OUR AIM IS TO RETURN IN 2011

PLEASE NOTE:

2009-10-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

With regret the 2010 Torbay Half Marathon will not now take place,

our aim is for it to return with an improved course for Sunday June 19th 2011.

Charities are race winners

2009-09-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 08:57

TWO top charities triumphed thanks to the Torbay Half Marathon — splitting a £1,850 donation.

Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, the two nominated charities for this year's half marathon, received the pay-out from race director David Hyde.
The event took place in June, but David has spent the past few months sorting out all the sponsorship and donations.
David, who presented the money on behalf of Torbay Amateur Athletic Club and the Runners Guide, said: "Overall, the event raised a total of more than £10,000 for these charities and an estimated £50,000 for all charities through sponsorship raised by the runners from all over the UK and abroad who are attracted to this popular event which fills up every year."
Calvin Lovelock, Macmillan's fundraising manager and veteran of the Torbay Half Marathon, was delighted by the money.

He said: 'This is the fifth year Macmillan and Rowcroft have been chosen as the official race charities for this major community event.
"It really is a wonderful boost to the care and support we give to local people affected by cancer and life limiting conditions."
Hannah Simmons, from Rowcroft said: "The Torbay half marathon must have raised tens of thousands for our two charities over the past five years.
"Overall, it is estimated that the event probably generates around £50,000 per annum for charities."
Next year's event — the 20th in its history, being run on June 20 — could be the biggest ever, with an estimated 2,000 runners.
David added: "We have high hopes of improving the course and increasing the field for 2010."

IMPROVED COURSE FOR 2010 RACE

2009-08-10T15:02:00.001-07:00

In the past, runners have toured two laps of Paignton Green before setting off towards Torquay. It has worked well enough but congestion for the mid to back enders of the field meant some delay waiting for the field to string out. For next year's race, only one lap of the green will be run and this should enable better running conditions for the race.

Message from the Race Director, David Hyde

2009-06-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all those who entered the 2009 event.

To leave your feedback email to:Info@torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk and to www.runnersworld.co.uk/ to leave your rating.

.To view all photo's see main page links

To watch the event video at http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/

Provisional date for next year is Sunday 20th June 2010

SUNDAY FORECASTED TO BE WARM AND DRY

2009-06-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

A few checks to make:

Arrive in plenty of time on Sunday to loosen up and prepare yourself

From early Sunday morning drink plenty of water, or suitable fluid ... to be certain that you are fully hydrated before you run.

Check your running kit ..

Shoes and insoles all ok... timing chip attached before you run?

Wear short socks to avoid blisters,

Make certain that your garments do not rub against your body ....

... spread Vaseline on any vulnerable areas: chest area, inside tops of legs etc..

if these areas start to become uncomfortable it will spoil your run.

Drink... if only a little at every drinks station... there will be 8 on the course + the finish.

Do not run under someone else's race number - it will deprive someone else of a finishing position and possibly a prize!

Do not wear head phones, ear pieces, etc as you will not hear instructions on the course!

Please ensure that your timing chip is returned...thank you.

Enjoy a fantastic event.

An important reminder to all entrants

2009-06-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

A message to the entrants that all race packs have now been despatched, please read the Race Instructions carefully, also if Sunday 21st is a warm day start to drink the appropriate fluids early in the morning in order to be certain that you are fully rehydrated.

TORBAY HALF MARATHON COMMITTEE

2009-06-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

relaxing during a break in the final briefing ...

TORBAY HALF NOW FULL!

2009-06-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry but..

The 2009 Torbay Half is now full, at a new record level of 1750 entries.

Keep up the training those lucky entrants - it's going to be a fantastic event!

Still plenty of places left in the 1 Mile Fun Run for those budding young athletes, with a special medal to every finisher plus other goodies. The Fun Run must start soon after 9:30am.

ONLINE ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED

2009-05-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

Only postal entries accepted until the race limit of 1750 entries is reached. There are only about 200 places left, so you are STRONGLY advised to enter IMMEDIATELY to ensure your place in this year's event.

International entries

2009-05-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

have been received from San Francisco USA, Holland and Spain.

Places going fast ...

2009-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason, this year's race is proving very popular, you are strongly advised to enter as soon as possible. The race looks like being fully subscribed, before the closing date - even with the extra spaces allocated.

HERE IT IS!

2009-04-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

...."This is the t-shirt that will be given free to every finisher of this years Torbay Half Marathon on 21st June, it is a very high quality garment, produced by a Company that also makes clothing for M&S and Nike.

