This weekend saw Looe Pioneers travel down to The Eden Project to take part in the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon. For Eden this is the 10th year of organising this event, and the race takes place over multi terrace and hilly route.
Among the athletes taking part in the half marathon were Guy Cooper, who vowed never to do this race again having done it last year but returned this year. Guy completed the route in 2:53:07. Darren Hardwick, for Hardwick, this was his first Half Marathon, having only started club running in January with the Couch to 5K training scheme, crossed the finish line in 2:10:45. Jennine Fisher completed the run in 2:09:06. With three of the male Looe Pioneers, finishing the race, very close together. Clive Finnimore, completed the route in just under 2 hours, with a time of 1:59:58, with Christian Boyce coming in 2:01:10 and Jon Hoskin just after him, with a time of 2:02:08. Nina Bond, completed the 13.1 mile route in 2:43:00. Helen Lawes finished in 2:08:09 which was a personal best on the course for her, having completed the route 11 minutes faster than previous years. Along with Mandy Gibson, who completed in 1:44:44, which was a person best on the course for her too. Nick Pope achieved a person best for a half marathon completing the route in 1:51:01.
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This week saw a massive team turn out from the Looe Pioneers, who competed in the Plymouth 10K race. Sunday morning was an early start for most of the athletes travelling over the border. The Looe Pioneers joined nearly 4000 other athletes competing in either the 5k or 10k runs.
The race started on New George Street, then athletes run up and down Royal Parade, to Exeter Street, Gdynia Way, then along the embankment, just to turn around and run back the way they had come. With so many of the Looe Pioneers in attendance special mention should go to Di Foster, who completed the race in 57:45, which was a person best on last years efforts. Darren Hardwick who managed to achieve a personal best for the distance of 10K, having completed the 10k in 49:45. Personal bests also were achieved for Andy Urie (51:06), Sophie Wones (52:27), Jon Hoskin (52:29) and Christian Boyce (47:09). Mark Deacon came in 31st overall, out of the thousands of athletes that completed, with an impressive time 37:59. Dale Staff came in 82nd with a time 40:57. Jo Robinson who was the first female from the pioneers over the finish line, and she came in 106th, with a time of 42:14. Mark Grassam came in 151st with a time of 43:41. With Shaun Pengelly, completed the run in 1:14:59. This week, saw the Looe Pioneers making the most of the late summer sun, lets hope it last, as many of the athletes still have a lot of races left to run this session. The past week has seen the Pioneers taking part in runs all over the southwest. However with the dark evenings, most runs are now limited to the weekends only. Sunday saw 10 Pioneers travel down to Truro to take place in the Half Marathon. This 13.1 miles route, is the 14th race in the Grand Prix series. The route is a hard and has two big hills to challenge athletes. The route takes the athletes from Truro town centre out to Feock, then the athletes loop back via on rural roads through Porth Kea. Mark Deacon came in first of the pioneers, with a time of 1:34:36, making him the 50th athlete to cross the finish line. Gary Williams completed the race in 1:35:35 which is a new personal best time for Gary. Mandy Gibson was the first female Pioneer who completed the route, with a time of 1:49:43. Just after the two hour mark was Rob Kernaghan (2:01:30), Clive Finnimore (2:02:00) and Helen Lawes (2:06:44). Followed by Tanya Elliott (2:18:04), Mick Torres (2:20:14), Andy Elliott (2:29:16) and Lynne Overd (3:08:42). Saturday morning, saw Mick Visick compete in the Lanhydrock Parkrun. A beautiful 5K run, which takes place, like all Parkruns at 9 am on Saturday morning. Parkruns are free to enter and are mixed ability, so great for people who are new to running or returning post injury. Whereas Sandra Northcott and Jo Robinson took part in the Eden Parkrun. Sunday also saw, an all female team consisting of - Donna Gundry, Jay Wagstaff, Angie Pengelly, Sandra Northcott, Sandra Haynes and Emma Collins travel to Plymouth to compete in the Race around the Plym. A 5 mile run organised by Plymouth Coasters. The race which started at Marsh Mills roundabout, took the athletes along the embankment, over Laira bridge and back via the picturesque Saltram house. Emma came in first for the club finishing in 43:55, shortly afterwards followed by Donna with a time of 48:38. After her came Sandra Northcott, 49:09 then Sandra Haynes just over 30 seconds after her, with a time of 49:43. Jay and Angie who ran the whole route together completed in 53:24.
