John M reports...
Runners from Tewkesbury AC had huge success in the annual Linda Franks 4.4 mile race in Cheltenham.
In what can be described as the club’s most prolific day, it was Evesham based Simon Hall who ran the fastest over the two lap course ending at the Reddings village hall. Hall the 2006 victor had a 200 yard lead at the halfway point that meant he was able to cruise the final stages to fully enjoy the winning feeling.
The runner-up was Andy Hawkins, who like Hall duplicated his 2006 efforts. Hawkins is more a longer distance runner and was pushed all the way by another team mate, Clive Baker who completed the Tewkesbury podium clean sweep.
In the ladies field, Angie Sadler defended her title from last year too taking her second race win of the year so far. She came in an excellent 9th position overall.
Luke Anthony and Stuart Buchan made it a total of six Tewkesbury runners in the top ten by finishing 4th and 10th respectively.
Further down the field there were fine performances from 16th placed Barry O’Driscoll and Rob Jordan in 38th. Club captain Cathy Dudfield picked up a niggle mid-race though still finished as the 5th placed lady.
Up and coming Charlotte Mowbray ran very well finishing in 36th place/8th female. Beverly Thomas completed the Tewkesbury contingent in 66th place from over 100 starters.
Steve Wiggall, who’s on the injury comeback trail didn’t want to miss the event so eased around the one lap 2.2 route to finished 50th.
Results (no official times available)
4
.4m Linda Franks Run.
1st Simon Hall
2nd Andy Hawkins
3rd Clive Baker
4th Luke Anthony
9th Angie Sadler
10th Stuart Buchan
16th Barry O’Driscoll
28th Rob Jordan
31st Cathy Dudfield
36th Charlotte Mowbray
66th Bev Thomas
2.2 mile fun run.
50th Steve Wiggall