The finale of the three race series staged at Mallard's Pike took place on Sunday 18th February.
Five runners from Tewkesbury AC raced in the longest run of the morning over a 15.4km (9.5 mile) distance. A course entirely on the forest trails which were wet and stoney with the occasional muddy puddle.
Clive Baker became the first ever Tewkesbury athlete to break the hour mark. Marathon specialist Baker set off from the start at a relaxed paced near the front of the field. After the first lap, he increased his effort and started to wind in runners ahead, including team mate Jon Mansfield at the 6km point. Baker gave his all during the final stages to ensure a 4th place finish.
Jon Mansfield followed in at 7th place, while Barry O'Driscoll followed in at 21st. O'Driscoll enjoyed his best run of the series and this went some way towards lifting his spirit after being snapped by a speed camera en route (driving that is).
Club Captain Cathy Dudfield had a lot riding on her morning's performance. Dudfield had a chance to scoop into the race series prize fund. However, there was competition with Bredon triathlete, Rachel Hobbs also starting the 15.4km race. This made Dudfield's chances extremely slim as historically, Hobbs has always ran faster. Dudfield's race plan was to run with husband Stuart and although the pair were running well, rival Hobbs had stretched out a long lead during the early stages. The second half of the race told a different story as the Dudfield's pushed on and soon made up the gap with the fast starting triathlete. The final 200 meters was spectacular as the crowded finishing area excitingly watched the three runners tussle for places. On the finish line, it was the Club Captain who had the speed to drop both Husband and Hobbs and record a stunning personal best time for the event.
The award ceremony saw Cathy Dudfield win £50 and more event silverware for third lady overall in the three race series . Jon Mansfield missed out by seconds for third placed series male. And Simon Peach, one of our Guy Fawkes 5m race sponsors, won the 10.4km race on the day.
15.4km
4th Clive Baker 58.26 mins
7th Jon Mansfield 1hr 00.47 mins
21st Baz O'Driscoll 1.07.33
28th Cathy Dudfield 1.08.05
29th Stuart Dudfield 1.08.08
180 ran