GIAAC Cliff Path Races
L'Ancresse - Bulwer Avenue
Sunday 23rd September 2001

In form woman athlete Sara Queripel produced a superb run in the GIAAC's 15 Mile cliff path race to finish third overall.

In the traditional event held along the full length of cliff path between South Esplanade and Pleinmont Nick Despres saw off course record holder Paul Ingrouille to win in 1 Hr 49 minutes 30 seconds.

Queripel's superb performance is the first time a woman has ever claimed a 'podium' position in any of the club¹s major trophy events. The bubbly postwoman has made a dramatic rise to top-level competition after only beginning serious training in the last three months.

Despres who modestly claimed it as the 'battle of the least unfit' crossed the line over seven minutes clear of Ingrouille but the race was much closer than the massive victory margin would suggest.

Lee Merrien and Marcel le Clerc shared the pace with Despres and Ingrouille for the opening three miles before Despres, noted for his strong hill running, stretched the pace on the climb to Jerbourg point taking Merrien with him.

After trailing for two miles Ingrouille caught the leading pair and led through the half way point, at Petit Bot, with Despres on his shoulder. Merrien had suggested he would only run the opening half but a twisted ankle at Icart bought his run to a premature end.

After being content in following the pace Despres became more prominent and was clearly stronger on the climbs and finally broke clear just before Les Tielles with less than 4 miles remaining. Ingrouille, who in his own words 'went to pieces' could not match Despres forceful running and struggled to maintain a running action over the final stages.

After a early tussle with Steve Wilkes Queripel passed though halfway in 5th place but moved up to third with Le Clerc and Mark Anthony dropping out at this point . She was never troubled over the second half and gradually pulled clear of Wilkes to finish a nearly six minutes ahead in third.