Bath Half Marathon, 25/03/07

Angie Sadler reports on an excellent run in Bath...

Four Tewkesbury AC runners completed the course. After a chilly start the conditions were ideal for the 10,000 runners! Fist home was myself Angie Sadler 1hr 27mins (ran really well!) 5th Lady Vet
Stuart Buchan 1hr 30mins 29sec
Phillip Howells 1hr 43mins 58sec
Martyn Cox 1hr 57min 17sec

Stuart adds "I took my place amongst a field of over 8,000 runners for the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday in pretty good running conditions. I managed to maintain a good pace all the way round and a good sprint finish enabled me to record a VERY pleasing time of 1:29.55, just breaking the 1hr 30min mark for the first time! A PB by just over 3 minutes and a place of 516 (out of 8,165 finishers).

"The race was well supported with some great crowds cheering you on around the course, plus of course my own personal cheerleaders which made all the difference in the finishing straight!

"After the recent injury niggles and a poor Gloucester 20 run it was a real confidence boost before London to run such a good time and more importantly with no injury worries."

Forest of Dean half marathon , 25/03/07

Eight members turned out for the annual Forest Of Dean Half Marathon. Although the morning was a little chilly we all soon warmed up after tackling the many climbs. There were many good results with my 'training advisor' Clive Baker having yet another excellent run coming home first for Tewkesbury in a great time of 1:21:06. Clive also picked up 3rd place for V40 category. Only seconds behind was one of our newest members to the club, Luke. He is also in great form clocking a time of 1:22:32. Next home was Barry who is training hard for London and ran a pleasing time of 1:37:15. Chasing Barry was the much improving Dan who said he was hoping for a sub 1:45 but finished in a great time of 1:37:41. This is also good London training for him.
Next back was hubby Stu who ran with myself (but this time i let him beat me to the line!!). He had a very comfortable run finshing in 1:38:54, i then crossed the line in 1:39:20. I was very pleased with this as again it was a good prep run for London and was over 3 minutes faster than last years time. Carol also had an excellent run finishing 2nd in the V50 catorgory in a time of 1:43:24, also quicker than her time last year.
Leaving the best to last, Rob J had an excellent run as this is one of the furthest distances he has raced for some time.He finished in a time of 1:45:09.

Overall 'Chip Times' and places:
11th Clive - 1:21:06 (3rd MV40)
18th Luke - 1:22:32
176th Barry - 1:37:15
183rd - Dan - 1:37:41
212th - Stu - 1:38:54
220th - Cathy - 1:39:20
322nd - Carol - 1:43:24 (2nd LV50)
359th - Rob - 1:45:09

Rhayader 20

Three Tewkesbury AC members braved the annual “Round the Lakes” 20 mile race in Rhayader, Wales. On a fine spring day, bathed in warm sunshine under clear blue skies, the three intrepid athletes set out on this undulating trek around the Elan valley. The race is one of the most picturesque events on the calendar, but it’s not for the faint of heart - with almost 2000 ft of ascent and descent, this scenic event provides a testing environment for any runner to pit their wits. The notorious 800 ft steady climb between miles 4 and 6, into a strong and steady headwind, did its best to sap both energy and will, but this presented little challenge to the battle hardened combatants. The wind refused to be quieted and continued to buffet the runners for the majority of the remaining miles around the lakes. Heavy cloud cover and light drizzle greeted many of the entrants before the Elan valley was finished with them.



First club member home was Angie Sadler with a masterly display of hill running in a time of 2:25:17, showing no ill effects from her recent marathon and ultra-marathon exploits. Her time was sufficient to take 2nd place Lady and first LV45. Next in for the club was Barry O’Driscoll, who successfully completed the course in 2:41:32 as another of his hard training runs in preparation for the FLM. Third member home was the evergreen Philip Howells in 2:57:07, just 4 weeks ahead of his 60th birthday and with plenty of ultra-training in his legst. With races like this under their belts, and marathons in London and Tresco to look forward to on 22 April, the Tewkesbury contingent can take great heart from their individual performances.



