RECORD DAY AND FUN TOO!
23rd June 2008
Hundreds of runners took to the roads yesterday for the 18th Torbay Half
Marathon.Of the 1,650 runners who entered, 1,215 finished the distance
with the course record being broken by Torquay-born Toby Lambert.
Meanwhile another 400 people took part in the one mile fun run around
Paignton Green.
First across the fun run line was Tom Riden, 14, from Brixham and second
was Kayley Kennedy, 13, from Cheddar in Somerset.
Race director David Hyde said: "Look at these children go. They are the
athletes of tomorrow."
He added: "Overall the event has been fantastic and it's great to see so
many months of the committee's hard work pay off."
In the main event, 28-year-old Toby won his fifth consecutive Torbay
Half Marathon, in a personal best time and course record time of one
hour, seven minutes and 21 seconds, coming home ahead of tough
competition from Kenyan competitors.
He said: "I love to run. I also ran in memory of my father, Christopher,
who died from cancer last year.
"I aim to run this race every year in his memory. That motivates me when
I'm running as well."
Hundreds of spectators packed the promenade in Paignton to cheer on Toby
and the other runners who took part.
Lead cyclist Jim Campbell said: "The runners this year have been the
best I've seen in five years.
"The only problem we had were pedestrians crossing the road right in
front of us. I almost came off my bike a couple of times because of
that."
Herald Express editor, Andy Phelan, attended the event to hand out
trophies to the first five men and first five women to cross the finish
line.
IT'S TOBY AGAIN
23rd June 2008
Torquay-born runner Toby Lambert yesterday
won his fifth consecutive Torbay Half Marathon - shaving one minute off
his personal best to break the course record and beating 'fierce
competition' from Kenyan competitors.The 28-year-old, currently running
for Winchester and District Athletic Club, came in first at one hour,
seven minutes and 21 seconds.
Seconds after crossing the finish line, he said: "I felt really strong
on the course. I know it well and I have been training."
Hot on Toby's heels was 29-year-old Kenyan Zak Kihara, a winner of four
marathons.
Toby said: "I know I beat my course time on last year. Knowing I had
fierce competition from the two Kenyan runners spurred me on to run
faster."
The clouds cleared creating perfect conditions for onlookers but strong
winds and warm temperatures meant runners struggled on parts of the
course.
Adrian Marriott, 35, from Yeovil and a running rival of Toby's after
beating him in the Bristol 10km, came in second at one hour, eight
minutes and 30 seconds.
Adrian said: "This is the first time I've attempted this course so I'm
pleased with my time, but Toby got his revenge today."
Marathon runners Zak and Joseph Mbithi, 32, from Nairobi, and Banuelia
Katesigwa, 30, from Tanzania, who all boast personal-best times around
the one hour, eight minutes and three seconds mark, were tipped to
snatch the title from Toby this year.
But Zak, who has won marathons in Loch Ness, Edinburgh, and Nottingham,
came in third at one hour, nine minutes and 33 seconds.
Breathless, he said: "It is a tough course. I found it hard on the
hills."
Joseph, who arrived in the UK on Friday, would have come fourth but was
misdirected by a marshal, taking him on a 700-metre detour to the
finishing line and putting him back to seventh place at a time of one
hour, 13 minutes and 48 seconds.
Joseph said: "I don't know what happened, they just sent me the wrong
way. It was a good course but very hard because I was so tired from
travelling."
Lead cyclist Jim Campbell, who guided the front runners, said: "It was
very unfortunate for Joseph because it lost him about half a mile and
three places. We're not sure why that happened."
The first woman in was Tanzanian Banuelia in one hour, 20 minutes and 34
seconds.
A mystery woman, wearing a man's number, followed her home after joining
the race near the end. She then disappeared into the crowd.
Torbay Athletic Club's Helen Parkinson, 34, from Brixham, was officially
second home in a time of one hour, 22 minutes and 31 seconds.
Lynne Cox of the Tipton Harriers was the third woman in at one hour, 27
minutes and 45 seconds.
Helen said: "The conditions weren't the best. It was very windy, which
isn't ideal."
