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