Pipes and Drums, Samba bands and Morris Dancers entertained the crowds along the route and England goal keeper David James was spotted amongst the crowds of enthusiastic supporters (at 6'8" you couldn't really miss him).

Bideford AAC fielded 50 runners and still managed to fully marshal the course, man the drinks stations, run the canteen, baggage lorry and start/finish. The work of our volunteers before during and after the event is much appreciated.

Jimmy Murray completed this chilly hilly cornish marathon in 3:19:43 finishing 23rd overall. The 20 miler was tackled by Andy Glover 2:58:15 (81st), Rebecca Hill 3:01:45(86th) and Michelle Williams 3:22:03 (127th) out of 172 finishers. 

Another sub 3.00 hours for club runner Dave Braunton in this predominantly down hill marathon. Dave says he suffered when the temperature climbed to 24 degrees but he still managed to cross the line in 2.58.07. Well done Dave!

Lois Vickers flew the Blues flag and finished in a respectable 1:45:41. Well done Lois!

Martin Colwill was our only representative in the Plymouth 10 and missed out on a sub one hour time by just 10 seconds. That's flippin fast! He came 22nd out of a field of 568. Well done Martin!

The Bideford six took on the Exmouth five. Lucky Martin Colwill (13th) finished the race in around 15 seconds less than his official time of 28.37, as did James McLaren 29.36, Maurice Cockwill 35.35, Alan Heard 37.14, Mike Gilmore 40.59 and Glen Martin 41.04 (apparently the timekeeper had a bit of trouble with his timing watch at the start).

A great day for the Blues! - Out of a field of over 800 runners, Kevin Heywood won bronze, coming home in 51.39, only 42 seconds behind the winner! good runs too from Mark Jenkin (56.12-51st) Andrew Ingle (62.16-207th) and Chris Stone (71.03-481st).

Blues runners made up nearly 10% of the 265 strong entry for this years Braunton 10 which took place in excellent, if a little cool weather conditions. We put on a good show too with Dan Mapp taking first place in 57.08! Full results HERE

Jim tells us that the Marathon starts at 5.40 in the morning to avoid the heat of the sun. Unfortunately freak weather conditions meant that it was so cold that spilt water at the drinks stations was freezing on the ground! It's also the first marathon that Jim has finished when it was still dark! Well done Team Murray!

Kevin added another course record to his collection on his way to victory, making light of icy conditions to scoop a £100 bonus for a new best time.

Mark Jenkin- 67.04 (2nd), Chris Stone- 80.20 (34th), Steve Turner- 80.53 (39th), Jack Oliver- 85.06 (56th), Rob Floyd- 103.03, Laurie Woolgar- 104.04 (143), Mary Pool- 107.59 (156th), Mark Palmer- 108.54 (158th) and Kay Eastwood- 144.20 

Heardy put on a magnificent day ... when the coach eventually arrived ... and everyone went home with a smile on their face, apart from Pam who discovered that someone had taken her bag! Only when she opened the remaining bag and discovered a white crash helmet was the mystery solved! Gary Suggate was best placed Blue, coming home 25th in a time of 38:08. Full Race Results HERE

Dave Braunton

The exceptionally prolonged rain of late had caused the whole course to be extremely waterlogged with the many twists and turns being deep sticky mud especially for the last race of the day, the senior men's event.

Blues star, Kevin Heywood put in a personal best with a time of 12.10, just missing out on a podium finish.

