Offa'a Orror, 29/04/07

Phillip Howells reports on the 'Offa's 'Orror', a 20km off-road event along part of Offa's Dyke in the lovely Wye Valley starting and finishing by the ancient ruin of Tintern Abbey.

Three club members took part: Angie Sadler recorded 1.39.29 for 41st place, 5th lady and first lady vet O45, Mich Laws was 79th in 1.47.34 and Phillip Howells 105th in 1.51.14, from a field of about 250.

It was the first time running of this great event for the 3 of us (although a target for some time!), but all would recommend it to anyone liking to run in beautiful scenery with the odd hill thrown in! It is actually something of a fell-type race with several very steep ascents and descents, which were tricky enough to get down safely in the beautiful sunny and dry conditions, but obviously an interesting challenge when wet (studs are normally de rigeur!).

Hard to imagine why King Offa decided that a dyke made sense along some of this terrain (and indeed, history is also unsure of its purpose?), but it provides an ideal opportunity for both a clever play on words and some excellent 'toughening-up' running (maybe the famous king had a Nostradamus type premonition that it would eventually be properly appreciated by us 21st century adventurers?). The run-in is along the river, but at some 4 miles was a deceptively hard sting-in-the-tail that caught a few unawares and left all us runners grateful to at long last see the ruins re-appearing around yet another river bend. A free drink and handsome goody bag were adequate rewards for a tough, but extremely satisfying and enjoyable event.

Tresco Marathon, 22/04/07

Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells and competed for Tewkesbury AC (along with two other ultra-running friends). Here's Phil's report:

We didn't have the heat of London, but the course is a really tough one with four climbs on each of the 7.5 laps, so 30 climbs in all. This is perfect terrain for Angie of course and she not only finished an impressive 2nd overall and first lady, but she also set a new ladies course record of 3-14-53, behind only a now 3 times winner at Tresco, Bob Brown, who is famous for winning the Race Across America last year and has other extreme long distance runs to his credit. He recorded 3-02-58. As you can imagine, Angie was treated as very much the star during the presentations, with lots of glassware to bring back in her baggage (the large trophy, once engraved with her name for posterity, has, rather thankfully, to stay behind on display in the HQ Island Hotel on Tresco).

Phillip Howells finished in a reasonably respectable 3-35-56, a few minutes slower than last year, but still 11th overall and 3rd vet over 50, 2 days after his 60th.

The event is the total antidote to London, with a maximum of 125 competitors, totally traffic free concrete paths and stunning views across the Scilly isles each lap. Tresco is one of the 5 inhabited islands in the Scillies and most runners get transported by boat from the main island of St Mary's on the morning of the event. Since the tides were very high this year we had to be landed directly onto a sandy beach from the prow of the boat - as if we were invading Romans or Vikings! Quite an experience in itself! There can't be many marathons starting in such dramatic fashion?

You feel as if being treated like royalty, such is the enthusiasm for inhabitants and visitors for the event. Each finisher gets presented individually with their medal by at least one or two celebrity guests, and since the race was instigated by the Head Chef on the island's 5-star Island Hotel, whose daughter has Cystic Fibrosis and for which charity cause each runner has to raise at least £300 to compete, the post-race banquet is an amazing feast; a truly sumptious spread. Every runner also gets a shower and free massage within rooms in the hotel immediately after the finish. Highly recommended to anyone who would like something a bit different, including a very pleasant weekend in the lovely islands.

FLM, 22/04/07

You can read about our captain's exploits here, but read her own report first!

