It's been a good year and a half for this blog, but it's time for the club at last to have a proper website. The new link is here, so get clicking..............
Thanks to all the contributors for their excellent race reports and pictures, especially Jon, who has provided more content than the rest of us put together. Most of all, however, thanks to those of you whose athletic endeavours have provided us all with the inspiration to get out and run.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
The Beacon 10km - 2nd September 2007
Five Tewkesbury AC members turned out for the Beacon race staged at Haresfield. The main focus was on Nigel Tillott who was on target to smash the 40 minute mark. So far, it's remained elusive to him after recording times of 40.10 and 40.03 just a couple of weeks prior. Tillott ran well but a sub 40 minute 10km run remains elusive for now as he crossed the line in 40.14 Agonisingly close however, on a fairly undulating course it's a great time.
Club mate Angie Sadler recorded a time several minutes off her best, best explained by the huge ultra-distance challenges she has been tackling this year. Yet testament to her ability, she scooped the 1st prize in her category.
Carol Cowley leads the county in her age category these days and just missed out by seconds on a another trophy. Club Captain Cathy Dudfield is going through the process of finding herfeet again after ten weeks out with a broken foot. She took just 50 minutesto complete the course. The fifth runner home for the club was Mick Morris who finished in good shape.
Nigel Tillott - 40.14 mins
Angie Sadler - 42.31
Carol Cowley - 47.00
Cathy Dudfield - 50.22
Mick Morris - 54.50
Club mate Angie Sadler recorded a time several minutes off her best, best explained by the huge ultra-distance challenges she has been tackling this year. Yet testament to her ability, she scooped the 1st prize in her category.
Carol Cowley leads the county in her age category these days and just missed out by seconds on a another trophy. Club Captain Cathy Dudfield is going through the process of finding herfeet again after ten weeks out with a broken foot. She took just 50 minutesto complete the course. The fifth runner home for the club was Mick Morris who finished in good shape.
Nigel Tillott - 40.14 mins
Angie Sadler - 42.31
Carol Cowley - 47.00
Cathy Dudfield - 50.22
Mick Morris - 54.50
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Arlingham Passage 4.4m Race, 27/08/07
Tewkesbury AC runners baked in pleasing Bank Holiday weather during the 14th annual staging of the Arlingham Passage run. Set in the delightful village on the River Severn estuary, the main attraction was the club captain’s return to competitive running. Cathy Dudfield chose the relatively easy course to start her come-back after breaking her foot back in spring. The London Marathon heroine came through the 4.4 mile test successfully and displayed her fine form and splendid technique with ease to record of time of 35 minutes. Her efforts won her a category prize to compound her joy.
Club mate Stuart Bucham performed well after suffering stomach discomfort in his last race although during this race he developed a back pain near the finish.
Rob Jordan ran perfectly to beat fellow Tewkesbury runner Barry O’Driscoll while Jon Mansfield recorded nearly two minutes slower than his previous course time to lose out to the winners.
5th Jon Mansfield 25.55 mins
17th Stuart Bucham 28.49
27th Rob Jordan 31.58
28th Barry O’Driscoll 32.12
37th Cathy Dudfield 35.20
Club mate Stuart Bucham performed well after suffering stomach discomfort in his last race although during this race he developed a back pain near the finish.
Rob Jordan ran perfectly to beat fellow Tewkesbury runner Barry O’Driscoll while Jon Mansfield recorded nearly two minutes slower than his previous course time to lose out to the winners.
5th Jon Mansfield 25.55 mins
17th Stuart Bucham 28.49
27th Rob Jordan 31.58
28th Barry O’Driscoll 32.12
37th Cathy Dudfield 35.20
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Frampton 10km. Tuesday 22nd August 2007
The popular Frampton Cyder race has finally taken place. Organising club Stroud AC needed to rearrange the fixture due to this summer's adverse weather and chose a fine Tuesday evening. Half a dozen Tewkesbury AC runners were fortunate enough to get a starting place in the regular sell-out event.
Of the Tewkesbury contingent one performance stood out - Stuart Dudfield hacked almost one minute off his personal best (Pb) for the 10km distance. Far from Pb form, the Glos Policeman had been indulging in cross-training of late, sacrificing run sessions for the swimming pool and regular cycling rides. Dudfield's running had clearly benefitted as surprised supporters looked on as the 41 minutes mark was smashed when he crossed the finish line in 40.30 minutes.
In contrast, Nigel Tillott had been targeting a 10km Pb for two years, with the emphasis on breaking the 40-minute mark. It was agony for Tillott as he recorded a new Pb however, a 40.03 finish time means his challenge continues to the next race.
Carol Cowley was left a little agonized too as the talented veteran runner just missed out on claiming first place in her V50 category. The gap from her rival was just 16 seconds. At the front of the race, Jon Mansfield came in first for Tewkesbury in 16th position while Stuart Bucham had an indifferent experience as stomach cramps effected his efforts. Rob Jordan completed the team with a fine run which included a jaw-dropping sprint finish.
