Good running conditions greeted the large field of runners assembled at the Penventon Hotel for the start of this year’s Duchy Marathon and 20.  True, there would be a biting wind over at the North Cliffs but that’s come to be expected as part of this event!

Carn Runners had Karen Harrison and Dave Mounter lining up for the Marathon.

Juliet Knowles, Brydie Bray, Rory O’Carroll, Steve Marks, Steve Phillips, Judy Jameson and Carol Culley were entered in the 20 miler.

Juliet was first up the road and aiming for a brisk 20 miles at marathon pace. 

Rory and Brydie were next up and looking comfortable as they churned out a decent pace on the back of some decent long running since Christmas. 

 Rory (above) was lagging behind by a few yards obviously weighed down by 799 assorted energy gels, bottles etc attached to the belt around his waist.  He’d either mistaken the race for the Marathon des Sable or he’d left his carbo-loading a bit late!!

Karen was sitting in the marathon pack and pacing herself well with Kay Kershaw (left) and Dave just behind.  They were both smiling and waving as they went past.  They wouldn’t be in the mood for that on the second time up Magor Hill so best get the happiness out the way early on! 

The two Steve’s were having a good chat as they coasted along the opening miles out to the North Cliffs.  They too were getting the jolly times done early.

Judy and Carol were tucked in a good sized group of runners that were settled into a good rhythm.  Spurred on by their good runs in Malta two weeks ago, they were looking to ratchet up their marathon training a notch or two (as well as a bit/lot of gossiping on the way round)..

Juliet enjoyed the support of a black leather clad biker (think it was the one out of the Village People!) on her way round and finished her 20 miles in 2:19.

Brydie and Rory were having a great run and finished in 2:48 which means a sub 4 hour London is definitely on the cards in 5 weeks time.  It was rumoured that Rory had to nip into Morrisons on the second lap to restock on a crate of Lucozade and a box of Mars bars!!

Steve Phillips was finding the going tough at around 13 miles and was in unknown territory having never run that far before.  The two Steve’s split as it was decided it was best for each to his own for the remaining 6 miles.

Back on the marathon trail and Karen was the first Carnie up Magor Hill and with just under 4 miles to go and with 50 minutes to do them in, we reckoned the sub 4 hour mark was easily within reach. All eyes were on the finishing line as that mysterious black leather clad biker appeared again with a smiling Karen in his wake finishing in a fantastic time of 3:44 and second in her age group!

It was a while later that Dave crested the hill.  He was suffering but you know Dave knows how to get through that.  The veteran of the toughest marathons going and also the Dartmoor Discovery, he was going to make it through those last 4 miles without question.

A great day, but a tough one.  Never gonna be anything else! 

Well Done to all those who ran. 

Report from Karen Harrison

 "Here is what I thought of today!
 Apart from the wind, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.   The first 14 miles seemed to go by quickly – thanks to running with Kay Kershaw (At Your Pace) who was doing the Duchy 20 and who, like me, can talk for England ! 

 The second half was hard work - particularly the north cliffs area running into the wind - but was made easier by Paul and the kids cheering me on and providing the important supplies – think I ate too many jelly babies though!  My son commented on the way home how most people took one or two from the bowl but his greedy mum took a handful each time! 

The last mile was quite interesting as I realised that I needed to speed up to finish in under 3.45.  Downhill into Redruth my Garmin registered 5.36 minute miles so it was hardly surprising that as I reached the bottom entrance to the Penventon I had lost the plot and didn’t know who I was let alone where I was!  My hero – Mike Knowles in his black leathers (aka the Black Magic Man) – came to the rescue and ran the last few hundred yards with me ensuring that I got to the finish!  Thanks Mike, I owe you a beer!

 Really impressed by the Carn supporters that were out – Wendy, Ceri, Peter, Chris, Carol, Ali, Barrie and Denise – it does make a difference and keeps spirits high – thanks!

Rather surprisingly I came in second in my age group so have won my first ever trophy – I guess I won’t be getting a cabinet just yet!!! "

Report from Carol Culley:

"My preperations for sunday's run started on saturday with my decision to finally do something about my shoes.  My right shoe was feeling totaly trashed, so decision made, of to Helston. 
 
Now I'm sure you don't want all the details of shoe trying on etc. but I had one of my blonde moments, what you Carol ! I hear you asking.  Hopping on to the treadmill for the second time, brimming with confidence, finger on the speed control.  Feeling very proud of myself for remembering how to operate it, faster and faster, five minute milling, panic, panic trying to catch Tracy's attention, Tracy thought I was in raptures about the shoes so took a few seconds to respond and of course I lost the ability to think, afraid to press the stop button fearing I would be the first person to exit through the wall
Anyway recue was at hand but before the beast was tamed Tracy and I, whist still running at a pace more familiar to Juliet than myself saw the funny side of the situation and could not stop laughing.  
 
Thank goodness for all my hard work with core stability! all that laughing and super speed could have been very embarasing, you will have heard of stress incontinence, you have now.  
 
The moral of this story is keep on training those core muscles you never know when they will be needed.
 
Now to the race, the only moment of excitement was on seeing the lovely Mike in his ever so sexy bike gear, so excited was I that my heart became all of a flutter and so did my hat, taking leave of my head so off I dashed to retrieve it, providing merryment for all, I do hope there is not a photo of my backside!
 
Well done to all the carnies who ran to day and to C.A.C. for a excellent race and to Barry and Chris H. who are now Level two coaches".
 
Carol C.
 
Results:

Marathon	Karen Harrison	3:44:07
	Dave Mounter	4:08:49
Duchy 20	Juliet Knowles	2:19:30
	Brydie Bray	2:48:42
	Rory O'Carroll	2:48:43
	Steve Marks	3:18:20
	Carol Culley	3:35:35
	Judy Jameson	3:36:22
	Steve Phillips	3:56:53

                    

A big Thank You to all those who were out there supporting.

Loads of Photos to come.