Whilst in the Half Marathon Janet clocked 1:37:04 and Dennis 1:49:05.

~ well done Carnies, you've done us proud again !

Janet comments:

"At one point doubtful if Dennis & I would even make the start line  -  ran into a blizzard on the A30 at Okehampton and the gritters were out ! Do we continue?  Glad we did.  When we arrived in Taunton it was  What Snow??   Despite the sun there was a sharp, keen wind but the weather held up.

 Dennis using the race as a confidence booster to test his knee out over the distance again, looking to sub 1:50, felt strong in the closing stages of the race.

 I'm wanting to build up race fitness and looking forward to running at Taunton again.  Course change at 12 miles proved interesting,  but think I prefer the old straight downhill charge  to the finish.

 Thanks to Brydie for her support & jelly babies at ten miles!"

Here's Rory's report:

"Well after all the forecasts of impending blizzards Somerset shone on the righteous and delivered perfect race conditions. Following last Sunday’s race I stuck with my new pre race ritual, (Wendy, shhhh) and unsurprisingly it worked again. Borrowed Brydie’s garmin to make sure I would run at a constant pace, I did, however finished the first lap sub 1’30 and realised that it could blow up in my face. Did what any other experienced runner would do and just carried on.

Had the benefit of support on the course with offerings of jelly babies and water but it was in return for some dodgy photography. Oh how different that second lap is. Gone are the crowds, well the few freezing enthusiasts wishing they hadn’t bothered, cars are irritated by my and my fellow marathoners prescence, but what ho, I am a runner and I shall run where I like. As Charlton would say: “From my hot sweaty feet!” Ignored the several snow flurries that came my way and ground out the miles laughing in the face of the northerly that had decided to join the party. Not such a welcome guest. In complete contrast Brydie on hand again at 23 to dish out more confectionery and aqua pura.

Last 3 to go and nearly all downhill apart from the two hills and a vicious downhill slope that I nearly had to walk down. Had great encouragement from Janet and Dennis as they were leaving for home. Thanks you two, really appreciated that. Just the last difficult obstacle to hurdle, namely the leaving hordes of halfies and their supporters from the race headquarters and finishing line. Stuck out my chest, pulled my shoulders back and took my life in my hands and chased down the finish line. Managed to overtake someone in the last few hundred yards which ultimately placed me in the top 20 overall. Pleased with that!

Now as I write this unable to move and do the basic of activities I am glad to hand over the baton to all the Carnies preparing for their big day next week. Looking forward to seeing the action and hearing all the stories from next week."