16th Jon Mansfield 36.29
62nd Nigel Tillott 40.03
67th Stuart Dudfield 40.30
108th Stuart Buchan 43.02
167th Carol Cowley 46.11
173th Rob Jordan 46.24
Of the Tewkesbury contingent one performance stood out - Stuart Dudfield hacked almost one minute off his personal best (Pb) for the 10km distance. Far from Pb form, the Glos Policeman had been indulging in cross-training of late, sacrificing run sessions for the swimming pool and regular cycling rides. Dudfield's running had clearly benefitted as surprised supporters looked on as the 41 minutes mark was smashed when he crossed the finish line in 40.30 minutes.
In contrast, Nigel Tillott had been targeting a 10km Pb for two years, with the emphasis on breaking the 40-minute mark. It was agony for Tillott as he recorded a new Pb however, a 40.03 finish time means his challenge continues to the next race.
Carol Cowley was left a little agonized too as the talented veteran runner just missed out on claiming first place in her V50 category. The gap from her rival was just 16 seconds. At the front of the race, Jon Mansfield came in first for Tewkesbury in 16th position while Stuart Bucham had an indifferent experience as stomach cramps effected his efforts. Rob Jordan completed the team with a fine run which included a jaw-dropping sprint finish.
16th Jon Mansfield 36.29
62nd Nigel Tillott 40.03
67th Stuart Dudfield 40.30
108th Stuart Buchan 43.02
167th Carol Cowley 46.11
173th Rob Jordan 46.24
Friday, August 24, 2007
County Track & Field Championships
Thanks to Rob Jordan's persuasive phone manner, four of Tewkesbury's fastest and most elite athletes (Rob, Steve, Clive S, Barry) took on the might of some of Gloucester's skinniest teenagers in the 4 x 100 m relay. The venue was the Olympic standard track at Blackbridge, home to some of Gloucestershire's most blood thirsty mosquitos. (I ended up with at least seven bites - none of which is currently less than 1cm in diameter...........)
Despite the advantage of being on the inside and the opportunity to pursue the Gloucester girls in the next lane, we were unable to actually catch any of the other teams. However, the baton was passed flawlessly and we finished in a respectable 58.5 seconds, earning us a county bronze!!
To celebrate, Barry and Clive entered the track 10K, where they were joined by Phil. Lap counting issues meant that Barry and Phil's times (and distances!) are somewhat uncertain, but Clive clocked 4th place in 38:27, earning a bronze medal as third MV40. Phil then ran the mile in a fraction over 7 minutes, as well as a leg in the 4 x 400 relay.
Despite the advantage of being on the inside and the opportunity to pursue the Gloucester girls in the next lane, we were unable to actually catch any of the other teams. However, the baton was passed flawlessly and we finished in a respectable 58.5 seconds, earning us a county bronze!!
To celebrate, Barry and Clive entered the track 10K, where they were joined by Phil. Lap counting issues meant that Barry and Phil's times (and distances!) are somewhat uncertain, but Clive clocked 4th place in 38:27, earning a bronze medal as third MV40. Phil then ran the mile in a fraction over 7 minutes, as well as a leg in the 4 x 400 relay.
BODDINGTON 50KM
Gloucestershire's No1 ranked ultra-distance runner, Tewkesbury AC's Angie Sadler smashed the 4 hour mark in the Boddington 50km ultra-run. The Treddington based star of the 'long distance' headed a team of three Tewkesbury runners. Adrian Lavery clocked 4hrs 12 minutes, while Phillip Howells ran astonishingly as the veteran 60 year old timed 4hrs 33 minutes. Both mentally and physically demanding, the run consisted of a 14 lap circuit around the Gloucestershire village of Boddington. It was Sadler's
third appearance at the event and she placed 6th in the female race and 16th
overall.
third appearance at the event and she placed 6th in the female race and 16th
overall.
GLOS 5KM CHAMPS - HARDWICK, GLOS
Four Tewkesbury stalwarts competed in the rescheduled County 5km Road Champs - rescheduled twice and finally staged at the Pilot Inn after the published Whitehorse venue suffered from renewed flooding on the course.It also incorporated a rescheduled County Road series event following the cancellation of the Bugatti 10k.
Rob Jordan, the 'youngster' of the team was first to finish, but not far ahead of the other three team members, all of whom were 'super-vets' over 60. Congratulations go especially to Mike Ward, who was the first O70 in the race and is the new County O70 5km Champ.
Times were:
Rob Jordan 22-01
Phillip Howells 22-50
Mike Ward 23-58
Mick Morris 24-13
Rob Jordan, the 'youngster' of the team was first to finish, but not far ahead of the other three team members, all of whom were 'super-vets' over 60. Congratulations go especially to Mike Ward, who was the first O70 in the race and is the new County O70 5km Champ.
Times were:
Rob Jordan 22-01
Phillip Howells 22-50
Mike Ward 23-58
Mick Morris 24-13
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Cranham Boundary Chase 5.8, 12/08/07
Hot, hilly, but no flood water anywhere, as I headed out to this delightful race that always is a tester owing to an almost complete lack of flat bits apart from the second mile.Lack of quality training showed as I was passed by 5 others on the final incline, but I was overall reasonably pleased with a time of 38:30 .
Former member Andy Hawkins also took part, but despite beating me claimed it was one of his worst performances ever...........
Friday, July 20, 2007
White Horse 5km - 19th July 2007
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
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
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!
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