Glos X-C #1, 14/10/06

Jon M reports..

Tewkesbury fielded skeleton teams for first of this seasons XC events. Black Bridge in Gloucester was the venue and the racing attracted not just the top local teams but also several of the regions best.
With junior races starting first, it wasn’t until the afternoon that a competitive ladies race started. 2012 Olympic prospect Emily Pigeon lead from start to finish however, Tewkesbury’s very own accomplished international runner, Angie Sadler display her familiar grace as she lead the Tewkesbury team of three over a non-demanding 7.1 km course. Sadler finished in 12th place with only some great XC talent ahead of her.
Club Captain Cathy Dudfield was just two minutes behind her team mate in 31st position. Pleasing, as the Captain’s target race is just 8 days away in Stroud. One minute later, veteran talent, Carol Cowley crossed the line scooping another V55 1st place. The Bredon runner will also be running in the Stroud ½ Marathon - defending her 2005 V55 crown.
The team of three formidable females won the vets competition.
The men’s team were two runners short of the requisite six. Nevertheless, Tewkesbury’s XC sectary Andy Hawkins, demonstrated expert XC running. Setting off at a good pace and not letting it slip during the men’s 11.2km course. Despite producing a good performance, the high level of competition meant that Hawkins had to settle for a top 25 placing. Satisfying as the clubs best distance runner has the Stroud ½ Marathon as a priority too. One minute behind Hawkins came Jon Mansfield. Mansfield paid the price for keeping pace with Hawkins for the first 15 minutes as a convoy of ten runners passed the struggling Triathlete late on. Stuart Dudfield set off at a controlled pace and maintained it throughout. Hampered by a niggle mid-race, he finished strongly. Phillip Howells produced another fine example of pace control. The ultra-distance runner had a faultless run in the first of a Gloucestershire series of four events over the winter.

Women 7.1km
12th Angie Sadler 31.13
31st Cathy Dudfield 33.27
34th Carol Cowley 34.28
From 84 finishers

Men 11.2km
23rd Andy Hawkins 40.01
32nd Jon Mansfield 41.09
88th Stuart Dudfield 46.52
107th Phillip Howells 49.32
From 141 finishers

Weekend race news

Jon M reports..
Jason Draper shock off a recent bout of influenza in time to start the Kenilworth ½ Marathon. After not training for 10 days, the club vice-captain ran at a controlled pace with perfection to collect a finishing time of 1hr 29.45 seconds. It was a top 50 placing over an undulating course in which 700 runners started.
In the Forest of Dean, Jon Mansfield raced the Duathlon centred around Lydbrook. After the first 5km through the forest, the Tewkesbury athlete was lying in 8th, two minutes off the leaders. The 10 mile cycle leg was successful as Mansfield rode back into transition just seconds behind the leader. The final 5km decided the final outcome as the 39 yr old came in third to make his 12th podium finish of 2006.

Triathlon News!

Jon M reports..

Eastnor Castle was the setting for the first ever locally staged ½ Ironman distance triathlon. Tewkesbury AC’s Phillip Howells and Jon Mansfield took part in the event. Both athletes were novices at this type of distance. The challenge started with a two lap swim in the Castle lake before cycling a four lap course over the Malverns, taking in 54 miles of climbing and descending. The final discipline was 10 miles of tough running through Eastnor deer park.
Howells, relatively new to swimming, was pleased to be back on dry land after 52 minutes of swimming in a partially muddy lake! The ultra-distance athletes swim went to plan. However, what wasn’t on the plan was a trio of set backs while cycling. A snapped gear cable was one handicap the experience cyclist had to contend with - a major problem on a course where a minimum of 18 gears is crucial. After a smooth transition, the Ledbury competitor, set off at pace into the 10 miles of running. His pace never slackened and went on the cross the finish line in 6 hours and 4 minutes. Finishing position was 95th.
Jon Mansfield’s race went pleasingly. Pleased to complete the muddy lake swim in 25 minutes which left the 38 year old in 33rd position. His cycle ride went better than expected although it wasn’t until the fourth lap that the leading female triathele was caught. Setting off on the run being pursued by the fast moving female challenger, Mansfield was able to catch another runner ahead and settled into 14th position before having to sprint finish to hold off the 1st place woman. Mansfield recorded 4 hours and 22 minutes.
The top placed Three Counties finisher was Jon Rawlings, racing for Tri Team Glos, in 9th place.
126 athletes entered the race of which, 100 completed the course.

Two Tewkesbury AC athletes raced at Newent for the 18th annual sprint distance triathlon. With the unfortunate withdrawals of Barry O’Driscoll and Sandie Harwood, it was just Barbara Dunn and Jon Mansfield who were treated to spectacular thunder and lighting during a 3 hour deluge. Dunn, making her return to racing after an 18 month hiatus, didn’t let the weather affect her day as she was very satisfied to complete the event in under 1 ½ hours. That time gave the locally based competitor 144th place overall. Mansfield, the 2005 winner, took on the waterlogged lanes with caution. By the time the triathlete had started the run the sky started to clear and the rain stopped. A finishing time of 55 minutes meant that the runners-up spot was his this time. The overall winner had 36 seconds to his credit.

X/C Relays - full report

Jon M reports...

Tewkesbury AC gained unprecedented success at the annual cross-country relays. Tewkesbury fielded two teams, one male and one female. While the men’s team was the same formidable line-up as last years event, the ladies team was a fine blend of youth and experience.
The race started in mass and first to take on the fast, flat 2 mile circuit was in-form Andy Hawkins and talented Angie Sadler. The first leg competition was immense as some of the South West regions leading athletes were on show. Nevertheless, the Tewkesbury pair kept their concentration well and tagged team mates, Clive Sentance and Lotty Mowbray respectively. Sentence, who’s renowned for his shorter distance speed, ran superbly to keep the men’s team in contention. Mowbray, a few days before her 17th birthday and fuelled with adrenaline, ran superbly too.
At half way point, the race became clear as both TAC teams were running in bronze medals positions. Third legs were run by Jon Mansfield and Carol Cowley. Mansfield having the benefit of the second placed Gloucester AC just 50 yards ahead, just needed keep the competition within distance, while Cowley found herself isolated and needed to run against herself, which she did with expertise.
For the final 2 miles, Simon Hall was handed the task of running down the silver medal position. With a 15 yard gap to bridge, Hall timed his run perfectly as he overtook the Gloucester AC runner within ½ mile to go on to record the fastest club time of the day.
A different story for the ladies as final leg runner Cathy Dudfield was up against a healthy Bourton team. With a 500 yard gap to bridge, it was a bridge too far. Dudfield gave 100% to make good time and ensure the ladies took 3rd place.
Men’s Team = 41.41 minutes
Andrew Hawkins @ 10.30
Clive Sentence @ 10.27
Jon Mansfield @ 10.27
Simon Hall @ 10.17
Women’s Team = 51.41 minutes
Angie Sadler @ 11.38
Lotty Mowbray @ 13.29
Carol Cowley @ 13.27
Cathy Dudfield @ 13.07

County X/C Relays, 30/09/06

Cathy D reports....

I would just like to say well done & a big thankyou to all those who took part in the X-country relays today. We all did extremely well with the men's team taking silver medals in the Glos AAA series & the ladies taking bronze. An extra well done must go to Charlotte who ran an excellent 2nd leg especially as this was her first time out representing the club. Thanks to our supporters, Sophie Sentance and Rob and Sally Jordan.

100th Posting!!

Dear All - this is the 100th posting on our web blog, which started in January of this year. It has been an easy job for me to do, simply because of the enthusiasm of club members to participate and share their races and runs. Keep those reports and articles coming, and don't forget that it's really easy to publish pictures. It's also possible to easily search for past reports using the search box at the top of the page, in case you wish to relive past glories!

Cirencester 10K, 24/09/06

Cathy D reports...

A number of Tewkesbury AC travelled to take part in the Cirencester 10K on Sunday 24th September. It was a large field of 600 starters who ran in good conditions. The route was through the grounds of Cirencester Park which was undulating in places.First home for the club was Jason in 25th place. He produced another solid run finishing in a time of 38:53s. He was followed home by Adrian and Stu Buchan who finished in 74th and 75th places. Adrian posted a time of 42:40s with Stuart 42:48s carrying on with his good form after injury.I was next up and first Tewkesbury female in 123rd place after a good run in a time of 45:38s. Carol had a pleasing run and took another FV55 prize (A rather nice fruit bowl) finishing in a time of 47:30s and in 167th place.She also won her age catagory as part of the Glos Road Race series.Completing the team were Lisa and Helena. Lisa was happy with her run and finished in a time of 51:43s and 258th place. Helena also enjoyed her run and completed in just outside 65mins.

Club results:
25th - Jason Draper - 38:53s
74th - Adrian Lavery - 42:40s
75th - Stu Buchan - 42:48s
123rd - Cathy Dudfield - 45:38s
167th - Carol Cowley - 47:24s
258th - Lisa Kane - 51:43s
????? - Helena Turner - 65:00s (Approx time)

All the above times are individual times as the official times were around 5 seconds slower. Stuart's time was missed from the official sheet but he followed Adrian in who was 74th.
Also.......Stourport 10K...Amanda took part in the Stourport 10k. In her words "It was a nice course for a hard training run, but not so nice for a race." She set a time of44:53s which claimed the LV35 prize and 5th lady overall.

Winschoten 50k Holland

Angie Sadler reports on her international debut....

I felt privileged to be asked to be part of the English team as after I qualified at the Boddington 50k, and I can say it was an amazing experience!The team were so much younger than myself -- but a unique friendly bunch of guys!! So good to spend time with the names we hear of so often --- Dominic Croft (came in 2nd -- 3.08.52) Rod Harris etc. My race was strong, slower than Boddingtons, due to being extremely hot. The course was 5 laps and very twisty! My time was 3hr 49mins and I felt good at the finish. (5th lady home, 17th overall out of 50 that had gone there qualified.) The whole trip was long - from Amsterdam it was 280miles on 5 different trains, time to get to know all the team & managers well! I stayed with a great family with Louise Cooper who came in at Boddington just in front of me -- but I came in 5mins in front of her in Holland! (She 's a great girl!). Winschoten has this event every year with the major attraction of about 80 runners in the 100k, they decorate every street with flags from all countries, people sit out all day cheering us on. It was good to have the experience. Now do I go for a 100k in 2008!!

Club Handicap, September 06

Jason D reports..

A big thankyou from me to those who helped and competed in the final handicap and to all those who have done so throughout the whole series. I am sure you will agree that is has been a great success and I hope that the series will become a regular feature on the club calendar.
A fine run from Rob Jordan saw him take the final race ahead of the ever-consistent Brad. However, a third podium position in four races for Charlotte sees her become the inaugural handicap champion, very well done to her. Brad and Nigel share the runners-up spot having the same number of points, having run the same number of races and having the same amount of head to head victories so they cannot be separated.

