There must be something about the current Duchy Marathon and 20 miler that puts off the local runner. While most local clubs had small numbers, Carn managed one in the marathon and eight in the 20. And Karen’s entry in the marathon was a last minute thing! Most ladies might have a manicure or a hair do as a last minute thing but Karen obviously has been seduced by the dark side of the force.

I must admit the race planners of the west country did spread it thin this weekend with the Duchy, Bideford Half, Bath Half and Grizzly all taking place on the same day so maybe that was the reason.

However, this years Duchy was a real treat and the same conditions may not be in evidence for many a year to come. I had studied the local Met Office forecast for a while and kept my fingers crossed that for once the weather gods had given them divine inspiration and they had actually got it right. And so they did.

Wendy, Glynnis, Jane and I assembled early Sunday morning for the stiffening of the sinews and the nice feeling of being able to walk to a big race start from your home instead of an overnight stay in a hotel. Wendy had to drop the grandchildren off (no, not North Cliffs) and find a park but managed to get to the PV in good time. That’s a good way to prep for a 20 miler. Have four munchkins round for the weekend and then decide to reconstruct your back garden including four trips to the tip!

Entering the forum room it was obvious the 200 odd names on the runners list had swelled somewhat and maybe a few more had decided to follow Karen's example and fill in a few hours with nothing to do other than run around west Cornwall. The choice of clothing was causing much consternation and most seemed to have gone for the vest over another tee shirt ensemble. Some brave alpha males were wearing less but last year years naughty weather had reduced the pride to a mere handful.

So much preparation meant there was no time for a warm up and it was straight to the start line and all the Carnies huddled together for warmth. A shot rang out from nowhere and we were off. Wendy, Glynnis and I were just getting in 20 rather than racing and Jane was undecided but we saddled up with Richard complete with Garmin and it was fairly obvious that the target of 10 minute miling training run would more than be achieved.

We crossed the road at the mile and a half marker to be greeted with high fives from the munchkins and drop off all the excess clothing at my sons house. Devoid of the extra wardrobe we settled into a nice rhythm and the usual gossiping started. We rounded Pat and Terry's ever lengthening corner at Illogan Downs and I believe the ladies first gels were consumed and the bottle of water which we sensibly took one between us. Al Gore has nothing on us Eco Warriors.

We trotted out onto North Cliffs and the wind on the left shoulder was such a bonus that we flew along a wee bit quicker than expected. Did you notice the Scottish reference there. Deliberately done as at this point, after I had caught up after the prostate stop, we met a young lady who had come all the way from Orkney to run the marathon. John O Groats eat your heart out!

Then the sight of Sara Baldwyn lying injured with an apparent broken collar bone after tripping down a pot hole reminded us that you have to treat this race with respect. Get well soon Sara and we look forward to seeing you pounding the streets again.

The joy of running so casually along North Cliffs was tempered by the head on winds of Coombe Hill but the joy of seeing Carol and her zoom lensand her encouragement was shared amongst us before we reached the peak and we trotted down the hill in readiness for Magor Hill. Only having to do it once this year made it seem less of an obstacle more of an annoyance and we were soon heading for Trevenson.

Unfortunately the wind had taken its toll on Glynnis and she opted for a slightly slower solo run from there on. Richard had by now taken off on his own and it was left to Sonny and Cher to keep together.

I must at this stage thank all the fantastic support we were receiving particularly the Drews militia as well as the nee Drew Ceri, Olivia and her Jelly Beans (what happened to Kid Creole and his Coconuts?), Carol who was taking photos and the rest of the Carnies and other club supporters who making the journey much more enjoyable.

The welcome shelter of Broad Lane and a comfort stop at my sons house and we felt good enough to accelerate for a couple of miles. We turned off Illogan Downs wishing the marathoners the best of luck and headed for Tolvaddon. The little hill there seemed to be slowing many and my promise to Wendy that we would pull in many of those who had passed us earlier was fulfilled and after the boredom of Trevenson Moor was relieved by Mrs Woo (Carol) and the Symons entourage it was onto the highway and head for home with only PV terrace to obstruct our progress.

The last mile was covered with rejuvenation and we crossed the line in 3h15m which was yet another sub 10 minute miling 20 miler for Wendy. Richard was already home as was Jane and we awaited Glynnis. She showed she had enough spirit by running solo and coming in 10 minutes later.

It was then we realised just how cold it was and the sunshine had disguised very cool temperatures. I now know why we hadn't bothered with sponges. We were dismayed to meet Kathryn who had travelled to Bideford for the half only to have auto problems en route and missing out. That is a sickener in the middle of training. Mind you if anyone will cope its our Kathryn.

Congratulations to Karen for another Duchy and to Paul, he has a couple of important marathons on the horizon, Mark who was using the 20 for half training, Les who is looking strong for London and I know will do well on the day. Richard is looking smooth and relaxed at the moment and is going to knock em dead in London as well. Well done Jane for running even though you have nothing planned but shows your resourcefulness in treating 20 miles with great contempt. Glynnis is coming on leaps and bounds and with our encouragement will have a great time in Paris. And Wendy, you are so strong at the moment and I know you have the mental toughness now to give Paris and London a more than a good run for their money.

Thanks to Cornwall AC for another good event (and whatever money you bribed the weather gods with was well spent) and to all the marshalls and cadets for their much appreciated assistance and to all the spectators who thought we were special enough to spend some of their weekend cheering and encouraging.