RACE REVIEWS
by Pete Sargent (Newquay Road Runners)

 

NEWQUAY 10 K REVIEW.
 
Jim Cole of Tavistock A.C. showed again just how much he enjoys racing down in Cornwall when he recorded a comfortable victory in this years Newquay 10K and his fourth Cornish Grand Prix win this year.
As the 437 strong field passed through the first mile, Jim was just a few strides ahead of the Cornwall A.C.,s Dave Buzza, Noel Kindon, and youngster Chris Dobson, and the Newquays' Ollie Gibson.
 
It was then on the first gradual climb into Trevemper Hamlet that Cole steadily eased away from the rest, and from that point on always had enough in hand to fend off any further challenges. Crossing the finishing line, Cole finished 20 seconds clear of Buzza with Kindon a further 19 seconds adrift in third.
 
In fourth place there was an outstanding performance from C.A.C.,s Chris Dobson. The 18years old son of Newquay chairman, Graham Dobson, normally competes over 1500 metres on the track, but today showed what a talented athlete he is. Chris, as the first Under 20 finisher, also became the first winner of the Kevin Sharp Memorial Trophy, donated by the parents of the Newquay Road Runner who so tragically lost his life almost 12 months ago in the mountains of South America.
 
The mens team prize went to Cornwall A.C., with St Austell second and Newquay third.
 
In the ladies race, C.A.C.,s Jo Friday retained her title, and further reducing the course record time that she ha set twelve months earlier. Second place went to her team mate Emma Stallard, with East Cornwall Harriers' Revis Crowle in third.
 
The ladies team prize went to Cornwall A.C., with Hayle second and East Cornwall Harriers third.

TRURO HALF MARATHON RACE REVIEW

 
Jim Cole of Tavistock A.C. successfully defended his Truro title on Sunday, finishing a full half a minute clear of Cornwall A.C.,s Noel Kindon, with Rob Keal - Notts A.C. in third.
 
After the opening one mile circuit around the city centre, Kindon led the 472 runners out into the surrounding countryside, with Cole and Keal some 10 metres adrift. It wasn't until mile 8 that Cole eventually took the lead, when Kindon was reduced to a walk on one of the many hills. Ironically, it was an exact replica of what happened at this point of the race twelve months ago, with the same outcome. Cole was never seriously threatened, but Kindon, just back home after his recent honeymoon, also lost second place, but nevertheless recovered to regain the runners up spot.
 
The mens team prize went to the Newquay Road Runners, ahead of Cornwall A.C. and Hayle Runners.
 
The ladies race turned out to be a close and exciting affair. Emma Stallard of Cornwall A.C.eventually claimed the title, but had to battle hard to hold off a very determined challenge from her team mate Suzy Bosustow. Suzy, who has often stated that she likes a lot of "up and down", really enjoyed herself on the hills, eventually taking the lead on one of the more severe climbs later on, but eventually had to give way to Emma in the closing stages. Third place went to Launceston R.R.s' Caroline Steven.
 
The ladies team prize went to Hayle Runners, ahead of Cornwall A.C. and St Austell R.C.
PROBUS 10K RACE REVIEW.
 
The Mounts Bay Harriers were in fine form today for the Probus 10k, with Tim Drew the first man home, and both their mens team and ladies team claiming the team prizes.
 
After the long opening downhill stretch, Tim held a narrow lead over Hayles' Michael Robinson and the Plymouth Harrier Nick Chislett, but once on the level, gradually drew clear of his opponents. Over the ensuing miles, he continued to pull further and further away, before breaking the tape with eighty seconds in hand. Second place went to Chislett, with Robinson in third.
 
First lady home, and 12th overall, was Erika Johnson, representing Swaledale Road Runner, with Kathy Burgess, Cornwall A.C. in second, and Janet Ritchie, Carn Runners in third.
 
There were a record 121 finishers.
 

