Hartland Hartbreaker 8 and 17

Well lets get one thing straight, it was actually more like 18 and 8.5 mile races.  A fabulous turn out of Strugglers for the inaugural Hartland Hartbreaker races hosted at Hartland Abbey.  Paul Cooke was 3rd overall in the 17 mile race in a brilliant time of 2:34:19 and picked up a lovely trophy for his efforts.  Claire Campbell won the first lady over 50 prize with a strong performance of 3:26:34.  Kate Kilburn was the first Struggler home in the 8 mile race just pipping Emma Hill with a time of 1:45:46.  Both races followed the same first 8 and a bit miles which took in stunning scenery including Hartland Point itself.  The 17 then went south down the coast path before heading inland back to the Abbey.  There was very little flat on this course, it was either steep up or steep down, much of the up was walked by most runners.  There was even a 20 meter section of steep bluebell woodland in last mile of the 17 (the 18th mile) where the only way up was to pull yourself up on a rope.   The weather was warm and sunny which provided spectacular views and with plenty of well manned water stations, one of which even provided flap jacks, it was a fabulous day for running.  Well done to the organisers and marshalls, see you next year.