Sun shone on the Looe 10 Miler on Saturday February 23rd – with hundreds visiting Looe for the day and the weekend. The annual event had its first Saturday afternoon running, allowing runners from 22 different counties to enter, with many staying at either Tencreek or a local b&B or hotel.
This year the event was supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance and its Heli Appeal – initial figures suggest over £4000 has been raised for this vital service. Andy the Airman was there for the day and began both the fun run and the main event. In the Calweton Vet fun run over 150 completed the 1 mile lap beside the river and quayside path with a strong fight in both the boys and girls competitions. In the 10 Miler cycle marshal Kieron Jewell set off at the head of the race at 1.30pm followed by 531 runners. He was quickly followed by Tony Brewer who led the race from mile 2, pulling away from the field by mile 4 and finishing in a time of 61 minutes and 13 seconds. Jim Cole and James Oke followed in second and third place. IN the women’s race Claudia Serien was victorious, plotting her way to victory after home favourite Mandy Gibson has led up the first hill. Sherrie Hair and Claire Mensing finished second and third, with Looe’s Mandy coming in 5th, and so winning a place on Cornwall Celtic trail running team. In a closely fought battle for top Pioneer Mark Deacon kept a strong hold on his position despite the best efforts of Dale Tedder – with Mandy outdoing Sally Crabb for the women’s team. Looe and Cornwall Councillor Edwina Hannaford was amongst a team of Pioneers who completed the race only a year after having completed the Couch to 5K programme. Looe 10 Miler would like to thank the support given from many local businesses and supporters including Looe Lions, Looe Fire Service, Gibson’s Ice Cream, Jays Removals, Cornish Tea and Coffee, Adrenalin Quarry, and so many more. Looe Pioneer Ecstasy; Women's Team Placed First
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At Ivybridge on Friday May 11th a team of 10 Pioneers took on the popular 10k course with Mark Deacon leading the team home in 16th place in 38 minutes and Jo Robinson leading home the women, and winning the Female Vet 40 category in 43 minutes and 6 seconds. Lots of pbs were achieved, with other runners including Mark Grassam, Sally Crabb, Tania Elliott, Jennine Fisher, Jon Jones, Andrew Elliott, Louise Bird and Guy Cooper. |
On early Sunday morning a team of six took on the newly routed Trevornick 10k (formerly the 10 miler). Across rugged terrain and coastal paths Tania Elliott led the team home in a fantastic 58 minutes closely followed by husband Andrew Elliott. Mick Torres, Jon Jones, Mandy Kemp and Lynne Overd all quickly followed in a blaze of orange. |
Whilst all this was going on Looe 10 Miler winner Oli Thorogood, aged 27, was tackling something slightly more hillish and hellish – in fact 20 times more hillish and hellish than the Looe 10 miler; the 50 mile Snowdonia Ultra. He conquered the 20,000 feet of elevation in 11 hours and 30 minutes- finishing 90 minutes ahead of second place and the rest of the field – which included international trail runners. |
Mud. Potato fields. Rain. Tunnelling. Mud. Streams. Mud. Occasional road. Incessant rain. Despite the feeling that summer had died and the end of the world was near the Tywardreath Trotter, or slippy slopper, proved to be a real success for all concerned. Fourteen Pioneers braved the elements and the hills to cross the finish line welcomed by a warm and jovial bunch of villagers. It was much appreciated, as was the fine after run service provided by the New Inn. Leading the Pioneers men's' team home was Mark Deacon with Jo Robinson leading in the women's' team. Mark said, " I loved it. The hills and more hills were a real joy; the best way to spend a Saturday evening."
