Over the weekend, 18 Exmouth Harriers raced locally in three very tough but enjoyable multi terrain events
First up was a tough off-road nightime run over Woodbury Common that started and finished at Bicton College. There were a variety of races available with distances from 1km up to 13 miles.
Results: 5km - 6th Katie Moore 30.27 (3rd Female); 10km - 4th Nathan Budd 49.47; 15th Louise Hempstead 57.34 (3rd Female); 51st Amanda McCann 69.33; 1/2 Marathon - 20th Chris Murrin 2.04.07; 23rd Ben White 2.06.10; 42nd Rob Parker 2.23.14; 43rd Emma White 2.23.14.
The Walter Raleigh Round Half Marathon is a13-mile multi-terrain race visited the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child. The route included quiet back lanes, unsurfaced county roads, little known footpaths, the Otter valley, High Peak, the Jurassic Coast and a dismantled railway. The race started and finished in Budleigh Salterton.
Six Harriers battled it out for the honours with four members of the Kelly family (Sam, James, Alice & Mum Nicola) featuring prominently throughout, accompanied by Rob Ellis and Simon Minting.
Sam Kelly produced another superb performance, winning the race in an amazing time of 1.20.14. Next was Rob Ellis in 2nd place in 1.22.42, Simon Minting 3rd in 1.28.20, James Kelly 4th in 1.28.57. Alice Kelly ran an inspired race to finish in 7th overall and first female in 1.38.59. Nicola Kelly was 61st in 2.24.49.
Four harriers competed in the tough mixed-terrain ‘Oh My Obelisk 1/2 Marathon’ 13 mile, starting and finishing at Dawlish Warren Lesiure Centre. It was mostly ascending for eight miles, and returning downhill for the remainder.
The choice of footwear was a quandary, sometimes full off-road trail shoes were required, however there were large sections of road and hard bridle paths. Scott Jamieson was first home for the Harriers in 12th place in 1.35.33, followed by Craig Butler in 36th in 1.47.04, Kelly Thomas in 89th in 2.01.51 with Anthony Lees in 91st place in 2.02.12.
The runners commented that the course was a challenge in both directions but a great race with stunning views.
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