First female for SRC’s Kirsteen Welch at Torbay Half Marathon

Of all the half marathons on the Devon schedule, this one is particularly tough, and picturesque. The course began on Paignton Green and took the runners along the main Torbay road and down the famous Torquay seafront.

Runners then loop around and race back to Paignton, navigating a couple of hefty hills and, on this occasion, a strong headwind, before returning to the start. And that is just the first lap, as the course then follows the same circuit for a second time, with those hills seemingly a lot steeper and tougher in the closing stages.

Mighty Green Kirsteen ran a hard tempo in preparation of next week’s Ultra Trail Snowdonia, part of the UTMB World series, where elite runners compete for guaranteed places on the start line of OCC-the UTMB World Series Finals.

Despite the undulating two-lap course and 20mph wind, the Mighty Green finished in 1:21:24, first female overall and 8th out of a field of 635 runners. Kirsteen said the atmosphere was fantastic with lots of support on the course from marshals, spectators and fellow half marathon and 10k runners.

It was Carols’ first half marathon, which she thoroughly enjoyed and was very happy with her time of 2:27:04. Carol is busy preparing for her Hospiscare charity place in the London Marathon, which takes place in October.

This means the Mighty Green has to fit in fundraising events to meet the £2,000 target, alongside her training programme, the next one being a disco in Exeter. If you would like to support Carol and Hospiscare, please follow the link www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carol-hounsell1

Derek Blackburn had cause to celebrate at Cranbrook parkrun on Saturday in his volunteer role as 30-minute pace marker. It had taken 11 park runs in this role to finish spot on 30 minutes and he was over the moon! Can he do it again?

Carol at the Torbay half (Image: SRC)

Perfect pace from Derek (Image: SRC)