Marathon man Murray was at it again, coming 17th in a field of over 200, in a time of 3:22:40 

A mini-bus full of Blues set off for the moors on Sunday in bright but chilly conditions. First Blue home was Martin Colwill 41.33 11th overall, second vet 40. Followed by Chris Stone 48.41, Paul Sturtridge 49.11, Jo Bedlar 53.43 3rd FV35, Sue Pennington 54.33, Helen Colwill 56.12, Alan Patrick 56.56, Rachel WIlliams 57.44, Mark Palmer 58.02, Mary Pool 58.40, Lorrie Woolgar 1.01.43, Tracey Wilson 1.03.32, Angela Davies 1.12.56, Alan Davies 1.12.56 and Kay Eastwood 1.13.35.  -  Full Results HERE

A swift Blues threesome - Neil Marke - 1:38:31, Jo Bedlar - 1:44:44 and Linda Eastmond - 1:55:40

Andy Warner policed the streets of Amsterdam in a magnificent 3:27 coming in 1432th out of 6902. Liz (Hoppy) Warner limped around the 7.5K tour of the red light district in just 40:45 coming 310th in her category out of 2929.

A chilly dark Autumn morning awaited the Blues runners getting up at stupid o-clock (6:30 Departure!!!) to catch the mini bus from the club to Newton Abbot racecourse. All runners were rewarded for their early start with some great times and positions in perfect race conditions. A fairly flat start led on to two hills at about five and six miles respectively. At the seventh mile all athletes were treated to a pleasant mostly downhill but slightly undulating second half of the race. With excellent views of the valley below, the previous climbs were well worth the effort. Gary Suggate put in an excellent run beating his PB by 3 mins!!! Four of our runners completed the Marathon with Jimmy Murray finishing first for the blues in 12th place. The 10k was also completed by five club members with Tim Lane finishing first for us.

10K
Pos   race no   time           Name                                    
95     258    0:49:16        Tim Lane          
145            0:53:10         Andy Walter

The team finished a magnificent 58th overall.

Photo - Blues Triple 'A' team - Andy Pearson, Alan Heard and Anthony Martin.

Full results HERE

Eric Hubber (4:43) flew the Blues flag, along with son-in-law Adrian Vanstone (3:43) and Mike Mears (3:30)

Well the weekend began at 7am on Sat. morning, Trish took us both to Tive and off to London we went, changed trains for euro train and it took us straight to the centre of Brussels, brilliant!!  Dave suggested pub, didn't need to be asked twice! 3-4 bottles of wine later (including 1 bottle costing £25!!!) we went to the offy and got a better 1 for £2. ha ha. bonus!!
Next thing we both knew it was 6am - out the door to register, finally got to the right station after about 2 miles walking in circles, registered and got the the start. Bang!!! off we went.....18 miles later Dave and I crossed paths but he was 3 miles ahead of me, think the hangover was clear but everything else was hurting instead, Dave looked like I felt!! Anyway 7-8 miles later it was all over, another nice medal and t-shirt. Dave with great run on a tough course 2.58 and I had a mare due to injury 3.29.
After a mile walk to the baggage I was glad to get changed, then pub, then bearings...yes in that order. £7 a pint???? Dave couldn't get out of his seat, collapsed with shock I think at that price. Then a few more drinks in a cheaper pub watching Chelsea, a great 3 course meal and it was time to turn in. And I managed to get Dave back to his room without having to carry him this time, which was great.
Next morning up and off, back to London we went, box ticked. 

Will Heal flew the flag for the Blues coming fourth in an impressive 40:11

Brilliant result from Martin - 4th Place out of 1850 runners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Doone run organisers could not have picked a better day for this VERY TOUGH but beautifully scenic event, held in and around the picturesque villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. The trails and roads were dry and mostly under woodland which provided a brief and welcome rest bite from the unseasonably pleasant sunshine. The clear day meant fantastic views across valleys and coastline taking most runners minds off the mountain like climbs. I'm sure everyone that took part would agree this race was tough but enjoyable, I will certainly be back next year! From a club point of view we had three runners in the top 20 with an outstanding performance from Martin Colwill finishing in 2nd place with a time of 1:14:14. Bideford men unfortunately lost out on the team prize this year coming in 2nd place to our rivals North Devon road runners.
Here is a full list of Bideford finishers. 

Kathryn Guard was our only entrant this year, running for 'Cry in the Dark', a children's charity. Despite the distraction of 20,000 men in shorts (she didn't pay any attention to the 20,000 women in shorts, not surprisingly) Kathryn finished in a respectable 1:55:54.

