100th Posting!!

Dear All - this is the 100th posting on our web blog, which started in January of this year. It has been an easy job for me to do, simply because of the enthusiasm of club members to participate and share their races and runs. Keep those reports and articles coming, and don't forget that it's really easy to publish pictures. It's also possible to easily search for past reports using the search box at the top of the page, in case you wish to relive past glories!

Cirencester 10K, 24/09/06

Cathy D reports...

A number of Tewkesbury AC travelled to take part in the Cirencester 10K on Sunday 24th September. It was a large field of 600 starters who ran in good conditions. The route was through the grounds of Cirencester Park which was undulating in places.First home for the club was Jason in 25th place. He produced another solid run finishing in a time of 38:53s. He was followed home by Adrian and Stu Buchan who finished in 74th and 75th places. Adrian posted a time of 42:40s with Stuart 42:48s carrying on with his good form after injury.I was next up and first Tewkesbury female in 123rd place after a good run in a time of 45:38s. Carol had a pleasing run and took another FV55 prize (A rather nice fruit bowl) finishing in a time of 47:30s and in 167th place.She also won her age catagory as part of the Glos Road Race series.Completing the team were Lisa and Helena. Lisa was happy with her run and finished in a time of 51:43s and 258th place. Helena also enjoyed her run and completed in just outside 65mins.

Club results:
25th - Jason Draper - 38:53s
74th - Adrian Lavery - 42:40s
75th - Stu Buchan - 42:48s
123rd - Cathy Dudfield - 45:38s
167th - Carol Cowley - 47:24s
258th - Lisa Kane - 51:43s
????? - Helena Turner - 65:00s (Approx time)

All the above times are individual times as the official times were around 5 seconds slower. Stuart's time was missed from the official sheet but he followed Adrian in who was 74th.
Also.......Stourport 10K...Amanda took part in the Stourport 10k. In her words "It was a nice course for a hard training run, but not so nice for a race." She set a time of44:53s which claimed the LV35 prize and 5th lady overall.

Winschoten 50k Holland

Angie Sadler reports on her international debut....

I felt privileged to be asked to be part of the English team as after I qualified at the Boddington 50k, and I can say it was an amazing experience!The team were so much younger than myself -- but a unique friendly bunch of guys!! So good to spend time with the names we hear of so often --- Dominic Croft (came in 2nd -- 3.08.52) Rod Harris etc. My race was strong, slower than Boddingtons, due to being extremely hot. The course was 5 laps and very twisty! My time was 3hr 49mins and I felt good at the finish. (5th lady home, 17th overall out of 50 that had gone there qualified.) The whole trip was long - from Amsterdam it was 280miles on 5 different trains, time to get to know all the team & managers well! I stayed with a great family with Louise Cooper who came in at Boddington just in front of me -- but I came in 5mins in front of her in Holland! (She 's a great girl!). Winschoten has this event every year with the major attraction of about 80 runners in the 100k, they decorate every street with flags from all countries, people sit out all day cheering us on. It was good to have the experience. Now do I go for a 100k in 2008!!

Club Handicap, September 06

Jason D reports..

A big thankyou from me to those who helped and competed in the final handicap and to all those who have done so throughout the whole series. I am sure you will agree that is has been a great success and I hope that the series will become a regular feature on the club calendar.
A fine run from Rob Jordan saw him take the final race ahead of the ever-consistent Brad. However, a third podium position in four races for Charlotte sees her become the inaugural handicap champion, very well done to her. Brad and Nigel share the runners-up spot having the same number of points, having run the same number of races and having the same amount of head to head victories so they cannot be separated.