The results of the final race and the final standings follow:
Position Name Points Rank Elapsed Time
1 ROB J 5 10 36:31
2 BRAD 4 4 31:58
3 CHARLOTTE 3 12 38:49
4 CAROL 2 11 37:00
5 CLIVE S 1 1 29:41
6 CATH 1 8 35:56
7 CLIVE B 1 2 30:02
8 STU B 1 6 34:45
9 PHIL 1 9 36:05
10 JON M 1 3 30:52
11 STEVE W 1 7 35:47
12 NIGEL 1 5 33:00
13 MIKE 1 13 41:42

FINAL STANDINGS (RACES RUN)
Position Name Grand Total
1 CHARLOTTE 13 (4)
2 BRAD 10 (4)
2 NIGEL 10 (4)
4 ANG 9 (4)
5 SANDY 9 (5)
6 ROB J 8 (4)
7 MIKE 8 (5)
8 CAROL 8 (6)
9 ROGER 7 (3)
10 PHIL 7 (3)
11 JON M 6 (5)
12 CATH 6 (6)
13 STEVE W 4 (4)
14 STEVE J 3 (1)
15 STU D 3 (2)
16 BEV 3 (2)
17 BARRY 3 (2)
18 CLIVE B 2 (2)
19 STEVE D 2 (2)
20 OTHERS 1 (1)

White horse 5

Cathy D reports..

9 Tewkesbury AC members took part in the latest Club Championship race onSaturday at the White Horse, Sandhurst. In near perfect conditions there were some excellent results all round with numerous prizes and PB's gained. 1st home for the club was Andy who ran well finishing in 6th place overallin a time of 28:51s. Jason followed in a time of 30:52s taking the prize for10th overall male. Sue continued her build up towards the world 100K championship taking the LV40 prize in a time of 31:10s.Stu D ran his 2nd race in 3 days and set a new PB for the distance by aminute in a time of 32:33s. He was closely followed home by Adrian and StuB. Adrian completed the course in a time of 32:46s with Stu B setting yet aanother PB in 32:53s. Amanda was next home taking the LV35 prize in a time of 34:42s closelyfollowed by myself breaking the 35 minute mark for a new PB in 34:57s. Carolcompleted the contingent finishing in 36:09s and taking yet another LV55title.The ladies team took 2nd place in team event, missing out by 1 point fromBourton. Below are all the results.

6th - Andy 28:51s
13th - Jason 30:52s
16th - Sue 31:10s (1st LV40)
23rd - Stu D 32:33s (PB)
25th - Adrian 32:46s
26th - Stu B 32:53s (PB)
35th - Amanda 34:42s (1st LV35)
37th - Cathy 34:57s (PB)
40th - Carol 36:09s (1st LV55)

2nd Ladies team by 1 point.

Bristol half marathon

Steve W reports

Hi Folks,

Back from Bristol half which was this morning. Started late due to so many people (15,000) and quite warm. Anyway that's the excuses over. My time was 1hr:45m:55s. Bit disappointed with time but main aim was to get round as training not being going that well due to niggle in the glutes region, which is now quite painful. So overall okay. Saw Lisa after the turn at Portway, on the other side of the carriageway, she must have only been about a mile behind me. Official results on the Bristol half website from 9pm tonight.

Cheers and hope to see Wednesday if I can run by then !

Wine Winning Women Win Wine once more!

Jon M reports excitedly on the Haresfield Beacon 10km...

A healthy squad of Tewkesbury AC runners made the easy trip to Haresfield to take part in the annual 10km event hosted by The Angels RC.

This is always popular run for the Tewkesbury based club and even more popular as several runners produced pleasing performances.

First club vest to cross the finish line in a time of 40 minutes dead was Angie Sadler. Sadler, a multi-distance specialist won the V45 category with ease - just what she needed ahead of her international debut in Winschoten. Watch this space for hot news from Holland and the IAU 50k Trophy.

Stuart Buchan followed next and timed his second 10km personal best of the weekend. Just 16 hours before the in-form runner set his new best at 43.15 mins only to slice it down to 42.25 mins over the Beacon course. Next up for the improving performer is the Great South Run.

Buchan's neighbour and next to finish, Barry O'Driscoll timed 43.34 - very pleasing, as the athlete has been nursing a hamstring niggle.

Club captain, Cathy Dudfield led Carol Cowley home. Dudfield showed measured improvement over previous Beacon runs. To compound her fine show, the captain took away wine for finishing second V35 - only missing out on top spot by ONE second! Cowley demonstrated her ability as she claimed 1st prize in the V55.

Super-vet, Mike Ward running in the V70 category timed 50 minutes and was contented with his race after suffering several niggles of late.
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
37thAngie Sadler 00:40:001st LV45
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
56thStuart Buchan 00:42:25PB
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
68thBarry O'Driscoll 00:43:34
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
78thCathy Dudfield 00:45:38
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
90thCarol Cowley 00:47:391st LV55
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------
106thMike Ward 00:50:44
-------------+-------------------+-------------+--------------

Macmillan 10km, Westonbirt

Westonbirt Arboretum was the venue for this popular charity race. 250 runners enjoyed running through this splendid part of the county. Tewkesbury AC's Stuart Buchan enjoyed it more after recording a PB for the distance. A time of just over 43 minutes gave the improving athlete 21st position overall. Equally, if not more, impressive was the performance of Tracy O'Driscoll. Having only recently taken up running, the lure of a picturesque 10,000m at Westonbirt Arboretum seemed an ideal arena to dip her toe in athletics. Completion of the 10k event was a significant achievement, as a genuine novice, the new talent doubled the distance she'd ever ran before, to the delight of her husband, fellow runner Barry.

21st Stuart Buchan 43.15
237th Tracy O'Driscoll 1:20.52

POLICE SPORT UK 10

Stuart D reports....

On Thursday 14th September I travelled down to Romsey in Hampshire with 3 colleagues to represent Gloucestershire Police in the Police Sport UK 10 Mile Road Race. We travelled down in torrential rain but fortunately arrived to better weather. A large field of over 400 entries from forces all over the country took the start of a 2 lap course run in the grounds of a stately home. I decided after recent races (which resulted in poor results!!) to start a little slower but still managed a sub 7 minute first mile. After a first lap of 35:50s i managed to pick up the pace and ran comfortably for the final lap. A final mile of 6:25s saw me complete in a time of 70:20s and a placing of 122nd. Although just outside my PB it was by far one of my best runs this year.

That said......I have stiil got a bit more training to do to catch the winner who did a time of 52:03s!!! A pint of local bitter (no I wasn't driving!!) and a pork roll wrapped up the proceedings very nicely.

KoTR update

Jon reports the following standings in the Club Champs update after 13 events. There are 2 races (plus a marathon) remaining.
|--------+--------+----------|
| 149 |Jon |Mansfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 138 |Jason |Draper |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 118 |Roger |Bennett |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 108 |Angie |Sadler |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 102 |Andy |Hawkins |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 95 |Stuart |Dudfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 83 |Cathy |Dudfield |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 82 |Nigel |Tillott |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 72 |Steve |Wiggall |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 64 |Carol |Cowley |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 56 |Phillip |Howells |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 46 |Barry |O'Driscoll|
|--------+--------+----------|
| 38 |Sandie |Harwood |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 35 |Sue |Bruce |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 31 |Lisa |Kane |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 29 |Jon |Rawlings |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 26 |Clive |Sentence |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 25 |Stuart |Buchan |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 22 |Mike |Ward |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 21 |Bev |Thomas |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 19 |Simon |Hall |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 18 |Mike |Primett |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 15 |Mick |Morris |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 14 |Wes |Reid |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 13 |Rob |Knight |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 12 |Rob |Jordan |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 10 |Clive |Baker |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 10 |Neville |Simpson |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 9 |Martyn |Cox |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 7 |Anne |Robinson |
|--------+--------+----------|
| 6 |Amanda |Martin |
|--------+--------+----------|

Cheltenham Tri, 03/09/06

Jon Mansfield successfully defended his triathlon crown in Cheltenham, in a field of nearly 300. In doing so, he won the competition for an unprecedented third time after victories in 2004 and 2005. Competition was relatively challenging after Mansfield completed the swim discipline only find himself outside the top 30 positions. The 10 miles of cycling from Cheltenham Lido, through Presbury before circling Bishops Cleeve, seemed to suit Mansfield as he tore through the leaders and lead local Ironman competitor, Andy East, back to Sandford Park. The 3km run through the town was a rapid affair for all - with the winner breaking the finishing
tape with a 2 minute cushion.

Oldbury 10 mile race, 03/09/06

Jon M reports...

Tewkesbury AC's 13th Club Championship race was unlucky for some as a plethora of below par performances threatened to wipe the shine off Tewkesbury taking the Ladies first team price. Included in the winning team were two of Great Britain's Ultra distance stars. Sue Bruce coasted in just30 seconds ahead of her newly selected National team mate Angie Sadler. The super smooth running pair came in 54th and 59th overall respectively and claimed category wins. Bruce, despite a stomach upset, collect the V40 prize. Sadler, who had a more pleasing experience, collect 1st V45. Thirdlady to complete the team was Cathy Dudfield. Dudfield, the club captain,ran well for the first few miles only to find the final 30 minutes demanding. All three ladies shared a substantial cash prize. With a record entry field, of which only 407 completed the course, Andy Hawkins finished inside the top ten. Hawkins is currently the club's top runner and in great form however, after failing to break the hour mark, he was baffled why he ran poorly. Jon Mansfield and Jason Draper finished
inside the top 50, with Mansfield recording 7 minutes and Draper 4 minutes slower than their best times from last years race. The wind was strong through parts of the South Gloucestershire course. Stuart Buchan coped well to record a pleasing time. Stuart Dudfield was feeling below par and ran off his best. Close behind Dudfield finishing was Phillip Howells who, claimed a top ten spot in the V55 category. Barry
O'Driscoll was hit with muscular discomfort and needed to reduce pace. While V55 talent Carol Cowley came second in category. The Bredon athlete also suffering an off day.

9th Andrew Hawkins 1:00:28
38th Jon Mansfield 1:04:52
40th Jason Draper 1:05:10
54th Susan Bruce 1:07:07
59th Angie Sadler 1:07:40
100th Stuart Buchan 1:11:49
121st Stuart Dudfield 1:14:13
130th Phil Howells 1:15:04
187th Cathy Dudfield 1:19:54
188th Bas O'Driscoll 1:19:58
222nd Carol Cowley 1:22:28

Brad's offroad recommendations

Tewkesbury's offroad specialist Bradley Crouch gives his opinions on some future event....

