Last weekend saw a number of Tavistock Run Project athletes make the journey up the M5 to the historic cathedral city of Gloucester to take part in the Gloucester 10km; while not taking in the city sights, the conditions and relatively flat traffic free course were conducive to fast times and the TRP athletes were amply rewarded with a number of personal bests. Leading the team home in 37 mins:22 secs was Ed Smith who later back at the hotel gave his own impression of Wallace & Grommits Wrong Trousers in his recovery ritual. Following close behind came Craig Howells 37:31, Lewis Mill 38:35 and Rachael Malthouse 38:45 who contended amongst the county teams taking part. A little further back Hannah Smith continued her development with a 44:55 clocking followed by Guy Mammut 47:08, Dave Chanter in a rare outing in 50:01 and Laura Evenden 58:06.
Elsewhere Ben Neale took to the trails taking part in the appropriately named Tamar Trails Rollercoaster. Ben demonstrates his current form with a dominant performance to win the race in a new course record of 30mins 55secs.
Finally Oliver Smart made the long journey to Liverpool’s Sefton Park to take part in the 3rd event in the British X Challenge which incorporated the European cross country trials. After two strong performances in the first two events 16 year old Oliver had strong aspirations even though he was competing in the U 20 category. However by his own admission he had a disappointing run slipping back through the field and out of contention though still finishing as 3rd U 17: He will attempt to get back on track this weekend trying to defend his Devon County title at Exeter.
Exeter will be the venue for a number of TRP athletes on Sunday with the third race in the Charles Stanley Westward League cross country incorporating the Devon Championships.
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