CHARD Road Runners were out in smaller numbers last weekend but split across some tough events.

First was Paul Masters, off to Dorset for the Giant’s Head Marathon with a route based out of Sydling St Nicholas.

This 27-mile route takes in more than 3,000 feet of elevation, with views all around.

Masters started in the middle of the 400-plus pack and by halfway had progressed up the field.

He crossed the line in 4h 16m 13s, 34th out of 430 and first in his age category.

It was off to Torquay for CRRs’ next outing, Wayne Loveridge taking on the Torquay Half-Marathon in a field of more than 1,500.

From the off, Loveridge was in the top 50; by the 10-mile marker he was in the top 20, before finishing in 1:17:17 (13th place).

The Exmoor Half-Ironman Triathlon, meanwhile, is considered the toughest in Europe and in the world’s top 10.

Based at Wimbleball Lake the early start time of 7am had competitors, including Stevie Potter, ready for the 1.2-mile open water swim.

Potter made great progress, leaving the water in 34:01 and on to transition for the 56-mile bike leg.

With more than 4,500 feet of elevation, this two-lap route tested the resolve of the triathletes, but Potter finished it in 3:38:37.

Potter took on the 13.1-mile run and completed the event in 6:19:41 (260th out of 650, fifth in age category).

Chard & Ilminster News:

SUITED UP: Stevie Potter at Wimbleball Lake for the Exmoor Half-Ironman Triathlon event at the weekend​. 

Finally, Richard Clifton headed off to Ashton Keynes Waterpark in the Cotswolds for his first Cotswold 226 Triathlon.

After the 2.4-mile open water swim he made the transition in 1:31:22.

The 112-mile cycle saw Clifton pick up places, finishing the section in 7:06:37.

Heading out for the 26.2-mile marathon route, Clifton pushed hard.

The flattish route allowed for good pace but, with tiring legs, the last few miles took their toll and true grit was required to cross in 3:46:40.

This took his total event time to 12:41:42, giving him 70th place out of 105 – a great first full triathlon.