City Runs

Le Tour of Exeter 2013

2013-02-10T16:16:03+00:00

Le Tour of Exeter | Website

STAGE ONE | 26.07.13:
10km Road Race | Flowerpots Playing Fields

STAGE TWO | 27.07.13:
Trail Race | Haldon Forest | Inc: King of the Mountains Competition

STAGE RACING IS COMING TO EXETER...

ENTRY FEES:Members of EA Affiliated Club £35.00 / Unattached runners £38.00. Please note we cannot provide refunds under any circumstances - if you cannot run we will allow number transfer up until 10 days before the event. THERE IS A 125 ENTRY LIMIT FOR THE FIRST YEAR SO ENTRIES WILL BE TAKEN ON A STRICTLY FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. Exact scoring and age cats details to be confirmed later, this will depend on entries. However, essentially scoring will be based on runners' overall time from the 3 races.

Runners Can Benefit From Contact Lenses

2012-07-19T16:10:44+00:00

Sometimes, even if you are somebody who runs daily and is passionate about exercise, running can lead to a bit of physical discomfort. Of course, this discomfort can be linked to muscle strains and other similar results of physical exertion, but for experienced runners they are sometimes a bit subtler. For example, as you likely know if you are used to frequent outdoor runs, one of the main causes of discomfort for joggers is dry or irritated eyes. When you run, particularly outside, your run the risk of sweat and debris coming into contact with your eyes, and there is also a high probability that your eyes will dry out to some extent due to air and wind coming at them as you run. This can be extremely aggravating, even if you are fully engaged in your running and exercise. So how can you minimize these discomforts to ensure that they don’t take away from your daily run?

One way that many people seek to minimize eye discomfort while running is to simply wear sunglasses. This sounds a bit cumbersome, but there are actually plenty of sunglasses designed specifically for athletic activity, which means that this could actually be a very comfortable option. It may be slightly annoying to have sweat dripping down the lenses, but on the other hand you will be protecting your eyes from the bulk of the wind resistance, as well as shielding them from the sun, and from your own sweat. Sunglasses simply make it harder for the elements to get to your eyes, and may enhance your enjoyment of your runs a great deal.

Or, if you’d like a more direct solution, you may simply want to look into wearing a different type of contact lens. These days there are many different types of lenses available, some thick, some thin, some specifically designed to keep in more moisture, etc. There is really no exact answer for which type of lens is ideal for runners, though thicker lenses do tend to stay in place better and hold in moisture more effectively, but if you simply look through a selection at Acuvue and talk to an eye doctor you may be able to figure out a set of lenses that will be perfect for you individually. In fact, if you are looking to make a switch, now may be a great time to explore your options as Acuvue happens to be offering free lenses for a 30 day period. Ultimately, the important thing is to figure out what you need to wear on your eyes to make your runs more enjoyable and more comfortable, and with today’s extensive selection of contact l enses, you should be able to do just that.

Exeter 10k - Thursday 16th August 2012

2012-07-17T11:07:12+00:00

A great 2 lap traffic free pancake flat 10km run on footpaths and cycle tracks around the River Exe and Exeter Canal. This event is suitable for people chasing PB's along with novice runners.

Don't take our word for it, see last years Runners World Review

Race Website & Details

Anthony Whiteman - Sub 4 at 40!

2012-06-06T09:36:23+00:00

After some very impressive early season form Anthony Whiteman flew to the states to have a shot at being the first man over 40 to go sub 4 outdoors for the mile.

Watch more video of Anthny Whiteman on http://www.athleticos.org

Rugby Star’s Tiling Challenge Goes Viral

2012-05-14T14:55:03+00:00

Former international rugby player Lewis Moody M.B.E was called upon to test Elastoplast’s new Extra Tough plaster and it proved a huge success!

The ex-rugby captain and part-time DIY guru has become a viral hit after taking on a Vertical Tiling challenge.