TREGGY 7, 31st August 2008  -  RACE REVIEW

 
Jim Cole of Tavistock A.C. was in scintillating form today when romping home a very convincing winner of this demanding 7 miler.
 
Going through the half mile point, Cole was already setting a crisp gallop, with Dave Buzza, Shaun Milford and Hayles' Pete Ellis in hot pursuit. Once out into the countryside though, Cole had already opened up a commanding lead, and barring any unforeseen mishaps, there was only ever going to be one winner, and so it proved to be. Reaching the finish, he had opened up a gap of almost two minutes over his nearest rivals, and in so doing smashed the course record by almost half a minute.
 
Meanwhile in the battle for the minor honours, plenty was going on. Buzza had opened up a 80 metre gap between himself and the chasing Milford and Ellis, when he was suddenly struck with hamstring problems, which had been proving troublesome in recent weeks. Forced to slow right down, first Ellis and then Milford caught and passed him. However Buzza was not going to give up that easily, and not only managed to hang onto them both, but on the infamous climb out of the valley, reclaimed his second spot, which he maintained to the finish. Milford won his personal battle with Ellis to claim third spot, to ensure that the first three home here was the same as at the Magnificent 7  a few weeks ago.
 
In the team competition, C.A.C. "a"   claimed first prize, St Austell second and the C.A.C. "b" team in third.
 
In the ladies race, C.A.C.,s Jo Friday completed a very successful return to action after a long injury lay off, finishing in 11th position overall, and she also smashing the ladies course record time. Second place went to her club colleague Emma Stallard, with E.C.H.,s Revis Crowle in third.
 
Team honours went to C.A.C. ahead of E.C.H. and the Launceston R.R.
 
Once again, a very well organised event by all at Launceston R.R. who were duly rewarded with a record 334 finishers, but with cash bonus,s paid out for two new course record times, also a somewhat diminished bank balance

 

INDIAN QUEENS HALF MARATHON REVIEW. 3rd August 2008

 
Kevin Heywood of Bideford A.A.C. was again in outstanding form when retaining his Indian Queens Half Marathon title. Just four weeks after his outstanding victory over the hills of Launceston, Kevin took on the new "almost as flat as a pancake" Queens' course, and was equally impressive.
Again he set off extremely fast, and by the one mile mark had only Newquays Ollie Gibson for company, with Shaun Milford already some twenty metres adrift in third. These two then reached the 2 mile mark in around 9mins 40 secs, at which point Ollie already knew that there was no way he could keep that pace going. At the 3 mile mark, Kevin was by now around 30 metres clear of Ollie, with Shaun a further 50 metres behind.
 
As each mile passed, Kevin then continued to extend his lead, eventually coming home in a superb time of  67 minutes 33seconds. Meanwhile, slowly but surely Shaun had been closing the gap on Ollie in the battle for second place, and as they reached the 9 mile mark, Shaun caught and passed his team mate before going on to claim second place.
 
After the race Kevin said he was delighted with his run, and what an excellent course it now was. Shaun was equally pleased with his run as well, and making it obvious to all that there was plenty of life left in the old dog yet. Ollie back in third, was quick to praise Shaun, claiming he ran a far better race tactically than he had done. "I was hoping to dip under 70 minutes today, and the only way I could do that was to stay with Kev as long as possible. I was really feeling the pace after just one mile, but I gave it a go. But it has been a learning curve, if I want to go quicker over the longer distances, I have to train and work harder"
 
The mens team prize went to Newquay Road Runners, even though their third runner home was disqualified from the team results for not wearing his club vest. Second team were Cornwall A.C., with St Austell third.
 
In the ladies race, victory went to Cornwall A.C.,s  Emma Stallard who led from start to finish, coming home over a minute clear of East Cornwall Harriers' Revis Crowle, with C.A.C.,s rapidly improving Suzy Bosustow a very good third.
 
The ladies team prize went to the Hayle Runners, with Newquay in second and Cornwall A.C. third.

TYWARDREATH TROTTER 2008 - RACE REVIEW.