Full results for Pioneers:
Mark Deacon 48.00;
Mark Grassam 54.00;
Jo Robinson 57.36;
Kirsty Webb 1.03.01;
Martin Gregory 1.09.53;
Kirstie Maywood 1.11.46;
Nikki Williams 1.14.56;
Bryan Maywood 1.15.22;
Graham Foster 1.15.54;
Di Foster 1.15.55;
Mandy Kemp 1.24.38;
Julie Gregory 1.34.28;
Lynne Overd 1.36.54
Full results for Pioneers:
Mark Deacon 48.00;
Mark Grassam 54.00;
Jo Robinson 57.36;
Kirsty Webb 1.03.01;
Martin Gregory 1.09.53;
Kirstie Maywood 1.11.46;
Nikki Williams 1.14.56;
Bryan Maywood 1.15.22;
Graham Foster 1.15.54;
Di Foster 1.15.55;
Mandy Kemp 1.24.38;
Julie Gregory 1.34.28;
Lynne Overd 1.36.54
Saturday 8th July, 5 Pioneers also entered the Muddy Duck 10 k race some only 24 hours after the Ivybridge relays and all finished the course ;-)
There are too many people to mention individually but Mark Deacon ran all 3 mentioned races, was the first pioneer home at Redruth and Muddy Duck but also ran TWICE in the relay race - superb effort Mark!!! Jo Robinson was First Lady pioneer to finish at Redruth but lots of very good runs from others with Dale Staff, Mark Grassam and Gary Williams also very high up the field.
There are too many people to mention individually but Mark Deacon ran all 3 mentioned races, was the first pioneer home at Redruth and Muddy Duck but also ran TWICE in the relay race - superb effort Mark!!! Jo Robinson was First Lady pioneer to finish at Redruth but lots of very good runs from others with Dale Staff, Mark Grassam and Gary Williams also very high up the field.
Friday 7th July, 4 Looe Pioneer teams (each consisting of 4 runners) took part in the Ivybridge relays with 4 x legs of 2.5 miles. Again some excellent runs and Looe very well represented with lots of noisy Pioneers.
On Wednesday 5th July over 20 athletes attended the 'turkey trot' near Redruth and achieved some valuable points for what already is a record breaking points tally in the Cornish Grand Prix series still with a number of races to go. All pioneers completed the 4 mile circuit in good times, many setting PB's on this short and fast course in very hot weather !
57 Pioneers took part in this 5 mile course and Looe was the 4th biggest club represented at this popular annual event which is an amazing achievement. All athletes completed the course with quite a lot of new members running competitively for the first time. To see the whole squad over the finish line was a great achievement and some of the athletes who only started on the couch to 5k programme in the new year powered home beating many personal bests. Two years ago, only 1 Looe pioneer represented the town at this event, last year there 29 and with this years 57, we are hoping to continue the trend upwards for 2018 !
Dartmoor Discovery on June 3rd. Emma Langstaff and Sally Crabb represented the club/town at this ultra-marathon event around Dartmoor. The race is entirely on road and starts in Princetown, follows a route passing through Dartmeet, Poundsgate, Newbridge, Ashburton, Buckland in the Moor, Widecombe in the Moor and Postbridge before making its way back to finish in Princetown. The current distance is 52.115 km (32 miles 674 yards). Emma finished in 5:16:10 and Sally 5:33:54. A fantastic achieve by the Looe ladies!
A large number of the club members took part in the Plymouth half marathon on Sunday 23rd April with many of the athletes achieving personal bests over this distance and finishing in excellent times. Mark Deacon completed the course in 1:26:50s and came 38th overall from a field of approximately 2800 runners and Jo Robinson also continued her superb form which keeps her high in the rankings of the top female athletes in Cornwall. A huge well done goes to Kirsty Webb also who achieved an excellent time only a short while after completing the Brighton Marathon a few weeks ago.
Looe Pioneers were well represented at the Virgin London Marathon with Laura Rosser, Joe Arkley, Kelly Prutton, Peter Heywood and Victoria Thomas all with superb runs over this famous course.
Legend has it that in 490BC Philippides ran 26 miles in hot summer from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the battle had been won; he then died. Five Looe Pioneers braved the scorching heat of an early summer to compete with the aptly named Philippides Shepley completing the Brighton Marathon as part of his preparation for the Five Marathon Challenge.
The Cornish Run; he will run with seven mates the length of Cornwall, completing 5 marathons in 5 days from May16th to 20th. Support him at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cornishrun
The Cornish Run; he will run with seven mates the length of Cornwall, completing 5 marathons in 5 days from May16th to 20th. Support him at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cornishrun
Philippides, Mandy Gibson led home the team with Laura Arkley just 15 minutes behind after jettisoning her husband who finished in 4 hours and 28 minutes. Philippides and Kirsty Webb crossed the line together, after mutual support through the torrid heat, to bring all the Pioneers home.