Positions



48th Anglie Sadler 2:25:17 2nd Lady, 1st LV45

139th Barry O’Driscoll 2:41:32

228th Phillip Howells 2:57:07



410 finishers – winning time, a remarkable 2:00:44.

Hogweed Hilly Half

Barry O’Driscoll successfully completed the scenic, undulating Hogweed Hilly Half III. O’Driscoll was participating in the event solely for the hard training it could provide as part of his FLM preparations, and hard training it proved. With over 1400 ft of ascent this scenic rural half-marathon involves several long ascents (300ft +) at mile 1 and 8, some more abrupt ascents at miles 5 and 12, frantic descents down sharp gradients (including the final ½ mile), and sporadic flat sections which mother nature did her best to complicate by throwing in some blustery cross-winds for good measure. As could be expected, this was no PB course!! O’Driscoll ran the full course, more than could be said for many, although some of the climbs instigated a pace slightly slower than walking. Nevertheless O’Driscoll was pleased to finish the course in 1:43:32 for 75th place.

There were 259 finishers – winning time 1:18:54

This is a hard but enjoyable race and the Hogweed Hilly Half IV is definitely one for your 2008 race calendar – great atmosphere, well organised and marshalled, free massage plus an abundance of post-race refreshments.

Gloucestershire Road Relays

Tewkesbury AC did the business at the annual Gloucestershire Road Race relays, which took place at Sandhurst, near Gloucester over 5km (x3).

A triumphant team of Charlotte Mowbray, Carol Cowley and Angie Sadler won the ladies event. More details to follow shortly, in the mean time congratulations to the Gold medal winning girls!

Devizes 10km - 4th March

Helena Turner set herself a new personal best time over the 10km distance. The Tewkesbury AC runner went under the hour to record 59 minutes - a "really pleasing" performance from the former Bredon based lady.

Gloucester 20m - 4th March

Wet and windy conditions greeted the Tewkesbury AC runners on their arrival in Frampton. The annual 20 mile run is staged around the villages south of the city. This traditional London Marathon (FLM) warm-up race attracted its normal 500 plus starting line-up.

The Tewkesbury runners were all set on using this event as a training race and for most, it was successful.

First in for the club was Jon Mansfield, who, under the guidance of a local physiotherapist he put her treatment to the test. Despite only running nine times this year, he surprised himself to record near identical mile splits to finish in 2hr 24mins.

Barry O'Driscoll ran perfectly. O'Driscoll was the second happy Tewkesbury AC runner to finish. His recent injury niggles appear to have left him - a major boost to his FLM preparations.

Long distance athlete Adrian Lavery had a fair race considering he has been missing out on recent training sessions.

Club Captain Cathy Dudfield finished with a huge smile as she ran over 18 miles for the very first time. Finishing a inside her target time of 2hr 40 mins, the day gave her a massive shot of confidence - ideal for her marathon debut in London.

Dudfield's training adviser, experienced marathon man Clive Baker, was a proud finisher as he recorded the same time as the improving Captain.
Stuart Buchan was hit by a trio of lower limb niggles which affected him midway through the course. Nevertheless, he crossed the line in 2hr 46 mins.

Results

119th Jon Mansfield 2.24hr

171st Baz O’Driscoll 2.30hr

243rd Cathy Dudfield 2.39hr

244th Clive Baker 2.39hr

292nd Stuart Buchan 2.46hr

Coastal Marathon, 24/02/07

Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells both successfully completed the scenic, multi-terrain and tough Coastal marathon held in Beesands, south Devon on Saturday 24th February. In complete contrast to the frigid and gale-swept conditions of 2006, the 2007 version could not have been on a milder day for February. This did not detract from the toughness though, since the route is along the rugged and spectacular coast path for the first 10 miles, from Beesands to East Portlemouth. It then strikes inland over either steep Devon lanes or fiendishly equally steep, but also very muddy, footpaths, tracks and fields until mile 23. It then retraces back along the coast past the nature reserve at Slapton Ley and a return to Beesands, with a wicked flight of cliff steps to traverse up and down in the last mile to complete the challenge!