 
Twelve months ago, Cornwall A.C. youngster Ryan Cleave swept to victory in this event, but this year it was the turn of older brother Matt to take the honours.
 
Raced over a very tough 7 mile multi terrain course, Matt certainly didn't have things all his own way. For most of the way, he was engaged in a real battle with a visiting holidaymaker Russell Forsbrook from Weston Super Mare. On several occasions, the lead changed hands, and it was only on the steep climb in the final mile that Matt eventually broke clear of his determined opponent. Such had been the relentless pace throughout, that Matt smashed his younger brothers course record time by almost one and a half minutes. Third place went to Ryan, who also had the satisfaction of improving on his last years time.
 
The men's' team award went to Cornwall A.C.
 
In the ladies race, there was an excellent performance from Newquays' Lucy Kelvey, finishing 10 seconds clear of C.A.C.,s Bethany Alston, and local runner Samantha Smith in third.
 
The ladies team award went to Cornwall A.C.
 

MAGNIFICENT 7 RACE REVIEW.

 
Jim Cole of Tavistock A.C. proved just a shade too quick for the rest to claim a hard earned victory in Round 9 of the Cornwall Road Running Grand Prix Series.
 
Once over the top of the long steep climb approaching the 2 mile mark, Cole was a few strides clear of Dave Buzza, who in turn was a few strides clear of Shaun Milford. Shortly after this point however the leaders were confronted with a herd of cows out for a Sunday morning stroll. Was this the point where the race was won and lost? Buzza claimed afterwards that Cole was able to call on all his experience as a farmer to move safely and quickly past the herd, leaving himself and Milford to their own devices. Cole claimed he was able to converse with the cows and request nicely that they take a detour off the course leaving it free for Buzza and Co to progress without delay, which they were able to do.
 
From that point on though, the positions remained unchanged, with none of these three able to gain or lose ground on the others. The mens team prize went to Cornwall A.C., who finished well clear of the host club Tamar Trotters, and Newquay in third.
 
In the ladies race, Revis Crowle continued her run of excellent form to claim an excellent victory. Second place went to Emma Stallard, who just got the better of Tamar's' Anne Luke in the closing stages. The ladies team prize went to Cornwall A.C., with East Cornwall Harriers in second and Hayle third.
 
This years race, contested under quite warm but breezy at times conditions, saw a record 357 runners complete the course, and congratulations and thanks must go to all at Tamar Trotters for a very well organised event.

 

SUMMER TURKEY TROT REVIEW - 9th July 2008

 
Twelve months after visiting the County and winning the Sticker 5, Tipton Harriers' Nigel Stirk returned to the Duchy again this week, and this time will return home with the Summer Turkey Trot title to his name.
 
Second place went to the host clubs' Dave Buzza, with Newquays' Shaun Milford in third.
 
As the record 400 field made their way up the only real climb on the course just after the one mile mark, it was Newquay youngster Dean Scott who spreadeagled the field with a powerful surge, leaving both Buzza and Milford amongst others trailing in his wake. However, the greater craft and experience of the veteran pair saw them gradually move through the field in the latter stages to claim the minor honours.
 
Dean meanwhile still managed to finish in a superb fifth place and underline what an immense future he has in the sport, as he again saw off a strong challenge from the highly rated C.A.C youngster Matt Cleave.
 
The mens team prize went to a determined C.A.C. squad who proved a shade too strong for the Newquay R.R. team, badly hit by the late withdrawal of a couple of their star performers, and Hayle in third.
 
In the ladies race, Revis Crowle was in top form to record a narrow victory over C.A.C.'s Emma Stallard, with Carns' Paula Telford, making a welcome return after a six month absence due to injury, in third.
 
The ladies team prize went to Carn, who finished just three points clear of C.A.C., with Hayle again in third.

 

LAUNCESTON HALF MARATHON REVIEW - 6th July 2008

 
Twelve months ago, Kevin Heywood  tackled the beast and received a real mauling. Having set off at a blistering pace, he was later reduced to a walk, before going on to finish in second spot nearly three minutes adrift of the winner.
 
