Severn AC's monthly 5km event drew another high class field. With a plethora of students on the start line, Tewkesbury's best runners had to work hard to stay within the top 30 as the leading 20 runners ran through the first mile marker in under five minutes. Included in Tewkesbury AC's team of five was Luke Anthony, the Gloucester RFC physio ran confidently throughout and was rewarded by breaking the 17 minute mark. Anthony paced himself in a colourful group containing Welsh international Cath Dugdale who, took the ladies victory. Following his team mate, came Jon Mansfield just 7 seconds behind.
Amanda Martin crossed the finish with an 8 second advantage over Rob Jordan. Martin ran a 'seasons best' to finish 8th female and collected a well earned prize for a top performance in her new veteran category. Phillip Howells had a fine run to record 4th place in a competitive V60 race. Howells is setting himself up for this weekend in which he will run both the Boddington 50km AND Bourton Mile challenge!!
28th Luke Anthony 16.59
31st Jon Mansfield 17.06
75th Amanda Martin 21.09
76th Rob Jordan 21.17
98th Phillip Howells 22.45
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
AeroSpace 5 5th July 2007
The Tewkesbury AC runners took on their most local event over in Bishops Cleeve. The AeroSpace 5 mile takes in an undulating course through the villages Southam and Woodmancote. However, due to the recent downpours the traditional starting line was water-logged and therefore avoided. This meant the racing distance was reduced to 4.6 miles. Good news for some as the start used to be over rough grass. Ten runners set off for the club and two finished with category titles. Angie Sadler made the return to shorter distance racing after taming the huge Comrades ultra-marathon. Sadler's two closest rivals had both hoped the recent 54 mile energy sapping challenge would have left her beatable, especially over a shorter distance event. Sadler left them both disappointed as she had plenty of speed to take the veteran ladies title with comfort. Carol Cowley won the 50+ title after a recent succession of nearly wins. Even more satisfying on such a chilly, wet evening .
First to finish for Tewkesbury was Luke Anthony. He ran well to place 15th just ahead of Jon Mansfield. It could have been a different story had it not been for the leading bunch of seven runners realising that they had gone 'off course' and having to double-back on themselves. Most bizarre as four of them were from the organizing club Cheltenham Harriers!
Nigel Tillott came in at 41st in his final preparation race before Monday's Frampton 10km. Stuart Buchan came in just ahead of the two veteran ladies winners and Phillip Howells was followed home by Mike Ward and Mick Morris. Anne Robinson completed to ladies team with a reassuringly smooth performance. Robinson later became more popular as she treated club mates with some homemade chocolate cakes.
15th Luke Anthony 25.55 minutes.
17th Jon Mansfield 26.08
41st Nigel Tillott 28.25
52nd Stuart Buchan 29.34
54th Angie Sadler 29.50 (1st LV)
75th Carol Cowley 32.09 (1st L50)
95th Phil Howells 34.13
116th Mike Ward 36.03 (2nd V70)
119th Mick Morris 36.22
131st Anne Robinson 38.43
First to finish for Tewkesbury was Luke Anthony. He ran well to place 15th just ahead of Jon Mansfield. It could have been a different story had it not been for the leading bunch of seven runners realising that they had gone 'off course' and having to double-back on themselves. Most bizarre as four of them were from the organizing club Cheltenham Harriers!
Nigel Tillott came in at 41st in his final preparation race before Monday's Frampton 10km. Stuart Buchan came in just ahead of the two veteran ladies winners and Phillip Howells was followed home by Mike Ward and Mick Morris. Anne Robinson completed to ladies team with a reassuringly smooth performance. Robinson later became more popular as she treated club mates with some homemade chocolate cakes.
15th Luke Anthony 25.55 minutes.
17th Jon Mansfield 26.08
41st Nigel Tillott 28.25
52nd Stuart Buchan 29.34
54th Angie Sadler 29.50 (1st LV)
75th Carol Cowley 32.09 (1st L50)
95th Phil Howells 34.13
116th Mike Ward 36.03 (2nd V70)
119th Mick Morris 36.22
131st Anne Robinson 38.43
South West Duathlon Champs
Castle Combe - 4th July 2007
Jon Mansfield won gold in his new veteran category at the 2007 South West Duathlon Championships. Staged at the Castle Combe racing track in Wiltshire, the challenge was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run, 10 mile bike and a final 2 mile run. Mansfield timed 1hr 26 minutes to bring the title back to Gloucestershire for Tewkesbury AC, finishing in tenth position overall in a field littered with relay teams plus a few podium finishers from this years world championships.
Jon Mansfield won gold in his new veteran category at the 2007 South West Duathlon Championships. Staged at the Castle Combe racing track in Wiltshire, the challenge was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run, 10 mile bike and a final 2 mile run. Mansfield timed 1hr 26 minutes to bring the title back to Gloucestershire for Tewkesbury AC, finishing in tenth position overall in a field littered with relay teams plus a few podium finishers from this years world championships.