Times were therefore slow by marathon standards, but more than respectable for the terrain. Angie run superbly as usual to finish 11th and 4th lady of 133 finishers in 4-23-34, one position lower (although in a much better quality field) but 4 minutes faster than in 2006. The winner only did a 3-58. Phillip, still feeling the hip and hamstring problems that have plagued him in 2007 so far, slipped back over an hour from his 2006 time, but still finished in a reasonable 5-47-12 and 99th place following a late start two minutes from behind all the field after being held up in the loo queue!

Bourton 10K, 25/2/07

An abundance of Tewkesbury AC runners took part in the Bourton-on-the-Water 10km road race. The race included some of the area's top athletes taking on each other and the Tewkesbury club got amongst the prizes with Carol Cowley winning the V55 title. Bredon based Cowley ran away from the competition in a fine time just off her best.

Jon Rawlings had the club's fastest legs on the day, setting himself a target of breaking the 35 minute mark, in which he did with joy.

Rapidly catching Rawlings, Clive Baker performed fabulously as the V40 man finished just outside his lifetime best for 10km. Baker is in great early season form and for the second week in a row, he caught team-mate Jon Mansfield near the 6km mark. Mansfield finished a minute or so slower than last year however, did enough to hold off new member Luke Anthony. Anthony enjoyed his third 2007 event for the club.

Another runner in fine form is Stuart Buchan. The improving runner is the leading the 2007 club championship after another 40 minute run. Jason Draper finished in 41.33 minutes a little ahead of talented Amanda Martin. Stuart Dudfield ran the second half of the race convincingly while wife, Cathy pulled-up with a calf niggle after 5km. Rob Jordan is finding his form again by hitting his target time.

Happy to be back on the comeback trail is Neville Simpson who ran in at 46.07, whilst Veteran 70+ runner Mike Ward completed the course satisfied and Lisa Kane came in at 48.04, close to her 2006 time.

The contingent was completed by Peter Foster who made a dramatic return to racing. Foster had been laid-up with injuries only days before the event and was dreading the thought of having to abstain. Despite going through a bad patch between kilometres 2 and 5, the V45
runner was pleased to time well inside his estimate.

31st Jon Rawlings 34.55

38th Clive Baker 35.24

42nd Jon Mansfield 35.39

48th Luke Anthony 36.09

129th Stuart Buchan 40.23

149th Jason Draper 41.33

160th Amanda Martin 42.02

176th Stuart Dudfield 42.39

215th Rob Jordan 44.19

226th Carol Cowley 44.40

263rd Neville Simpson 46.07

288th Michael Ward 47.23

298th Lisa Kane Tewkesbury 48.04

347th Peter Foster 50.42

Bourton 10k, 25/02/07

An abundance of Tewkesbury AC runners took part in the
Bourton-on-the-Water 10km road race. The race included some of the
areas top athletes taking on each other and the Tewkesbury club got
amongst the prizes with Carol Cowley winning the V55 title. Bredon
based Cowley ran away from the competition in a fine time just off her
best.

Jon Rawlings had the clubs fastest legs on the day. Setting himself a
target of breaking the 35 minute mark, in which he did with joy.

Rapidly catching Rawlings, Clive Baker performed fabulously as the V40
man finished just outside his lifetime best for 10km. Baker is in
great early season form and for the second week in a row, he caught
team-mate Jon Mansfield near the 6km mark. Mansfield finished a
minute or so slower than last year however, did enough to hold off
new member Luke Anthony. Anthony enjoyed his third 2007 event for the
club.

Another runner in fine form is Stuart Buchan. The improving runner is
the leading the 2007 club championship after another 40 minute run.