This year, Kevin returned seeking his revenge, and there was only ever going to be one winner. As the record 332 runners set off in far better weather conditions than predicted, a group of four runners emerged from the pack, Heywood and his team mate Mark Jenkin, Dave Buzza and Shaun Milford. Heywood then very quickly opened up a 10 metre gap on the others, but then, perhaps thinking back twelve months, eased just a little to allow the others to rejoin him. However, on the first serious climb out of the the town, Heywood gradually opened up a commanding lead and from thereonin, it turned into a long solo run for home. Jenkin and Milford battled it out for second place over the ensuing miles, with Buzza back in fourth.
 
Jenkin eventually got the better of the Newquay veteran for a Bideford 1-2, with Milford finishing third. Buzza ended up in fifth place, as he was caught and passed in the closing stages by Tavistocks' Jim Cole, who in doing so, replicated his fourth place finish of last year in an almost identical time.
 
Having gone through 5 miles in 25-54, and 10 miles in 52-38, it appeared then that Heywood might just threaten the course record time of 69-56 set last year by Cardiffs' Richard Gardiner, but that last final climb took its toll, as he missed the record by 22 seconds.
 
Buzza though had the consolation of leading his C.A.C. team to a narrow victory over the Bideford boys, with St Austell R.C. a very close third.
 
Top honours in the ladies race looked to be heading to East Cornwall Harriers' Revis Crowle, who with just a couple of miles to go was ahead of the C.A.C. duo Emma Stallard and Suzy Bosustow. However, Revis was forced into an emergency pit stop, after which, when re joining the race, found herself back in fourth place. Victory eventually went to Emma, with the rapidly improving Suzy in second and Tenke Zoltani in third.
 
The ladies team prize went to the Hayle ladies, with C.A.C. in second and Carn third.
 
 

STICKER 5 MILE REVIEW - 21st June 2008 

 
A cool, damp and utterly miserable evening failed to dampen the spirits of the record 402 runners who set out on this hilly 5 mile race. In fact, during the couple of so hours before the race, and then again immediately afterwards, conditions were very much worse than they were during the actual race.
 
Following his superb win in the Cubert 5 miler a couple of weeks ago, Newquay Road Runner Ollie Gibson again faced the daunting challenge from his team mate Shaun Milford and Cornwall A.C.,s veteran star Dave Buzza. At Cubert, they had let Ollie get away from the start and build up a race winning lead, both mistakenly thinking that they could close him down in the closing stages. Surely they wouldn't let Ollie couldn't get away with that tactic again?
 
The answer was no. After the opening three quarters of a mile ,Ollie was at the front of the field, with all his main opponents on his shoulder. But at the top of the first long climb out of the village, Ollie had already proved his class and had opened up a nice lead, and from thereon in, he was never threatened. Another superb display of front running saw him cross the line almost a full minute clear of Dave Buzza in second, and surprisingly, with an excellent run, Matt Cleave in third, who claimed the scalp of amongst others, Newquay's Shaun Milford, a previous three times winner of this event.
 
There was a big upset in the battle for honours in the men's team competition. Having come so close to toppling the Cornwall A.C. squad at Cubert, this time round the Newquay boys turned it around to gain a narrow 9 point advantage over their more illustrious rivals, with the C.A.C. "b" team claiming third.
 
In the ladies race, East Cornwall Harriers Revis Crowle took full advantage of many of her leading opponents being absent for various reasons, finishing almost half a minute clear of Cornwall A.C.,s Emma Stallard, with the Launceston veteran Caroline Steven a further minute behind in third place. The ladies team prize went to Cornwall A.C., with the Hayle Runners and Newquay Road Runners filling the minor spots.
 
Despite the unseasonable weather conditions, it was once again an excellent and enjoyable event put on by Paul Bullock and Co at Sticker Football Club with invaluable help from St Austell Running Club. Particular thanks also to all the marshals who gave up their evening to stand out and look after the runners in those conditions.