Race director David Hyde, said: "We don't know who the mystery woman was
who crossed the line second but we know she didn't run the full course
and she was running under a man's number.
"She crossed the finish line and just ran off. Helen worked very hard
and deserves her second place."
It's shaping up for an epic!
There will almost certainly be a record number of
starters for this Sunday's Half Marathon. Entries were closed some time
ago at 1650.
The quality has been in no way diluted either, with already four time
winner and course record holder Tony Lambert toeing the line once more.
However, this year he has formidable opposition not only from last
year's runner up Kairn Stone from Torbay, but also from two Kenyans
brought in by the sponsors, Mizuno. A Tanzanian lady will, inevitably,
have a big say in the ladies race.
Info/stats on leading contenders:
|
Elite Male RACE NUMBER 2 Helen Parkinson 1h.19m.36s Torbay Athletic Club World Quadathlon Champion 2006 & 2007  |
Elite Male
|
PAIR HOPE RACE IS JUST A TODDLE
20th June 2008
Torquay brothers are donning fancy dress for this
Sunday's Torbay half-marathon.Andy and Lee Johnston who both work in TLH
Leisure Resort's Derwent Hotel's kitchen as second chef and head chef
respectively, will be raising money for BIBIC - the British Institute
for Brain Injured Children.
The brothers are hoping to raise a considerable amount of money for the
charity as they battle it out along the streets of Torbay.
WORLD-CLASS KENYANS FLY IN FOR HALF MARATHON
20th June 2008
Records could fall at this weekend's Torbay Half
Marathon, with two world-class Kenyans and a Tanzanian flying in to
compete.Zak Kihara, Joseph Mbithi and Banuelia Katesigwa will be lining
up in Paignton on Sunday, alongside home-grown talent Kairn Stone and
last year's winner, Toby Lambert.
The Africans all boast personal-best times around the 1hr 08mins 03secs
Torbay course record, set last year by Toby.
Adam Carswell, joint race director, said: "I can see this year being the
quickest race we've had. They are more than capable of setting a new
record.
"We tried to get the Africans down here last year but they had other
races arranged. With them here this year, I think it'll be the most
competitive line-up we've had.
"They are in their national teams, so there's a chance they'll be
running in the Olympics. That gives you an idea of their quality.
"Having them here is good for our race because the standard is being
raised. Hopefully, their being here will attract more good runners for
next year.
"They'll be going around the course at quite a pace, so it'll be pretty
exciting. They should drive each other to set good times."
A record number of runners will take part in the Torbay Half Marathon on
Sunday, with all 1,650 places having been filled for the 13.5-mile
course.
The runners will set off from Paignton seafront at 9.30am and aim to
complete two laps of the course, which runs along the seafront to
Torquay's Pavilion and back.
Last year's race was won by Torquay-born Toby Lambert, who narrowly beat
Kairn Stone.
David Hyde, joint race director, said: "Toby was pushed hard last year.
Kairn was on his shoulder all the way.
"It was exciting stuff, and it should be even more exciting this year.
It'll be wonderful for the other runners to see competitors of such a
high quality in action."
MARATHON MAN AIMING FOR BEST
19th June 2008
All-action athlete Colin Edwards has not let the
amputation of his right leg slow him up - and he is aiming for a
personal best in this Sunday's Torbay Half Marathon.The 52-year-old had
his leg removed below the knee 12 years ago, having lived with an array
of injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident when he was 18.
He had always resisted the operation, but advances in prosthetic
technology meant that he would be able to return to running, which he
had not done since the accident.
This Sunday, when he lines up at the Torbay Half Marathon starting line,
it will be Colin's first competitive run-out using the C-Sprint carbon
fibre leg, which he says is more efficient than others he has had.
Colin, who lives in Trusham, in the Teign Valley, said: "It returns more
energy to what I put into it. I intended to wear it in the London
Marathon but hadn't done the distance while wearing it, so I didn't risk
it.
"The first three years after the amputation I wondered if I'd made the
right decision because the stump was sore.
"The reason I decided to go for it was because a new system of keeping
the leg on the stump had been invented.
