Horror Hill at the first Launceston Midsummer 5 miler!! - Report by Oli Jones

Five ECH runners took part in the Midsummer 5 miler organised by Kernow Runners on Friday 17 June 2005. It was a very warm and humid night with around 60 participants for the main race.

The course was mostly flat along country lanes, well marshalled and half a mile from the end there was an energy sapping hill.

First back for ECH was Oli Jones who managed to pull away from a Kernow club runner (called Darren as he had lots of support!) at 2 miles to come in 3rd in a time of 29mins. "I learnt from my mistake in the Tree Tops race where I went to fast in the first mile to take the first mile a bit slower which I did by more than 30 seconds. This made miles 2-4 more bearable and once I hit 4 miles the gap between Darren and I grew to about 20m. I wanted to walk up the last hill but knew I had to keep going and I kept looking over my shoulder to see if he was gaining on me. Well pleased with 3rd place and 3rd under 39".

Next was Sharon in a time of 33min 23sec. She actually enjoyed the last hill (no surprise there!) and won the ladies event and 1st over 35. She was a bit upset not to see Garry there so that she could overtake him in the last 20m! Kevin Smith had a good run of 38.37 which could have been quicker had he not needed a pee on route. The honeymoon period is now over and Kev is feeling a lot fitter as witnessed by his storming last 100m of the race!

Amanda finished in 39.48 and was 3rd female and 1st over 50. She thought it was a nice course but very hot on the night.

Carol was pleased with her time as she set herself a target of beating 50min and did so comfortably with a time of 41.47! She was 2nd over 50 and was complimented on how fit and young she looked by the presenters! All in all the event was well organised and should see a few more runners in the future!

Oh yes I forgot to mention that the Ladies won the team prize......again!!! Come on lads!