 

CUBERT 5 RACE REVIEW.  -  3rd June 2008

 
If ever there was a case of "Ignorance is Bliss" then this was it. As a record 579 runners set off on this fast two-lap course, one of them had just one thing on his mind. For the past two years, Tavistock A.C. youngster Adam Holland had won the Vic McKee Memorial Trophy, which is  awarded to the first runner through the one mile mark, and he was determined to notch up a hat trick of wins.
 
From the gun, he roared away, and the only one to match his opening burst, was the eventual race winner, Newquays' Ollie Gibson, who had no idea who his opponent was, or what he was up to. The far more experienced Cubert Fivers, like Shaun Milford, Dave Buzza and Chris McQuillen-Wright were quite happy to let Adam get away, knowing full well that he would get to the mile mark and say job done, and then just complete the course. They also assumed that Ollie would blow up, and would eventually be reeled in. After all, his recent winning time in the Duchy Marathon and then his London Marathon time would not give them any cause for concern.
 
How wrong they turned out to be. Adam duly went through the first mile, with Ollie close behind, and well clear of the rest. For the next couple of miles, Milford,  Buzza and McQuillen-Wright settled in their pace, just waiting for Olie to come back to them. He didnt, so eventually it was Shaun who upped the pace in a vain attempt to catch his team mate, before eventually fading in the closing stages to allow Dave to catch and pass him to claim second place. As Ollie said afterwards, "If I had realised what was happening from the off, I would have been happy to let him go, and just sit in with Shaun and co. and see what happened. This time round, being totally ignorant paid off; I built up such a good lead, and then they couldn't catch me in the end"
 
In a very close battle for team honours, the Newquay Road Runners nearly caused a major upset, just 7 points seperating them from their far more illustrious opponents Cornwall A.C., with the Hayle Runners in third.
 
In the ladies race, there was a convincing win for Cornwall A.C.'s Jo Friday, who finished well clear of Revis Crowle- East Cornwall Harriers, and her rapidly improving C.A.C. team mate Emma Stallard. Team honours went to Cornwall A.C. who finished well clear of the Hayle and Newquay teams.

 

KERNOW MAY 5 MILE REVIEW. 5th may 2008

 
Matthew Cleave of Cornwall A.C. was in top form again on Monday when winning the Kernow May 5 Mile road race for the second consecutive year. Second place went to his younger brother and team mate, Ryan Cleave, with Jamie Duffield - South Devon A.C. in third.
 
Matthew took control of the race approaching the 2 mile mark, easing away from Duffield and Launceston Road Runner Gary Vernon. It was at this point though that Ryan Cleave, some way back in fourth place, was also making a big effort to close in on his brother, and although getting within 30 metres of him by mile 3, he was never really able to mount a serious challenge.  Breaking the tape, Matthews time of 28 mins 07secs -  just 3 seconds slower than in 2007 - was 38 seconds quicker than Ryans, with Dufffield a further minute adrift. Duffield did have the consolation though of leading his South Devon team mates to the mens team prize ahead of Cornwall A.C., with the Newquay Road Runners placed third.
 
In the Ladies race, Launcestons' Caroline Steven finished just over a minute clear of the steadily improving Lucy Kelvey - Newquay Road Runners, with Sharon Daw - East Cornwall Harriers in third. Team honours went to South Devon A.C. ahead of the Launceston "a" and "b" teams.

AN RESEK HELLYS - 30th March 2008

Newquay Road Runner Shaun Milford was in top form for this 10 mile multi terrain run, to record what in the end was a very convincing victory.
 
As the record field of 430 set off in perfect spring like conditions, there was no one willing to make their early mark on proceedings. It was then around the two mile mark that Shaun, still in quite a large group, decided to inject some pace into the proceedings. It wasn't too long before he had opened up a commanding lead, and from thereonin, was never threatened. Crossing the finishing line, his winning margin was 85 seconds over the second placed finisher Dave Buzza of Cornwall A.C., with another C.A.C. runner John Keast a further 10 seconds adrift.
 