"It's like pulling a wetsuit on to your stump. It's a simple idea but
it's revolutionised my life and that of thousands of other amputees."
In addition to marathons, Colin has climbed the 19,347ft Equador volcano
Cotopaxi, reached the Mount Everest base camp, and he shows no sign of
slowing up as he takes part in his fourth Torbay Half Marathon.
He added: "I had an injury last week, but I'm hoping that will be better
before Sunday.
"My best Torbay Half Marathon time is just over two hours, so this year
I'm aiming to get under two hours.
"The support I've had from the Teign Valley Hash House Harriers, of
which I'm a member, has been great.
"We've all got runner names and mine's Forest Stump. We have a great
laugh there.
"On Sunday I will be raising money for the charity Port-er, which
promotes better care for people with disabilities."
SARAH'S HEN DO - WITH A DIFFERENCE
18th June 2008
A bride-to-be is holding a hen party with a
difference - by running the Torbay Half Marathon.Policewoman Sarah
Hayman, 31, is bringing her hens down to the Bay for her party weekend
but rather than nursing a hangover on Sunday morning, she will be
preparing for the 13.5-mile run in memory of her mum, Mary, who died
from breast cancer two years ago.
Mary was born and bred in Mount Pleasant, Brixham, and was a well-known
member of the Salvation Army before moving to Derby with her husband
more than 30 years ago.
PC Hayman and chief bridesmaid PC Lisa Salt, both based at Ashbourne
Police Station in Derbyshire will be running in aid of the Blythe House
Hospice at Chapel-en-le-Frith which offers palliative care.
They hope to raise more than £700.
Ms Hayman said: "I'm in my 30s now and have been drunk more times than I
care to remember and thought I would do something a bit different.
"I wanted to do a run in memory of mum and I was lucky that my chief
bridesmaid said that she would do it with me.
"Needless to say, we will go out on the Friday night and recover on the
Saturday so I am ready for the run on Sunday," she said.
Both say they are amateur runners.
Lisa completed a half-marathon seven years ago at Buxton in aid of 9/11
victims.
They are currently training up to 25 hours a week.
ROSS MAKES RACE TRIBUTE TO DAD PETER
11:00 - 18 June 2008
A city worker is putting his best foot forward for
Rowcroft Hospice.Ross Fear, 38, who this year ran the London marathon,
is running on Sunday in memory of his father Peter, from Broadhempston
who was cared for at the hospice.
The half-marathon is part of ongoing fundraising by Ross for the hospice
that he describes as a 'rock' throughout his dad's illness.
Mr Fear, who sells IT solutions to leading financial institutions in the
square mile, said: "The journey we went on with Dad was very emotional
but also very enlightening.
"We met some incredible people with all kinds of situations that they
were dealing with.
"The comfort we drew upon came from the wonderful people who helped
support, care and steer us through this journey we did not sign up to in
particular Rowcroft Hospice was our rock.
"It is for these reasons that I feel compelled to and driven to try to
help repay some of the incredible support that they provided to our
family," he said.
A charity cricket day, disco and charity auction is also being held on
Boadhempston on July 26.
To help the cause, visit Ross's webpage at www.justgiving.com
READY, STEADY... ...GO!
HALF MARATHON SPECIAL BY HANNAH TAYLOR
18 June 2008
A record number of runners are getting set for the
Torbay half-marathon on Sunday.All 1,650 places have been filled for the
13.5-mile course between Paignton and Torquay.
The runners will be starting from Paignton seafront at 9.30am on Sunday
for the two-lap course along the seafront to the Pavilion in Torquay.
For those less willing to put themselves through their paces, there is
the fun run beginning at Paignton seafront at 9.45am.
Would-be fun runners can enter on the day for the mile-long loop of the
green.
The annual half-marathon is expected to attract thousands of spectators
and well-wishers along the route.
Organiser David Hyde, from Torbay Amateur Athletic Club, said: "We have
more runners than ever before, which shows how keen people are to take
part and how popular the event has become."
Macmillan Cancer Support and Rowcroft Hospice are the main charities
this year, but others are set to benefit as participants run for
individual causes.
