Andy Coughlan 10 mile 6 May 2012 result
REPORT
Sixty-four runners started this year’s annual Andy Coughlan 10 mile memorial race at the weekend from Big Verns to West Park. Despite the cold, wet and misty conditions, a brisk wind pushed along the competitors on the early part of the run to La Pulente.
Triathlete Dan Halksworth took up the early pace and was never headed, winning as he liked, in a time of 54 minutes 31 seconds. Spring 10k winner Sam Firby continued his good form in claiming the runners-up spot only 2 weeks after clocking 2 hours 50 minutes in the London Marathon, the former cycling champion came in second in 55 minutes 48 seconds. Only 7 seconds behind him was the 3rd man home U.K. athlete Mark Palser recorded a time of 55 minutes 55 seconds, not quite enough to overhaul Firby, but enough to just get the better of Jersey Spartan Tony Banks who finished 4th in 56 minutes exactly.
The women’s race went according to the script. Though not at her best, Jo Gorrod was a class above her rivals, coming home to take victory in 61 minutes 03 seconds. Runner-up was Andrea Banks (67.17) who was always just ahead of super-vet Sylvia Thompson (67.38), while Kerry Petulla ran home in 4th place in 69 minutes and 13 seconds.
The perpetual trophies for the event went to Sam Firby and Jo Gorrod as the first Jersey Spartan athletes to finish. Road running chairman Dave Woodsford presented the trophies, with the help of Andy Coughlan’s Daughters, Maxine and Karen.
The race was sponsored by the Coughlan family, John Lyons’ family and Jimmy Hickey.