Mallards Pike 5 - 20th June 2007
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
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
Monday, July 02, 2007
Bourton Hilly Half
Wet weather greeted entrants in the 4th annual "Hilly" in and around
Bourton-on-the-water. The Saturday evening Half Marathon attracted a record attendance. With the race being part of the Gloucestershire Road Race series, Tewkesbury AC's Mike Ward and Phil Howells were aiming to collect points to add to their respective season totals.
Ward raced the course for the first time and true to recent form, he excelled again to finish in 1hr 54 minutes. Pleasingly inside his target time and hot on the heels of his main V70 rival. So, second in his category and 185th overall.
Like Ward, Howells was a course virgin. The demanding climbs and descents were of little concern to the V60 man who, only recently returned from racing the ultra distance Comrades Marathon in South Africa. His legs had partly recovered and were able to place him 107th. Howells enjoyed his relatively brief 1hr 41 minute run which placed him 4th in his category. Jon Mansfield was experiencing the "Hilly" for the fourth time. Knowing exactly what to expect, Mansfield still found it tough and especially so after 10 miles. Fortunately for all, the final two miles are pleasantly flat and he was able to hold on to his 12th position and clock 1hr 23 mins.
Bourton-on-the-water. The Saturday evening Half Marathon attracted a record attendance. With the race being part of the Gloucestershire Road Race series, Tewkesbury AC's Mike Ward and Phil Howells were aiming to collect points to add to their respective season totals.
Ward raced the course for the first time and true to recent form, he excelled again to finish in 1hr 54 minutes. Pleasingly inside his target time and hot on the heels of his main V70 rival. So, second in his category and 185th overall.
Like Ward, Howells was a course virgin. The demanding climbs and descents were of little concern to the V60 man who, only recently returned from racing the ultra distance Comrades Marathon in South Africa. His legs had partly recovered and were able to place him 107th. Howells enjoyed his relatively brief 1hr 41 minute run which placed him 4th in his category. Jon Mansfield was experiencing the "Hilly" for the fourth time. Knowing exactly what to expect, Mansfield still found it tough and especially so after 10 miles. Fortunately for all, the final two miles are pleasantly flat and he was able to hold on to his 12th position and clock 1hr 23 mins.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Comrades Marathon, 17th June
An unprecedented three members of Tewkesbury AC flew off to South Africa to compete in the famous Comrades Marathon which was held on 17th June. The 89km/56 mile race is a legend in its home country and attracts over 10,000 runners each year for a route that is never flat and takes in five major hills as well as lots of 'rolling' ones between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Durban is on the coast and Piertermaritszburg is at an altitude of about 2,500 feet, with the highest point on the course at around 3,000 feet. Because the route changes direction each year, they are known as either 'down' runs or 'up' runs.
2007 was a 'down', and tackling the race for the first time were club members Angie Sadler and Michelle Laws, while going for his fourth start (with 2 ups and 1 down completed beforehand) was 60 year old 'veteran', Phillip Howells. Although Michelle's travel arrangements proceeded to plan, the journey for Angie and Phillip was a nightmare, with three changes of flight schedules needed before they arrived a day late and exhausted with just 2 hours to spare before registration closed.
Despite the stress and weariness of the journey, Angie delivered an outstanding run of pure class to record a remarkable 7hrs 42mins 51secs, to finish 714 overall (from 10,003 finishers within the strict 12hr cutoff deadline), 23rd lady (from 1,758 women finishers) and 7th in the 40-49 women vets category. By any standards an excellent debut at such a demanding event and one which underlines her increasingly recognised pedigree as an ultra distance runner. She earned a much coveted 'Bill Rowan' medal for her run (awarded to all finishers who record between 7.5 and 9 hours) only missing out on an 'elite athlete' Silver medal (awarded for beating 7.5 hours) by 13mins. (The top 10 runners are given a Gold medal - the winning time this year was a 'down' record of 5hrs 19mins.)
Michelle ran strongly and conservatively to meet her target of a sub-10 hour run with 9hrs 56mins 28 secs and 4,426 overall to secure a Bronze medal (for finishers between 9 and 11hrs - the remainder get a Vic Clapham copper medal; those outside 12 hours get nothing, even if just 1 second outside - it is pure pathos to see several hundred runners miss the cut-off, especially when just yards from the line, a feature which is a strong part of the unending attraction and drama of this great race).
Phillip also just secured a Bronze (his third) with 10hrs 56mins 30secs (for 6,997 place overall), satisfied with a finish, but also very disappointed to have an 'off-day' and unaccountably struggling from just 10km into the race after winning a Bill Rowan the previous year and hoping to improve, rather than go almost exactly 2hrs slower!
However, at least it was mission achieved in that all three runners finished to justify the long months of hard training; thought are now already on the up run in 2008?
2007 was a 'down', and tackling the race for the first time were club members Angie Sadler and Michelle Laws, while going for his fourth start (with 2 ups and 1 down completed beforehand) was 60 year old 'veteran', Phillip Howells. Although Michelle's travel arrangements proceeded to plan, the journey for Angie and Phillip was a nightmare, with three changes of flight schedules needed before they arrived a day late and exhausted with just 2 hours to spare before registration closed.