The results of the final race and the final standings follow:
Position Name Points Rank Elapsed Time
1 ROB J 5 10 36:31
2 BRAD 4 4 31:58
3 CHARLOTTE 3 12 38:49
4 CAROL 2 11 37:00
5 CLIVE S 1 1 29:41
6 CATH 1 8 35:56
7 CLIVE B 1 2 30:02
8 STU B 1 6 34:45
9 PHIL 1 9 36:05
10 JON M 1 3 30:52
11 STEVE W 1 7 35:47
12 NIGEL 1 5 33:00
13 MIKE 1 13 41:42

FINAL STANDINGS (RACES RUN)
Position Name Grand Total
1 CHARLOTTE 13 (4)
2 BRAD 10 (4)
2 NIGEL 10 (4)
4 ANG 9 (4)
5 SANDY 9 (5)
6 ROB J 8 (4)
7 MIKE 8 (5)
8 CAROL 8 (6)
9 ROGER 7 (3)
10 PHIL 7 (3)
11 JON M 6 (5)
12 CATH 6 (6)
13 STEVE W 4 (4)
14 STEVE J 3 (1)
15 STU D 3 (2)
16 BEV 3 (2)
17 BARRY 3 (2)
18 CLIVE B 2 (2)
19 STEVE D 2 (2)
20 OTHERS 1 (1)

White horse 5

Cathy D reports..

9 Tewkesbury AC members took part in the latest Club Championship race onSaturday at the White Horse, Sandhurst. In near perfect conditions there were some excellent results all round with numerous prizes and PB's gained. 1st home for the club was Andy who ran well finishing in 6th place overallin a time of 28:51s. Jason followed in a time of 30:52s taking the prize for10th overall male. Sue continued her build up towards the world 100K championship taking the LV40 prize in a time of 31:10s.Stu D ran his 2nd race in 3 days and set a new PB for the distance by aminute in a time of 32:33s. He was closely followed home by Adrian and StuB. Adrian completed the course in a time of 32:46s with Stu B setting yet aanother PB in 32:53s. Amanda was next home taking the LV35 prize in a time of 34:42s closelyfollowed by myself breaking the 35 minute mark for a new PB in 34:57s. Carolcompleted the contingent finishing in 36:09s and taking yet another LV55title.The ladies team took 2nd place in team event, missing out by 1 point fromBourton. Below are all the results.

6th - Andy 28:51s
13th - Jason 30:52s
16th - Sue 31:10s (1st LV40)
23rd - Stu D 32:33s (PB)
25th - Adrian 32:46s
26th - Stu B 32:53s (PB)
35th - Amanda 34:42s (1st LV35)
37th - Cathy 34:57s (PB)
40th - Carol 36:09s (1st LV55)

2nd Ladies team by 1 point.

Bristol half marathon

Steve W reports

Hi Folks,

Back from Bristol half which was this morning. Started late due to so many people (15,000) and quite warm. Anyway that's the excuses over. My time was 1hr:45m:55s. Bit disappointed with time but main aim was to get round as training not being going that well due to niggle in the glutes region, which is now quite painful. So overall okay. Saw Lisa after the turn at Portway, on the other side of the carriageway, she must have only been about a mile behind me. Official results on the Bristol half website from 9pm tonight.

Cheers and hope to see Wednesday if I can run by then !

Wine Winning Women Win Wine once more!

Jon M reports excitedly on the Haresfield Beacon 10km...

A healthy squad of Tewkesbury AC runners made the easy trip to Haresfield to take part in the annual 10km event hosted by The Angels RC.

This is always popular run for the Tewkesbury based club and even more popular as several runners produced pleasing performances.

First club vest to cross the finish line in a time of 40 minutes dead was Angie Sadler. Sadler, a multi-distance specialist won the V45 category with ease - just what she needed ahead of her international debut in Winschoten. Watch this space for hot news from Holland and the IAU 50k Trophy.

Stuart Buchan followed next and timed his second 10km personal best of the weekend. Just 16 hours before the in-form runner set his new best at 43.15 mins only to slice it down to 42.25 mins over the Beacon course. Next up for the improving performer is the Great South Run.

Buchan's neighbour and next to finish, Barry O'Driscoll timed 43.34 - very pleasing, as the athlete has been nursing a hamstring niggle.

Club captain, Cathy Dudfield led Carol Cowley home. Dudfield showed measured improvement over previous Beacon runs. To compound her fine show, the captain took away wine for finishing second V35 - only missing out on top spot by ONE second! Cowley demonstrated her ability as she claimed 1st prize in the V55.