"Well after race the train... a couple more might be interested in some off road events:

First there is the Grizzly (info taken from here)

The Grizzly is an 18-mile multi-terrain race organised by Axe Runners based in Devon . It's by no means the toughest race around, but as the organisers suggest, the Grizzly is “twentyish muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy miles of the multiest-terrain edge-of-sanity running experience you will find this side of the end of time.”Trying to enter Grizzley, entry forms are out on the 10 September and race fills within two weeks.

I believe there will be camping with the AA (Almost Atheletes) for those would like to camp. I have talked to several people about this run and they all give glowing reports (and yes it is very hard, but such is life). I believe entry forms will be available from here. This race will stand you in good stead for Man versus Horse (24 miles of hills).

Secondly The Worcestershire Beacon Race which is run from Malvern, this is only a 7 miles course and all you who did the Breadon training run should easily be able to complete the course. Course is roughly 3 miles up zig zagging up hill, 1 mile flat and 3 miles down hill (roughly in that order). Entry forms are out now, I have one floating about which can be photocopied otherwise you will need to get in contact with John Brooks (can't find online entry form):

John Brook,
Brookhire
Spring Lane South
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1AT


Ph: 01684 572314



There are several other race of notable mentioning:
Suicide Six (19th November). Note no entry on day as it gets sold out several weeks before. This is a nice muddy coarse with a stream crossing in freezing water. Very enjoyable. More details here. Entry forms are online on RunnersWorld web site.

Muddy Woody (Feb 19th), name says it all apart for distance which is 6 miles.. This is also enjoyable, but collides with Dursley Dozen.

Dursley Dozen (Feb 19th), another 6 miles on the Muddy Woody, not as muddy. Quite enjoyable, but you get a nice T-shirt on the Muddy Woody.

Stourbridge Stagger (Early Feb), another muddy course.

Stourbridge Stumble (June), not so muddy but a couple of hills to keep you interested.

Halesowen Hillock 10 (June), nice off road course.. If memory serves me correctly it is a hilly 10 miles

Guy Fawkes 5, November 2006

Entry forms and details of our very popular 5 mile race in November are now available. Download them from here!

Course records are:
Senior Male 24:12 holder unknown, pre-1994
Senior Lady 28:47 Shona Crombie-Hicks (Bourton Road Runners), 2004

Race the Train 2006, Tywyn, Wales

Sandie Harwood reports about the mud..

Four members of Tewkesbury AC made the 3 hr journey to Tywyn in Wales to take part in the 23rd Annual Race the Train Event.

Despite, drizzly and muddy conditions, this year's event was enjoyed by all four members of the club, a challenging multi-terrain 14.8mile course had runners up, down and along hills, knee deep in mud and water, through farmland and some roads too.

Angie Sadler was star performer picking up the prize for 2nd Lady Vet 45 and finishing 123rd, Bradley Crouch 136th, very much at home in this type of terrain, Sandie Harwood 493rd, this being the longest race she has done to date and Phillip Howells 494th, proving that this type of event is what he really enjoys! This was the first time Angie and Sandie had taken part in this very well organised and atmospheric event. Overall finishing field was 709.

Angie 123 1:51:34

Brad 136 1:53:04

Sandie 493 2:26:05

Phillip 494 2:26:05

Arlingham 4.4, 28/08/06

Andy H reports..

This morning, athletes including yours truly, pounded the roads around the small village of Arlingham. In the years that I have been living in the Gloucester area I have never done this race before so I thought I had better get on and do it. I was also using this race as a final sharpener before the Oldbury Power Station 10 which is this coming Sunday

The race started at 11:30 at the Red Lion pub and we did a small loop around the lanes of Arlingham before running back through the village towards the River Severn. This part of the race was quite hard work as there was a strong breeze coming off the river. The road finishes just before the river bank so we turned around a cone and then retraced our steps back towards the village. On reaching the village again we did another but different loop before finishing back at the Red Lion pub.

I did 25:27 and came fifth (I won a box of Cadbury's chocolate cookies). There was a reasonable turnout with decent quality up at the sharp end. Overall an unusual distance (4.4 miles) but quite a pleasant race to do.

Harwood has the bottle…

Jon M (responsible for the dodgy headline) reports...

Tewkesbury AC’s wine cellar is becoming fuller by the day. This time it was Sandie Harwood who collected quality wine. Harwood scooped the “Most Improved award” at the Cotswold Aquathon race series. The series comprised of three races - in June, July, and August. The challenge was a 750m lake swim around the Blue flag awarded waters instantly followed by a two lap 5km run. Harwood, who is relatively new to open water swimming, was the last finisher in the June event. This fuelled her determination and she just got better and better. So good was her performances, she was called up in front of a packed awards ceremony to collect her fabulous awards.

Fellow club members Jon Rawlings and press officer Jon Mansfield also raced the series. However, they collected nothing but a peck from an angry swan!

Frank Duffy 10 Mile, 19/08/06

Clive S reports..
What better way to prepare for a 10 mile race around Dublin's Phoenix Park, than a night of generous carbo loading as depicted here? Actually the hardest bit was getting out of bed after 5 hours sleep, and negotiating the buses on a typical rainy Irish morning. After all that I was very pleased with a time of 63:25, putting me in the top 90 in a field of nearly 2000. The race was well organised and supported, the course was entirely traffic free, and I was back in the hotel for lunchtime. I can thoroughly recommend this event if you're looking for a spouse-friendly running weekend abroad.

County 10K, 24/08/06

Andy H reports....
Last night I took part in the County 10k Track Championships at the Blackbridge Track in Gloucester. In the past I have had a good record at this event, I was 1st 3 years ago and 2nd last year. However last night's field was full of quality. I finished 8th overall (4th Senior Man). I ran 35:57 (a PB of 9secs) a satisfactory performance by me, I thought, as I wanted to break the 36min barrier. There were 18 runners in the field over half made up from Bourton (most over 45). It was a pity there were no-one else from the club as there were more County medals up for grabs and I feel we could have done well. For example there was no-one in the Senior Ladies or LV35 category. The race would have been different from doing the usual Wed night run.

There was a one highlight last night, I was involved in a race where a World Record was set. The 2nd man in was an athlete from Tipton Harriers (one of the best clubs in the country). He set the best ever time by a V55 over 10,000m on the track. I am unsure of his exact time but it was around the 33min mark.

White Horse 5K, 17/08/06

Andy H reports....

On Thursday night there was the final race in the series of 5k races around the lanes of Sandhurst near Gloucester. This race also incorporated the County 5k Championships. This meant that the field was VERY HOT in quality.

Six runners from the club punished their bodies. Below are the results.

Name Position Time

Me 25 16:56
Mike Primett 56 19:23
Adrian Lavery 68 20:16
Amanda Martin 72 20:47
Rob Jordan 77 21:58
Carol Cowley 84 21:33

As this was a County Championship race, County medals were up for grabs and I am pleased to say that our two lady runners came away with some booty. Amanda was first LV35 and Carol was first LV55. Many congratulations to them both.

There were a total of 106 finishers. The winning time was 14:44. Cheltenham Men and Bourton Ladies won their respective team prizes.

Boddington 50K

Well done to our ultra-distance heroes and heroines, who surely make Tewkesbury AC one of the best ultrarunning clubs around, based on percentage of active members competing over these distances.

Ladies:
5 Sue BRUCE (2nd LV40) 3h40m30
7 Angie SADLER (1st LV45) 3h46m50

Men:
5 Adrian LAVERY (5th MV45) 4h12,04
20 Phillip HOWELLS (1st MV55) 4h31m38

Boddington 5K, 13/08/06

Cathy reports..
3 Tewkesbury AC members took part in the 5K race which was held over a fast flat course but in unfavourable wet and windy conditions. A field of 132 took the start which included over 50 women. I was really pleased with my run finiishing in 30th position overall & 2nd female, coming away with another bottle of wine (it was very nice as well!!). My time of 21:18 was not my fastest but given the conditions I was still really happy. Carol also had a pleasing run fininshing 38th & 3rd lady in a time of 22:19. It was really nice to have 2 Tewkesbury AC ladies finishing in the top 3.
Stu completed the trio coming home 1st for the club (It doesn't happen often!!!) placing 24th overall in a time of 20:12, tho' he's still waiting to break the 20 min mark.

Handicap update - 15/08/06

Jason reports....

Thanks to everyone who competed and to the two tooth lighter Stuart for his help. A disappointing turnout this time allowed Mike, Charlotte & Sandy to take full advantage securing the top three places and thus putting themselves right into contention for the title, with Charlotte climbing to the top of the rankings for the second time after a two race absence. Eleven of you (down to and including Cathy on the leaderboard) are in with a chance of becoming the first handicap champion going into the final race(September 13th). As ever though Mike, Charlotte & Sandie will be penalised next time out!
It is pertinent at this time for me to have a plan in the event of a tie after the last race, so I suggest that in the event of a tie for the podium places that firstly competitors shall be separated by their head to head results. If their head to head results are tied then it will be down to who has run the least amount of races. After that I may have to toss a coin. If anyone can think of a fairer or better system please let me know ASAP.

For the last race I will need two volunteers to assist me as I think it may be a better turnout. Brad has already offered but as he is still in with a chance of winning I think it would be better if he ran, so I would be grateful if a couple of you who probably aren't in contention could lend a hand.

The following are finish order with points scored and time order for the Aug 9th handicap followed by the current standings with individual races run in brackets.

Jason

POSITION NAME POINTS RANK TIME
1 MIKE WARD 5 8 39:27
2 CHARLOTTE 4 9 39:41
3 SANDIE H 3 7 38:02
4 BARRY 2 3 33:26
5 CATH D 1 4 35:14
6 ANG SADLER 1 2 31:30
7 CAROL C 1 5 36:40
8 ROB JORDAN 1 6 37:20
9 JON M 1 1 30:15

POSITION NAME GRAND TOTAL (RACES RUN)
1 LOTTE 10 (3)
2 NIGEL 9 (3)
3 ANG 9 (4)
4 SANDIE 9 (5)
5 MIKE W 8 (4)
6 ROGER 7 (3)
7 CAROL 7 (5)
8 PHIL 6 (2)
9 BRAD 6 (3)
10 JON M 6 (4)
11 CATH 6 (5)
12 STEVE J 3 (1)
13 STU D 3 (2)
14 BEV 3 (2)
15 BARRY 3 (2)
16 ROB J 3 (3)
17 STEVE W 3 (3)
18 STEVE D 2 (2)
OTHERS 1 (1)

A busy weekend!

Jon M reports....