Despite the stress and weariness of the journey, Angie delivered an outstanding run of pure class to record a remarkable 7hrs 42mins 51secs, to finish 714 overall (from 10,003 finishers within the strict 12hr cutoff deadline), 23rd lady (from 1,758 women finishers) and 7th in the 40-49 women vets category. By any standards an excellent debut at such a demanding event and one which underlines her increasingly recognised pedigree as an ultra distance runner. She earned a much coveted 'Bill Rowan' medal for her run (awarded to all finishers who record between 7.5 and 9 hours) only missing out on an 'elite athlete' Silver medal (awarded for beating 7.5 hours) by 13mins. (The top 10 runners are given a Gold medal - the winning time this year was a 'down' record of 5hrs 19mins.)
Michelle ran strongly and conservatively to meet her target of a sub-10 hour run with 9hrs 56mins 28 secs and 4,426 overall to secure a Bronze medal (for finishers between 9 and 11hrs - the remainder get a Vic Clapham copper medal; those outside 12 hours get nothing, even if just 1 second outside - it is pure pathos to see several hundred runners miss the cut-off, especially when just yards from the line, a feature which is a strong part of the unending attraction and drama of this great race).
Phillip also just secured a Bronze (his third) with 10hrs 56mins 30secs (for 6,997 place overall), satisfied with a finish, but also very disappointed to have an 'off-day' and unaccountably struggling from just 10km into the race after winning a Bill Rowan the previous year and hoping to improve, rather than go almost exactly 2hrs slower!
However, at least it was mission achieved in that all three runners finished to justify the long months of hard training; thought are now already on the up run in 2008?
White Horse 5km, Thursday 21st June
Our Captain reports from her sofa...
Three members took part in the White Horse 5km race, in what was a large strong field of competetors. First home for the club was Tewkesbury's top runner Clive Baker. He is continuing his recent top form & ran very strongly to finish 15th in a time of 16.44. Next up was Stu Dudfield who also had an excellent run especially with the little training he is doing of late(i'm to blame for that, he's had to turn into a house husband while i'm off my feet). He finished 48th in a time of 19.08. Amanda was the third member to finish in what was her first race after the FLM. She ran really well as she has also eased back of late with her training. She came 70th in a time of 21.39. Both Clive & Amanda both won biscuits in the V40 prize catorgory.
Three members took part in the White Horse 5km race, in what was a large strong field of competetors. First home for the club was Tewkesbury's top runner Clive Baker. He is continuing his recent top form & ran very strongly to finish 15th in a time of 16.44. Next up was Stu Dudfield who also had an excellent run especially with the little training he is doing of late(i'm to blame for that, he's had to turn into a house husband while i'm off my feet). He finished 48th in a time of 19.08. Amanda was the third member to finish in what was her first race after the FLM. She ran really well as she has also eased back of late with her training. She came 70th in a time of 21.39. Both Clive & Amanda both won biscuits in the V40 prize catorgory.
Man v Horse
Bradley Crouch reports...
Just and recovering from another running Man Versus Horse 22 mile marathon..
I fully recommend this race, it is a nice multiterrain race running on some hilly terrain and a couple of streams added to for the entertainment.
This year there was around 50 horse, 250 solo runners and 60 Teams of three entering Man Versus Horse. Due to the heat this year there where several retirements, with around 15 horses, 50 runners and 1 team not finishing.
This year one man and two teams managed to beat all the horses, the solo runner winning the race in 2:20:30. I managed to finish further down the field coming the 38th runner, 12th horse and 17th relay team in a time of 3:10:42. Unfortunately struggled last four miles, walking, jogging, but fortunately managed to beat my previous years time by thirteen minutes.
Just and recovering from another running Man Versus Horse 22 mile marathon..
I fully recommend this race, it is a nice multiterrain race running on some hilly terrain and a couple of streams added to for the entertainment.
This year there was around 50 horse, 250 solo runners and 60 Teams of three entering Man Versus Horse. Due to the heat this year there where several retirements, with around 15 horses, 50 runners and 1 team not finishing.
This year one man and two teams managed to beat all the horses, the solo runner winning the race in 2:20:30. I managed to finish further down the field coming the 38th runner, 12th horse and 17th relay team in a time of 3:10:42. Unfortunately struggled last four miles, walking, jogging, but fortunately managed to beat my previous years time by thirteen minutes.
Cloud Cuckoo 5.5, 6th June
A strong contingent of Tewkesbury AC runners took part in the 5.5ml Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo Land race over the ups and downs of Cleeve hill on Wednesday 6th June. The course, which starts and finishes at Cleeve Hill Golf Club, is all off-road and takes in several steep climbs and a couple of fast descents to pose a severe challenge for runners - any lack of hill fitness is soon exposed on this unforgiving route. Six Tewkesbury runners braved this course on a hot and sunny evening, with Clive Baker (in 6th place overall) and Angie Sadler (second lady and first lady over 40) putting up the strongest performances.