The 33-year-old has turned into a huge sensation on YouTube after being videoed trying to tile a wall whilst being tied to a rope. The ‘Extreme DIY with Elastoplast Extra Tough’ clip involves the sportsman running back and forth with plaster and tiles in a nail-biting race against the stopwatch but the tongue in cheek video shows him falling all over the place as he is catapulted back by the spring.

Despite spilling plaster all over himself and being in a race against the horn, Moody shows just how super sticky, durable and waterproof the new plasters are no matter how extreme the DIY task is!

But why was the sportsman the perfect candidate? The English rugby union player from Berkshire recently announced his retirement from the game in March of this year. With so much spare time on his hands, he has starting to enjoy a spot of DIY as well as take part in extreme sports like wakeboarding. And as many people know, accidents can happen when participating in dangerous sports as well as trying to put up a shelf or fix a leaking tap around the home.

The video has already received over 100,000 views and if you fancy checking out the hilarious clip you can watch it too by clicking here. Next week Brits can watch how the Extreme Tough plaster copes against bandsaw.

www.runningtowork.co.uk

2012-05-09T14:28:20+00:00

http://www.runningtowork.co.uk

I’ve been commuting to work for 3 years now in the most wholesome of fashions. The route starts in Fulham, London, SW6 and takes me into the heart of London’s West End in about 45 minute to an hour.

The length of run is dictated by the weather in the morning, the daily schedule ahead, how ‘tip-top’ I feel when the alarm clock so rudely introduces the day. Fresh and happy faces are the norm along the Thames tow-path, through Hyde Park, along Belgravia, through Battersea Park, along Buckingham Gate, past Buckingham Palace.

In fact, whatever route I choose in the morning, the general feeling is one of a pleasant and happy refrain amongst the other bi-ped commuters I meet on the way. Put it this way, I certainly don’t get all the ‘effing and blinding’ and sharp elbows in the stomach that is so common on the London Underground!

Looking at the alternatives, well, there are solid reasons to leave behind other rotten methods of commuting for city dwellers and commuters. If you commute into a major city, then why not think about getting the overground into town and running from the mainline station you arrive at.

Forget the underground or the bus. You’ll arrive at work healthier, fitter and in a better mood. Check out here in this article for what people really think of other methods into town!

Sure, there is a big cycling movement into major cities amongst commuters and I’m all behind that. Someone else I’m sure is blogging about that, but my method is running and it suits very well.

Running to work has got me pretty fit over the last few years. Having the opportunity to combine decent exercise with my commute into work has meant that I don’t really have to add on much peripheral exercise to maintain a decent level of fitness. I don’t do it 5 times a week due to other commitments and giving the legs a rest on occasions, but I know that if I did I’d be saving extra cash and getting seriously fit!

I’m a ’30 something’ London office worker, and with most of my day sat in front of a computer I’m aware of the potential creep around the midriff! Nowadays we live such sedentary lives and not all of us have the time to fit in some meaningful exercise into our routines. The value of exercise for your physical and mental welfare is now common knowledge, and I figure I’ve found a very useful method of sticking with it: Running to work.

Through all of this I’ve gained a real interest in competitive running and maintain a rolling program of races throughout the country. (Cue shameless name dropping: meeting Gordon Ramsay at 2010 Hellrunner (photo above!)). Of course I never win any, but my run commute has made sure that I’m competitive and not struggling amongst the back markers. Although that’d be fine, too :) I’ve put this blog together as a guide for people who might be interested in running to work. If you’d like to get a bit fitter, drop Lbs, save £s and do your bit for the environment, then I hope these pages give you a nudge in the right direction. If you’d like to know about what kit to use, the logistics of running to work, a bit about weight loss and the positive effects of running and exercise on your mood and mindset, then you should find a bit in here. I’d love to hear your feedback and any tips you might have or further research that might be needed. If you’re a fellow run commuter then drop me a line with your thoughts and any tips you might have.

http://www.runningtowork.co.uk

Product Review

2012-04-18T09:51:27+00:00

This pink Berghaus fleece from GO Outdoors is now my favourite fleece. It is very cosy and keeps me warm in all weather conditions and works extremely well when worn under a Berghaus jacket. The arms are a good length and the collar is high, keeping the heat in and keeping the body warm.