Shortly after finishing, a delighted Shaun reported that he was surprised to have won so comfortably. " I have been doing around 120 miles a week in preparation for next months Shakespeare Marathon, but I did ease down a little this week and felt reallly good out there today."  What was surprising though, was that this win, apart from his marathon victories, was his first race win for eight years.
 
With six finishers in the first ten, Cornwall A.C.crushed the opposition in the battle for team honours. However, the battle for minor honours was really hotly contested, with the Newquay Road Runners just getting the better of St Austell Running Club for the runners up spot, and only 24 points separating the 2nd and 5th placed teams.
 
In the ladies race Cornwall A.C.,s Jo Friday was in a class of her own, beaten only by 11 male runners, and finishing almost 5 minutes clear of the second placed Revis Crowle of the East Cornwall Harriers, with Steph Martin, Newquay Road Runners, a further ten seconds adrift in third.
 
Duplicating the efforts of their mens' team, Cornwall A.C. were comfortable winners of the team awards, with their "B" team finishing runners up just ahead of the Hayle Runners in third.
DUCHY MARATHON REVIEW - 9th March 2008
 
Twelve months after having to settle for second place in this race, Oliver Gibson from Newquay ran an excellent tactical race to clinch victory in the 32nd Duchy Marathon.
It was not until the 18th mile that Gibson took over pole position, before  breaking the tape in an excellent 2hours 45 minutes 55 seconds, and just 7 seconds slower than his time last year.
Second place went to Cornwall A.C.s Adrian Ball in 2-49-16, with St Austell star John Sidebotham third in 2-56-17.
 
Before the race, Olllie had reported that he didn't really know what shape he was in. He hadn't raced since last year, and his winter training had been somewhat inconsistent. Afterwards though, he said that he hadn't really had any problems, adding "I just ran my own race, but I admit I was glad to see the finish. It was not until just after half way that I caught the long time race lead Jon Hanley. We ran together for around four or so miles, and then I think he'd had enough. From then on, I just kept going, although there wasn't a lot left in the tank at the finish."
 
Adrian in second place, was also desperate to see the finish, as he was totally drained, but absolutely ecstatic to record a pb, breaking the sub 2-50 barrier for the first time.
 
John Sidebotham, who had moved up from 6th place in the final stages, crossed the line in agony, suffering badly with hamstring pain. With tears of pain still streaming down his face, he said " with just over a mile to go, it felt like my hamstrings were exploding. They were obviously going into and then out of spasm. I remember Ronnie James, marshalling close to the end, shouting at me to keep going and dig in, which I managed to do. 
 
Honours in the men's team prize went to the St Austell Running Club, who in only their third G.P. event since their formation, were absolutely delighted with their win. For their veteran runner, and the C.R.R. & R.G. chairman, Doug Alsop, it was also a day to remember, as he finished as a counting member of a winning team for the first time ever. Second place went to Cornwall A.C., with the Hayle Runners in 3rd.
 
Honours in the ladies race went to a visitor to the County, Alison McEwing, representing the Erme Valley Harriers. Her winning time of 3-16-13 placed her over 4 minutes clear of the South West Road Runners' Lucy Cartwright, with Karen Senior of the Hayle Runners almost a further 7 minutes adrift.
 
Team honours went to the Hayle "a" team , ahead of their "b" team, with the Road Runners Club in third.
 
And finally, congratulations to everyone at Cornwall A.C. for all their hard work and efforts to ensure the smooth running of yet another Duchy Marathon day.

 

CORNWALL v DEVON PENINSULA CHALLENGE 17th February 2008 RACE REVIEW.
 
