Perfect Paige produces a national best time

Paige Quinn, 15, from Torbay AAC delivered an impressive performance this weekend at the Mid Cheshire 5k road race, clocking in at 16:31. This time positions her as the fastest under-17 female in the UK 5k road rankings.  

Earlier in the year, Paige also achieved the all-time fastest Parkrun record for an under-15 female. Despite the setback of missing the English Schools Track and Field Championships and the UK School Games due to injury, Paige has made a remarkable comeback just in time for her favourite cross-country season.

A perfect day welcomed the runners for the Bridgwater Half Marathon cloudy with a light intermittent drizzle. Two Torbay Athletic Club athletes took part in the event on a bone flat course: 81 Nick Robinson 1:39:13, 114 Iaen Sell 1:46:42.

The conditions were also very good for The City To Sea Marathon, helping the runners make good and fast progress from the flat start at Exeter Quayside to Dawlish where they were joined by the half marathoners starting their race.

The runners were faced with some of the most challenging terrain on the South West Coastal Path en-route to the finish at Babbacombe Downs. Torbay AAC athlete Alex Snell had both the speed and endurance on the day to storm home to an emphatic victory in first place in the marathon, followed by teammate Craig Davies not long after.

In the half marathon, Andy Philippou was running to conquer the hills. Linda Philippou and Irene Hewings took on the distance as a walking challenge.

Full results as follows: Marathon:
1 Alex Snell 4:02:08 1st overall
24 Craig Davies 4:55:05 (1st mv35)
Half Marathon:
38 Helen Brenton 3:03:22
44 Andy Philippou 3:14:04 91
Jessica Poppe 4:40:30 93
Irene Hewings 5:12:19 94
Linda Philippou 5:12:20