Tewkesbury Athletic club members were out in force over the weekend…

Phillip Howells was by far the most active. On Thursday, he was joined by Rob Jordan in Gloucester for the LloydsTSB Fitness 4. Racing over a 4 mile course Howells clocked a personal best time of 24.41 - a smashing time for the V55+ ultra distance specialist. Improving Jordan ran in just behind to record 27.41

21st Phillip Howells - 24.41

26th Rob Jordan - 27.41

On the Saturday Howells set off in the “Caerphilly Summits Challenge”, an off-road run over an infamous hilly 22 miles. After an event as tough as that, you would think that Sunday could only be a day of rest? Not for Howells, as the Ledbury based multi-distance, multi-sport athlete raced in a demanding 100 mile cycle time-trial. Despite puncturing, a time of 5.45hrs was all it took for the veteran star to reach the century.

Vice-club captain Jason Draper also travelled west. The runner took on the Tenbury Wells Round Table 10km, set over a picturesque course through Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Fast times were off the menu as the runners were reduced to walking up one particular steep section after 5km. Draper recorded a time of 40.55 mins to finish 19th from a field of 178.

Barry O’Driscoll & Jon Mansfield combined swimming, cycling and running when they both took part in the Wychavon triathlon. The popular Worcestershire event was a sell-out with all 200 places taken. O’Driscoll enjoyed his second attempt over the Droitwich course that included a 400m pool swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run. The regular swimmer performed with ease in the water before he set-off on his most challenging discipline. The bike course is notoriously difficult to navigate, nevertheless, the cycling novice pushed pedals well enough to time under 44 mins for the 20km distance. The rest was easy as the runner displayed expertise while gaining dozens of places up the finishing order. Team-mate Jon Mansfield started the event for the 5th time. Mansfield also had a trouble free race with only his run time lacking to finish 5th overall.

5th Jon Mansfield 6.47 - 33.13 - 21.30 - 1:01.30

89th Baz O’Driscoll 7.58 - 43.42 - 24.40 - 1:16.15

And finally, Clive Sentance headed off east to race the "Hooky 6" around the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. This course has the potential for some good times, but a fastish start was perhaps not the wisest choice as temperatures rose. The time of 37:39 was not quite good enough for a top 20 finish, but as a consolation there was a decent T shirt and a drinks bottle in place of the usual medal.

Bugatti 10K, 02/08/06

The full results are now available here.


Alan Dumper reports..

"Many congratulations to you all for completing a real 'brute' of a course. I was very pleased with my own performance both in the car park at the drinks station !!!! Apparently it was so good I came away with a race T shirt , a beer and two bottles of wine as prizes !!!!!
Sadly the prizes were not mine - special congratulations to Carol for winning the Lady vet 55 prize and to Cathy for her performance in finishing 6th lady . Providing I don't have a party this weekend I will hopefully bring your prizes over to the handicap next week.

July Severn AC White Horse 5K

Sue Bruce won the women's veteran category at the latest White Horse 5km. Bruce ran a time of 18.49 minutes to finish 51st and 5th female in a real quality field. Rob Jordan also ran the race hosted by Severn AC and came in 78th. Although just a local evening event, 16 athletes ran under 16 minutes and 66 ran under 20 minutes - now that is fast!

Multi-sport Exploits!

Jon M reports...

Minehead Triathon (swim = 400m, bike = 23km, Run = 7.5km)

Jon Mansfield and Sandie Harwood both took part in the Minehead triathlon. The event was the South West triathlon sprint distance championships. The swim was staged in the indoor pool before an undulating cycle course towards Portlock hill. The athletes were then sent out to run a 7.5km towards Dunster Castle, heading back along the beach, along side Butlins and then on to the welcome finish line. Harwood celebrated her birthday by completing the event in 1hr 58.28 In only her second triathlon the birthday girl came 130th. Mansfield found the going tough especially the run. Chronic hip and hamstring niggles have reduced the triathlete to just 3 miles run training a week. Nevertheless, after recording the fastest bike time of the day, a total time of 1hr 21.40 was rewarded by a runners-up spot and 1st placed senior male title for the region. A veteran took the overall win, just 19 seconds quicker.

2nd Jon Mansfield 6.35 - 42.58 - 32.07 = 1.21.40
130th Sandie Harwood 10.31 - 1.04.01 - 43.56 = 1.58.28


Bredon Triathlon (swim = 1200m, bike = 50km, run = 10km)

Four club members raced in the local Bredon triathlon. The event started with a 1200m swim in Croft farm lake followed by a scenic cycle out to Eastnor Castle and back and finishing with a 10km run. Phillip Howells was the main attraction for the 100+ spectators. The ultra-distance running specialist had never swam in the open water before and more importantly never swam 1200m. Howells didn't disappoint as the
novice used a combination of breast stroke and front crawl to complete the two lap swim in 41.50 minutes. Rapturous applause was directed at Howells as he hit dry land and eagerly rode away on the 50km ride. 1hr.48 minutes later the Ledbury based athlete ran off to complete 10km in under 51 minutes. A total race time of 3hr.20 secured 83rd for the smiling finisher. Stephen Darnell demonstrated his cycling power with an excellent ride. Darnell also timed just under 51 minutes for his run split.
Jon Mansfield had savoured the prospect of racing on his door-step training course. His swim was hampered by a leaking goggle. However, his cycling was a success, that was until the referee awarded a two minute penalty afterwards. A run time of 42 minutes was 3 minutes down from his 2005 performance. Likewise, for defending champion Jon Rawlings, racing for Tri team Glos, the Tewkesbury AC runner was struggling with a foot injury but still finished the event inside the top ten.

8th Jon Rawlings 18.14 - 1.25.38 - 42.30 = 2.26.22
11th Jon Mansfield 21.26 - 1.25.38 - 42.01 = 2.29.05
47th Steve Darnall 29.13 - 1.33.01 - 50.34 = 2.52.48
83rd Phillip Howells 41.50 - 1.48.11 - 50.57 = 3.20.58

Latest KoTR standings, 01/08/06

Gloucester 7, 27/07/06

Andy H reports..

To coincide with the Annual Gloucester Festival, Severn AC stage the Festival 7. The race used to be staged in a more central location in Gloucester but over the last few years it now starts at the Pilot Inn at Hardwicke and the route follows the country lanes around Longney and Elmore. The course is very undulating so fast times are difficult to achieve. On Thursday evening, 5 Tewkesbury Athletes tackled this tough course and also had to cope with very warm weather.

First home was yours truly in 41:22, this gave me a position of 4th (3rd Senior Man). Yes I was beaten by a lady (only just though), but a very good athlete in Jo Brewer of Cheltenham Harriers who broke the ladies course record by over 90 seconds. Not the greatest time in the world but a good hard workout and reasonable bearing in mind that I only decided to run it just over an hour before the start. Next home was Stu Buchan who came home in 20th in a time of 49:07. This was his first race back from a long lay off, well done. Stu Dudfield was next in 49:36 (22nd) followed by Barry O'Driscoll in 50:17 (23rd) and finally Cathy Dudfield in 53:32 (29th, but 3rd lady). Both Cathy and myself picked up prizes of various chocolate biscuits. Overall it was good that a reasonable turnout was achieved and compete in a race that has a good history in the Gloucestershire road racing calendar.

There were 35 runners with a winning time of 37:07.

Worcester Pitchcroft 10km, 16/07/06

Jon M reports..

Worcester racecourse was hot and humid for the annual 10km race. Always a popular race with both senior and junior fun runs taking place. Tewkesbury AC’s runners and their families were out in force to take on the course that is made up of trail pathways, tarmac and shingle. The 10km event consisted of three 2 mile laps and a bit extra to total 10km.

The most impressive run of was produced by Andrew Hawkins. In-form Hawkins performed with ease while those around fatigued - including the early leader who pulled-out! A sub 36 minute run was just outside the podium in 4th. However, not for the first time this season, the women club runners collected prizes. Angie Sadler, fresh from an amazing result in the Calgary marathon, found it in her to claim 2nd place overall female and 1st place veteran. Sadler completed the ‘slow’ course in 40 minutes. Silverware too for Cathy Dudfield. Dudfield’s time of 46 minutes rewarded her with 3rd senior and 4th female overall. Nigel Tillot just missed breaking the benchmark 40 minute 10km time. While Phil Howells came in seconds over 45 mins. Rare appearances from Clive Sentence and Jon Rawlings saw the two join Jon Mansfield and Jason Draper in the top 20 of the finishing field. Carol Cowley, Sandie Harwood and Wesley Reid had trouble free runs as less experienced runners were forced to reduce their pace as the sun warmed the air.

4th Andy Hawkins 35.52
7th John Rawlings 36.34
11th Jon Mansfield 37.26
12th Clive Sentance 37.40
20th Jason Draper 39.01
23rd Nigel Tillot 40.08
24th Angie Sadler 40.21 2nd lady/1st vet
59th Phillip Howells 45.02
67th Cathy Dudfield 46.03 4th lady/3rd Senior
75th Carol Cowley 47.05
92nd Sandie Harwood 48.59
190th Wes Reid 65.05

Jane Tomlinson 5, July 06

Andy H reports....

A well organised and unusual race. A good local community feel to it. Most of the runners were from clubs in that part of West Yorkshire.

Started off on canal path trails. After about 1.5 miles went onto grass paths, quite awkward to run on. After just over 2.5 miles had to cross a canal lock. We had to walk across this due to Health and Safety reasons. We then headed back along more trail paths. After 4 miles hit more grass paths, crossed a footbridge and then up a slight incline onto the finish. Not a PB course but quite enjoyable. All finishers were given a bottle of water which was needed on a warm Tuesday evening.

I finished 7th (out of 170) in a time of 28:50. The winning time was 27:20.

X/C fixtures 2006-7

Now available here!

Gloucester half, 23/07/06

Jon M reports..
A group of three runners made the short trip to Newent to take part in the Glos Half.
Jason Draper performed well to finish under 1.27 minutes - a fine time over the undulating countryside course. And, even with a welcome drop of rain and light breeze, the air was still humid. Barry O’Driscoll had expected to run as well as club-mate Phillip Howells only to suffer from dehydration from the 8 mile mark, probably not the only athlete to be affected due to the hot and humid days preceding. O’Driscoll viewed his day philosophically and is looking forward to drinking more pre-race (water that is!). Ultra-distance veteran Phillip Howells clocked a fabulous time to finish in 88th place from a field of 300.

39th - Jason Draper 1-26.59

88th - Phillip Howells 1-36.06

134th - Barry O'Driscoll 1-44.30

Frampton 10km

Jon reports..
Runners from Tewkesbury Athletics club took part in Monday evenings 10km event at Frampton. Conditions were cooler than previous years, nevertheless 501 finished the race to receive their complimentary glass of local cider. Three outstanding performances were produced amongst an eight strong Tewkesbury AC contingent. Nigel Tillot and Sandie Harwood smashed their pb's for the 10km with 40.09 and 48.05 minutes respectively. Both excellent over the country lane course. Club captain Cathy Dudfield ran superbly to come within seconds of her lifetime best.

