Henry Hart smashes DD course record by more than 10 minutes

Belgrave Harrier and Team GB athlete Henry Hart stunned onlookers and race veterans alike at the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) on Saturday (June 7), as he smashed the course record by more than 10 minutes.

Charging across the moor in heavy thunderstorms, Henry finished in an astounding time of 3:18:53, obliterating the previous course record of 3:29:24, which had stood since 2014, when it was set by John Ward, of Bideford AC.

Race Director Liz Barnett of event organisers the Teignbridge Trotters said: ‘Congratulations to Henry. Winning the DD is an incredible achievement, whatever the time – especially when the weather closes in. But setting a new course record by such a wide margin in torrential rain is unprecedented. It’s clear that the unique challenges of the DD continue to attract top national talent.’

Elizabeth Barry-Bradshaw of CLC Striders, sailed through the challenging conditions to win the ladies’ trophy, in a time of 4:22:04. Last year’s men’s winner, Joshua Hasson, was second overall, finishing in 3:31:57. Exeter Harrier Steve Adams came third, clocking 3:59:31 and bagging a new MV50 course record in the process.

Teignbridge Trotter Helen Anthony, a former DD ladies’ winner, was second lady, finishing in 4:32:02 (Helen was also 1st FV45). Kirsty Prowse, of the DSFRS Running Club, was third, in a time of 4:44:16.

Topping off a record-breaking day, 100 Marathon Club runner Nuala Smyth posted a new FV60 course record of 05:06:11, slicing an incredible 22 minutes off the previous record.

This year’s DD was also a special event for two runners in particular. When Plymouth Falconer Neil Williams crossed the finish line on Saturday, he was completing his 500th marathon. Meanwhile, Teignbridge Trotter Derek Skinner used the occasion to chalk up his 100th marathon.

Liz Barnett said: ‘Congratulations to Neil and Derek. We’re so thrilled that they chose our event to mark their very special running landmarks. The DD is all about participation at every level and it’s great that, over the years, we’ve been a part of many runners’ significant milestones.’

The DD, which starts and finishes in Princetown, is organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters. Renowned for breathtaking views, equally breathtaking hills and weather that always surprises, the DD is the UK’s longest single-lap road race. This year, 173 finishers crossed the line, out of a starting line-up of 185 runners.

The DD is known for keen competition among running clubs for team trophies. This year, the Teignbridge Trotters were triumphant, claiming the men’s trophy for the 13th time and the ladies’ crown for the 4th time. The Trotter men were: Kris Ward (4:36:59), Oliver Reynolds (4:44:32) and Adam Johnstone (4:51:30). Helen Anthony led the Trotter ladies home, ably supported by Freya Morrissey (5:14:25 & 2nd FV35) and Mandy Wheeler (5:17:40 & 1st FV50).

Also running for the Teignbridge Trotters were: Jason Trevenen (5:09:26), Roger Hayes (5:14:24 & 2nd MV55), Andy Gillson (5:28:28), Andrew Rattlidge (5:32:32), Joanna Randall (5:33:05), AllenTaylor (5:38:54), Lucy Evans (5:40:52 & 2nd FV50), Kate Williamson (5:45:04), Ewan Walton (5:48:57), Neil Rutley (5:54:49), Kathryn Steemson (6:05:48), Derek Skinner (6:24:46), Paul Sharples (6:24:47 & 1st MV65), Sharon Sharples (6:30:06), Adam Doherty (6:39:06), Chris Andrews (6:42:51), Roger Moss (6:43:58) and Eamon Crowe (6:45:00).

Behind the scenes, the Teignbridge Trotters brought together an experienced and enthusiastic team to ensure the event was conducted safely and smoothly. An estimated 150 people contributed a wide range of skills, including marshalling, timekeeping and catering. Divine Sound and a2e Medical Services supplied public address and first aid services.

This year’s sponsors were Sibelco, the Ilsington Country House Hotel, M I Plant and Apex Scaffolding.

Away from all the action on the moor, Pete Kirby ran for the England Age Group Masters team in the Swansea Half Marathon. Pete had qualified in the 75-79 Age category, and the England team were competing against the Wales team and an Armed Forces team.

Conditions were dry & sunny with a blustery wind, a complete contrast to those on Dartmoor the day before! 

The route started & finished in front of the Swansea Arena, going through the University campus, parts of the historic city centre, and out & back along the coast with views of Swansea Bay.

Pete said he was pleased with his even pacing and a finish time of 2:08:38.