It is very soft and washes very easily. With regards to sizes, they are generous. Therefore, if not sure to buy a size 12 or 14, get the 12. If you're thinking of buying a Fleece Jacket I would recommend this one.

Irwin Mitchell Leicester Profile

2012-02-03T16:57:32+00:00

When encountered with a pressing legal issue its difficult to know which way to turn, facing a minefield of legal jargon and competing interests. We make often look for the dependability and safety of the larger law firms due to their demonstrable experience, but don't want to travel far to receive their help, making Irwin Mitchell Leicester one of the most highly rated and popular in the area as with Irwin Mitchell's other regional departments across the UK.

Legal advice needs to be reliable, accurate and straight forward when it comes to the client. Irwin Mitchell Leicester understands all of your needs and sensitivities and their diverse team of specialist can relay information tailored to your specific case in the most effective manner.

Irwin Mitchell across the UK employs over 2,100 workers ranging from lawyers to professionals in distinct fields such as Police and medical workers. They have over 113 partners and over 900 associates. This illustrates a broad knowledge base from which to glean expertise.

Irwin Mitchell law firm Leicester is, importantly, a ‘full service’ law firm in the Leicester area which can deliver advice to business or the individual with equal skill. Most of us will come into contact with legal advice at some point in our lives and the likelihood is it may be with a company such as Irwin Mitchell Leicester, or another regional office elsewhere in the UK, who could draw up our wills, sell our houses, make a compensation claim on our behalf, or offer us advice on employment law amongst other things.
Their success as a company is based largely on their ability to move with the times – particularly important in the world of law. At the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards, Irwin Mitchell won the title for Corporate Strategy in 2011 and came 3rd in the Industry Pioneers Category. This illustrates a proven ability to adapt their business with the customer in mind and proves how in tune they are with the mechanics of the law.

The reassurance of being represented by a firm with long industry experience is unquestionable, and with one hundred years in the industry, Irwin Mitchell offers just this. Over one million customers have sought their advice throughout the years.

Mizuno Reading Half Marathon

2011-11-29T20:57:05+00:00

The 2012 Reading Half Marathon route which takes place on Sunday 1st April

The race starts in Green Park, 250m from the race site at Madejski Stadium. The route will be exactly the same as in 2011.

Starting at GreenPark , A33 to Bennet Road , Basingstoke Road to Hartland Road, Whitley Wood Road to Shinfield Road and follow the old route to the Reading University loop. Turning right out of the university the route continues along Christchurch Road to Kendrick Road and down into the town centre via London Road, London Street and Mill Lane. A left turn takes the course over the Kennet and past The Oracle complex, then right into Minster Street and right into Kings Road as far as Abbey Square where it takes left and passes under Abbey Gate to the Forbury Gardens (half way).

From Abbey Street the route loops round the old Town Hall and into Friar Street, left into West Street and right onto the Oxford Road as far as Russell Street (second climb) and then right into the Tilehurst Road. The route follows the Tilehurst Road to Lienbenrood Road and Prospect Park before turning left into Bath Road and heads back towards the town before turning right into Coley Ave and then left into Berkley Ave. Another right into Rose Kiln Lane sees the course onto the A33 dual carriageway, it then heads for over a mile towards the Madejski Stadium; just before the stadium the route takes the customary right into GreenPark but only as far as the first roundabout and then returns back towards the Stadium and the finish. Following the GreenPark loop the race makes its way up and into the stadium finishing in front of the stands.