Three runners from Bideford took part in this years Robin Hood. Linda Eastmond trimmed more than two minutes off her result at Bristol to squeeze under two hours with 1:59:32 behind Jo Bedlar-1:48:47 and Neil Marke-1:43:30.

A great result for the Blues in this small but friendly event. Mark Jenkin led the field with a time of 27:09, followed by Peter Hockin 28:23, Dan Mapp 29:33 and Martin Colwill 29:59, to take the first four places! Full Results HERE

Martin Colwill-1:17:35, James Murray-1:31:22, Neil Marke-1:50:39, Helen Colwill-1:50:40, Linda Eastmond-2:01:54, and Lois Vickers-2:18:01

Picture opposite are the intrepid walkers who also took part in memory of club runner Jeff Snell, who sadly passed away earlier this year (The leprechaun is Frank Dunlop, begorra). Andy Watts remembers Jeff in a moving article HERE 

Seven Blues battled at Sedgemoor. Chris Stone, Stuart Philps, Alan Heard, Andrew Oke, Glen Martin, Frank Dunlop and Liz Oke all took part in this popular plod. Provisional results HERE

3 Bideford Blues members went down to Hayle to compete in the triathlon sprint which was a 750m swim 22.5 bike and 5k run. The swim: A 750 metre open water swim set in the Copperhouse (salt water) Pool. This is a mass water start, but non tidal and without surf. Safety boat cover is provided as standard. Bike: The bike is an 22.5km course which is suited to novice riders as there is only one main hill ( Liz counted 3!) to contend with. Run: The run is a relatively short 5km course, with one small hill to a drinks station and then back to the finish which is next to the transition area. It was a grey and wet start to the triathlon. It was a good day for all members. Jimmy Murray- 1:21:05, Claire Spearman-1:37:15 & Liz Roberts-1:49:42. Photos of the ladies below. The photo of Jimmy has been withheld by special request (that's a pint you owe me Jim!).

Six of the best from Bideford this year - Stuart Philps 44:32 (50th), Niel Marke 52:09, Jo Bedlar 55:22, Linda Eastman 1:00:15, Glen Martin 1:02:47, Frank Dunlop 1:25:53 (welcome back Frank!)

The Blues magnificent 7 ventured into Indian territory for this annual Half Marathon. Results were: Martin Colwill 1:19:24 (11th), Steve Heard 1:20:26 (13th), Alec McLaron 1:39:32, Rebecca Hill 1:47:09, Helen Colwill 1:47:34, Jane Jackson 1:49:37, Michelle Williams 1:57:59.

Report from Jimmy Murray - Got back from Switzerland today, what a killer of a race, a million times worse than we expected, Daves name was mud the whole way round, 1st 5 miles like running up High St. through pine forests, lovely..........then the s**t started!! next 2 miles got muddier and steeper and the the last 3 was crazy!!! Rocks and mud, almost vertical at times, can't describe just how tough this was, 15.8K (that's less than 10 miles) chip reading 1.57!!! then the downhill on the rocks started, all I can say is its like walking along westward ho! cliffs and then jumping off the edge and keep running for 2-3 more miles! 

Dave and Jimmy finished 231/2 out of 745 'runners' - one guy took 8hrs 24 mins! Full Results HERE

Will Heal (46:32) was our only entrant. He came 7th out of 169 finishers.

Our two trotters crossed the Tamar to take part in this toughie. Jimmy Murray- 48:59, Alan Heard- 57:21 (injured)

Stuart Philps was Bideford's only participant but did us proud, coming 20th out of 281 runners in a time of 41:56

Andy Jewell did 20:01 and came 66th out of 155

Martin Colwill 1:24:09, Jimmy Murray 1:34:11, Helen Colwill 1:53:54

Will Heal came 21st in 1.26.27 out of 1700 finishers - Well done Will!