Super-vet, Mike Ward running in the V70 category timed 50 minutes and was contented with his race after suffering several niggles of late.
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
37thAngie Sadler 00:40:001st LV45
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
56thStuart Buchan 00:42:25PB
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
68thBarry O'Driscoll 00:43:34
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
78thCathy Dudfield 00:45:38
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
90thCarol Cowley 00:47:391st LV55
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
106thMike Ward 00:50:44
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------

Macmillan 10km, Westonbirt

Westonbirt Arboretum was the venue for this popular charity race. 250 runners enjoyed running through this splendid part of the county. Tewkesbury AC's Stuart Buchan enjoyed it more after recording a PB for the distance. A time of just over 43 minutes gave the improving athlete 21st position overall. Equally, if not more, impressive was the performance of Tracy O'Driscoll. Having only recently taken up running, the lure of a picturesque 10,000m at Westonbirt Arboretum seemed an ideal arena to dip her toe in athletics. Completion of the 10k event was a significant achievement, as a genuine novice, the new talent doubled the distance she'd ever ran before, to the delight of her husband, fellow runner Barry.

21st Stuart Buchan 43.15
237th Tracy O'Driscoll 1:20.52

POLICE SPORT UK 10

Stuart D reports....

On Thursday 14th September I travelled down to Romsey in Hampshire with 3 colleagues to represent Gloucestershire Police in the Police Sport UK 10 Mile Road Race. We travelled down in torrential rain but fortunately arrived to better weather. A large field of over 400 entries from forces all over the country took the start of a 2 lap course run in the grounds of a stately home. I decided after recent races (which resulted in poor results!!) to start a little slower but still managed a sub 7 minute first mile. After a first lap of 35:50s i managed to pick up the pace and ran comfortably for the final lap. A final mile of 6:25s saw me complete in a time of 70:20s and a placing of 122nd. Although just outside my PB it was by far one of my best runs this year.

That said......I have stiil got a bit more training to do to catch the winner who did a time of 52:03s!!! A pint of local bitter (no I wasn't driving!!) and a pork roll wrapped up the proceedings very nicely.

KoTR update

Jon reports the following standings in the Club Champs update after 13 events. There are 2 races (plus a marathon) remaining.
|--------+--------+----------|
| 149 |Jon |Mansfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 138 |Jason |Draper |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 118 |Roger |Bennett |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 108 |Angie |Sadler |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 102 |Andy |Hawkins |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 95 |Stuart |Dudfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 83 |Cathy |Dudfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 82 |Nigel |Tillott |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 72 |Steve |Wiggall |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 64 |Carol |Cowley |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 56 |Phillip |Howells |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 46 |Barry |O'Driscoll|
|--------+--------+----------|
| 38 |Sandie |Harwood |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 35 |Sue |Bruce |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 31 |Lisa |Kane |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 29 |Jon |Rawlings |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 26 |Clive |Sentence |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 25 |Stuart |Buchan |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 22 |Mike |Ward |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 21 |Bev |Thomas |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 19 |Simon |Hall |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 18 |Mike |Primett |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 15 |Mick |Morris |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 14 |Wes |Reid |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 13 |Rob |Knight |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 12 |Rob |Jordan |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 10 |Clive |Baker |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 10 |Neville |Simpson |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 9 |Martyn |Cox |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 7 |Anne |Robinson |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 6 |Amanda |Martin |
|--------+--------+----------|

Cheltenham Tri, 03/09/06

Jon Mansfield successfully defended his triathlon crown in Cheltenham, in a field of nearly 300. In doing so, he won the competition for an unprecedented third time after victories in 2004 and 2005. Competition was relatively challenging after Mansfield completed the swim discipline only find himself outside the top 30 positions. The 10 miles of cycling from Cheltenham Lido, through Presbury before circling Bishops Cleeve, seemed to suit Mansfield as he tore through the leaders and lead local Ironman competitor, Andy East, back to Sandford Park. The 3km run through the town was a rapid affair for all - with the winner breaking the finishing
tape with a 2 minute cushion.

Oldbury 10 mile race, 03/09/06

Jon M reports...