Exeter: Saucony Vizipro Run

2011-11-14T16:35:35+00:00

The Exeter Vizipro run in conjunction with Saucony

There is the main loop of 3 miles approx although there is an option to take a short cut…this is marked on the map in green which will reduce the run down to 2 miles approx!! There is also the option to add on further distance…taking the run up to around 4.5miles approx!! This add on is marked on the map in red.

WukroDevon Running Project

2011-07-27T09:48:05+00:00

Imagine training for two hours on a stony, pot-holed cinder track, starting in the darkness before dawn, running in plastic sandals, then off to school with no water, no breakfast, and no showers. That is the reality for many aspiring runners in Ethiopia. Thanks to the WukroDevon running project Berihu has running kit, a stop watch, and breakfast after training, he has also been given the opportunity to come and spend the summer in the UK and try some races and training here. He has already trained on three different all weather tracks; Ethiopia has one such track in the entire country. So far he has set a course record in winning the Hay Tor Heller, a course record for the north Devon relays’ Barnstaple course and the fastest time this year in the Bideford Handicap (despite adding a little extra due to navigational difficulties).

Berihu Tesfay comes from Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, he has just finished his second year at Aksum University as a Sports Science student. He is an excellent student and runner making the most of limited opportunities. Together with Cathy Newman he has set up a project to help runners from his home town of Wukro; they have received sponsorship from Cathy and Pete Newman, Ironbridge Runner and Exmouth Harriers. The project provides running kit for the athletes, three meals a week (after key training sessions) and expenses for races. The athletes also receive help for their education: so far the project has paid for notebooks, pens and lessons for the participants.

We hope to be able to take more shoes, running tights and spikes back to Ethiopia in September. Anyone wishing to help by donating money or running kit should contact Cathy or leave new or nearly new kit at Ironbridge Runner in Exeter. Cathy will pay the transportation costs but as this is high it is better to take kit that will last a long time rather than kit that is worn. Cathy says “Coming back from Ethiopia makes me increasingly more aware of how much we all have here, instead of plastic sandals and shared running kit most runners have a range of shoes and kit, stop watches, even iPods; there are more runners with a GPS here than runners with a basic stop watch in Ethiopia!”

Cathy Newman is working for the charity Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) as an English trainer in Ethiopia. She met Berihu at Aksum University when she interviewed him, following his gold medal win in the national universities championships, for the University magazine. Cathy worked for two years at Aksum University and will be returning to the south west of Ethiopia (near the south Sudan border) to take up a new post with the Regional Education Office in September. Her husband Pete is an ex-fire-fighter and a photographer. Photos of Ethiopia can be seen on his website.

The famine in the south of the country, Somalia and Kenya has made the news but in Ethiopia poor nutrition and malnutrition are never absent. Through helping a group of athletes we want to help more people and help them to help themselves that is why we encourage teamwork, mutual support and education.

Website: http://www.ironbridgerunner.co.uk http://www.peternewman.co.uk
Cathy: catn2002@yahoo.co.uk 07798562227

Le Tour of Exeter - 15th Aug to 19th Aug

2011-06-16T14:41:23+00:00

Welcome to Le Tour of Exeter 2011

5 DAYS - 5 RACES AROUND EXETER - OVER DIFFERENT DISTANCES AND TERRAIN

The event will take place in Summer 2011 between - MONDAY 15th AUGUST - FRIDAY 19th AUGUST

Click here for Entry Form

STAGE ONE | 15.08.11:
Hilly Time Trail - King of the mountains stage | University of Exeter

STAGE TWO | 16.08.11:
Cross Country Race | King George 5th Playing Fields

STAGE THREE | 17.08.11:
10km Road Race | Riverside Valley Pack
This event will include an open race

STAGE FOUR | 18.08.11:
5km Road Race | Flowerpots Playing Fields

STAGE FIVE | 19.08.11:
3km Track Race - Green Jersy Stage | Exeter Arena

**PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATES - THE TOUR WILL TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST NOT JULY AS PREVIOUSLY STATED

ENTRY
In a bid to make things easier for you, we are offering 2 payments options:

OPTION ONE - Up Front:
Members of EA Affiliated Club £44.00 / Unattached runners £46.00

OPTION TWO - Split Payement Option:
1. Deposit: EA Competition License Holder £25.00 / Unattached runners £27.00
2. Second payment due by 1st August: EA Competition License Holder £25.00 / Unattached runners £25.00

Please note we cannot provide refunds under any circumstances - if you cannot run we will allow number transfer up until Friday 5th August

THERE IS A 125 ENTRY LIMIT FOR THE FIRST YEAR SO ENTRIES WILL BE TAKEN ON A STRICTLY FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS

Event Website - http://www.city-runs.co.uk/letourofexeter/index.html

So, 4 sleeps or 94 hours and 50 mins to go before my World record attempt!!!!

2011-04-28T18:41:03+00:00

Trainings been going well, my team of support runners and raring to go but suddenly I get a bloody cold and start feeling every little twinge, hip feels sore, knee aches and shoulders are tight, otherwise I'm in great shape!!!!

I'm sure they're all psychological with time slipping away nerves are kicking in, what seemed like a good idea and an achievable challenge have replaced with what ifs???
The sudden arrival of summer weather has added to my worries as heat will definitely be unwelcome on the day but nothing I can do about it so we'll soldier on.

I did my last run in my kit last Thursday, and managed 3.1miles in under 30 mins so on that ratio I'd leave myself just over 2 hrs to run 10 miles and gain a place in the record books and beat the current record of 2 hrs 39 mins and 00 sec which has stood since March 2009.

Whatever happens I'll give it my best shot, I'll need a bit of luck but who doesn't and like I said at the beginning maybe just maybe I'll do it!!!!!

Wish me luck

So two weeks ago my training went up a notch…

2011-03-23T18:38:13+00:00

So two weeks ago my training went up a notch as I ran the Bideford half marathon in my fire tunic and breathing apparatus set on my back!
The plan was to use my Dad as a pace maker and finish around the 2;15/20 mark comfortably inside the world record, and with the cool weather on the morning of the race I was confident i could achieve this.
First issue was getting to the start line on time and we failed, as we approached the starting area the compare announced that all 1200 had passed through the start but they were 2 runners short as we hurried to catch the back of the field.
The first 5 miles went to plan running at a gentle 10 min miles, but as we ran towards mile 6, I found myself pulling away from my Dad and struggling to stay back at his pace so with his encouragement I pushed on alone.
I felt strong and gently picked up the pace, passing many runners who gave me plenty of encouragement and support as ran on along the tarka trail looking now to finish sub 2.15, my original target.
The second half of the race went really well and with no major issues I finished in a time of 1 hour and 57 mins far quicker than I ever expected and over 40 mins quicker than the world record!!!!
So, so far so good and with 6 weeks to go I'm on track and need to continue the training and then maybe, just maybe......................?

Well a few weeks have passed and the realisation of the challenge of breaking a world record has set

2011-03-03T10:02:50+00:00

Trying to balance my training so that its realistic and beneficial to what I'll be doing on the day and avoiding unnecessary stress on my body to prevent injuries has been my toughest challenge.
Running wise its been going well feeling fit and strong on runs, which included a pb of 33.30 at the GWR Fulfords 5 (a 5 mile road race), which surprised me as not been doing much speed work as part of my training but pleased I'm running well.
Running with a weighted back pack has been my main form of training specifically for the event, running at a slower pace to get used to running for a longer periods and with the weight on my back and did a 12 mile run last week and felt comfortable and in a time of 2hrs 10mins ran at my target pace too.
I've also received new fire boots which I'll be racing in and have been wearing them around the fire station to break them in as well as added some insoles to add some cushioning!!
This weekend my training steps up a gear as I'll be running the Bideford half marathon with my fire tunic and breathing apparatus on, fingers crossed I'll complete it with no problems or worse injuries!!!

Whatever happens I'll keep you posted.............