Seen left to right are: (back row) Dave Anderson, Mike Gilmore, Andrew Wilson, Pete Pinnick, Alan Cox, Stuart Wilson and Andrew Daniel. (Front row): Clive Bright, John Daniel (captain) and Frank Dunlop.

Helen Colwill reports that 3 Bideford runners endured the 10.5 mile off road race at West Anstey, Exmoor this morning. A challenging hilly course, much of which was over the Exmoor hills and lanes, even crossing a knee deep stream at one point. Good results from the Bideford Blues with Martin Colwill claiming his first and probably his last!!! overall win with a time of 1hr 12mins. "Still waiting for the smug grin to be wiped off his face". Other Blues results included Steven Turner (1:22) and Mark Palmer (2:03).

The surf was pumping (a bit) and Blues member Barrie Huxtable came 11th out of 49.  Great result!

Dave Braunton ran a blinder - 1:21:44 (19th and 4th over 40)! Jimmy had an off day (1:31:15) but still finished 102nd out of 1348 entries.

Sounds as though a good time was had by all. Dann Mapp came home in second place, beaten by the same runner that beat him into second place last year. Sharon White had a good run too, encouraging Dave Cloak to keep up as best he could. Full Results HERE Special thanks to social secretary Heardy (beaten by Bedlar) for another great day.

Jimmy Murray completed his 40th Marathon. He reports - "All went to plan except the weather, lashed it down all day long, freezing cold but result I was happy with, 4.45.15 a whole 5 mins faster than 2003. got to the marathon point in 3.50.34 and felt strong so just kept plodding away. Today I am the worst I have ever been, stiff as hell! Hills up there are so steep and all the ups and downs and fighting to keep warm hurt as I was the idiot in just a vest. Should never underestimate Dartmoor weather, lesson learnt".

Steve Heard, Neil Marke and Martin Colwill travelled to Scotland to take part in this years event which took place in baking sunshine. Neil will not be happy with his time of 4:03:59 but Steve Heard will be even more upset - while on course for an incredible 2:52 Steve collapsed with heat exhaustion only half a mile from the finish. Unconscious, he was taken by ambulance to the first aid tent where he spent longer coming round than he took to do his fruitless 25 .7 miles.

Blues members braved wet and windy weather and large hills on the bike course. Chris Stone came 6th overall in a time of 1.04 and 3rd in the v40. Jimmy Murray managed 1hr 16m 46 seconds, Claire Spearman, 1:36:06 and Liz Roberts, 1:46:20 (her first Triathlon)

Neil Marke- 42:34, Jo Bedlar- 47:28, Linda Eastmond- 52:36

Jimmy Murray managed his fourth marathon in six weeks, running from Avelsbury to Stonehenge, off and on road, tractor trails and tank trails with bullets flying overhead whilst dodging walkers and dogs! Having fallen in mud along the way Jim reckons he looked like a pig with swine flu, finishing 27th overall.

Blues were out in force at this years Arlington Court canter. Mark Jenkin and Dan Mapp were too quick for the photo ;) Results HERE.

Dave Braunton flew the Blues Flag and turned in a very impressive 2:56:31

Lovely weather was enjoyed by Blues runners who excelled once again. Race winner Wayne Stephens (24:40) was very closely followed home by Dan Mapp (24:46) whilst Martin Cockwill was 1st v40 (27:02) and Mary Pool 1st fv50. Other results were - Male - Maurice Cockwill (31:46), Alan Heard (34:49), Tim Lane (34:55), Mark Palmer (40:33), Bruce Gardner (42:17), Female - Erica Woolgar (32:49), Helen Colwill (35:57), Lorrie Woolgar (37:31), Karen Curry (40:05) and Cath Gardner (42:49).

This turned out to be a men only affair with seven of our stable of young studs taking part (well, actually five young studs and Glen and Heardy). Times were Chris Stone - 43:44, Stuart Philps - 46:34, Jimmy Murray - 46:44, Andy Glover - 49:29, Alan Heard - 55:21, Dave Cloak - 55:37 & Glen Martin - 1:04:07.