It is expected that they will benefit to the tune of £30,000.
Preparations for the annual event began last year as soon as the race
ended.
Volunteers from the athletic club, Macmillan, Rowcroft and some who
responded to an appeal in the Herald Express have come forward to help
on the day.
The 1st and 6th Torbay Scouts will be manning the nine drinks stands
along the route.
Mr Hyde said: "It is a real community event.
"Without our sponsors we would never get off the ground, but also we
have been touched by the many businesses and residents along the route
who have offered help and support. It has been brilliant.
"Sadly, we've had to turn away a few hundred people because we don't
have the room, so it would be nice in forthcoming years if we could
close off the road between the Grand Hotel and Preston. That would give
room for more than 2,000 people to take part."
Overseas runners from Israel and Finland are among those who will flock
from far and wide.
They will be serenaded by Elvis and The Shadows impersonators en route.
About 75 per cent of competitors are either first-time runners or not
affiliated to any club.
The other 25 per cent are hardened runners from clubs around the
country.
Last year's winner of the half-marathon, Toby Lambert, is competing
again.
He completed last year's race in one hour eight minutes.
Most runners will complete the distance in about two hours or more.
The youngest competitors are 17-year-olds Ewan McAuley and Charlotte
Owen, and the oldest is former Torbay councillor John Wilbraham, 74.
The majority of runners are aged 35 to 44.
There are 114 young women aged 25 to 29 taking part.
There are just 500 women compared to 1,100 men but there are more women
competing every year.
Mr Hyde said: "More women are interested in getting out there and
keeping fit. It is a change from how it used to be when women tended to
stay at home with the family while the men did sport."
ROCKIN' ROUND THE CLOCK
14th June 2008
Plainmoor entertainer Rockin' Ken and fellow
rockers have a busy schedule of events lined up around Torbay this
week.Ken kicks off his rock 'n' roll antics with a session at Babbacombe
Fayre on Wednesday along with members of the South West Shadows Club on
the Downs from 10am to 2pm.
On Thursday, June 19, it's the All Stars charity show with more than a
dozen top amateur and semi-pro acts lined up. Comp??re Adam will be
introducing some of the finest local musical acts, and there will be a
prize draw. Tickets £3, are available on the door. The show starts at
7.45pm.
Then, next Sunday, Ken will be strutting his stuff with Lesley Presley
on the sidelines of the Torbay Half Marathon at Corbyn Head while the
South West Shadows Club and friends play on the Preston end of Paignton
Green.
Ken can be contacted on 01803 391337 or 07919 860115.
RUNNERS RUSH TO HALF MARATHON
4 June 2008
Runners have flocked to the Torbay Half
Marathon, with all 1,600 places now filled. Organisers say it is the
first time the new higher capacity limit has been reached well before
the event.
However entry is still open to the one-mile fun run.
Race director David Hyde said: "It really is going to be a great
spectacle.
"This is the first time with the increased race numbers that we've
filled the race before the day.
"I think its reputation has extended this year, and the website and the
colour application forms, which are fairly unique in the racing world,
have really helped.
"It's a fantastic event to watch, one of the very few where you get to
see the runners about four times."
On Sunday, June 22 1,600 entrants will line up along Paignton seafront
in preparation for the 13.1-mile course.
After runners set off at 9.30am, a one-mile fun-run will begin around
Paignton Green.
Both events are raising money for Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer
Support along with a host of independent charity causes. Last year's
event raised £25,000.
Chelston-based The Runners Guide has been coordinating the entries for
the big day and said that many runners have already received their
numbers, with the rest being sent out over the next 10 days.
Adam Carswell said: "It's going to be a great day and we'd like to see
as many people as possible come out and support the runners.
"I think there are more people interested in running at the moment,
which can only be good news. Our women's group has recently reached 100.
"There are some schools bringing pupils down to the fun run and we'd
like to see more. It's going to be a good day and people will be well
looked after."
To take part in the fun run simply complete the form printed on this
page.