The 2007 Flora London Marathon turned out to be memorable for all Tewkesbury AC runners, some more than others!! 5 members took to the start in the warmest FLM on record, all feeling the effects of the conditions. Amanda started from the Elite line and experienced the 'preferential treatments', having brass handles on toilet doors and carpets to walk on!! She started off well and on target for a 3:15hr finish but unfortunately due to the heat and her feeling unwell had to pull out around half way. This was unfortunate as she has been running well of late. London vet Barry led the Tewkesbury contingent home in a strong time of 3:30:43s. He had intially set a target time of 3:15s but again due to the conditions had to reassess this but still finished satisfied with his performance. Next up was Stuart B who completed his first FLM after last year's disapointment. Despite some injury worries on the run up to the race he produced a fine consistent run to complete in a time of 3:37:00s. Tewkesbury AC newcomer Dan was third home for the club in a time of 4:00:37s. He also suffered with the conditions but battled on, just missing the 4 hour mark but well inside his first effort a few years ago. Completing the team was myself who finished in a time of 4:11:19s and with a broken foot!! No doubt you have all read the local press so i won't bore you with the detail. All i will say is that 'I WILL BE BACK.....SO WATCH THIS SPACE!!!'

Easter 10km - 7th April 2007

Jon M reports from this KoTR event...........

Severn AC's popular 10km race was well supported by Tewkesbury AC runners this Easter. The short trip to Sandhurst was even more worthwhile for Tewkesbury prize winners Angie Sadler, Carol Cowley and Mike Ward.

On what proved to be an historic day for the event in which, new course records were set and perhaps, more significantly, the host team being rarely eclipsed as the best on the day.

The race set-off in beautiful spring sunshine and the Tewkesbury athletes were soon tactically covering the two-lap country lane course with several neck and neck tussles.

London Marathon bound Stuart Buchan aimed to break to the 40 minute mark finishing time. He raced closely with the club's leading lady, Angie Sadler. Sadler went on to finish in 40.01 mins and place 4th place overall female behind Wendy Jones's new course record. Buchan couldn't hold his team mate but, did run a personal best time.

Danny Webb, another London bound runner fought hard to overhaul club treasurer Roger Bennett. Bennett was wise to it and out stepped Webb on the line.

Jon's Rawlings and Mansfield found themselves isolated up against former TAC star Andy Hawkins. The new Severn AC team runner ran hard throughout and the two TAC runners, who, had both just returned from Spanish cycling training camps suffered after 5km. Rawlings dropped off at 6km while Mansfield hung-on to surge ahead of Hawkins over the final 400m.

Noticeably the performer of the day was Neville Simpson. The V50 runner is finding his form again recording a two minute improvement on last month's Bourton 10km race. Outstanding Simpson was able to out-run Carol Cowley on this occasion as the LV55 winner ran with a back niggle. However, Cowley still recorded her second category win of the week.

Rob Jordan, who's become a regular at the White Horse finished just outside 45 mins. He was pushed all the way by ultra runner, Phillip Howells.

All making rare race appearances, Mick Morris, Mike Primett and Web-master Clive Sentance had pleasing runs. With only limited training beforehand, Sentance crossed the finish line unruffled as did Mike Primett. Morris, the Gloucestershire AA sectary found time to fit the run in and was pleased with his fitness after a long injury come-back period.

18th Jon Mansfield 36.20
23rd Jon Rawlings 36.59
37th Clive Sentance 38.34
45th Angie Sadler 40.01
48th Stuart Buchan 40.28
52nd Roger Bennett 41.06
53rd Danny Webb 41.07
60th Mike Primett 41.46
75th Rob Jordan 45.10
76th Phil Howells 45.18
77th Neville Simpson 46.11
78th Carol Cowley 46.12
98th Mike Ward 50.03
114th Mick Morris 52.43

Peopleton Scenic Six

Wes Reid enjoyed his 1st race of the year and travelled to Peopleton near Pershore to take part in the Scenic 6. The race takes place on country lanes, accross streams and through fields with plenty of sheep on view. He completed the course in a pleasing time of 1hr 4mins.

Crawley 6 hour track race

Let me tell you, you've not lived if you have never run a long distancetrack event! Persuaded to support a fellow long distance runner putting on a12hr and 6hr track race for charity at her local K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley, West Sussex, Tewkesbury runners Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells opted for the shorter(!) option and duly set off at 6am on Saturday 31st March for this new experience in ultra-marathons as part of their preparation for the 56 miles Comrades Marathon in S Africa in June. By the time of the start at 10am (there was a huge 20 runner entry) the 12hr runners (another 25 starters) were already 3hrs into their run, so early signs of fatigue were already evident in several competitors - reminding us of the joy of what was to come!