A huge contingent from Bideford Blues ventured out of the County today to take part in the Taunton marathon, Half marathon and fun run. Jimmy Murray and Rob Flloyd tackled the marathon whilst the rest of us settled for the Half apart from Mike Gilmore, Patricia Martin & Heather Warner who did their bit in the fun run. Despite a clear sky and sapping sun most runners put in good times. Organiser Heardy ensured that everyone arrived at the event on time and even made sure we all came home too! However there was a bit in the middle where most of us consumed large quantities of alcohol (which included an 'on coach' hostess service too). Full results HERE . Photos HERE

A good turn out from the Blues - Chris Stone 1.02 31, Mark Gilbert (think he got 2nd over 50) 1.07 48, Alec Mclaren 1.08 47, Lorrie Woolgar 1.23 44, Mark Palmer 1.31 51 (PB), Kay Eastwood 1.43 51 (PB).

Jimmy Murray was happy with 3:09 but tells me he wasn't impressed with the cobbles (what did the Romans ever do for us, huh?). Thinking about it, since romans only built straight roads, did Jimmy run for 26.2 miles in a straight line?

Fine weather and a gentle breeze helped to make this years Bideford Half Marathon a great success. Although a marshalling error resulted in the race distance being slightly increased, 1000 runners completed the course and recorded history by taking part in North Devon's biggest ever running race. All finishers were rewarded with a Brooks technical t-shirt branded "Bideford Half Marathon 2009 ... The swift half"

Three Blues at Plymouth and two PB's! Both Martin Colwill (58:37) & Helen Colwill (75.02) achieved PB's and Alec McLaren came home in 68:58.

Windy conditions but good runs from Wayne Stephens (5th), Simon Edney (13th), Jimmy Murray (37th), Harry Edney (68th) & Claire Spearman (174th). Full results HERE

Lois Vickers was the only Blues representative in this 9.5 mile race at Taunton but she did us proud, coming 3rd in her category.

John Ward (56:16) was first home at Braunton, followed by 2nd - Wayne Stephens (59:29), 4th - Dan Mapp (1:00:33) and 5th - Martin Colwill (1:00:57). Twenty Blues runners completed the event in near perfect running conditions. Full results HERE

Kevin Heywood finished an impressive third in a time of 30:41, just 11 seconds behind the Australian winner! Mark Jenkin had an off day but still managed 30th in a time of 33.50. Well done both! Full Results HERE

Other runners were Mark Jenkin, Dan Mapp, Davie Platt, Erica Woolgar, Daniella Jewell.

A quality entry braved the cold to take part in the annual Two Bridges team race. Armed with new reflective tops (prizes for the summer handicaps) Club runners both fast and 'not quite so fast' completed the 4 mile circuit taking in both Bideford and Torridge bridges. Hot showers and food followed with a hardened few preferring a hair of the dog (or three) in the bar. Results to follow.

Dave Braunton and I Both ran Hastings 100th anniversary marathon on Sunday. Oh what a bitch of a course!!!! Hilly as hell, but Dave had a flyer!! 12th out of 2008 and runners 4th over 40 a fantastic run on those hills don't know how he did it. his time was 2.55.21. As for me.......don't ask, bad day at the office suffering with bad stomach, after a couple of stops I decided to jog home. but I still got round ok - that's the main thing - 3.25.01, 158th. we travelled up in Dave's camper van and had a night in a layby, we know how to do it in style!! Another good weekend though and 35th marathon ticked!

A good time was had by all thanks to Alan Heards excellent organising and large quantities of post race alcohol.

Blues youngsters performed well with Ned Oliver coming home second in the Under 13 boys, Daniella Jewell doing the same in the under 13 girls and Erica Woolgar achieving 7th in the under 17 women. The results should ensure places in the Devon team! Meanwhile the men did well too with Kevin Haywood winning by a mile, Steve Galliane 1st under 20 and Dan Mapp 3rd.