Full results:
6 Clive Baker 38-32
18 Bradley Crouch 39.04
37 Angie Sadler 41-26
41 Stuart Dudfield 42.07
68 Phillip Howells 65.51
105 Helena Turner 58.48
Full results:
6 Clive Baker 38-32
18 Bradley Crouch 39.04
37 Angie Sadler 41-26
41 Stuart Dudfield 42.07
68 Phillip Howells 65.51
105 Helena Turner 58.48
Otmoor Challenge, 2 June
Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells competed in the multi-terrain Otmoor Challenge (based on a local fete in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Horton-cum-Studley) on Saturday 2nd June as part of their final preparations for the 56 mile Comrades Marathon in S Africa on June 17th.
A 13.5 mile jaunt around the lovely Otmoor nature reserve, it was held on a typically flaming June hot day which made appreciation of the countryside all the more rewarding. Angie was the defending ladies champion and was well in the lead in the ladies competition this year when she and half a dozen male runners were sent off course by some half a mile due to a moved arrow (a shame, because this is a well organised event with an enthusiastic following, but even the best organisation cannot cope with kids playing what they see as a huge joke!) so she eventually had to be satisfied with 5th placed lady and 2nd lady over 40 in a time of 1-42-48 and a position of 62nd from a field of nearly 300.
Phillip finished in 1-49-20 with 93rd place. Both felt that the outing was a good workout for the big challenge in less than two weeks time.
We have also just had the result of the Marlborough Downs 33 mile Challenge which Angie Sadler, Michelle Laws and Phillip Howells ran on Saturday 20th May. We all took it fairly steady and just as more 'on our feet' preparation for Comrades than as a serious race, but we all finished with respectable times - Angie and Michelle in 60th and 61st places respectively in 6hrs 37mins 58secs and Phillip in 64th place with a time of 6-46-57. It was held on a sunny, windy day with occasional showers and took us across historic and stunningly beautiful countryside, including passing the famous white horses cut into the hillsides and passing through the 2,500 BC stone circle at Avebury (much older than Stonehenge and the most important bronze age temple in Europe).
A 13.5 mile jaunt around the lovely Otmoor nature reserve, it was held on a typically flaming June hot day which made appreciation of the countryside all the more rewarding. Angie was the defending ladies champion and was well in the lead in the ladies competition this year when she and half a dozen male runners were sent off course by some half a mile due to a moved arrow (a shame, because this is a well organised event with an enthusiastic following, but even the best organisation cannot cope with kids playing what they see as a huge joke!) so she eventually had to be satisfied with 5th placed lady and 2nd lady over 40 in a time of 1-42-48 and a position of 62nd from a field of nearly 300.
Phillip finished in 1-49-20 with 93rd place. Both felt that the outing was a good workout for the big challenge in less than two weeks time.
We have also just had the result of the Marlborough Downs 33 mile Challenge which Angie Sadler, Michelle Laws and Phillip Howells ran on Saturday 20th May. We all took it fairly steady and just as more 'on our feet' preparation for Comrades than as a serious race, but we all finished with respectable times - Angie and Michelle in 60th and 61st places respectively in 6hrs 37mins 58secs and Phillip in 64th place with a time of 6-46-57. It was held on a sunny, windy day with occasional showers and took us across historic and stunningly beautiful countryside, including passing the famous white horses cut into the hillsides and passing through the 2,500 BC stone circle at Avebury (much older than Stonehenge and the most important bronze age temple in Europe).
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Bank Holiday Success!!
Fabulous Baker boy grabs victory!
Tewkesbury AC runners had an action packed bank holiday.
Without any doubt, the big news story is that Clive Baker became only the second runner, within our recent history, to win a road race .
Baker's glorious moment took place at the 12th annual Whitsun 5 mile race staged at Sandhurst, Gloucester on Monday 28th May.
Weather conditions were unkind to the small group of five Tewkesbury runners who took on the event. The rain had stopped in time for the 11.30am start and right from the gun Baker set his race out. Alone at the head of the race with just the lead bike for company, the V40 man pulled away from a chase group of four runners. Despite completing a 12 mile training run the day before, Baker remained unchallenged and hit the finish line in a new personal best (Pb) time.
The chase group, by now fragmented, followed and it was another podium place for Tewkesbury as Luke Antony clocked a Pb time in third place. Jon Mansfield came in 4th followed by Stuart Dudfield and Neville Simpson in 11th and 22nd respectively.
1st Clive Baker 28.14 (Pb)
3rd Luke Anthony 29.11 (Pb)
4th Jon Mansfield 29.38
11th Stuart Dudfield 33.38
22nd Nev Simpson 36.15
Gloucester Triathlon.
The 9th 'Tri Team Glos' Triathlon took place Sunday 27th May .
The event returning to its Brockworth venue after extensive refurbishment.
Two Tewkesbury AC members took part and it was hardly triathlon weather as stormy conditions effected the 200 plus entrants. Barry O'Driscoll made his return to multi-sport racing after sitting-out the previous weekends Tewkesbury Triathlon. Having shaken off a virus, O'Driscoll wasn't going to let the worst possible conditions get in his way. However, his race started badly when his swim counter miscounted his distance and ordered him to swim two extra lengths! The strong swimmer complied with the race official and clocked-up 450 meters of swimming. Obviously, the wet weather affected the cyclists the most as corners became slippery and brakes became ineffective. O'Driscoll's 10 miles of cycling was safe and he went on the enjoy the 6.25km run.