.This "Dry Fit" Shirt in white and blue, has been made to a very high standard and finish, along with all of the printed logo's front and back.

The normal retail price of this item, with just a top sports brand logo, would be $30 in the USA that's around £20 in the UK and will make the Torbay Half Marathon event something very special and great value for the competitors entry fee.

I do not believe that there is another event in this country that will be giving such a high quality garment free to all finishers."

Race Director

As modelled by our Race Director!

2009-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

A nice piece of kit ... ensure you get yours by entering now!

ENTRIES GOING FAST!

2009-04-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

LATEST NEWS - RACE IS NOW HALF FULL

LATEST HERALD-EXPRESS Monday March 30th 2009 articles....

College staff on starting blocks

FLEET-FOOTED staff at Paignton Community and Sports College are limbering up for a mass assault on the Torbay Half Marathon.

More than 600 competitors have already signed up for the annual event — and more than 20 of those will be college employees.
They have been persuaded to take part by Simon Romaine, head of science, who is a regular runner himself.
Simon said: "We've got 21 people so far, with the possibility of about 10 more. My goal was to get 30, and I think I will get that.
"They are all staff so far, but next week the sixth form assembly will be asked if anyone is interested in taking part, so our numbers could grow even more.

"It'll be quite a crowd of us taking part, possibly the biggest corporate team in the race. I'd be surprised if there were any bigger. It's creating quite a bit of interest around here.
"There's not much rivalry among runners at the moment, but as we get closer to the big day rivalries might develop.
"We're a very diverse bunch. We've got people who've never done any kind of running, but we've also got some who are pretty good.
"We're hoping to raise money for a couple of charities, but those haven't been decided on yet."
Torbay Half Marathon takes place on June 21, with places available for 1,750 competitors.
Organisers are predicting it will be the best race in the competition's 19 years, with an international line-up which will include some world-class athletes.
The course stretches from Paignton Green, along Torquay seafront and back again.
There is also a one-mile fun run around Paignton Green for people of all ages.
Aspiring competitors can apply by filling in the entry form. Alternatively, log on to the Herald Express website at thisissouthdevon.co.uk and go to the sports or athletics sections, or the official website at www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

RACE DIRECTOR UPDATE MARCH 16

2009-03-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

ENTRIES COMING IN FAST THIS YEAR ...

2009-03-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

We would like to advise possible entrants that we have over 500 entered to date which is up on the corresponding time last year and the 2008 event was full 3 weeks before race day.

In today's Herald Express:

2009-02-13T13:32:00.001-08:00

VOLUNTEERS are needed to lend a helping hand at this year's Torbay Half Marathon.More than 300 competitors have already booked their places for the annual event, but a total of 1,750 are expected to take part.
Organisers are predicting it will be the best race in the competition's 19 years, and they are keen to hear from anyone who can assist on June 21.
David Hyde, race director, said: "Come along and be part of this spectacular running event, which raises thousands of pounds for local charities.
"No event of this scale could be a success without the support of enthusiastic volunteers to help marshal the course and assist at the start and finish area on Paignton Green.

"So we are looking to recruit people to help out in one of several activities. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over, and marshal vests will be provided.
"We need pre-race volunteers to guide competitors and take care of their baggage, and race marshals to guide runners around the course, offer assistance to competitors experiencing difficulty or assist in managing the crowds of spectators at the finish.
"We're also desperate for end-of-race volunteers to congratulate runners at the finish, present them with their goody bag and ensure they move quickly to be reunited with their proud family and friends."
The Torbay Half Marathon course stretches from Paignton Green, along Torquay seafront and back again.
Its growing reputation has meant that in recent years a number of internationally renowned runners have flown in from around the world to compete.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact David Hyde on 01626 862584 or email info@torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

More on the t-shirt:

2009-02-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

we are now offering a FREE top of the range
Dry-Fit breathable t-shirt to all half marathon finishers.
(normally retails at $30 in the USA)
Due to this change we can only offer small, medium or large
there will be no extra small or extra large available!

Latest news update:

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

Bays Brewery the new local brewers will have a bar area on Paignton Green near the Finish, where you will be able to relax, recover and try their Bays Best, Gold and Breaker ales, along with a selection of wines and soft drinks .

Race T-Shirt a top of the range Dry-Fit breathable material garment is being produced free for all finishers of this years Half Marathon worth $30 in USA

Over 300 entries to date.