Three Blues in action - Martin Colwill 1:15:58 (13th), Mike Meers 1:18:10 (21st) and Lois Vickers 2:04:43 - Full results HERE

Jimmy Murray (3:18:49), Paul Jennings (4:06:43),Lorrie Woolgar (4:37:08) & Lois Vickers (4:40:22) crossed the border for the Blues with Lois taking the prize for fastest lady in her category! - full results HERE

Martyn Colwill (1:10:29), Steve Heard (1:10:44), Andy Jewell (1:35:23) and Alan Heard (1:36:02) all trotted off to Drogo - Full results available HERE.

In cold, wet and windy conditions the Blues put up a remarkable entry to this years Tavy 7. Wayne Stevens (39:40) was narrowly beaten to first spot by the Tavistock Runner, Harry Wiltshire. Bideford Men won the team prize including performances from Martin Colwill (42:10) who won third vet, Chris Stone (43:58) and Stuart Philps (46:34). Other Blues times were: Jimmy Murray (50:41), Rachel Williams (57:49), Mary Pool (57:57), Mark Palmer (60:43), Karen Curry (60:49), Sue Pennington (62:15), Anthony Martin (63:17), Liz Warner (63:43), Lois Vickers (65:24), Liz Roberts (67:05), Claire Spearman (68:10), Kay Eastwood (71:26), Steph Jenkins (72:33) and Liz Oke (77.15). Full results HERE

Mark Jenkin (2nd) and Steve Gallienne (6th) headed a good entry from Bideford including D.Platt, M.Colwill, A.McLaren,S.Snetzler, T.Cawsey, H.Edney, Z.Hills, L.Snetzler, K.Curry, L.Woolgar, K.Eastwood, P.Hills and M Groundsill

Only in Dublin could they hold a marathon on a Monday! Nevertheless Bideford's 'Great Eight' managed to slope off to the Emerald Isle and times recorded were: Lorrie Woolgar 3:56:29, Sue Hamilton 3:56:35, Alan Heard 4:11:08, Lois Vickers 4:29:34, Sharon White 4:42:49, Dave Cloak 4:42:49 & Tracey Wilson 4:42:49. Full details and race report will follow when Heardy has sobered up and let me have it.

Andy Warner completed the course in an impressive 1:10:47 with the wife Liz just 21 minutes behind him in a fantastic 1:32:00 and Charlie Nicholls in a very respectable 1:54:59. Well done all!

Wayne Stevens did the business, winning in 34:12 and Will Heal came home 9th out of 357 runners in a time of 38:38. Full results HERE

Blues globetrotters Dave Braunton and Jimmy Murray were at it in Amsterdam this week-end (running, that is). Dave completed the marathon in 2:56:52 and Jimmy in 3:09:36.

Congratulations to Mark Palmer and Liz Oak, our only runners in this years event. Mark wrestled with the crowds to put in a more than respectable finishing time of 2:13:00 and Liz finished in a nifty 2:44:05. Amazingly, surrounded by 52,000 runners they bumped into each other on Tyne Bridge! Well done both!

Martin Colwill was our only representative at the Newquay 10K. Martin was 19th from 436 finishers in a time of 37:12. 

Martin Colwill and running mate, Steve Heard ran the New Forest Marathon on Sunday - Martins report - A lovely warm day met us and we set off in our now accustomed joined at the hip fashion. All seemed to be going to plan as we hit halfway on target for our dream sub 3 hr time, a few miles later and the author of this story had the misfortune of either hitting his first Wall or some other common runners ailment! All I know is that I was doubled up will stomach cramp and forced to walk and occasionally jog the remaining 9 miles. Oh, and my running buddy Steve, without doing any long distance training, of course went on to complete the course in a terrific PB of 3 hr 05 mins - makes you sick doesn't it !! I did manage to finish in the end in 3 hrs 34 mins, not quite what I was looking for but its still good to finish a big one! When all the aches had eased a little what was the outcome of our mixed experience? We both can't wait to do it all again next year of course. The scenery is stunning, the organisation first class and the support inspiring but most of all we're runners, its what we love! For anyone who has yet to have a go at a 26 miler, they really are a great experience!