Jon Mansfield raced in his new veteran category. Despite being just 39, British Triathlon rules state the athletes age at the year end governs the category. Mansfield's race went well and it needed to as the Gloucester event was part of the South West race series and two leading Vets from Glastonbury and Exeter were looking for glory. But it was glory for Mansfield as his rivals headed south with minor prizes.
Jon Mansfield 58.15 mins
Baz O'Driscoll 1hr 18 mins
Tewkesbury AC runners had an action packed bank holiday.
Without any doubt, the big news story is that Clive Baker became only the second runner, within our recent history, to win a road race .
Baker's glorious moment took place at the 12th annual Whitsun 5 mile race staged at Sandhurst, Gloucester on Monday 28th May.
Weather conditions were unkind to the small group of five Tewkesbury runners who took on the event. The rain had stopped in time for the 11.30am start and right from the gun Baker set his race out. Alone at the head of the race with just the lead bike for company, the V40 man pulled away from a chase group of four runners. Despite completing a 12 mile training run the day before, Baker remained unchallenged and hit the finish line in a new personal best (Pb) time.
The chase group, by now fragmented, followed and it was another podium place for Tewkesbury as Luke Antony clocked a Pb time in third place. Jon Mansfield came in 4th followed by Stuart Dudfield and Neville Simpson in 11th and 22nd respectively.
1st Clive Baker 28.14 (Pb)
3rd Luke Anthony 29.11 (Pb)
4th Jon Mansfield 29.38
11th Stuart Dudfield 33.38
22nd Nev Simpson 36.15
Gloucester Triathlon.
The 9th 'Tri Team Glos' Triathlon took place Sunday 27th May .
The event returning to its Brockworth venue after extensive refurbishment.
Two Tewkesbury AC members took part and it was hardly triathlon weather as stormy conditions effected the 200 plus entrants. Barry O'Driscoll made his return to multi-sport racing after sitting-out the previous weekends Tewkesbury Triathlon. Having shaken off a virus, O'Driscoll wasn't going to let the worst possible conditions get in his way. However, his race started badly when his swim counter miscounted his distance and ordered him to swim two extra lengths! The strong swimmer complied with the race official and clocked-up 450 meters of swimming. Obviously, the wet weather affected the cyclists the most as corners became slippery and brakes became ineffective. O'Driscoll's 10 miles of cycling was safe and he went on the enjoy the 6.25km run.
Jon Mansfield raced in his new veteran category. Despite being just 39, British Triathlon rules state the athletes age at the year end governs the category. Mansfield's race went well and it needed to as the Gloucester event was part of the South West race series and two leading Vets from Glastonbury and Exeter were looking for glory. But it was glory for Mansfield as his rivals headed south with minor prizes.
Jon Mansfield 58.15 mins
Baz O'Driscoll 1hr 18 mins
Bath AC Hilly 10
Mike Ward reports....
On Sat 26th May I ran the Bath AC Hilly 10 after an enjoyable curry meal in great company the night before. Many thanks to Cathy again for arranging another club social evening which Pam and I always enjoy.
Why the Hilly 10 some ask? Well, because I am a member of the South West Vets I like to run their series of championship events over different distances at attractive venues such as Exmouth, Bath, Bournemouth,Portland Bill etc. This years 10 mile championship race was in the Bath Hilly 10.
The course for the Hilly 10 is in the countryside south of Bath and only 47 miles of motorway/dual carriageway from Churchdown.
The weather for the race was superb(unlike the rest of the week-end) and there were 141 entries which is about normal for this event. The course is 8 miles of country lanes and 2 miles of main road to finish. A beautiful undulating course with outstanding views from the summits. The 3 main villages on route were set in hollows so brakes had to be applied on descending with preparation for the climb outs. Not knowing the course beforehand I was apprehensive but as I progressed through the race I enjoyed it. The were some good stretches for nice running BUT the last mile was 16% uphill and I finished in 1.30.16 - 112 of 141.The winning time was 58.58 and apparently there is a £200 bonus prize for anyone dipping under 50.00. So get cracking lads!.
The highest award is 60+ but as I was 1st 70+ Bath AC kindly presented me with a bottle of nice wine.
In conclusion!!!!!! this was an enjoyable country race and now I know the
course hope to do a lot better next time around.
Now the Bath Hilly 10 is over I shall have to start some serious training
for Bourton Hilly 1/2 in June!
On Sat 26th May I ran the Bath AC Hilly 10 after an enjoyable curry meal in great company the night before. Many thanks to Cathy again for arranging another club social evening which Pam and I always enjoy.
Why the Hilly 10 some ask? Well, because I am a member of the South West Vets I like to run their series of championship events over different distances at attractive venues such as Exmouth, Bath, Bournemouth,Portland Bill etc. This years 10 mile championship race was in the Bath Hilly 10.
The course for the Hilly 10 is in the countryside south of Bath and only 47 miles of motorway/dual carriageway from Churchdown.
