With club members on duty elsewhere at the Perranporth Triathlon and the final South West League meeting in Exeter, a smaller than usual road running team travelled to Launceston.  The Ladies team was even smaller, as Sarah Keast was forced to withdraw due to injury (hope to see you racing again soon Sarah) and so the Ladies team lined up with just four starters, Emma, Jo, Sam and Suzi.

By the end of the race though Cornwall AC returned from the east of the Duchy a little richer as Dan Simons and Jo Friday both recorded course records and each pocketed a cheque for their efforts.  The pre race talk however was of the hill in the second half of the race and not the well kept goody bag secret of cold chocolate custard at the end  more of that later!  As well as the dreaded hill, after a weekend of cloud, the sun began to shine as the race start approached.

Soon after the start Dan and Jim Cole from Tavistock AC hit the front, with Exeter Harriers Andrew Chambers, Sean Milford (Newquay Road Runners) and Cornwall ACs Jon Keast all in close pursuit. Dan and Jim Cole were still head to head on the steep hill between four and five miles but when Dan came on to the flat section to the finish, he was able to force the pace to win by a clear margin of twenty three seconds in a new course record of 38.10.  Dan said afterwards, It was a good to be back.  I felt comfortable but couldnt really relax with the competition around me, though I was pleased to pull away comfortably towards the finish.

Well done Dan, good to see you back in record breaking form.  Jon Keast came in an excellent 5^th in 40.11, which would have made him second with two minutes to spare last year.  The 40 minute barrier will be there for the taking in 2008, Jon.  Adrian Ball is returning to form and clocked 42.19, finishing 2^nd 40-44 and 9^th overall.   Justin Thomas ran strongly to finish in 43.12 and 12^th overall, good run Justin.  The team race was looking as if it might be quite close but no worries with the Lanner boys Dave Angilley (46.18) and Dave Southby (46.41) crossing the line in 28^th and 32^nd positions respectively.  This was enough to secure our sixth successive Mens Grand Prix title, well done to all of you who have raced this year, every contribution is greatly valued.  We werent quite able to get a second team home, Pete Torr finished in 58^th breaking the 50 minute barrier and was 5^th in the 50-55 age group, with Dave Norton again running well in 62^nd position, just outside of the 50 minute barrier in 50.23.  Viv may have been inspired to a superb run by being complimented on his co-ordinated club shorts and vest prior to the race. It is still OK to wear other colour shorts but see Viv if you are seeking the fashion conscious variety.  He will be able to direct you to his prefered designer outlet, if you want to take the risk!   His delight was clear in beating his 2006 time by nearly three minutes, finishing in 83^rd position.  There is a good marathon waiting in those legs Viv, well done! Graham looked disappointed as he finished in 53.36 but still finished in the top hundred in 95^th.  Well done fellas, Truro next up!!

It is difficult to select the performance of the day, with two course records set but Jos performance would take some beating, as she finished over three minutes clear of second place, to clinch a great victory and beat last years record time by two minutes and twelve seconds, set by our own Zelah Morrell.  Jo ran strongly and even paced throughout, running at six minute mile pace until she reached the infamous incline. However, the long hill did little to slow her pace and once she reached the top, she powered to victory, finishing 14^th overall.  Suzi was next in, crossing the line in 7^th place (50.29) and 3^rd lady Under 35, with Emma 12^th and 3^rd in the 35-39 age group, clocking 51.09.  Sam completed the Ladies team in 219^th relieved that the race was finished but still strangely with a smile on her face.  Well done Sam, under the hour next year I reckon.  Emma and Suzi are so new to running that neither ran here last year.  It takes a while to get to your best and both will continue to improve and bring the Ladies greater success next season.  Well done to you all.

Launceston must be congratulated on what was a well organised race, with what appeared to be good marshalling in the crucial spots.  However, the final word must go to an excellent goody bag and the inclusion of cold chocolate custard in a pot, something that I had not savoured in years.  I was lucky enough to get a bag with the larger pot, not all were,  pure heaven.  Count me in next year, even with that hill!!!