GET YOUR SKATES ON FOR HALF
MARATHON
22 May 2008
Time is running out for entries for Torbay's Half
Marathon. There are only 200 places left in the 18th charity event which
is being held on June 22 and is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and
Rowcroft Hospice.
Organisers Torbay Athletic Club say the race limit of 1,600 entries
could be met by the end of May.
Already, runners from as far away as Helsinki, Prague, Montreal and
Jerusalem plus every county in the UK have signed up to take part in the
13-mile run.
But there are still plenty of places left in the
one-mile Fun Run.
Entry forms are available from the race website at
www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk
by phoning 01803 690444, the Runners Guide shop in
Walnut Road, Chelston; and Tourist Information Centres, leisure centres
and gyms around the Bay.
YOUNGSTERS ON WAY TO HALF
MARATHON
10 May 2008
Queensway
Primary School youngsters are part way through their half
marathon. About 35 children are running 13 miles over 13 weeks.
It aims to improve their fitness as well as achieving the tough
half marathon mileage. They have another nine miles to go and
hope to cross the line on the school's barbecue evening on July
12.
Headteacher Mark Shaw
said: "It is an excellent achievement for the children in
running a half marathon, even if it is over 13 weeks.
"We hope to extend the initiative in other schools throughout
Torbay and strengthen our links with Torquay Amateur Athletic
Club who organise the Torbay Half Marathon," he said.
CASH LIFT FOR AIR AMBULANCE
12 May 2008
A local branch of Miller Countrywide is raising money for the Devon Air
Ambulance Trust.The Newton Abbot branch of the organisation, with the
Ring of Bells pub in Bishopsteignton, held a quiz and raffle which
raised £530.
Andrew Mason, the firm's regional manager, said: "We would like to thank
the many people who helped raise money at the Ring of Bells especially
the landlord Dominic Conroy, David Heath the head raffle ticket
collector and Kevin Wells who was the master of ceremonies on the night.
"Hopefully this will become another annual event in our fundraising
calendar for the trust."
Members of the company will be running
in the Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday, June 22 to raise funds for Devon
Air Ambulance Trust.
AMBULANCE TRIO IN
RUNNING CHALLENGE
21 April 2008
Three ambulance staff from Brixham are the latest entrants to sign up
for the Torbay Half Marathon. Peter Jordan, Andy Williams and Andy
Worden are now looking for sponsorship for their efforts on June 22.
The trio see the effects of cancer through their work and have pledged
to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Between them, they have clocked up 44 years in the ambulance service so
they are at the sharp end of the care system, helping patients and their
families.
Andy Williams said: "Everyone is touched by cancer at some time and we
deal with it on a daily basis - from planned appointments, to liaison
with other services such as the Macmillan team, to genuine emergencies.
"Sometimes we are called to respond when the family can no longer cope,
or an individual's pain levels are out of control."
Peter, who is marking his 40th birthday by taking part, said there was a
healthy spin-off as he gets into real training.
"The weight is falling off. Setting a goal like this really is a great
way to get fit. My wife is taking the easy option, the fun run, and will
finish ages before me so I'll probably find her on Paignton beach with
the rest of the family," he said.
Sometimes the illness is really close to home.
Andy Worden said: "Like so many others, my own family has been affected
by cancer during the past two years and we have benefited from
Macmillan's special brand of care and support.
"Both from a professional and personal point of view I would encourage
everyone to have a go at the half marathon or the fun run and raise some
funds for Macmillan.
"It will enable them to continue supporting local people and their
families."
Fundraising organiser Calvin Lovelock, from Macmillan, said: "This
big-hearted trio from Brixham ambulance station have my grateful thanks
for all they are doing.
"This charity is entirely dependent on voluntary support, and the Torbay
half marathon and fun run is one of the big events of the year to which
we really look for support.
"One in three of us will be affected by cancer at some time and in the
UK more than one million people are living with it."
Anyone who wants to join the Green team of Macmillan runners should
contact Calvin on 01803 528004 for a free runner's pack including a
Macmillan running vest.
The half marathon and Fun Run is taking place on the morning of Sunday,
June 22 and the route takes runners to Torquay marina and back.