17th Jon Mansfield - 36.55
38th Jason Draper - 38.50
56th Nigel Tillot - 40.09
98th Stuart Dudfield - 42.53
140th Cathy Dudfield - 44.58
161st Carol Cowley - 45.57
208th Sandie Harwood - 48.05
209th Phillip Howells - 48.06

Latest handicap scores

Jason reports..

Thanks to everyone who competed in the latest handicap race. Another good turnout saw the total runners for the series so far rise to 34 (could we get you all out for the next two and make it really interesting?) including six series virgins, three of which were club newcomers.
Congratulations to Phil for a comfortable victory and to Stuart and newcomer Steve Jones for getting among the points. But with his third major points finish in a row Nigel is the man to catch as he climbs to the top of the leader board as his ever improving season goes from strength to strength. But its still tight at the top and the title & trophy for the inaugural Handicap Champion is still up for grabs with two races left. But as ever (this is my favourite part!) Phil, Nigel & Steve Jones will be penalised next time out!, which reminds me, I need a volunteer to assist me next time (August 9th) or the race will not go ahead!!
The following are the finish order with points scored and time order for July 12th, followed by the current leaderboard with individual number of races run in brackets (remember best 4 of 6 to count). Jason

POSITION NAME POINTS RANK TIME
1 PHIL H 5 10 35:49
2 NIGEL T 4 3 32:18
3 STEVE JONES 3 6 34:34
4 STUART D 2 9 34:42
5 STEVE WIGGALL 1 7 34:36
6 MIKE WARD 1 15 41:05
7 SANDIE H 1 14 39:13
8 CLIVE BAKER 1 1 30:02
9 BRADLEY C 1 5 33:06
10 JON M 1 2 30:40
11 ROB J 1 13 38:12
12 CATH D 1 11 36:35
13 CAROL C 1 12 38:06
14 JON R 1 4 32:44
15 ADRIAN L 1 8 34:39
16 CAROLINE 1 16 51:13
17 VICKY 1 17 52:00

POSITION NAME GRAND TOTAL (RACES RUN)
1 NIGEL 9 (3)
2 ANG 8 (3)
3 ROGER 7 (3)
4 CAROL 7 (4)
5 SANDIE 7 (4)
6 CHARLOTTE 6 (2)
7 BRAD 6 (3)
8 CATH 6 (4)
9 PHIL 6 (2)
10 JON M 5 (3)
11 BEV 3 (2)
12 STU D 3 (2)
13 MIKE 3 (3)
14 STEVE W 3 (3)
15 STEVE J 3 (1)
16 ROB J 2 (2)
17 STEVE D 2 (2)
OTHERS 1 (1)

Bourton Mile Race, 15/07/06

Jon reports...
A small collective of athletes from Tewkesbury raced over the mile. The event was the Gloucestershire county mile championships as well as part of the Glos road race series (GRRS). Four runners entered the senior event and two collected category medals. Mick Morris finished in the silver medal position after timing 6.28 minutes. Excellent for the V60 runner who has been troubled with knee injuries for two years. Sandie Harwood impressed again. This time the Overbury athlete who, currently occupies second place in the GRRS, produced a 6.46 minute mile to finish second in the LV35 category. Barry O'Driscoll and Jon Mansfield had contrasting races. Mansfield broke the five minute mark for the first time while O'Driscoll ran with his 3yr son Benjamin and came in on 10.45mins - outstanding time for the youngest competitor who beat several runners up to three times his age. Callum Harwood ran with relative ease to record 7.03 and claim runners-up spot in the fun run - although it later appeared that the 12yr son of Sandie won!

12th 4.58 Jon Mansfield
46th 6.28 Mick Morris
51st 6.46 Sandie Harwood
58th 7.03 Callum Harwood
79th 10.45 Benjamin O'Driscoll
80th 10.45 Bas O'Driscoll

Sport Relief Mile

In what can only described as an act of pure vanity, your blogmeister threw caution to the wind and took on all comers at Farmor's School last Friday afternoon. In keeping with custom, I had tapered fully by spending 3 days (and most of 2 nights) keeping year 8 in order on a residential trip, only escaping for an early morning run on the Devon Coastal path. The coach had only been back at school a matter of minutes when I had to change in my office, pull on a pair of trainers and head out for the track. Rivals from the staff were quickly left behind, and I was left to brave the bumps and holes of the school back straight, finishing in a creditable 5:14. Regrettably this was not enough to beat the time of 5:09 set earlier in the day by a sixth former, who also won a fiver in a bet from one of my colleagues. Recovery this weekend was spent in close scrutiny of age - adjusted tables..........

10 mile results, 8&9 July 06

Portland 10 mile.

Mike Ward travelled down to Weymouth to take part in the South-West veteran championship. Ran over a tough course from Portland Bill, Ward finished in a time of 1hr 30 minutes. The journey was more worthwhile as he travelled home with the first place V70 prize!

Severn AC Pilot 10 mile race.

Jason Draper joined two of Tewkesbury AC’s ultra-distance talents on Saturday to be greeted by favourable conditions in Gloucester. Draper grabbed an excellent top ten position after finishing in 1hr 5 minutes. GB International star Sue Bruce followed in 12th place, a little behind the first place woman in a time of 1hr 6 minutes. Finally, globetrotting runner Phillip Howells was content to finish inside the top twenty with an admirable time of 74 minutes.

Aerospace 5, 6/7/06

Jon M reports..

A healthy Tewkesbury AC turnout was evident for this evening event at Bishops Cleeve, as part of the club's own race series which is currently led by Jason Draper and Angie Sadler. The course is not the easiest, starting over grass before slowly climbing up though Southam. This didn’'t have any effect on the club'’s star performer Lisa Kane. The Childswickham based athlete set a new personal best time on a course least expected to produce. Kane, who has recently changed her coach, has slotted in well amongst an improving group of women at the club. First runner to finish for Tewkesbury was Andy Hawkins who proved why he is rated No1 at the club. Hawkins had a top ten finish with a time of 29.01 minutes. Jon Mansfield arrived late and needed to take a running start. A finish time of 30.14 gave the Triathlete 17th position. Club vice-captain Jason Draper made it look easy to finish well inside 32 minutes. Great Britain Ultra-distance team member, Sue Bruce won the lady vets title in 32.17. Ever improving Nigel Tillot run the five miles in under 33 minutes, while Stuart Dudfield did well enough to hold off Steve Wiggall who came in strong at the finish. Roger Bennett ran with caution just nine days after a double cataract operation! Phillip Howells, having just returned from South Africa where he completed one of the toughest races on earth - the 56 mile Comrades marathon, found it a little easier over five miles and came in just under 37 minutes. Club captain Cathy Dudfield came in just after Howells in a comfortable time. Second of the prize winners was Bredon'’s Carol Cowley who ran away with the super vets title with 38.13. Cowley led home Sandie Harwood from neighbouring village Overbury. Mike Ward was yet again first in the V70 category, whilst new boy Wes Read finished the race in just over 45 minutes and one place ahead Bev Thomas who is return to racing after a short injury spell. Anne Robinson produced a run to be pleased with. Robinson appears to have shaken niggling injuries of late to finish 142nd in a record field for this event.

10th - 29.01 Andrew Hawkins
17th - 30.14 Jon Mansfield
27th - 31.42 Jason Draper
32nd - 32.17 Sue Bruce
38th - 32.57 Nigel Tillot
55th - 34.25 Stuart Dudfield
61st - 34.51 Steve Wiggall
62nd - 34.55 Roger Bennett
72nd - 36.58 Phillip Howells
74th - 37.04 Cathy Dudfield
83rd - 38.13 Carol Cowley
92nd - 39.06 Lisa Kane
102nd - 40.27 Sandie Harwood
107th - 40.35 Michael Ward
124th - 45.29 Wesley Reid
125th - 45.35 Beverly Thomas
142nd - 49.35 Anne Robinson

Calgary Marathon, July 2006

Phil Sadler reports that Angie ran this in 3:15:51, gaining first place in LV45 category, and 3rd lady overall!

Mallards Pike (and other events!), June 2006

Jon Mansfield reports...

Cooler, overcast conditions greeted Tewkesbury AC athletes on their annual return to the Forest of Dean. Thirteen runners started the event over the official Adidas trial, covering just under 5 miles over a stony, thankfully dry, surface. The event was part of the TAC Club Championship and points were on offer to club runners who completed the course. With just two runners finishing in the top ten this year, Jon Mansfield and Jason Draper who came in 3rd and 10th respectively, the main excitement was further down the field. Roger Bennett was pleased to finish quicker than in 2005 while gifted distance runner, Angie Sadler had to settle for 2nd place lady - local GB international athlete Caroline Jones took top spot. Much improved runner Nigel Tillot again impressed recording 32 minutes for such a demanding course. Most competitive runners of the evening were Barry O'Driscoll and Stuart Dudfield who had a race long battle. Both runners pushed each other to record great times and in doing so set themselves Pb's. O'Driscoll came in 10 yards clear on this occasion. A great, great time was clocked by club captain Cathy Dudfield. She was able to reduce her
course best time by 3 minutes - in just 12 months! A sub 35 minute 5 mile run could be making an appearance later this year from the captain. Finishing in an improving time and, looking very comfortable while doing so was Steve Wiggall. Bredon's Carol Cowley recorded 36.46 minutes while veteran 70yr Mike Ward came in just ahead of Lisa Kane. Kane launched into an impressive burst of speed over the last 30 yards which set several Mallards flying. Finally, it was new club member and former local Rugby
talent Wes Reid who completed the team. Reid is rapidly becoming a runner so, watch this space.
While the adults were running through the trees, a children's race took place, Sue Bruce's son entered and produced a promising performance - by winning the top boys title. Well done Dougie Bruce.

This weekend was the Hilly Half at Bourton-on-the-Water. With a starting field of 245 runners, just two from Tewkesbury AC toed the line. Although conditions were hot, Olympian Dan Robinson still broke his course record in sub 67 minutes! Tewkesbury AC's Sandie Harwood added another half marathon race to her total for the year. Harwood's unlikely to experience such a demanding course for at least 12 months. Sections of the scenic route reduced several runners to walkers, particular those who shot off up the first climb too quickly. Harwood ran with discipline to break the 2 hour mark and come inside the top 180. Jon Mansfield joined a select few who have run all three Hilly Half's. With the race starting at 6pm, Mansfield had time to race the Dambuster Triathlon in Leicestershire in the morning. The Dambuster was a qualifying event for the forthcoming Triathlon world championships in Switzerland. It started at 7am and so did the rain. The race went badly for the shorter distance triathlete as shin splins affected the whole 10km run and was forced to run on tip toes. A finishing time of 2.18hrs and a placing of 128th from 550 meant that a flight to Switzerland was not needed. Nevertheless, after a cold bath and a hot massage the shin splints had cleared enough to get around the Hilly course later.