The weather for the race was superb(unlike the rest of the week-end) and there were 141 entries which is about normal for this event. The course is 8 miles of country lanes and 2 miles of main road to finish. A beautiful undulating course with outstanding views from the summits. The 3 main villages on route were set in hollows so brakes had to be applied on descending with preparation for the climb outs. Not knowing the course beforehand I was apprehensive but as I progressed through the race I enjoyed it. The were some good stretches for nice running BUT the last mile was 16% uphill and I finished in 1.30.16 - 112 of 141.The winning time was 58.58 and apparently there is a £200 bonus prize for anyone dipping under 50.00. So get cracking lads!.
The highest award is 60+ but as I was 1st 70+ Bath AC kindly presented me with a bottle of nice wine.
In conclusion!!!!!! this was an enjoyable country race and now I know the
course hope to do a lot better next time around.
Now the Bath Hilly 10 is over I shall have to start some serious training
for Bourton Hilly 1/2 in June!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
White Horse 5km, 17/05/07
Severn AC hosted this years Glos AAA 5km Championship at their popular Sandhurst venue. A bumper 150 runners started and Tewkesbury AC represented over 10% of the field with 16 runners lining up.
With the event coming so soon after the Tewks 1/2M, the Tewkesbury team could have been forgiven for still having sore legs. Bizarrely, quite the opposite as 5 runners smashed their personal best (Pb) times in one of this seasons first 5000m events. The outstanding performance came in the unlikely form of Stuart Dudfield. Unlikely as Dudfield put in a life-time best effort in the 1/2M just four days prior. The flying runner has long set his sights on breaking the 20 minute mark for the distance. However, on the night he went one beyond and landed inside the 19 minute mark with 9 seconds to spare. Ironic as wife Cathy his training partner and club captain screamed her support while supported on crutches until her broken bones rebuild.
The standard of competition was immense at the sharp end. Clive Baker ran the quickest for Tewkesbury and, if fact, the quickest he as ever ran to clock a Pb. His performance completes a hat-trick of remarkable runs over the Marathon, Half Marathon and now, the 5000m in the space of a month. Worth mentioning too, that Bakers time of 16.37 minutes was just seconds short of the club record.
Jon's Rawlings and Mansfield best efforts were short of Baker although they did mange to squeeze a former team mate in a finish line sandwich.
Fast improving Luke Anthony ran well enough to hold off Rob Knight by 10 seconds before a quadruple of Tewkesbury boys reset their Pb's in quick succession. Nigel Tillott, Stuart Dudfield, Stuart Buchan and Dan Webb all came within 35 seconds of each other in their best times to date.
Distance runners Adrian Lavery and Phillip Howells finished either side of White Horse regular Rob Jordan.
A great sight to see club sectary Steve Wiggall returning to racing. Likewise Mick Morris. Both club stalwarts are successfully overcoming theirinjury woes.
Tonight's V70 winner was Mike Ward. Ward's running of late is a joy to watch.
Last but not least, was yet another come-back man, Darrell Summers who was more
than satisfied with his exploits.
24th Clive Baker - 16.37 (Pb)
31st Jon Rawlings - 16.58
34th Jon Mansfield - 17.11
45th Luke Anthony - 17.40
47th Rob Knight - 17.50
65th Nigel Tillott - 18.44 (Pb)
68th Stuart Dudfield - 18.51 (Pb)
73rd Stuart Buchan - 19.16 (Pb)
75th Danny Webb - 19.29 (Pb)
81st Adrian Lavery - 19.43
101st Rob Jordan - 20.57
117th Phil Howells - 21.53
123rd Steve Wiggall - 22.09
132nd Mike Ward - 23.48
136th Mick Morris - 24.32
140th Darrell Summers - 25.25
With the event coming so soon after the Tewks 1/2M, the Tewkesbury team could have been forgiven for still having sore legs. Bizarrely, quite the opposite as 5 runners smashed their personal best (Pb) times in one of this seasons first 5000m events. The outstanding performance came in the unlikely form of Stuart Dudfield. Unlikely as Dudfield put in a life-time best effort in the 1/2M just four days prior. The flying runner has long set his sights on breaking the 20 minute mark for the distance. However, on the night he went one beyond and landed inside the 19 minute mark with 9 seconds to spare. Ironic as wife Cathy his training partner and club captain screamed her support while supported on crutches until her broken bones rebuild.
The standard of competition was immense at the sharp end. Clive Baker ran the quickest for Tewkesbury and, if fact, the quickest he as ever ran to clock a Pb. His performance completes a hat-trick of remarkable runs over the Marathon, Half Marathon and now, the 5000m in the space of a month. Worth mentioning too, that Bakers time of 16.37 minutes was just seconds short of the club record.
Jon's Rawlings and Mansfield best efforts were short of Baker although they did mange to squeeze a former team mate in a finish line sandwich.
Fast improving Luke Anthony ran well enough to hold off Rob Knight by 10 seconds before a quadruple of Tewkesbury boys reset their Pb's in quick succession. Nigel Tillott, Stuart Dudfield, Stuart Buchan and Dan Webb all came within 35 seconds of each other in their best times to date.
Distance runners Adrian Lavery and Phillip Howells finished either side of White Horse regular Rob Jordan.
A great sight to see club sectary Steve Wiggall returning to racing. Likewise Mick Morris. Both club stalwarts are successfully overcoming theirinjury woes.