To keep track of entrants, an electronic chip is inserted in the race
number pinned to everyone's vest so that times and placings are
accurately recorded.
Any charitable cause can be supported although two of the most popular
are Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay and the Macmillan service.
Entry forms can be obtained on line from the race web site, by calling
01803 690444 or from visiting the Runners Guide in Walnut Road, Chelston,
tourist information centres, leisure centres and gyms.
HALF MARATHON CALL TO
OVER-50S
19 April 2008
The over-50s are being encouraged to put their best foot forward for
Torbay's Half Marathon. Organisers at Torbay Amateur Athletic Club say
that the 13-mile run is the perfect way to keep fit.
Or the less committed can take part in the fun run around Paignton
Green.
This year's run takes place on June 22 from 9.30am.
Runners meet at Paignton Green for the journey to Torquay Pavilion and
back.
A number of the club's own over-50 runners are taking part in this
year's event.
It follows the People First Life Begins campaign, launched by Torbay
Council and Torbay NHS to encourage a better quality of life for the
over-50s.
Eric Barber, 71, a member of the TAAC committee and one of the
organisers of the half marathon is a veteran athlete.
He is a runner, swimmer and cyclist, and he regularly represents Great
Britain in veterans' events around the world.
His wife, Margaret, who last year was diagnosed with a heart condition,
has been helped on her recovery through regular exercise.
Mr Barber said: "We are grateful for the excellent care at Torbay and
Derriford Hospitals.
"Margaret had recovered well due to her regular swimming and pool
exercises. Anyone can gain from exercise," he added.
"If you decide to train and run in the half marathon you will gain from
the exercise that could prevent heart problems.
"Prevention is better than cure," he said.
Entry forms are available from the Herald Express office, sports outlets
or print off online at www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk or
www.torbaymarathon.co.uk
HAVE FUN WITH A RUN
TO RAISE CASH FOR CHARITY
14 April 2008
As
hundreds of serious runners sign up for Torbay's Half Marathon, an
appeal has gone out to fun runners to join in the 'life affirming'
charity event.Representatives from the official race charities teamed up
with race director David Hyde for the charity launch of this year's half
marathon and fun run.
The are urging as many local people as possible to do what they can to
support this year's event, being held on June 22, whether or not they
are runners.
Mr Hyde said: "Already 800 people have signed up for the Torbay Half
Marathon -well up on the same stage last year and half way to our limit
- including runners from as far away as Israel, Norway and Miami.
"On the big day it would be lovely to see 500 fun runners too."
He added: "The decision to support Macmillan Cancer Support and Rowcroft
Hospice for the third year running was not an issue for my colleagues
and me from Torbay Athletics Club.
"These particular charities have a very special relationship with local
people and are quite prepared to put themselves out to help organise
this major community event."
Calvin Lovelock, from Macmillan and a veteran Torbay Half Marathon
runner, said: "The Torbay Half Marathon is one of the big events of the
year and there are many ways to get involved.
"We can't all run 13 miles but most people can run or walk the one-mile
Fun Run - three-legged or otherwise.
"Last year, one of our supporters dressed up as Pc Plod and issued false
parking tickets. People very generously paid their fines on the spot.
"Fancy dress is a great smile-raiser and a great way to raise
sponsorship.
"However, if you can't run why not join our team of cheerleaders or
become a steward?
"By sending in a donation you can sponsor the Herculean efforts of the
charities with teams running en bloc."
Hilary Bick, from Rowcroft, said: "For Macmillan and Rowcroft, the
Torbay Half Marathon is a celebration of life - there's such a buzz
about this event.
"Our aim is to help people continue to live life to the full, even if
they have cancer or a life-limiting condition.
"To help us, the Torbay Half Marathon raises approaching £10,000 for our
two charities each year.
"We very much appreciate the continued support of the race organisers,
runners and their sponsors."
Entry forms are available from the race website at
www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk; by phoning 01803 690444; the Runners Guide
shop in Walnut Road, Chelston; and Tourist Information Centres, leisure
centres and gyms around the Bay.