The honours in this years challenge, incorporated within the Plymouth Hoe 10 mile road race, ended all square on Sunday, when the Devon Men's team claimed a narrow 2 points victory over their opponents, but the Cornish ladies edged out their opposition by a single point. Overall, this was an excellent performance from the Duchy,s representatives, with no fewer than five members of the 10 strong team recording personal bests, despite the strong blustery wind around much of the course.
 
The finish of the mens race turned out to be a repeat of last  year. Cornwall's Kevin Toher, who had led all the way, came off the final bend on the track with Devon's Kairn Stone just two strides behind. As these two made their way down the finishing straight, for a split second it appeared that Kevin was begining to edge away, but with just twenty metres to go, Kairn moved up a gear and passed Kevin, clinching victory in a time of 52minutes 10 seconds.  Kevin, just one second behind, recorded a new PB, 37 seconds quicker than his run here twelve months ago.
 
Third place went to Cornwalls Matt Pullen in 53-18, who improved his Blaythorne PB by 22seconds, and as at Blaythorne, proving just a shade too quick for his team mate, Shaun Milford. The fourth counting member of Team Cornwall, in 12th place was Hayles Peter Ellis, marking his County debut with a huge PB of 57-05. Completing the team was Hayles Mike Robinson 17th in 58-09 and Mounts Bay Harrier Tim Drew, 19th in 58-32.
 
The ladies team selected to represent the County, looked on paper to have the measure of their Devon neighbours, but injury forced both Paula Telford and Steph Martin to withdraw from the team 48 hours before race day. Fortunately ,such is the current strength in depth of ladies running in the County, that the selectors were able to call on Carns Kensa Rescorla, and Tamar Trotters Ann Luke, and they both certainly came up trumps.
 
First home was Cornwall's Jo Friday who is currently in outstanding form, as she led all the way to break the tape in  59 minutes 25 seconds, and 31 seconds better than her previous best recorded at Blaythorne last month. Next home for Team Cornwall in third place was Ann Luke in 63-14, and even now, although  a Vet 50, recording a superb PB.  Finishing in 6th place was Kensa Rescorla in 64-23, and completing the team Juliet Knowles.

RESULTS & PHOTOGRAPHS

 

MOUNTS BAY 10K 3rd February 2008 REVIEW
 
Ollie Shilston of Cornwall Athletic Club had just enough left in the tank to see off a determined challenge from his team mate Matt Pullen, when winning the Mounts Bay 10k title for the second time.
 
Under very threatening skies and blustery conditions a record field of 375 runners set off for this somewhat undulating 10 kilometre race. After the usual opening skirmishes at the front of the field, pre race favourite Ollie Shilston - C.A.C., his team mate Matt Pullen - winner of last months Blaythorne 10, and Newquays Shaun Milford emerged at the head of the field, with C.A.C,s Ronnie James, competing for the first time since last years Cubert 5 in close attendance.
 
By the half way mark though, it was Ollie who was setting the pace, with Matt on his shoulder, and Shaun beginning to drop off the pace. At this point, it was becoming obvious that the race was going to be decided on the long climb to the finish, and so it proved to be. Despite a valiant effort from Matt, Ollie always seemed to have just enough in hand as he crossed the finishing line just a couple of strides clear of his gallant team mate. Third place and nearly 20 seconds adrift came Shaun, with Ronnie, who blew up badly in the closing stages, hanging on for fourth place.
 
The mens team prize went to the very strong CornwallA.C. "a" team, with the C.A.C. "b" team in second place, and the Hayle Runners third.
 
In the ladies race, C.A.C.s Jo Friday was in a class of her home, leading all the way to come home over 2 minutes clear of her new team mate Donna Jenkin, who in turn proved just a shade too quick for Newquays Steph Martin.
 
The ladies team prize went to Cornwall A.C."a" team, who like their men, finished ahead of their "b" team, with the Hayle ladies filling third place.
 