Running a timed event for distance on a track, rather than the more usual distance event for time, is quite a different experience. It is actually quite complex since you need a recorder for each lap for each runner; so the 'crowd' of spectators was more than half made up of some 20 recorders who sat opposite the start/finish line alongside the track, huddled against a cold and biting wind despite it being a sunny day. You have to make sure you and the recorder are known to each other and then ensure you acknowledge each and every lap done so your correct distance is recorded - made really challenging as runners lap others, as well as for most of us, getting multiple-lapped by the leaders.

It was very windy day, so we had the additional pleasure of a head-wind each half lap, ie. every minute or so for those of us averaging around 2 minutes or so for each 400m lap. In contrast to the recorders, who remained well wrapped-up all day, the faster runners soon had to remove the over-clothing we started in as we became very warm with the effort. In case you think it is boring to run around a track dozens of times, the organiser was at great pains to point out that we changed direction at halfway, so you can imagine the excitement and anticipation rising as the 3 hour mark (6 for the 12 hour-ers) approached and then arrived, with a few minutes of confusion as runners were suddenly 'racing' in two directions, with the competitors coming back at those yet to turn not sure whether they should run inside or outside the runners they were now facing!

However, traditional order (running single file along the first white line on the outside of the first lane to allow you or others faster to pass on the inside) was soon restored and concentration on the job in hand restored. At least the headwind was now on the opposite straight for a change! In fact, these events are quite good fun. There is a great sense of camaraderie and most people know each other, so it is something of a big social occasion with lots of banter and encouragement to keep you going - and you are all in similar pain after a few hours, no matter how fast you are running!

Both Tewkesbury runners had strong finishes, a testament to good current fitness, with Angie recording a very impressive 3rd overall (and of course first lady) with 43mls 1,575yds (some 175 laps) and Phillip recording 37mls 297yds (about 149 laps) for 10th place in what was his 50th marathon/ultra-marathon distance race.

Apart from heavy legs (running on a completely flat and 'giving' track surface is much more demanding than on road and actually means you usually run slower over longer distances) and shoes covered in red dust from the track surface, both runners were more than satisfied with the experience - anyone want to join us for the 12hr next year??

Chedworth Roman Trail - 1st April 2007.

This year's event took place in relatively better conditions from previous years. Most of the mud had dried and the stream crossing was just knee deep. The wind, on the other hand, was as wild as always. Tewkesbury AC were in the prizes with V55 runner Carol Cowley winning her category (and she bettered the V50's best runner). The Bredon based athlete ran a splendid race finishing just 52 seconds ahead of her nearest rival in 1hr 24 mins. First home for the club was Jon Mansfield in 1.06 hr. Rob Knight came injust 3 minutes later with Stuart Buchan completing the 10.5 mile off-road course in 1.15hr. This was an especially pleasing performance for Buchan who will be racing the London Marathon in just three weeks time.

15th Jon Mansfield - 1.06
27th Rob Knight - 1.09
61st Stuart Buchan - 1.15
154th Carol Cowley - 1.24

307 finishers.

KoTR update, 01/04/07

This coming Saturday afternoon sees the 6th club points event. The Severn AC Easter 10km run starts at 3pm (1500hrs). Race headquarters is at the White Horse Inn (formerly The Globe) in Sandhurst. Entry is exclusively on the day with a relatively small fee. The 10k course is renowned to be 'quick' and a popular Pb race.

Today's Chedworth Roman Trail race was the 5th event of the year. With the TAC results fed into the computer, Clive Baker and Angie Sadler have set the pace over the first third of the races.

Clive B - 36 points
Luke - 32
Stuart B - 32
Jon M - 32
Barry - 21
Angie - 18
Jon R - 16
Stuart D - 15
Carol - 14
Simon - 13
Andy - 12
Neville - 11
Rob J - 11
Rob K - 11
Amanda - 10
Cathy - 10
Nigel - 10
Danny - 7
Roger - 7
Mike - 5
Charlotte - 4
Helena - 4
Bev - 3
Peter - 3
Phillip - 3