Entries up on this time ...

2009-01-31T07:40:00.001-08:00

... last year. Extra places allotted for this year's race to cater for demand for this most scenic of races in glorious Torbay.

Local paper and sponsor Herald Express article

2009-01-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

RUNNERS are already limbering up for the biggest and best Torbay Half Marathon.

This summer Torquay and Paignton will host the 19th half marathon, with 1,750 competitors due to take part.
That's 100 more than the hugely successful event last year, when a new course record was set by Torquay-born Toby Lambert.
David Hyde, race director, said: "Looking at last year's half marathon, we felt we could take 100 more runners without any problems. We want to accommodate as many people as possible.
"The route will be the same along the seafront, although there might be an additional bit of the road closed to improve the event.

"We're talking to the police and council, who've both been very supportive of what we're doing. There's probably not such a scenic race as this in the country.
"This event brings lots of people into Torbay, and we've already got lots of people raising money for all sorts of charities.
"More than £30,000 was raised last year. Rowcroft and Macmillan are the official race charities again this year."
The Torbay Half Marathon's reputation has grown massively in recent years, with internationally renowned runners flying in from around the world to compete.
Event organisers say the event's status means it is now providing a big lift for tourism trade.
Mr Hyde added: "On average, half the runners will stay one night in Torbay, which equals 800 bed nights.
"Ten per cent of runners are new visitors to Torbay, so hopefully they will enjoy themselves and come back. Many already see it as a holiday opportunity.
"At this difficult time anything which puts Torbay on the tourism map has to be good.
"A number of local businesses have come forward and supported us, which we're grateful for."
Last year saw two world-class Kenyons and a Tanzanian go head-to-head with home-grown talent such as Kairn Stone and Toby Lambert.
Mr Hyde said: "I wouldn't be surprised if we get more runners like that this year. Torbay has a good reputation and many runners want to come here, and we certainly want to see the best here.
"It all makes the race the top-quality event it is. There were about 450 runners when we started and it's nearly got four times that now.
"At this time of year people are thinking about getting fitter, and with this race they've got six months to train and get ready. They can get a medal and feel proud of their achievement.
"Last year Toby set a new course record, so it'll be interesting to see if it gets broken again. This year there will be an extra £50 prize money for anyone breaking the record.
"Also, we've made the prize money the same for men and women. There's an additional prize for affiliated athletics club teams and a prize for the best fancy dress costume.
"Another change sees us using chip timing on competitors' shoes rather than in the back of their number. Apparently it's more efficient."
Torbay Half Marathon takes place on June 21, and people can apply to take part by filling in the form below. Visit the official website at www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

2008 Race Analysis (Part 2)

2008-06-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

A slightly alarming aspect noticed a few minutes before the 'off' , was the narrowing of the course just after the start by many bystanders (including small children) edging onto the road. Combined with a row of empty deckchairs seaward side and a beach hut and stack of deckchairs the other side, there was the possibility of an incident to mar the start of the race. Fortunately, Marshals quickly cleared the standing deckchairs and moved the crowd back to the side.

Then exactly at 9. 30 am, the 1200 plus field surged forward, preceded by a phalanx of Cycle Marshals. From his perch on the commentating gantry, Race Director David Hyde breathed a sigh of relief. After months of planning, numerous meetings, many sleepless nights, it was now down to his team around the course.

The two one mile laps of Paignton Green saw the cream of the field establish themselves at the head of the field.

The first test of the course was the turn by the harbour second time round as the front runners came to lap the tail enders. This year a set of railings had been put in place in the centre of the road to keep the main field to their left and allow free passage for the leaders. It worked!

Streaming off the Green, the cycle formation peeled off to take up their pre-assigned stations, leaving myself at the head of the race and three 'ultra' lead cyclists some 250 metres further ahead as sweepers to give advance warning of the lead runners approaching.

Passing Corbyn Head and the sweep down on to the Torre Abbey promenade, I glanced back to see that the race pattern had already been well established. After a fast start and a short sharp tussle, Toby Lambert had struck the front and was just in front of one of the Kenyans, Zak Kihara, a 2 hour 15 mins marathon man - and a formidable opponent for Toby seeking his fifth consecutive win. The pair had drawn some way clear of the next Kenyan Joseph Mbithi, who was running well considering that he had only arrived from Nairobi on the Friday evening previous.

By the turn at the Torquay Pavilion, Toby had a slender lead over Zak Kihara with over 150 metres back to Joe Mbithi but in fourth place and running noticeably comfortably was fourth placer Adrian Marriot from Yeovil.