HALF MARATHON
PULLS IN RUNNERS
9 April 2008
Competitors in this year's Torbay Half Marathon are signing up from as
far afield as Israel.So far, 700 people have entered the event and among
them are runners from Miami, Germany, Holland and Norway.
Online entry has proved successful with many attracted by the scenery
Torbay has to offer.
Race director David Hyde said: "One lady from Norway takes part every
year.
"People come to take part because they are attracted by the photographs
of the Bay on our website and our slogan on our site is 'come and enjoy
the sun, scenery and success'," he said.
This year's run takes place on June 22 from 9.30am.
Runners meet at Paignton Green for the return journey to Torquay
Pavilion.
A fun run starts soon after at Paignton Green.
The event is organised by Torbay Amateur Athletic Club with its runners
aged 50 and over taking part in the event.
Mr Hyde said that running is a great way to keep in shape but all ages
are encouraged to have a go.
"Anybody and everybody can benefit and charities benefit too.
The race charities are Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
"But runners can race for their own causes" he added.
"Last time more than £25,000 was raised on the day.
"About 70 per cent of the runners are not attached to any club, so we
would urge anyone who wants to challenge themselves or who is preparing
for a full marathon to take part" he said.
And those who may want to take things easier can take part in the fun
run.
All abilities can join in the fun event.
But the message is get in quick.
With just 1,600 places for the half marathon and 700 already signed up,
Mr Hyde said that they are expecting to reach capacity before the day.
There is an extensive prize fund for the half marathon, which covers all
age groups from age 17 to 65 plus. Finishers will also receive a medal
and a T-shirt.
Entry forms are available on this page, from the Herald Office, sports
outlets or print off online at
www.torbaymarathon.co.uk
THE HALF MARATHON UP AND RUNNING
18 January 2008
Organisers of the Torbay half-marathon are hoping to attract a record
2,100 entrants.
It is hoped 1,500 will support the half marathon with another 500 taking
part in the fun run at Paignton Green.This year's event, on Sunday, June
22, follows last year's route from Paignton Green at 9.30am for two laps
to Torquay Pavilion, finishing at Paignton seafront.
Roads will be closed or partially closed for the safety of the runners.
The fun run starts at 9.45am for one lap of Paignton Green.
Race director David Hyde said: "By the time the previous one finishes
it's almost time to start planning the next one and after several months
of gathering leading sponsors and designing a new-look, full colour
entry form and website, the 2008 Torbay half marathon and fun run is now
ready to roll .
"From previous years we know many runners from around the UK see our
photo adverts for the event, are impressed by the scenic beauty of the
area and decide to take a break or holiday and combine it with their
running passion."
This year's race charities are Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer
Support.
Organisers hope runners will add to donations by raising sponsorship
from their own run.
There is an extensive prize fund for the half marathon, which covers all
age groups from age 17 to 65 plus. Finishers will also receive a medal
and a T-shirt.
Entry forms are available at all sports outlets or at the Herald Express
offices. For more information you can either visit the web site at
www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk or contact 01803 690444.
£25,000
raised in marathon effort for charities
Runners raced their way to
raising a record £25,000 for charity in this years bumper Torbay Half
Marathon.
Calvin Lovelock, Macmillan’s fund raising manager
for Devon, said ‘My sincere thanks go to David Hyde and his colleagues
from Torbay Athletic Club who work so hard throughout the year to
organise this phenomenal event. Naturally, I am so grateful that
Macmillan was chosen for the second consecutive year and for this
donation towards the care and support we provide for people affected by
cancer. In donations and publicity, the Torbay Half Marathon provides a
wonderful boost to our local cancer care services.'
Hannah Simmons from Rowcroft added: “The Hospice depends on the support
and goodwill of local people to continue to provide care and support to
local people in need of our services; I am especially delighted that
Rowcroft was chosen as one of the principle beneficiaries for the race
as this is our 25th anniversary year. My thanks go to everyone concerned
for enabling us to raise so much money.''
Sponsors
are now being sort to support the 2008 event, which will be held on 22nd
June starting at 9.30am from Paignton Green, for further information
visit
www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk or call the help line 01803 690444
