Well, the weather wasn’t quite as atrocious as the forecast but conditions were still bad enough, so we thought it wise to cancel the fun run – we’d have had to re-name it at least!  Understandably, there were forty runners less than last year, as the chance of a fast time was low and the likelihood of enduring a miserable race fairly high but all went well, without any hitches, which was a relief in the circumstances.  Many thanks to all who turned out,  particularly the officials and helpers, on not the most pleasant of days and to Trickies for again being welcoming hosts.

On to the race and the classiest run of the day was probably Paula Telford’s victory in the Ladies race, finishing a fine 9th overall in 24.39, which also placed her 9th also on the All-Time list for the course.  I can’t think of many faster runs in such conditions, so well done to Paula…….and she so nearly joined CAC!  Anna Philips of Truro Running Club had a good race in 2nd and then came well-known CAC exhibitionist Suzy Bosustow who, having been denied too much attention since her sexy photo spread in Cornwall Today, decided to race with her clingy lycra shorts halfway down her thighs!  Emma Stallard was one of the toughs who had already endured one wet and windy race the day before at the Cornwall Cross Country Championships, winning a superb silver medal in the women’s race, but here she had to content herself with 4th place in 26.32 and a good laugh, one position and 9 seconds behind Sexy Suzy.

Talented new recruit Jenny Evans placed 8th lady in 29.22, with Jenny Almey having a solid run after the County Cross Country in 10th, just 6 seconds down.  Charlotte Hurst had a good run in the Mob Match and backed it up here in 15th, with two other talented CAC youngsters, Olivia Ballard and Eleanor Parkin running around together for 18th and 19th places in 31.35 and 31 36.

Lynette Torr felt the cold after returning from 2 weeks in Cuba but still ran 35.54 for 43rd lady and Jill Curtis was 48th in 36.29 for a welcome return to form.

On the men’s side, Noel Kindon, Dave Buzza and Newquay Road Runner Shaun Milford duked it out up front, with Shaun, gutsy as ever, putting in three decreasingly effective bursts to get away.  Noel then took the pace on and thankfully the left turn into Broad Lane provided the runners with a welcome tailwind.  Then came a five minute freezing cold burst of rain as Dave edged away from Noel, eventually finishing sixteen seconds ahead in 21.23, a similar result to the previous day, when they were 3rd and 4th.  Shaun hung in for an uncomfortable 3rd, with James Waldie, also a weekend doubler, having a steadier start this time and running strongly for 4th in 23.32.

Jeff Houghton had a good one for 12th position in 25.02 and behind him there was a real CAC scramble, with Neville Whitham coming 14th (1st Vet 50), Dave Pell 15th (3rd Vet 40), Ollie Starr 16th, another cross country stalwart and Dave Norton 17th, all within 14 seconds.  Aaron Rodger is getting fitter again, coming 20th in 25.50, with Ken Curtis just beat our leading girls in 26th place, though rumour has it that he followed Suzy for two miles before dragging himself away for a sprint finish!

Another close battle was between John Waldie and Tony Shaw, with John edging it by one second in 42nd.  Pete Torr won his easiest yet ‘tan of the race’ competition and was 2nd Vet 50 and 53rd overall, with Rob West 3 seconds behind in 29.19 for 55th.  Norris Kington was a popular winner of the Vet 65 category in 32.12 (86th overall), to round off yet another solid men’s performance.