Mallard's Pike Trial Race Result 21/06/06
29.00 Jon Mansfield
30.41 Jason Draper
31.26 Roger Bennett
31.53 Angie Sadler
32.12 Nigel Tillot
33.31 Bas O'Driscol
33.33 Stuart Dudfield
34.31 Steve Wiggall
35.19 Cathy Dudfield
36.46 Carol Cowley
39.00 Michael Ward
40.14 Lisa Kane
45.20 Wesley Reid

Childrens Event

Dougie Bruce 1st placed boy & 2nd overall.

The Dambuster Triathlon (1500m/42km/10km)
24/06/06
2.18 Jon Mansfield

Bourton Hilly Half Marathon.
24/06/06
1.37.24 Jon Mansfield
1.59.49 Sandie Harwood

Comrades Marathon, June 2006

Phillip Howells reports...

For the record, this was my 3rd Comrades marathon (for those who have not been subject to my ravings about this great event, it is in South Africa, ran between Durban and Pietermaritzberg, with many hills including fivefamous big ones, and either approx 89km/56mls or 87.5km/54.5mls depending on if a 'down' or 'up' race - this year an up, so the shorter distance!) and I did a pb time of 8-56-13, thus earning the much coveted 'Bill Rowan' medal that is awarded for beating 9 hours (there are five different medal types depending on time, with a very strict 12 hours limit - 12 hrs and 1 sec means no medal or a recognised finish, you are not even allowed to cross the finish line, which makes the end very dramatic indeed; there are always many runners still out on the course, or even in the stadium as the 'gun' signals the end). Naturally I was delighted to achieve a major goal for this year
after missing it by less than 15 minutes when I last ran in 2004. Some of you have met my fellow UK runners Edward Chapman, who did 11-40 (for his 6th finish), and Colin Gill ('Gilly') who did 11-12 (his 4th).

To put my time in perspective, it meant running 2 back-to-back 4-18 marathons plus a couple of extra miles at an average pace of 9-54 per mile; also achieved a pretty rare 'negative' split along the way, 4-28-44 first half and 4-27-29 second, which I was impressed with! Can't take the credit for that really, even though I usually judge pace pretty well, but decided I would go with the pacemaker 'bus' for a sub-9hour run.

It proved to be a good decision. As 2 years ago, I caught the 'bus' after about 30kms following my usual very steady start, but rather than go ahead like I did in 2004, going through half way in under 4-15 then, but finishing in 9-13, I decided to stay with the pacemaker. This was a totally different experience to running on my own and it taught me a lot - as well as getting me that medal. After all the niggles of the last two months, amazingly the run was just perfect, ran well with no problems at all, and we were still running at 8min mile pace at the end (there was a lot of walking as well - the best strategy to finish in good shape, even many of the very top guys walk some of the way). I eventually finished 2,321 of 9,838 finishers. Hope
to go back at least once more in 2007 to celebrate the fact that I will be 60 then - I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to experience something different which is also a big challenge. The South Africans are mad about it, the crowds are huge and very enthusiastic! Angie and I certainly plan it for 2007, and I think Sue has an invitation to compete as well.

Talking about Angie, Amanda and I supported her when she ran a leg of the Cotswold Relay for Cheltenham Ladies yesterday (we ran the leg behind the field, mainly off-road in superb scenery on a fabulous day). She of course won the Ladies prize for the 12 mile leg in 1-27, finishing an excellent 11th from over 60 teams and, with our own Carol who ran an earlier leg, being part of the winning Ladies team for the 105 miles event (which has 10 legs). There was a really great atmosphere with obvious commited team spirit amongst the many teams. Many of you know that Angie is very enthusiastic about this race and having experienced it myself, I think it would be great if we could put a Tewkesbury AC team together for next year (can be a mixed
team). Think we already have 7 or 8 interested club members; it is in my diary for this weekend next year despite it being the week after Comrades, but that does not matter, the time is not as important as the team effort, so hope a few more of you will want to join us?

Club Handicap #3, 14/06/06

Barry O' Driscoll reports...

We had another good turnout for the monthly handicap. The results are tabulated below in finish order, allotted points, and your individual performance and ranking for the 5 mile.

Position Name Points Rank Elapsed Time
1 Angie Sadler 5 3 00:31:54
2 Carol Cowley 4 9 00:36:33
3 Jon Mansfield 3 1 00:29:33
4 Nigel Tillot 2 4 00:32:23
5 Steve Wiggall 1 6 00:34:22
6 Roger Bennett 1 2 00:30:46
7 Sandie Harwood 1 10 00:38:36
8 Mike Ward 1 11 00:40:51
9 Bradley Crouch 1 5 00:32:35
10 Cathy Dudfield 1 8 00:35:50
11 Amanda Martin 1 7 00:35:30
12 Helena 1 12 00:48:52

So after 3 races in the series the provisional leaderboard looks something like the following (to be confirmed by Jason):
Position Name Grand Total
1 Angie Sadler 8
2 Roger Bennett 7
3 Carol Cowley 6
3 Charlotte Mowbray 6
3 Sandie Harwood 6
6 Bradley Crouch 5
6 Cathy Dudfield 5
6 Nigel Tillot 5
9 Jon Mansfield 4
10 Bev Thomas 3
11 Mike Ward 2
11 Steve Darnell 2
11 Steve Wiggall 2
14 Alan Dumper 1
14 Amanda Martin 1
14 Andy Hawkins 1
14 Anne Robinson 1
14 Barry O'Driscoll 1
14 Helena 1
14 Lisa Kane 1
14 Mick Morris 1
14 Nev Simpson 1
14 Phillip Howells 1
14 Rob Jordan 1
14 Rob Knight 1
14 Simon Hall 1
14 Stu Dudfield 1
14 ??? 1

County Update, June 2006

Steve W reports that the latest county results are available here, He points out we are doing well in some categories and really well in others - so congrats to all.

Cloud Cuckoo 5 , 7/6/06

Bradley Crouch 32nd 40.15
Angie Sadler 36th 40.32 1st Vet 45, 3rd Lady Stuart Dudfield 57 43.45
Steve Wiggall 59 44.40
Cathy Dudfield 82 46.47
Barry O'Driscoll 89 47.26
Sandie Harwood 123 55.08
Phillip Howells 126 55.24
Wes Reid 139 1.04.25

143 Finished


This race was off road (mix of stony tracks and grass, extremely hilly, (nearly vertical or even mountainous in places!!), conditions were perfect, warm with light
cool breeze. Stuart and Cathy Dudfield, who took part last year, were certainly faster than last time. Phillip was going carefully prior to the Comrades 'marathon' on 16 June.

Steve Wiggall's personal feelings: "I was intending to treat it like a training run after a hard 4m yesterday. Set off steady then started to pick it up after 2. Hill
at 3 was tough going but then once over that and onto the common I really picked it up and felt good gradually reeling people in. Forgot about the last hill at about 5 and then powered into the finish and really enjoyed it"

Fairford 10k, 4/6/06

Just three Tewkesbury AC runners joined the starting 410 competitors for this popular Cotswold race, started by Sharron Davies

Jason Draper was delighted to come in 20th in such a large field in just under 39 minutes. Fresh from his European marathon exploits, Nigel Tillot came in 40th in mins. Rising female talent, Lisa Kane successfully completed another sub 55 minute 10km run.

20th Jason Draper = 38.58

40th Nigel Tillot = 41.33

233rd Lisa Kane = 53.49

Marlborough Challenge, Wiltshire

International ultra-distance runner Sue Brue raced the 33 mile Marlborough Challenge as part of her build-up to the World Championships in October. Things didn't go exactly to plan as the course has a habbit of sending runners in all directions. Brue believes she may have run an extra two miles while picking out the route. Nevertheless, a finishing time of 5 hrs exactly was the fastest on the day in the womans field.

Otmoor Challenge, 3/6/06

In-form multi-distance runner, Angie Sadler has won her second event within a week. Sadler travelled with club mate Phillip Howells to Oxfordshire to take part in the infamous 13.2 mile Otmoor Challenge. A multi-terrain event in which nearly 400 runners started. Sadler raced around the tough course in 1hr 31.55mins. So good was her performance that in addition to her, now normal, veteran first place, she duplicated last Sunday's effort and took the overall female title as well. Howells, who is building up to this year's Comrades 'Marathon', ran his best race of late. A stomach bug hadbeen de-bugged in time for the 1pm start. Howells recorded a pleasing 1hr
46.08mins.

23rd Angie Sadler = 1.31.55 (1st FM)
78th Phil Howells = 1.46.08

Whitsun race reports

Jon Mansfield reports...

Angie Sadler and Sue Bruce both won their races over the bank holiday weekend. Sadler raced at Dymock and set a new female course record over the 1/2 marathon distance. The ladies race winner was out on her own from the gun and, running so well, she was never challenged. Her effort helped Tewkesbury AC collect another ladies team victory.

Bruce won her race at the White Horse (formerly the Globe) over a 5 mile course. Unlike Sadler, Bruce had a fight on her hands with one of the counties top girls and it wasn't until the last mile that Bruce took control to take the win.

Jason Draper was first to finish for the club in the Crowle 10km. Delighted Draper was one of five club members who added to the record 408 entrants over a scenic, somewhat undulating course through Worcestershire.

Jon Mansfield finished third, for the third time, in his third triathlon, in three weeks in the Gloucester event held at Newent

Dymock 1/2 Marathon
Sunday 28th May

12th Angie Sadler = 1.24.04 (1st fm) NEW COURSE RECORD
56th Carol Cowley = 1.47.27
65th Sandie Harwood = 1.54.34
66th Phillip Howells = 1.54.34
96 finished.

Crowle Gunpowder plot 10km
Sunday 28th May

18th Jason Draper = 37.44
76th Stuart Dudfield = 43.39
113rd Cathy Dudfield = 45.59
189th Lisa Kane = 50.39
282nd Anne Robinson = 56.08
408 finished
Male winner Matt Bond = 31.57
Female winner Lynne Cox = 37.48

Gloucester Triathlon (swim=400m, Cycle=18km, Run=5km)
Monday 29th May

3rd Jon Mansfield = 5.49 (21st) - 38.15 (2nd) - 16.54 (3rd) = 53.58 mins
208 finished.

