Jon Mansfield reports...
Cooler, overcast conditions greeted Tewkesbury AC athletes on their annual return to the Forest of Dean. Thirteen runners started the event over the official Adidas trial, covering just under 5 miles over a stony, thankfully dry, surface. The event was part of the TAC Club Championship and points were on offer to club runners who completed the course. With just two runners finishing in the top ten this year, Jon Mansfield and Jason Draper who came in 3rd and 10th respectively, the main excitement was further down the field. Roger Bennett was pleased to finish quicker than in 2005 while gifted distance runner, Angie Sadler had to settle for 2nd place lady - local GB international athlete Caroline Jones took top spot. Much improved runner Nigel Tillot again impressed recording 32 minutes for such a demanding course. Most competitive runners of the evening were Barry O'Driscoll and Stuart Dudfield who had a race long battle. Both runners pushed each other to record great times and in doing so set themselves Pb's. O'Driscoll came in 10 yards clear on this occasion. A great, great time was clocked by club captain Cathy Dudfield. She was able to reduce her
course best time by 3 minutes - in just 12 months! A sub 35 minute 5 mile run could be making an appearance later this year from the captain. Finishing in an improving time and, looking very comfortable while doing so was Steve Wiggall. Bredon's Carol Cowley recorded 36.46 minutes while veteran 70yr Mike Ward came in just ahead of Lisa Kane. Kane launched into an impressive burst of speed over the last 30 yards which set several Mallards flying. Finally, it was new club member and former local Rugby
talent Wes Reid who completed the team. Reid is rapidly becoming a runner so, watch this space.
While the adults were running through the trees, a children's race took place, Sue Bruce's son entered and produced a promising performance - by winning the top boys title. Well done Dougie Bruce.
This weekend was the Hilly Half at Bourton-on-the-Water. With a starting field of 245 runners, just two from Tewkesbury AC toed the line. Although conditions were hot, Olympian Dan Robinson still broke his course record in sub 67 minutes! Tewkesbury AC's Sandie Harwood added another half marathon race to her total for the year. Harwood's unlikely to experience such a demanding course for at least 12 months. Sections of the scenic route reduced several runners to walkers, particular those who shot off up the first climb too quickly. Harwood ran with discipline to break the 2 hour mark and come inside the top 180. Jon Mansfield joined a select few who have run all three Hilly Half's. With the race starting at 6pm, Mansfield had time to race the Dambuster Triathlon in Leicestershire in the morning. The Dambuster was a qualifying event for the forthcoming Triathlon world championships in Switzerland. It started at 7am and so did the rain. The race went badly for the shorter distance triathlete as shin splins affected the whole 10km run and was forced to run on tip toes. A finishing time of 2.18hrs and a placing of 128th from 550 meant that a flight to Switzerland was not needed. Nevertheless, after a cold bath and a hot massage the shin splints had cleared enough to get around the Hilly course later.
Mallard's Pike Trial Race Result 21/06/06
29.00 Jon Mansfield
30.41 Jason Draper
31.26 Roger Bennett
31.53 Angie Sadler
32.12 Nigel Tillot
33.31 Bas O'Driscol
33.33 Stuart Dudfield
34.31 Steve Wiggall
35.19 Cathy Dudfield
36.46 Carol Cowley
39.00 Michael Ward
40.14 Lisa Kane
45.20 Wesley Reid
Childrens Event
Dougie Bruce 1st placed boy & 2nd overall.
The Dambuster Triathlon (1500m/42km/10km)
24/06/06
2.18 Jon Mansfield
Bourton Hilly Half Marathon.
24/06/06
1.37.24 Jon Mansfield
1.59.49 Sandie Harwood