** Among those taking part in this years race was Clare Sharp, sister of the 2006 and 2007 race winner Kevin Sharp. Clare, together with several of Kevins close friends, were all running in memory of Kevin, who regrettably is still missing following a climbing expedition in South America last November.
 Under what were obviously very difficult and emotional circumstances for those involved, it was very pleasing to hear that the prizes for first local male and female were won by two of Kevins friends, Ed Parrferris and Emma Davenport, who both live at nearby Ludgvan.
 
Message from the parents of Kevin Sharp......read out at todays race.
 
"Avril and Colin would firstly like to thank the Hayle Runners for allowing them to keep the Mears trophy, in memory of Kevin.
 
For the benefit of everyone who does not know, Kevin went missing in the Chilean Andes on November 8th last year, whilst climbing with other members of the South Devon Mountaineering Club. As at January 2008, attempts to find him have been unsuccessful.
 
 Kevin had a very positive attitude to life and his family and friends will particularly miss his cheery disposition.
 
Kevins love of running began whilst he was growing up in Kinoulton, near Nottingham. From the age of 7, he was keen to take part in long distance races. He completed the London Marathon at the age of 22, running in aid of the Lupus Charity, finishing a creditable 728 out of 31561, in a time of 02-53-13.
 
Following his move to work and live in North Cornwall, he joined the Newquay Road Runners club. He took part in many races, including the Mounts Bay 10k.
 
At times, injury frustrated Kevin, preventing him from competitive runnning.
 
Being a very active guy, he took up other pursuits which he was able to follow, even when unable to run, including mountaineering.
 
There are many of you who will be competing today, in his memory, for which we thank you. Enjoy your run"

 

 
BLAYTHORNE 10  -  20th January 2008.
 
The 2008 Grand Prix series got off to a tremendous start on Sunday which saw 413 runners complete the course, 55 more than twelve months earlier.
 
And all those who predicted victory for either last years winner Dave Buzza or Newquays Shaun Milford were in for a shock.
 
First home was Cornwall A.C.,s Matt Pullen in an excellent time of 53 mins 40secs, which was 10 seconds quicker than Daves time last year, and almost 4 minutes quicker than Matt ran last year.  Second place went to Shaun Milford, some 23 seconds adrift, with Dave a further 65 seconds behind.
 
The early pace had been set by these three, but on the second serious climb approaching Leedstown - around four and a half miles - Buzza's challenge began to fade. But it was around the 7 mile mark before Pullen made his big effort and eased away from Milford to record a somewhat surprising win.
 
After the race, Milford said that this was the first time he had been beaten by Matt. He said, "Normally Matt  goes off pretty hard, but I normally reel him in during the later stages, but there was no chance of that today"
 
A jubilant Matt said, " I'm normally at my best over the shorter distances, but this winter I have done a lot of longer runs, and it paid off today"
 
The mens team prize went to Cornwall A.C., with the Hayle Runners second, and an excellent third place for the recently formed St Austell Running Club, competing in their first ever G.P. event.  Looking resplendent in their bright purple and  gold vests, they are certainly going to ensure that the men's team competition will be even keener this year.
 
( Someone who shall remain anonymous suggested they looked like a Cadburys Twirl wrapper, and could be nick named the Twirlers, but its a bit t-wirly for those sort of remarks.)
 
In the ladies race, there was an outstanding performance from Cornwall A.C.,s Jo Friday, who finished in 10th place overall in a new PB time of 59mins 56 seconds. Second place went to Carn Runners Paula Telford, who after an excellent first year in the Duchy last year, showed that she has the potential to be a real star this year, and certainly ensure there will be no easy victories for Jo.  Third place went to Paula,s team mate Juliet Knowles. With Steph Martin, Kensa Rescorla and Caroline Steven all within striking distance, there will certainly be some very keen races amongst the ladies this year, to the obvious benefit to them all.
 
The ladies team prize went to the Carn Runners, with East Cornwall Harriers second and Cornwall A.C. third.
 
Once again, congratulations and thanks to everyone at Carn for all their efforts in putting on an excellent race, and in particular, plenty of lovely post race refreshments.