Whitsun 5 mile - White Horse (Sandhurst)

7th Sue Bruce 30.48 (1st Female)

KoTR standings, June 2006

90 Jason Draper
88 Jon Mansfield
83 Roger Bennett
81 Angie Sadler
59 Stuart Dudfield
56 Andy Hawkins
53 Cathy Dudfield
51 Steve Wiggall
32 Carol Cowley
30 Nigel Tillott
29 Phillip Howells
24 Barry O'Driscoll
20 Sandie Harwood
19 Simon Hall
19 Lisa Kane
18 Mike Primett
17 Bev Thomas
16 Jon Rawlings
15 Mick Morris
15 Clive Sentence
13 Rob Knight
12 Rob Jordan
11 Mike Ward
10 Clive Baker
10 Neville Simpson
9 Stuart Buchan
9 Sue Bruce
9 Martyn Cox
6 Amanda Martin
4 Anne Robinson
3 Wes Reid

Copenhagen marathon

Nigel Tillot reports....

"Now back from Copenhagen.A good event. Time 3.28.42 6mins better than my first although I had hoped for nearer 3.20.
Going well for 17 , 20 in 2.29 then cramp from 21.5 and then focus was on
just finishing. A familiar tale?"

Only too familiar..!!

Tewkesbury Tri, 21/05/06

Jon M reports...

Three Tewkesbury AC athletes took part in the home town triathlon. Sandie Harwood, Jason Draper and Jon Mansfield exercised their multi-sport talents in an event which consisted of 400 meters swimming into 23km of cycling to finish with a short 5km run. Conditions were inclement, switching between gales and showers. The rain caused little concern to the athletes, as the transitions from swimmer to cyclist were no wetter! Just 130 entered. However, conditions being what they were, only 104 made it to the finish line!

Sandie Harwood made her triathlon debut. Previously completing two Aquathons (swim-run), Harwood added the cycling discipline and enjoyed every minute of her total race time of 1hr 33 mins. Harwood’s run split was her strongest clocking 22.25 mins.

Jason Draper returned to the event after making his debut here in 2005. Draper’s worked miracles with his swimming technique over the 12 months as several spectators remarked how easy he made the 16 x 25m lengths look. A controlled swim left Draper in good shape to slice five mins from his previous bike time. His most impressive performance was his running. Two miles of the run course was over fields and due to the weather, conditions had become precariously slippy, nevertheless, a run split time of 18.04 was the 19th quickest of the day. Draper totalled 1hr 15 mins.

Jon Mansfield was taking part in his second triathlon of the season (last week at www.tauntondeanetri.co.uk). Mansfield having local course knowledge, put it to good use and repeated the previous week’s achievements by recording the fastest bike split time. A 38.07 minute cycle effort left his legs with a rather wooden feeling that, took a mile of running to return to normal. Mansfield finished in 1hr and in 3rd place overall and, as with the previous Sunday, only seconds off the top honour! (www.tewkesburytri.co.uk/index.asp).

3rd Jon Mansfield 6.25 (13th) - 38.07 (1st) - 15.53 (5th) = 1:00.25

38th Jason Draper 9.32 (84th) - 47.27 (38th) - 18.04 (19th) = 1:15.03

96th Sandie Harwood 9.45 (85th) - 1:01.03 (98th) - 22.25 (73rd) = 1:33.013

Gloucestershire 5km Championships

Jon Mansfield reports...

Tewkesbury AC runners made up 10% of the 5km County championship field at the White Horse on 18th May, and they all did the club proud. Fearful of a black, water-laden cloud heading towards Sandhurst, the runners knew they couldn’t hang about. Starting amongst a collection of local outstanding talents where, ten runners whizzed past the first mile maker in under 5 minutes, it wasn'’t until 15 minutes into the race when the cloud burst. Despite the torrential downpour, both Dudfields sliced time off their pb’s. Stuart set a new time agonisingly just outside 20 minutes, while Mrs Dudfield hacked 15 seconds from her previous best result. Beverly Thomas ran strongly through deep puddles, over ducks and around a canoe to be rewarded with her fastest run to date. Angie Sadler put several young pretenders to shame to finish 3^rd overall female. Jon Mansfield led Jason Draper and Roger Bennett home, with Bennett especially pleased with his race. Rob Jordan, fresh from Monday’s Berkeley 10km, came in a few seconds over 21 minutes, while Sandie Harwood avenged Lisa Kane after last months dramatic sprint finish at Hereford.

18^th Jon Mansfield - 16.58
34^th Jason Draper - 18.02
39^th Roger Bennett - 18.23
50^th Angie Sadler - 19.04 (3^rd fm)
62^nd Stuart Dudfield - 20.01 (pb)
69^th Cathy Dudfield - 20.56 (pb)
72^nd Rob Jordan - 21.06
86^th Sandie Harwood - 23.25
89^th Lisa Kane - 23.57
96^th Bev Thomas - 24.52 (pb)

Club Handicap #2, 10/05/06

Jason Draper reports...

Thanks again to everyone for competing/helping in the second of our handicap series, again I hope you all enjoyed it. For this run we had 20 runners, an excellent turnout, and means we have had 26 runners in total for both runs. The following are the results for the May 10th handicap in finish order (including points) and time order. Also included are the current handicap standings after two races.

FINISH ORDER

1. ROGER BENNETT (5 POINTS) 3. 30:42
2. BRAD CROUCH (4) 5. 32:03
3. NIGEL TILLOT (3) 7. 32:21
4. ANG SADLER (2) 6. 32:18
5. ALAN DUMPER (1) 11. 34:58
6. CHARLOTTE MOWBRAY (1) 17. 40:29
7. JON MANSFIELD (1) 1. 29:21
8. BEV THOMAS (1) 19. 44:24
9. CAROL COWLEY (1) 14. 37:02
10. MICK MORRIS (1) 15. 38:16
11. MIKE WARD (1) 16. 40:27
12. STEVE DARNELL (1) 10. 34:27
13. BARRY O'DRISCOLL (1) 9. 34:20
14. ROB KNIGHT (1) 4. 32:01
15. ANDY HAWKINS (1) 2. 29:27
16. ??? (1) 8. 32:36
17. CATH DUDFIELD (1) 12. 36:37
18. STEVE WIGGALL (1) 13. 36:51
19. SANDIE HARWOOD (1) 18. 41:08
20. PHIL HOWELLS (1) 20. 45:24

CURRENT STANDINGS (AS OF TWO HANDICAPS)

CHARLOTTE MOWBRAY (6 POINTS)
ROGER BENNETT (6)
SANDIE HARWOOD (5)
CATH DUDFIELD (4)
BRAD CROUCH (4)
ANG SADLER (3)
BEV THOMAS (3)
NIGEL TILLOT (3)
CAROL COWLEY (2)
STEVE DARNELL (2)
MIKE WARD (1)
BARRY O'DRISCOLL (1)
ROB KNIGHT (1)
ANDY HAWKINS (1)
??? (1)
STU DUDFIELD (1)
STEVE WIGGALL (1)
LISA KANE (1)
JON MANSFIELD (1)
ANNE ROBINSON (1)
NEV SIMPSON (1)
ROB KNIGHT (1)
SIMON HALL (1)
PHIL HOWELLS (1)
ALAN DUMPER (1)
MICK MORRIS (1)

Well done to Roger whos win last night takes him level on points with Charlotte at the top of the Handicap standings. Well done to Brad and Ang and the ever improving Nigel for being among the major points. But as ever the top three finishers will be penalised next time out. Well done also to Jon & Andy for the two fastest times of the night, still, however, a little way off Simons time from the first handicap. Thanks again. See you soon. P.S. I will be away for the next event so I will need a couple of volunteers to help with timing next time.

Tewkesbury half, 7/5/06

Cathy Dudfield reports.....

There was an excellent turnout from Tewkesbury AC with 18 of us taking part in the Half Marathon & the 5 mile fun run. There were some excellent performances with a few pb's set. Angie & Carol both took age group prizes. Below are everyone's chip time results:

16 Jon Mansfield @ 1.20.29 (m - 9)
42 Roger Bennett @ 1.25.40 (m40 -10)
44 Jason Draper @ 1.26.16 (m - 25)
51 Angie Sadler @ 1.27.02 (f45 - 1)
63 Nigel Tillott @ 1.28.31 (m40 - 13)
127 Steve Wiggall @ 1.34.22 (m45 - 16)
145 Mike Primett @ 1.36.06 (m - 64)
146 Stuart Dudfield @ 1.36.23 (m - 65)
207 Cathy Dudfield @ 1.40.37 (f - 11)
217 Carol Cowley @ 1.41.06 (f50 -1)
277 Neville Simpson @ 1.45.19 (m50 - 37)
358 Mike Ward @ 1.50.00 (m60 - 10)
406 Sandie Harwood @ 1.52.37 (f - 44)
407 Phillip Howells @ 1.52.37 (m50 - 59)
517 Bev Thomas @ 2.01.04 (f45 - 14)
621 Anne Robinson @ 2.09.09 (f - 98)
665 Wesley Reid @ 2.14.35 (m - 202)

729 finished

5 mile fun run
Helena - 44:34 (PB)

Also - A big thankyou to everyone who helped on the day.

Highworth 5, 30/04/06

Carol and Mike ventured over towards Swindon for this high quality race.

Carol Cowley 35:45 107th
Mike Ward 38:22 172nd

KotR Standings, May 2006

61 Jason Draper
56 Jon Mansfield
55 Andy Hawkins
54 Angie Sadler
53 Roger Bennett
38 Stuart Dudfield
36 Steve Wiggall
34 Cathy Dudfield
24 Barry O'Driscoll
23 Phillip Howells
21 Carol Cowley
19 Simon Hall
16 Jon Rawlings
15 Lisa Kane
15 Mick Morris
15 Clive Sentance
13 Rob Knight
10 Nigel Tillott
9 Clive Baker
9 Stuart Buchan
9 Bev Thomas
8 Sue Bruce
8 Sandie Harwood
6 Rob Jordan
5 Lisa Martin
4 Mike Primett
3 Mike Ward

Hereford 5K, 27/04/2006

A dozen TAC runners made the trip across to Hereford leisure Centre. Conditions were perfect and the runners made the most of it with no less than eight personal best times being recorded. With Club Championship points to run for, pulses were high right from the starting gun. The most impressive performances were, again, from the girls. Smooth moving Angie Sadler, fresh from an outstanding FLM race, found herself running in a competitive tussle for the duration. It wasn't until the 400m track finish that Sadler selected top gear while her challengers found reverse. Sadler ran a 5km personal best time only 4 days after her marathon! Club captain, Cathy Dudfield impressed yet again to finish just outside 21 minutes with a new Pb. Likewise, Carol Cowley, who surprised herself with another Pb in just over 21 mins. Lisa Kane and Sandie Harwood ran shoulder to shoulder for 23 minutes before entering the track together where tactics and sheer determination was on view to the cheering crowds. Kane broke free with 20
yards to go and finished just a couple of strides ahead of her club mate. Bev Thomas completed the ladies contingent with an extremely healthy Pb time. Best male efforts came from Nigel Tillot and Stuart Dudfield who both claimed Pb's despite relatively little quality training of late. Jon Mansfield, Jason Draper and Roger Bennett were the first three athletes to complete the course for the club. Bennett bouncing back from last Sundays FLM. Phillip Howells too was also running again 4 days after a marathon - in which he finished inside the top ten!

