Just ten seconds separated the first two finishers Sunday’s annual Wellington Monument Race ended in an exciting finale.
The conclusion of ten kilometres of gruelling road-racing eventually saw victory go to Quantock Orienteering Club’s Adam Fieldhouse, who just got the better of his closest rival Matt Wheeler (Fordy Runs AC) to surge across the finishing line at Hemyock School.
The pair battled it out through the centre of Hemyock in the closing stages of the race, which had climbed through the Blackdown Hills, round the Monument and back.
Taunton-based Adam eventually claimed victory in a time of 36 minutes 32 seconds, and said afterwards: “That was brutal! It was tough and you could easily have burned yourself out, had you gone off too hard, too early.
“I was very pleased to get the win, especially after finishing fourth in last year’s race. It was very competitive, with Matt and I neck and neck going into the closing stages.”
Victory in the women’s race went to Poole AC’s Ruth Chadney, who came home in 44:26, seeing off her closest challenger, Caroline Arckless, by 22 seconds.
Ruth, who made an early start from her Bridport home, said: “It was tough, but I really enjoyed the race. The scenery was great. I definitely want to return and run again next year.”
Sunday’s race, organised by Taunton AC, drew a capacity field of 300 runners.
Race director Andy Crocombe said: “Everything went off smoothly and a big thank-you must go out to our sponsors and all the members and friends, who volunteered their help to make the day a success.”
WINNERS
MALE: Overall – Adam Fieldhouse (Quantock Orienteering Club), 36min 32sec. Senior – Matt Trump (Superstar Training Club), 38:32. Vet 40 – Andrew Snook (Kingston Wheelers), 39:34. Vet 45 – Marcus Albano (Taunton AC), 39:05. Vet 50 – Robert Lay (unattached), 46:41. Vet 55 – Simon White (Tiverton Harriers), 40:48. Vet 60 – Peter Knight (Badrat Runners), 47:47. Vet 65 – Howard Bidmead (Honiton RC), 50:30. First local: Morris Borough (unattached), 45:10.
FEMALE: Ruth Chadney (Poole AC), 44:26. Senior – Jo Buxton (Honiton RC), 48:56. Vet 40 – Grace McMahon (unattached), 48:02. Vet 45 – Hannah Bown (Exmouth Harriers), 46:47. Vet 50 – Julie Finch (unattached), 50:27. Vet 55 – Rose Partridge (Tiverton Harriers), 51:45. Vet 60 – Carole Walters (Tavistock AC), 52:00. Vet 65 – Anne Harrison (Exmoor Running Together), 57:58. U20 – Emma Essex (unattached), 51:26. First local – Robyn Langford (unattached), 1.05:53.
TEAM: Tiverton Harriers (Club 1) – Simon White, Julian Morrish, Christina Pugsley, Martin Brace.
Photos courtesy of Jonanthan Gill (Taunton AC).
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