For a brief moment Kihara headed Lambert on the run back to Paignton but on looking back a half mile later, the die had been cast.....with Toby clear and running very strongly indeed.

In the ladies race, the Tanzanian import, Banvelia Katesigwa was comfortably clear approaching the turn but Torbay's Helen Parkinson was herself well clear of the rest in second place and closer to the hugely talented leader (2 hrs 25 performer) than anticipated.

Even with the gusting wind - the bane of all runners - it looked like a fast run race and Toby Lambert simply pulled further and further ahead and was clearly enjoying himself.

In the last five miles, Adrian Marriott moved from the third place he had taken before half way to close down and pass Zak Kihara to take second place at the finish.

Zak, who found the Torbay hills somewhat of a shock to his system, finished a highly creditable third.

Approaching the finish in fourth place, Joseph Mbithi was unexpectedly diverted onto the loop back to Torquay and officials chased after him to redirect him back to the finish. Unfortunately, he ran an extra 700 metres or so and lost three places. The reason for this regrettable incident was that he was wearing a 'fun run' number which he and the other Kenyan runner had mistakenly worn.

Storming onto the Green, Toby, who had been cheered on throughout the race by onlookers and competitors alike, was clearly set to demolish his own course record - and he did so in style, crossing the line in 67 minutes 21 seconds.......a remarkable time for the windy conditions.

Ominously for his opponents, Toby was quick to say that he would be back next year!

Part 3 to follow: Reflections

2008 Race Analysis (Part 1)

2008-06-26T03:36:00.000-07:00

A sunny day but interspersed on some exposed parts of the course by a significant gusting wind.
The introduction by the sponsors Mizuno of two male Kenyans and one lady Kenyan runner certainly added spice to this year's race.

On paper, the times of the male Kenyans made them significant threats to Toby Lambert and his bid to win the race for a fifth year in a row. However, after a 2hour 18 minutes clocking in this year's London Marathon, Toby was clearly still improving and his course experience would undoubtedly stand him in good stead.

With a record race entry of 1600, the race officials were bracing themselves (Del Boy style) to see how the course would stand up to the extra influx of numbers. The Mid Devon Cycling Club formed the majority of an extra strong cycling marshal contingent.

However, for varied reasons, 'only' about 1200 runners started on Sunday and the course was not tested to its limit.

A major part of the smooth running of the 2008 race was the discipline and awareness of all runners throughout the race. On course cyclists reported that athletes moved over immediately to let overtaking runners past on narrow parts of the course and were every bit as 'professional' as the marshals....as lead cyclist, it was a great relief to see this....huge thankyou to ALL athletes. PART 2 - The race itself to follow...

'Second' lady crossing the line, BUT....

2008-06-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

...it's NOT! She's NOT run the complete course AND she's wearing a male race number (someone from Hove in Sussex)..... after being scanned, she quickly disappeared into the crowd. This sort of behaviour causes many problems with results collating and takes up valuable time of officials who are trying their hardest to get the results out as quickly as possible on the day.

Toby Lambert makes it Five Wins!

2008-06-25T01:22:00.000-07:00

..and smashes his own course record in the process, breasting the tape in 67 mins 21 secs after a fierce tussle with Kenyan Zak Kihara. Report from the lead cyclist and pictures later today.

It's shaping up for an epic!

2008-06-19T04:29:00.000-07:00

There will almost certainly be a record number of starters for this Sunday's Half Marathon. Entries were closed some time ago at 1600.

The quality has been in no way diluted either, with already four time winner and course record holder Tony Lambert toeing the line once more. However, this year he has formidable opposition not only from last year's runner up Kairn Stone from Torbay, but also from two Kenyans brought in by the sponsors, Mizuno. Another Kenyan lady will, inevitably, have a big say in the ladies race.

Info/stats on leading contenders:

Zak Kihara Kenya/Bichfield (29) pb 63-45

Loch Ness Marathon winner 06/07

Edniburgh Marathon winner 05 2-15 pb

Nottingham Half 06 Winner

Redcar Half 08 Winner

Joseph Mbithi Kenya (32)

Winner Istanbul Marathon 05

Winner Edinburgh Marathon 06

2nd Dubai 05 2-11 pb

Half pb 64-08 Eldoret Kenya 07

3RD EDINBURGH HALF 07

Banuelia Katesigwa Tanzania (30)

Marathon pb 2-25 Tokyo 04

Winner Edinburgh 05

Loch Ness 06

Runner Up Plymouth 08

Half pb 70-26 probably in 74/5 shape right now

Winner Kilimanjaro Marathon -Tanzania (altitude) 08

in a time of 2-39

Toby Lambert No1, 1.08.03 London 2008 19th 2.18.40

Kairn Stone No 3, 1.08.16

Helen Parkinson No 2 1.19.36

Torbay Half Marathon website is back online

2008-06-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

...so don't panic!

ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED

2008-06-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

The 2008 race is full.

And now direct from your Race Director (somewhere on a Hash)...

2008-05-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

...the latest update on entries... (David called over for a spontaneous interview, mid-hash!)

Get your entry in quickly......says your Race Director

2008-05-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Right, wakey, wakey.....

2008-05-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

With only about 5 weeks to go to the race, there are bound to be enquiries from those new to the race, who need to know some snippet of information that will make them sleep more easily....training for a big race IS stressful, don't let people tell you it isn't.......Well, rather than e-mail or phone (DON'T please) the Race Director, just ask here......We have the answer to EVERY question you have....and we are open EVERY day to check......

This is your Race Director speaking.....(video)

2008-05-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

PC hitch now resolved.....

2008-04-22T03:33:00.001-07:00

The entry list should now be updating. A thousand entries will have been registered by the end of this week. The entry limit is 1600. You have been warned!

Problem with entry downloads.....

2008-04-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

...on to the Half Marathon website. We apologise for the failure to produce up to date entry lists for this year's race. The site is showing about 500 entries but the true number is over 900. The race quota is fast filling up so you are advised to enter quickly before entries are closed. More information as soon as we get it!

Your Race Director....

2008-04-17T04:29:00.001-07:00

...David Hyde

Positions make prizes.....

2008-04-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

This is the prize list for the 2008 Event.

You will be able to win a position prize (See below) as well as an age category prize at this event.

Prize list Race Winner £400, 1st man£300. ( if not race winner) 1st Lady £300

2nd " £200 2nd " £150

3rd " £150 3rd " £100

4th " £100 4th " £60

5th " £50 5th " £40

Age category prizes worth £30 for 1st position etc.( subject to the level of entries in each category).

Please refer to the details again....

2008-04-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

...for yesterday's post regarding the ladies race. Thanks.

Chris Paul

2008-04-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

Regarding your queries for the ladies race, the following applies for this year:

... The race winner will receive £400 ..First lady if not the race winner will receive £300, plus every runner will also qualify to receive their age category prize, as per our age prize list. ie first over/ 20, prize value £30.( these will be subject to the level of entries in each category )

There are no other bonuses or course record prizes this year.

If you still wish to enter please do so on line or print off an entry form from our website www.torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

Re Chris Paul's enquiry

2008-04-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks Chris, we'll get back to you tomorrow with info for you. Sorry for delay as comments had been diverted elsewhere, my fault, sorry.

"Why can't I run with my mp3 player?"

2008-04-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

The reason that we set restrictions on the use of mp3 players etc., is due to our concerns for safety on this 2 lap course.

Runners will be using both directions on half of the road width, which is narrow in several places.

Leading runners are lead by cyclists, who will be warning runners as they approach them from behind that they need to move over to allow overtaking and also allow enough space for runners to also pass them going in the opposite direction.

It is vital in these circumstances that marshals instructions can be clearly heard.

A few issues for starters......

2008-04-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

1... Do I have to run for the Race charities?

You do not have to run for the Race charities Rowcroft or Macmillan , you can choose your own if you wish.

2..Do not be concerned if you are a slow runner, the finish will remain open until the last runner is in.

3...Currently the www.torbayhalfmarathon site is having a software change, so the entries listed are not up-to-date at present.

4...12 Weeks to go 700 entries so far, please do not leave it too late to enter, it may be full !

Belatedly, the TORBAY HALF MARATHON....

2008-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

...blog site is up and running. Any enquiries will be answered ASAP.....blog is updated virtually daily, so no need to bite your nails and fret. Expertise is but an e-mail away......let's go....to make an enquiry simply click on the 'comments' logo beneath any post and follow the instructions.....don't worry if your comment is not immediately recognised as it has to be sent via e-mail for the moderator to publish. The answer to your query will, in most cases, be answered simultaneously.

2008-02-03T12:04:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Torbay Half Marathon 2008

2008-01-30T03:11:00.000-08:00