16.57 Jon Mansfield
18.09 Jason Draper
18.54 Roger Bennett
19.20 Angie Sadler (Pb)
19.32 Nigel Tillot (Pb)
20.28 Stuart Dudfield (Pb)
21.11 Cathy Dudfield (Pb)
21.35 Carol Cowley (Pb)
23.00 Lisa Kane (Pb)
23.03 Sandie Harwood (Pb)
23.04 Phillip Howells
26.23 Beverly Thomas (Pb)

Top 10 at Tresco

SuperVet Phillip Howells shrugged off the effects of his recent 100K to finish inside the top 10 at Tresco last Sunday, with an excellent time of 3:30:02. More details of this unique race can be found here.

Top 400 for Andy!

Andy Hawkins led the way at the 2006 FLM with an excellent run. His time makes him 371st finisher, and must rank as one of the best Tewkesbury performances this year.

Andy Hawkins 2:45:54
Clive Baker 3:0:50
Angie Sadler 3:06:00
Roger Bennett 3:07:12
Amanda Martin 3:22:13
Barry O'Driscoll 3:22:48

Tewkesbury Belles secure another team victory!!

Jon Mansfield reports from the Severn Easter 10km at the White Horse, 15th April 2006:

Runners from Tewkesbury AC were collecting prizes again after an afternoon 10k race. Six club members made the short trip to Gloucester over the Easter weekend to test themselves over a relatively fast course. The outstanding individual performance of the day came in the shape of club captain Cathy Dudfield. She hacked 1.19 minutes of her 10k Pb. Running with a foot niggle and fresh from impressively out-running a pony and trap, Dudfield was all smiles after checking her stop-watch. Elegant distance competitor Angie Sadler performed well on the eve of her FLM start. She ran well enough to finish second overall female behind a new ladies course
record. Joining Dudfield and Sadler in the top ladies team was Sandie Harwood, using the event as part of her build-up to the Tewkesbury 1/2 marathon next month. Likewise was the improving Bev Thomas who sliced 32 seconds of her previous best for the distance. In contrast to the girls, the boys found the going a little difficult! Club treasurer Roger Bennett, also running before his FLM start, ran a respectable time but, had expected to run with more ease. Jon Mansfield paid the price of cycling instead of running over the last six weeks and too found the going uncomfortable and in turn, just missed out on the prizegiving!

11 - Jon Mansfield 35.55
26 - Roger Bennett 39.23
39 - Angie Saddler 40.30 (2nd FM)
53 - Cathy Dudfield 44.48
58 - Sandie Harwood 49.53
61 - Beverly Thomas 54.09

Club Handicap #1 - 12/04/06

Jason reports the following times and positions from the first 5 mile handicap race

The results show handicap position, followed by actual position and time

1st CHARLOTTE MOWBRAY (5 POINTS) 1st SIMON HALL 28:27
2nd SANDIE HARWOOD (4) 2nd ROGER BENNETT 31:08
3rd CATH DUDFIELD (3) 3rd ANGIE SADLER 32:43
4th BEV THOMAS (2) 4th STEVE DARNELL 34:26
5th ANN ROBINSON (1) 5th STU DUDFIELD 34:51
5th NEV SIMPSON (1) 6th CATHY DUDFIELD 35:21
7th ROGER BENNETT (1) 7th ROB JORDAN 35:49
8th ROB JORDAN (1) 8th CAROL COWLEY 37:03
9th SIMON HALL (1) 9th NEV SIMPSON 38:52
10th ANGIE SADLER (1) 10th SANDIE HARWOOD 38:54
11th STU DUDFIELD (1) 11th LISA KANE 40:31
12th LISA KANE (1) 12th CHARLOTTE MOWBRAY 41:47
13th CAROL COWLEY (1) 13th BEV THOMAS 42:29
14th STEVE DARNELL (1) 14th ANN ROBINSON 42:48

Leamington 10K, 9/4/06

Cathy reports....

Three club members travelled to Leamington to take part in a mostly flat 10k run. It took them through lovely parks and streets of Regency Leamington. Jason was first back in 31st place in a time of 38:20. Next came Jason's sister Lisa in a pleasing time of 48:15 followed by Bev who was running her first 10k. Bev was very pleased with her time of 54:41. They all enjoyed the race especially as it was an early 9am start!

Leamington 10k Results
Jason Draper - 38:20 (31st)
Lisa Kane - 48:15
Bev Thomas - 54:41

UK 100km champs, 2/4/2006

Sue Bruce reports....

I am afraid you have ALL been out performed by Phil who completed the UK 100km championships at RAF Insworth yesterday. He ran a very respectable 11hrs8min and finished 1st vet 55. Like the rest of you he battled through wind rain sun and er more wind except he did it for 11 hrs or 31 laps of a VERY exposed course.This was despite having to have paracetamol tylenol and Ibuprofen from 13 miles onwards because of a niggly hamstring . He had a dodgy patch at about half way and had to have a little sit down but unlike an awful lot of the competitors he got going again and at no time lost his composure despite my shouting at him to get a move on in the last 2 laps or he wouldnt be allowed to complete it because of the time limitations- he took it all with his usual good grace! Unfortunately the battery on the finishing clock went as he came round the final corner 4mins before he got to it. However his time is correct he ran with superb courage and determination and I particularly enjoyed him collapsing into my arms when he stopped! I think we should all buy him a drink or two when he next appears on clubnight as he is now a national 100k champion!

Phil adds..

Praise indeed Sue, thank you very much - obviously delighted to finish and win the O55 prize despite making it more difficult for myself by running almost on one leg for the last 50 miles or so with that hamstring injury; pain not really to be recommended!

However, have to say many thanks to you for looking after me so well as race doctor and club member, and to all the other Tewkesbury guys who were there on the day - Andy (who came after taking a superb 2nd place in the White Horse half marathon earlier, so many congrats to you Andy). Mike, Angie (after her success at Chedworth), Jason, Amanda and Mick - to cheer me on and give invaluable moral support and to the messages of support from many other club members. Very humbling to be looked after by champion athletes in their own right, thanks guys. Also had lots of support around the course as a local club member - could hardly not finish with all that backing!

For the record, my time was 11hrs 8mins 43secs and I actually finished 25th of 25 finishers (including 5 ladies), but as Sue said, lots did not finish,including all the other O55s naturally (although I was always ahead of them anyway!) - and a race favourite Dennis Walmsley - so although I had hoped with some confidence to beat 10 hours, I have to feel pretty well satisfied with the performance and it gives me a good target for a PB next time!!! The winner was Matthew Lynas in 7hr 17mins 40secs.

Having Sue to catch me in her arms at the end made it all worthwhile and I am certain, much more enjoyable for me than it would be for her, given the sweaty and dishevelled state one finishes in after 11 hours on the road!

White Horse Half, 2/4/2006

Andy Hawkins reports....

On Sunday 2nd April I travelled to the White Horse Half Marathon which is near Wantage, Oxfordshire. The race was started in windy but sunny weather. I started off at a good pace, the leader was well away from the start. As the race progressed the pack I was in which included the first lady got smaller and we were slowly picking off the 3-4 runners in front of us. From about 6 miles the wind was in our faces and it was certainly strong. Then the rain came at just after 8 miles which lasted for a good 10 minutes, the rain was bordering on hail as the temperature dropped and ferocity was intense. We got to 11 miles and I was now 2nd with the first lady on my shoulder. The third and fourth men were only just behind. I got to 12 and dug in again, we started to drop the 2 men. In the end the first lady out kicked me with about 15 metres to go. My finish time was 1:17:29 (the weather cost me at least 90secs). The leader won with a time of 1:13:43.

Overall the race is well organised with a great course to go with it. It is practically flat with only 2 small climbs of railway bridges to negotiate. It is a pity that the weather intervened and ruined any chance of a PB, which I know I am in. However I am in good shape and hope to go well in London in 3 weeks time, weather permitting. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone and I may do it again next year.

Deutsche Weinstrasse Half, 02/04/06

Tewkesbury's international season continued as your webmaster jetted off for a weekend in Frankfurt to catch up with an old training partner. No detail was missed as we prepared for this scenic half marathon with a 3 mile shuffle on the Saturday morning, followed by a breakfast of German sausage. Tapering down with a few beers, a curry, and an evening spent alternately watching footy and listening to a 1980s metal covers band, there was no doubt that the half marathon was going to a unique test of mind and body.

The Germans do know how to put on a race, with superb levels of organisation, excellent facilities, full road closures and the obligatory beer tent in which to collapse afterwards. Feeling surprisingly refreshed at the start, I jogged the first half, then picked up the pace back through the vineyards, finishing in under 1:34 and collecting a goody bag whose contents are on show here!

This is the second time I've done a German half, and they are great events. 1600 took part in this one, and runners of all paces are welcome. Race directors are happy to translate instructions into English, and fellow runners always seem very friendly and welcoming. You might like to try this link if you're interested

Peopleton 6 & Chedworth 10, 02/04/2006

Cathy Dudfield reports....

Peopleton Scenic 6 mile.
Jason and myself travelled to South Worcestershire to take part in the Peopleton Scenic 6 mile. The very tough multi-terrain course was made more challenging by the wet and windy conditions. It took us accross very wet hilly fields with plenty of steep climbs. There were plenty of styles to cross and areas of deep mud. Jason completed the course in 42:50s and myself in 49:40s. In hindsight I think we both enjoyed the challenge (I think!!!)

Chedworth 10 mile.
Four Tewkesbury runners took part in the Chedworth multi-terrain 10 mile. The course was challenging and again the runners were met by very wet and windy conditions. Due to the recent rain, the river that competitors had to cross was very high. All who took part stated they enjoyed the run. First back for the club was Angie in a time of 1:16:52 (49th) She again earned another trophy for being 3rd lady overall and was also 1st V45. Next home in a time of 1:29:25 (156th) was Carol. She also picked up a trophy for finishing 2nd V55. The next two home for the club were Sandie and Jon. Jon has just returned from a 3 week training camp in Lanzarote and ran the complete course with Sandie to help her run her first 10 mile race. Sandie finished in a time of 1:40:36 (250th) with Jon one place behind in 1:40:37 (251st)