Tewkesbury AC's 13th Club Championship race was unlucky for some as a plethora of below par performances threatened to wipe the shine off Tewkesbury taking the Ladies first team price. Included in the winning team were two of Great Britain's Ultra distance stars. Sue Bruce coasted in just30 seconds ahead of her newly selected National team mate Angie Sadler. The super smooth running pair came in 54th and 59th overall respectively and claimed category wins. Bruce, despite a stomach upset, collect the V40 prize. Sadler, who had a more pleasing experience, collect 1st V45. Thirdlady to complete the team was Cathy Dudfield. Dudfield, the club captain,ran well for the first few miles only to find the final 30 minutes demanding. All three ladies shared a substantial cash prize. With a record entry field, of which only 407 completed the course, Andy Hawkins finished inside the top ten. Hawkins is currently the club's top runner and in great form however, after failing to break the hour mark, he was baffled why he ran poorly. Jon Mansfield and Jason Draper finished
inside the top 50, with Mansfield recording 7 minutes and Draper 4 minutes slower than their best times from last years race. The wind was strong through parts of the South Gloucestershire course. Stuart Buchan coped well to record a pleasing time. Stuart Dudfield was feeling below par and ran off his best. Close behind Dudfield finishing was Phillip Howells who, claimed a top ten spot in the V55 category. Barry
O'Driscoll was hit with muscular discomfort and needed to reduce pace. While V55 talent Carol Cowley came second in category. The Bredon athlete also suffering an off day.

9th Andrew Hawkins 1:00:28
38th Jon Mansfield 1:04:52
40th Jason Draper 1:05:10
54th Susan Bruce 1:07:07
59th Angie Sadler 1:07:40
100th Stuart Buchan 1:11:49
121st Stuart Dudfield 1:14:13
130th Phil Howells 1:15:04
187th Cathy Dudfield 1:19:54
188th Bas O'Driscoll 1:19:58
222nd Carol Cowley 1:22:28

Brad's offroad recommendations

Tewkesbury's offroad specialist Bradley Crouch gives his opinions on some future event....

"Well after race the train... a couple more might be interested in some off road events:

First there is the Grizzly (info taken from here)

The Grizzly is an 18-mile multi-terrain race organised by Axe Runners based in Devon . It's by no means the toughest race around, but as the organisers suggest, the Grizzly is “twentyish muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy miles of the multiest-terrain edge-of-sanity running experience you will find this side of the end of time.”Trying to enter Grizzley, entry forms are out on the 10 September and race fills within two weeks.

I believe there will be camping with the AA (Almost Atheletes) for those would like to camp. I have talked to several people about this run and they all give glowing reports (and yes it is very hard, but such is life). I believe entry forms will be available from here. This race will stand you in good stead for Man versus Horse (24 miles of hills).

Secondly The Worcestershire Beacon Race which is run from Malvern, this is only a 7 miles course and all you who did the Breadon training run should easily be able to complete the course. Course is roughly 3 miles up zig zagging up hill, 1 mile flat and 3 miles down hill (roughly in that order). Entry forms are out now, I have one floating about which can be photocopied otherwise you will need to get in contact with John Brooks (can't find online entry form):

John Brook,
Brookhire
Spring Lane South
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1AT


Ph: 01684 572314



There are several other race of notable mentioning:
Suicide Six (19th November). Note no entry on day as it gets sold out several weeks before. This is a nice muddy coarse with a stream crossing in freezing water. Very enjoyable. More details here. Entry forms are online on RunnersWorld web site.

Muddy Woody (Feb 19th), name says it all apart for distance which is 6 miles.. This is also enjoyable, but collides with Dursley Dozen.

Dursley Dozen (Feb 19th), another 6 miles on the Muddy Woody, not as muddy. Quite enjoyable, but you get a nice T-shirt on the Muddy Woody.

Stourbridge Stagger (Early Feb), another muddy course.

Stourbridge Stumble (June), not so muddy but a couple of hills to keep you interested.

Halesowen Hillock 10 (June), nice off road course.. If memory serves me correctly it is a hilly 10 miles

Guy Fawkes 5, November 2006

Entry forms and details of our very popular 5 mile race in November are now available. Download them from here!

Course records are:
Senior Male 24:12 holder unknown, pre-1994
Senior Lady 28:47 Shona Crombie-Hicks (Bourton Road Runners), 2004