HARWOOD SETS RECORD IN WEYMOUTH 10

From the Echo, first published Tuesday 21st Oct 2003.

A FIELD of 200 runners who took part in the Weymouth St Paul's Harriers 42nd annual 10 Mile Road Race were greeted by a tricky headwind after being flagged away by resort mayor, Coun Doug Hollings.

But that didn't stop Kaye Harwood (Southampton RC) from setting a new ladies' record, retaining the Syd Taylor Cup by finishing 18th overall in a time of 62min 58sec.

First home to win the Harris Cup and first Veteran 40 prize was Mike Feighan (Exeter Harriers) in 55min 5sec. The former south Dorset athlete was followed by David Patrick (Poole Runners) in 57min 33sec and Ian White (Bournemouth AC) who clocked 59min 17sec.

Fourth place was taken by the first local runner Andy Holden (Egdon Heath Harriers), 59min 21sec, chased by Mark Lewis (Royal Navy AC) and first veteran 45 winner Melvyn Butler (Egdon Heath Harriers) - both recording 59min 28sec. Clare Phillips (Egdon Heath) was the second lady to cross the line in 67min 26sec while Becky Griffiths (Poole Runners) was third in 68min 48sec.

Team honours in both men's and ladies' races went to Egdon Heath Harriers with Poole Runners second in both. Third spot for the men was taken by Royal Manor of Portland AC while Littledown Harriers finished third in the ladies section.

The successful Egdon Heath Harriers men's team who claimed the Parry Gill Cup were Butler, Holden, David Caddy and Andrew Ridge while their female counterparts who scooped the Harry Callow Plate included Phillips, Dawn Critchell - who finished first in the ladies' veterans 35 - and Tracey Lewis.

The challenging course took competitors along the seafront before a climb up Overcombe hill and descent to Bowleaze. They then wound their way through the Waterside Caravan Park, along Church Road and back towards the finish at Alexandra Gardens via Preston Road.

Organiser Norman White said: "We would like to thank our event sponsors Lanehouse Vauxhall Motors and SES Computers in Market Street and Weymouth and Portland Tourism and Corporate Services Department for their support.

"We are also grateful for the first aid cover provided by members of Weymouth St John Ambulance Division and to everyone who gave up their time to assist with the smooth, safe running of the race."