Tonight's V70 winner was Mike Ward. Ward's running of late is a joy to watch.
Last but not least, was yet another come-back man, Darrell Summers who was more
than satisfied with his exploits.
24th Clive Baker - 16.37 (Pb)
31st Jon Rawlings - 16.58
34th Jon Mansfield - 17.11
45th Luke Anthony - 17.40
47th Rob Knight - 17.50
65th Nigel Tillott - 18.44 (Pb)
68th Stuart Dudfield - 18.51 (Pb)
73rd Stuart Buchan - 19.16 (Pb)
75th Danny Webb - 19.29 (Pb)
81st Adrian Lavery - 19.43
101st Rob Jordan - 20.57
117th Phil Howells - 21.53
123rd Steve Wiggall - 22.09
132nd Mike Ward - 23.48
136th Mick Morris - 24.32
140th Darrell Summers - 25.25
Eastnor 7, 13/5/07
Brad couldn't face the Tewkesbury half, so settled for a jaunt at Eastnor:
"What a glorious day for running this Sunday, whilst most people had finished the Tewkesbury half marathon I was still struggling to get motivation to get out of bed for the Eastnor Seven since I partied the night away at friends 30th (boy it was a struggle).
The race started at 11.00 am and the rain was bucketing down so numbers where a bit thin on ground with only 154 runners .I managed to get around and come 15th in a time of 50:17. The winning time was very fast 42:15, so it was good minute a mile faster (very scary thought).
In the end of the day the race was brilliant scenic run around Eastnor Deer Park, some nice bits of mud to keep me interested, what more could one man want.
"What a glorious day for running this Sunday, whilst most people had finished the Tewkesbury half marathon I was still struggling to get motivation to get out of bed for the Eastnor Seven since I partied the night away at friends 30th (boy it was a struggle).
The race started at 11.00 am and the rain was bucketing down so numbers where a bit thin on ground with only 154 runners .I managed to get around and come 15th in a time of 50:17. The winning time was very fast 42:15, so it was good minute a mile faster (very scary thought).
In the end of the day the race was brilliant scenic run around Eastnor Deer Park, some nice bits of mud to keep me interested, what more could one man want.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tewkesbury half marathon, 13 May 2007
The annual Tewkesbury Half Marathon conjured up some special performances from the sixteen Tewkesbury AC runners who were out on show amongst the 936 starters.
Combining superb recent form with his talent, Clive Baker came in 6th and 2nd vet in 1.17 hr. Breaking from his normal conservative start, Baker set off from the gun fast and held his pace throughout confirming his position as Tewkesbury's top runner.
Jon Mansfield held off Rob Knight over the last mile to finish just ahead in 1.23 hr. Both runners took time to regain composure at the end. Nigel Tillott has returned to where he was before a month out with illness and had a great run to finish in 1.27 hr. Delighted 19yr old Mike Primett ran in at 1.29 hr with minimal training due to University studies. Seconds away from his personal best (Pb) was Stuart Buchan at 1.30 hr. There was also a Pb for Stuart Dudfield by almost two minutes - especially impressive as the PC was working a night shift before hand! Lots of cheer from wife Cathy on her crutches clearly made an impact. Sandwiched between the two Stuart's was Danny Webb. The double charity London Marathon runner timed 1.31 hr. Baz O'Driscoll, who recorded Tewkesbury's quickest London Marathon time last month, had a fair run with limited training of late at 1.34 hr. The workaholic has now set his sights on the local Triathlons for next month. Ultra distance runner Phil Howells dipped inside the 100 minute mark to finish in 1.39 hr. Come-back man Neville Simpson had an outstanding run, surprising himself amongst others to finish in 1.40 hr. Defending ladies Vet55 champion Carol Cowley won her event again in 1.41 hr. Recently recovered from back niggles she matched her time from last years race. Mike Ward, the clubs 72yr old talent had a battling finish with a fellow Vet 70 and won but, still had to settle for second in 1.50 hr. Finally, Wes Reid had a pleasing experience and finished in 2.16 hr.
5 mile fun runners were...
Darrell Summers finishing 41.11 mins to finish in 77th place.
Newly married Helena Turner recorded a fine 45.23 mins just days after her
honeymoon to come in 128th
6th Clive Baker 1:17.13
19th Jon Mansfield 1:23.51
20th Rob Knight 1:23.51
52nd Nigel Tillott 1:27.42
68th Mike Primett 1:29.05
80th Stuart Buchan 1:30.14
98th Danny Webb 1:31.34
102nd Stu Dudfield 1:31.44
131st Barry O'Driscoll 1:34.59
211st Phillip Howells 1:39.19
235th Neville Simpson 1:40.28
253rd Carol Cowley 1:41.07
477th Mike Ward 1:50.37
850th Wes Reid 2:16.33
Combining superb recent form with his talent, Clive Baker came in 6th and 2nd vet in 1.17 hr. Breaking from his normal conservative start, Baker set off from the gun fast and held his pace throughout confirming his position as Tewkesbury's top runner.
