Daily archives: November 6, 2012

A lone Musketeer in the form of Sarah Horton represented the club at the little known Sourton 10km.

This is rather more than the official 10km length and it feels longer as it is a hilly multi-terrain run on Dartmoor.

Intrepid Sarah did very well, as we’d expect. She joined some hardy runners and her injured husband Glenn in a well organised race run by the village community at Sourton, between Tavistock and Oakhampton.

The race, staged to raise village funds, starts on a disused level railway line and diverts onto the moor and rises gradually on and on and on, up grassy fields and moorland.

Tired runners were then faced with uneven stony and muddy track high up with fantastic views across the valley above the village.

They then gingerly descended wet grass tracks and followed a stone wall on the level, but uneven moorland hillside grazed by sheep before looping back onto the former railway line and to the finish.

The organisers were blessed with the dry weather. It was only shortly before everyone finished that the heavens open and most retreated to the village hall for welcome home-made cakes drinks and other food.

Though largely unknown in Plymouth, the race has been going for 8 years and is a good introduction to off-road racing. Unsurprisingly most runners came from Tavistock and Oakhampton.

David Tomlin (Teignbridge Trotters) was first home in an impressive time of 43.44 given the conditions. With the same course as last year, Andy Vallance (Okehampton Running Club) was second with 44.31. Andy held off the challenge of James Best (Tavistock Athletics Club) who came in third at 44.45, at only 16 years old. Jo Meek (Tavistock AC), beat her course personal best set last year to lead the female runners home in a time of 46.03 and was sixth overall. Sharon Daw (Mud Crew 51.16), was second lady home with Helen Heard (Bude Rats 51.37), coming in third female.

It would be good to see a few more keep Sarah company next year – not that she’s promised to run it again! Last year only two Musketeers did it.

By Guy

17 Musketeers represented their club with honour in the Plymouth 10km which attracted 1,129 runners.

They were probably outnumbered by the numbers marshalling – all shamelessly bribed with free race entries.

Those less money-minded citizens did fantastically well, especially in the age categories and there cannot be many clubs who were so high up the age ratings for such a relatively small entry – quality rather than quantity shines through.

1) Rich M led the Muskie pack at 72nd finishing in 41.40 in 48th in age group.

2) Stan K 153rd, 45m 1sec, 20th in age.

3) Craig F 169th, 45.32, 103rd

4) Miranda K 288, 49.06, 8th.

5) Jenny K 313th, 48.06, 7th

6) Annette 428th. 51.43,7th.

7) Vic H 451st, 53, 7th.

8 ) Johnny K 498th, 54.09, 19th

9) Donna B 535th, 54.5, 12th.

10) Sam G 553rd, 55.19, 20th.

11) Michael P 614th, 56.09, 26th.

12) Anita C 629th, 55.57, 8th.

13) Ian L 743, 58.51, 68th.

14) Tracey C 746, 58, 21st.

15) Doug L, 933rd, 1h 3m, 80th.

16) Kerry F 934th, 1h 5m, 171st.

17) Kathryn G 1,078th, 1h 13m, 24th.

It is a shame there was not more of a goody bag for those who did so well, but were not among the prizes. Even marshals got t-shirts.

Among those with personal bests were Kerry, by virtue of this being her first ever race for the Muskies, Johnny also and congratulations to those who I have not mentioned as I did not speak to everyone and some people ran under different names or did not run, but some ran for them instead, very confusing!

By Guy

Hi All

Just to let you know we have now started a circuit training session at the club. It takes place every Monday night. Arrive for 6:45pm with a 7pm start.