Victory in debut performance

2011-01-26T11:14:07+00:00

Kibrom Gebreher in his debut performance for the Devon-Wukro Running Project won the Aksum 5k race on Sunday 9 January 2011. The race started with one lap of the stadium before heading out along the main street where there was excellent support from local residents and tourists. Participants from Wukro, Maichow, Aksum town and Aksum University took part in the strongly contested competition. Kibrom took the lead in the final kilometre of the race to finish with a convincing lead for the final 600m on the athletics track. He received a T-shirt (donated by Exmouth Harriers) and 500 birr prize money.
Several athletes from the Devon Wukro running project will compete in the regional championships in February.

Dartmoor Vale 10km

2011-01-20T14:30:06+00:00

6.2mile route around Kingsteignton.

The Dartmoor Vale races will be held this year on 21 October, in association with Sibelco UK. The start and finish will be at the East Gold Works, Newton Road, Newton Abbot. This is opposite the Newton Abbot Racecourse and next to Tesco.
The event includes a marathon, a half marathon and a 10 kilometre race and is now in its ninth year. It is expected that the number of entrants will at least equal those of last year.
Entries are now being accepted from keen runners from any part of the country and beyond.
The three races are:
• Full marathon, 26.2 miles.
• Half marathon, 13.1 miles.
• 10 kilometre race.
The routes for the marathon and the half marathon take runners out on the roads of the Teign Valley to Chudleigh and back down the leafy country lanes alongside Ugbrooke Park.
The total number of entrants will be limited to 1000. This includes 200 for the marathon, 400 for the half marathon and 400 for the 10k.
As last year, we will not have a headline charity but have told charities that they can register their own teams who will raise sponsorship and we will be fund matching.
Fund raising is an essential part of the Dartmoor Vale Races, with runners raising significant sums for charities each year. More than £80 000 has been raised for charities over eight years and a over £25 000 raised by runners for their own charitable causes
We will not be accepting entries for the races on the day.

Dartmoor Vale Marathon & Half Marathon

2011-01-19T09:30:31+00:00

Full marathon, 26.2 miles, Half marathon, 13.1 miles

SEE BELOW RACE ROUTE MAP - 1 LAP FOR HALF MAR & 2 FOR FULL MAR

“WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT”

2011-01-18T10:39:32+00:00

"WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT" when I say those three words aloud it brings two images to mind, the first is of elite athletes and professionals at the top their game, the best on the planet and the other is of crazy people doing stupid things that sane people wouldn't attempt!

My challenge definitely falls into the stupid things category, I will be attempting to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) in full fire kit which includes leggings,tunic,leather steel toed boots, helmet and breathing apparatus on my back!

Why, you may ask?
Well I did run the last year in full kit but finished outside the world record time, I was physically ruined and have never found anything so physically draining and tough on my body and not a feeling I ever wanted to experience again.
That was until a brief conversation with the Great West Run race director, who sewed the seed of a world record attempt in my head, and somehow an innocent trip to buy new trainers ended in me signing up to do it all again!!!!!!

Stupidity you my think and why put my body through it all again, because with the lessons I have learnt from my last attempt I'm confident I can break a World Record!
My last effort was on the back of running the London marathon and only had 6 days rest in between so started the race still fatigued and I didn't do any specific training wearing the kit and subsequently suffered, particularly my feet!

So hopefully with better preparations I can become a World Record holder along side the likes of Usain Bolt and Halle Gebrselassie.

Please read my blog to get updates on my training and preparations to become a world beater!!!!

World Record Attempt….

2011-01-12T14:43:51+00:00

Interview: Fire Fighter Jamie Town on his World Record Attempt

An interview with Jamie Town of Devon & Somerset Fire Brigade who will be taking part in The Follett Stock Great West Run 2011 in his full fire fight kit in the bid to be the fast person ever to complete 13.1miles in full kit.

Listen to interview with Jamie | Play in Popup

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