The Forest of Dean was treated to a festival of running when Chepstow Harriers staged their annual multi-terrain race. Eleven senior athletes from Tewkesbury AC lined the start for the well organized charity event and, as in previous years, the club made a significant impact. The course, set at Mallards Pike, covers 5 miles around the forest trials before a spectacular loop around the lake.
The first twenty runners to loop the lake included six from Tewkesbury with Clive Baker making the podium while Jon Mansfield, Rob Knight and Luke Anthony all made the top ten. Nigel Tillott ran well to hold off Stuart Dudfield who, is enjoying a plethora of personal best performances. Hotly pursuing Dudfield came Stuart Buchan in 23rd spot. Dan Webb finished looking fresh. Steve Wiggall used the race as part of his rehab after slowly recovering from an injury set-back. A rare error from Carol Cowley almost proved costly. In the heat of the race, the Bredon athlete turned left as her close rivals turned right. Quick to respond, she corrected her footing and restored an eight second gap over her pursuers. Cowley triumphed in the ladies veteran 50 category. Enjoying her first event for the club, Nikki Webb glided over the undulating course and showed clear potential. Watch this space! As the seniors ran off into the forest, the popular children's half mile race started. Repeating Master Bruce's runners-up spot in 2006 was Master Tillott who finished a clear second showing his proud father how it's done! With fine hospitality on offer from the host club, support and Flapjacks from the club captain, the club had a night to remember. Roll-on next year.
3rd Clive Baker 28.28
7th Jon Mansfield 29.28
9th Rob Knight 29.45
10th Luke Anthony 29.56
14th Nigel Tillott 31.55
20th Stuart Dudfield 32.42
23rd Stuart Buchan 33.07
29th Danny Webb 33.37
44th Steve Wiggall 36.23
51st Carol Cowley 37.08
82nd Nikki Webb 44.24