Mandy Gibson 3.58.31 (379th woman out of 8110)
Laura Arkley 4.12.25
Joe Arkley 4.28.45
Phillippides Shepley 4.39.48
Kirsty Webb 4.41.52
Mandy Gibson 3.58.31 (379th woman out of 8110)
Laura Arkley 4.12.25
Joe Arkley 4.28.45
Phillippides Shepley 4.39.48
Kirsty Webb 4.41.52
In Paris, Jordan Garaghon, Pioneers marathon record holder, couldn’t quite eclipse his previous record; sun stroke and near broken legs did not prevent him from reaching the Arc de Triomphe in an impressive 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Jordan was running for Macmillan Cancer Support https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jordan-Garaghon4
Jordan was running for Macmillan Cancer Support https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jordan-Garaghon4
Pioneers run in the sun!!
A handful of Looe Pioneers braved the hills of Falmouth for its annual half marathon on Sunday. After a chilly start the sun came out and shone on the pioneers as they made their way round the picturesque course beginning near Pendennis Castle before heading west towards the Helford river and turning back to finish along the promenade of this lovely Cornish coastal town. A gentle northeasterly breeze was appreciated by all as the temperature rose sufficiently to result in a few pink faces!
A handful of Looe Pioneers braved the hills of Falmouth for its annual half marathon on Sunday. After a chilly start the sun came out and shone on the pioneers as they made their way round the picturesque course beginning near Pendennis Castle before heading west towards the Helford river and turning back to finish along the promenade of this lovely Cornish coastal town. A gentle northeasterly breeze was appreciated by all as the temperature rose sufficiently to result in a few pink faces!
Mark Deacon led the way with a superfast time of 1.27 finishing 26th out of a total 576 runners.
The remaining twelve runners completed the bakers dozen as follows with many personal bests achieved;
Chris Pawley 1.46
Mandy Gibson 1.49
Mark Grassam 1.50
Phil Gibson 1.56
Ali Catnach 1.57
Kirsty Webb 1.59
John Bowden 2.03
Peter Heywood 2.07
Kirstie Maywood 2.08
Emma Clark 2.10
Pete Catnach 2.17
Geraldine Bowden 2.21
The remaining twelve runners completed the bakers dozen as follows with many personal bests achieved;
Chris Pawley 1.46
Mandy Gibson 1.49
Mark Grassam 1.50
Phil Gibson 1.56
Ali Catnach 1.57
Kirsty Webb 1.59
John Bowden 2.03
Peter Heywood 2.07
Kirstie Maywood 2.08
Emma Clark 2.10
Pete Catnach 2.17
Geraldine Bowden 2.21
Looe Pioneers resident superstar, Jordan Garaghon, made the long trip to Gloucestershire on Sunday to compete in his first marathon. In what was a stella debut performance, he completed the 26.2 miles in a superb time of 3hrs 23 mins, finishing in 21st place overall.
Garaghon now holds the Pioneers current marathon time record.
Garaghon now holds the Pioneers current marathon time record.
30 Looe Pioneers descended on Newquay for the ever-popular Newquay 10k, Race 2 of the Cornwall Glass and Glazing Cornish Grand Prix Series. In excellent running conditions, many Pioneers recorded personal best times, yet another indication of the meteoric rise of the club over the last 18 months. Special mention must go to 'Mr Consistent', John Gossam on yet another 3rd placed finish in his age catagory.
A twenty-five strong team headed down to Cambourne on Sunday for Storm Force 10, the first race in the Cornish Grand Prix series.
Looe Pioneers 10th largest club in attendance put in an incredible effort especially John Gossan who came in 3rd place in his category.
Club Chairman Bryan Maywood would like to proudly point out he finally beat Mike Visick.
An incredible start to the year and the race season.
Looe Pioneers 10th largest club in attendance put in an incredible effort especially John Gossan who came in 3rd place in his category.
Club Chairman Bryan Maywood would like to proudly point out he finally beat Mike Visick.
An incredible start to the year and the race season.
14 intrepid Looe Pioneers took on the epic Cornish Marathon last week, recording some absolutely superb finishing times in the process. First male pioneer home was Mark Deacon in 3.36.30, and first female pioneer home was Emma Langstaff in 4.07.02.
In what has been a standout year for the club, Ali Catnach, Pete Catnach, Peter Heywood and Mark Deacon all received awards for completing 8 events in the Cornish Grand Prix Series 2016, with Peter Hayward also collecting 3rd Overall in the Male 70-74 age category.
Author
Donna Gundry
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