A Great result for Bideford AAC with a Blues one two and first lady. Congratulations to the winner, Mark Jenkin (1:05:59), second placed Peter Hockin (1:12:33) and Catherine Newman (1:19:01). Other Blues runners included Chris Stone (1:19:52), Rob Floyd (1:39:30), Simon Lacey (1:42:01), David Bowden (1:42:49) and Kay Eastwood (2:22:40) - Full Results HERE

A good turn-out and calm weather added to the success of the trial 5K club race at the Blues. 2 laps of a figure of eight race were enough to bring on a thirst and the club bar bounced following the event. We even got cake in celebration of captain Karen's birthday!

Congratulations go to Torrington AAC for a very well organised event in support of the North Devon Hospice. 

Maurtice Cockwill took first in the M60 category and Eric Hubber was second in the M70's. Tara Horrell was 5th W35 and Kaye Allen 5th W40. Lois Vickers was 2nd W60 and Liz Oke was 1st W65. Full results available HERE (.pdf)

Wayne Stevens  33:57   2nd, Steve Heard 35:49 pb, Martin Colwill 36:37 pb, Chris Stone 38:11, Stuart Philps 40:02, Maurice Cockwill 40:57, Andy Glover 42:15, Andy Jewell 42:20, Sue Hamilton 46:52, Kirsty Hamilton 46:52, Andy Oke 49:38' Glen Martin 49:58, Mary Pool 50:21, Karen Curry 53:30, Jenny Cockwill 55:52, Liz Oke 65:32, Frank Dunlop 73:30.

Jimmy Murray and Dave Braunton took part in a wet Helsinki marathon, finishing the hilly course in 3:21:29 & 3:13:30 respectively. James tells me their performance may have been marred by the 6 or 7 pints they each consumed the night before ... or possibly the red wine? Anyway, he thoroughly recommends the race.

Kevin Heywood made it two on the trot with another win at the Indian Queens half marathon. Kevin recorded a time of 67:33 to lead the field of nearly 500 runners.

Two Blues runners traveled to Torbay this year - Martin Colwill (1:24:20) and Steven Heard (1:27:15) put in great performances to finish in 26th and 37th places respectively out of an entry of over 1000 runners. Full results HERE

Mark Jenkin equalled his personal PB (31:41) in winning Tuesdays Clevedon 10K. Mark was followed home by Blues runners Wayne Stephens (33:07) in 6th place and veteran Peter Hockin (33:22) who was runner up in the Vet 40's.

 Full Results HERE Photos HERE

Dave Braunton breaks 3 hours in the Monaco Marathon. "Only just though, 2:59:39 actually, but I was very pleased because it was a challenging course and a hot day!" What Dave neglected to tell us was that he was 47th out of an entry of more than 1000 runners and the first Brit home! Way to go Dave! Full results HERE

Mary Pool put in a great performance to earn a PB (1.23.28). Other Blues runners taking part were Stuart Philps, Mark Gilbert, Maurice Cockwill, Alec McLaren and Lois Vickers. Full results HERE

Lauren is one of our talented young athletes who specialises in the triple jump – we look forward to watching her progress and we wish her all the very best for the future.

At an average pace of 5-21 minutes per mile, he completed the course in 1-47-29 for a whopping winning margin of more than 14 minutes.

Photos HERE - Thanks to Derek and Kev. Please go to Kev's site www.kevsimages.com for more photos 

The Race was Bideford's biggest yet with nearly 1000 entries.

15 'adventurers' took part in what turned out to be a No Moon Run when dense cloud cover prevented even a glimpse (the nearest we got was when Kay threatened to reveal her backside at the end of the race). Nevertheless a good run was had by all ... and no one fell over.