Jon Mansfield held off Rob Knight over the last mile to finish just ahead in 1.23 hr. Both runners took time to regain composure at the end. Nigel Tillott has returned to where he was before a month out with illness and had a great run to finish in 1.27 hr. Delighted 19yr old Mike Primett ran in at 1.29 hr with minimal training due to University studies. Seconds away from his personal best (Pb) was Stuart Buchan at 1.30 hr. There was also a Pb for Stuart Dudfield by almost two minutes - especially impressive as the PC was working a night shift before hand! Lots of cheer from wife Cathy on her crutches clearly made an impact. Sandwiched between the two Stuart's was Danny Webb. The double charity London Marathon runner timed 1.31 hr. Baz O'Driscoll, who recorded Tewkesbury's quickest London Marathon time last month, had a fair run with limited training of late at 1.34 hr. The workaholic has now set his sights on the local Triathlons for next month. Ultra distance runner Phil Howells dipped inside the 100 minute mark to finish in 1.39 hr. Come-back man Neville Simpson had an outstanding run, surprising himself amongst others to finish in 1.40 hr. Defending ladies Vet55 champion Carol Cowley won her event again in 1.41 hr. Recently recovered from back niggles she matched her time from last years race. Mike Ward, the clubs 72yr old talent had a battling finish with a fellow Vet 70 and won but, still had to settle for second in 1.50 hr. Finally, Wes Reid had a pleasing experience and finished in 2.16 hr.
5 mile fun runners were...
Darrell Summers finishing 41.11 mins to finish in 77th place.
Newly married Helena Turner recorded a fine 45.23 mins just days after her
honeymoon to come in 128th
6th Clive Baker 1:17.13
19th Jon Mansfield 1:23.51
20th Rob Knight 1:23.51
52nd Nigel Tillott 1:27.42
68th Mike Primett 1:29.05
80th Stuart Buchan 1:30.14
98th Danny Webb 1:31.34
102nd Stu Dudfield 1:31.44
131st Barry O'Driscoll 1:34.59
211st Phillip Howells 1:39.19
235th Neville Simpson 1:40.28
253rd Carol Cowley 1:41.07
477th Mike Ward 1:50.37
850th Wes Reid 2:16.33
Monday, May 07, 2007
Crowle ‘Gunpowder’ 10km
Two Tewkesbury runners headed north to race in this popular Worcestershire event. Simon Hall and Wes Read joined 470 other runners on the start line and it was Hall who found himself at the sharp end. Running rapidly, the Evesham based athlete missed a podium place by seconds to finished fourth. Hall’s tactics were to work his way up through the field and this he did. However, he was left with the feeling that he missed out on third, as the in-form runner knew he could have pushed harder.
Wes Read, in contrast, planned this event in to tune for his local half-marathon this coming Sunday. The former Rugby star came in at 369th.
4th Simon Hall 35.30
369th Wes Read 59.39
Thursday, May 03, 2007
GNR places on offer!
Once again the Great North Run has reserved places for club athletes for the race on 30 Sept 2007. We have 2 guaranteed places. Qualifying times are:
Men: 1:25
Women: 1:40
and this is over the last 12 months. The down side is that you do have to pay the entry fee. If anyone is interested however then contact Steve W by 25 May at the very latest.
Men: 1:25
Women: 1:40
and this is over the last 12 months. The down side is that you do have to pay the entry fee. If anyone is interested however then contact Steve W by 25 May at the very latest.
Stroud Beer Race, 02/05/07
Phillip H reports...A few of us missed the club run this evening to honourably represent Tewkesbury AC in the Stroud Beer race, which despite it being relatively local, was also a first time run for 4 of the 6 runners taking part.
For those others of you that don't know the course, it is a tough test, run over Minchinhampton Common just outside Stroud over 3 laps for a total of 7.1 miles, with one steep hill and a long drag each lap to face (literally, since a stiff breeze whistled down the long uphill drag to make it a little more challenging!). All the club runners finished in the first half of the field of 105 finishers:
7th - Luke Anthony 44.17
11th - Rob Knight 46.15
20th - Nigel Tillott 48.31
22nd - Angie Sadler 49.12 (2nd lady and 1st lady vet O40)
42nd - Rob Jordan 54.22
43rd - Phillip Howells 54.35
Satisfied with respectable performances, we enjoyed the free beer earned for each finisher as the sun set in a superb array of golden and red colours over the horizon.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Shakespeare Marathon, 29/04/07
Two runners from Tewkesbury AC made the short trip to Warkwickshire to run in the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon last Sunday 29th April.The headline performance was from Clive Baker who is in fantastic form. Despite being the wrong side of 40 years old, the experience distance runner ran just over a minute outside his personal best time for the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The Stratford course is regarded as a 'slow' course and depending on the runners ability, would be 2-10 minutes slower than a flat course such as London. His impressive finishing time of 2hrs 53 minutes resulted in an 11th place overall. His time is the fastest this year for a Tewkesbury runner. With his local half marathon to come in two weeks time, his home fans could be in for a treat.
Joining Baker at Stratford was Adrian Lavery who too had a pleasing race although a little slower than he had anticipated. Again, the nature of the course and the warm air played its part. Lavery's time of 3hrs 24 minutes placed him in 122nd place.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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!).
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