane sustained serious injuries to her knee and will be on crutches for at least a month. We wish her a speedy and complete recovery. Craig in the meantime has enrolled at evening classes for cooking, washing, ironing and how to use a vacuum cleaner.
Pete S.