Jason Draper finished in 41.33 minutes a little ahead of talented
Amanda Martin. Stuart Dudfield ran the second half of the race
convincingly while wife, Cathy pulled-up with a calf niggle after
5km. Rob Jordan is finding his form again by hitting his target time.

Happy to be back on the comeback trail is Neville Simpson and ran in at 46.07

Veteran 70+ runner Mike Ward completed the course satisfied and Lisa
Kane came in at 48.04, close to her 2006 time.

The contingent was completed by Peter Foster who made a dramatic
return to racing. Foster had been laid-up with injuries only days
before the event and was dreading the thought of having to abstain.
Despite going through a bad patch between kilometres 2 and 5, the V45
runner was pleased to time well inside his estimate.

31st Jon Rawlings 34.55

38th Clive Baker 35.24

42nd Jon Mansfield 35.39

48th Luke Anthony 36.09

129th Stuart Buchan 40.23

149th Jason Draper 41.33

160th Amanda Martin 42.02

176th Stuart Dudfield 42.39

215th Rob Jordan 44.19

226th Carol Cowley 44.40

263rd Neville Simpson 46.07

288th Michael Ward 47.23

298th Lisa Kane Tewkesbury 48.04

347th Peter Foster 50.42

Draycote Water 35

Phillip H reports.....

As you know Angie and I ran the Draycote Water 35 on Sunday and both finished.

Angie ran another brilliant race, well judged to finish in a pb time of 4.34.02 for 18th place, 5th lady and first lady vet over 45. I ran 'OK' given my current hip and glut problems to finish in 5.43.17 in 45th place - but some 50 minutes slower than last year. Only consolation was that I ran very strongly at the end; at least shows good underlying fitness - sure I'll be flying again once I can sort the problems out (working on it with a local chiro and improving I think?). There were 114 entries for the 35 and 73 finishers.

After the extremely cold, windy and dry, or extremely cold, windy and wet conditions of the last 2 years, this year the conditions were almost 'balmy' by comparison, certainly early on, although it did get cold later as the clouds came over and a strong breeze swept over the quite exposed
route, which is of 7 laps around Draycote Water. There was a new marathon event at the same time - something for some club members to think of for next year maybe? Adrian Lovery had entered with us this year for the 35, but unfortunately could not run - had to work instead!

Forest of Dean Trail series.

The finale of the three race series staged at Mallard's Pike took place on Sunday 18th February.

Five runners from Tewkesbury AC raced in the longest run of the morning over a 15.4km (9.5 mile) distance. A course entirely on the forest trails which were wet and stoney with the occasional muddy puddle.

Clive Baker became the first ever Tewkesbury athlete to break the hour mark. Marathon specialist Baker set off from the start at a relaxed paced near the front of the field. After the first lap, he increased his effort and started to wind in runners ahead, including team mate Jon Mansfield at the 6km point. Baker gave his all during the final stages to ensure a 4th place finish.
Jon Mansfield followed in at 7th place, while Barry O'Driscoll followed in at 21st. O'Driscoll enjoyed his best run of the series and this went some way towards lifting his spirit after being snapped by a speed camera en route (driving that is).

Club Captain Cathy Dudfield had a lot riding on her morning's performance. Dudfield had a chance to scoop into the race series prize fund. However, there was competition with Bredon triathlete, Rachel Hobbs also starting the 15.4km race. This made Dudfield's chances extremely slim as historically, Hobbs has always ran faster. Dudfield's race plan was to run with husband Stuart and although the pair were running well, rival Hobbs had stretched out a long lead during the early stages. The second half of the race told a different story as the Dudfield's pushed on and soon made up the gap with the fast starting triathlete. The final 200 meters was spectacular as the crowded finishing area excitingly watched the three runners tussle for places. On the finish line, it was the Club Captain who had the speed to drop both Husband and Hobbs and record a stunning personal best time for the event.

The award ceremony saw Cathy Dudfield win £50 and more event silverware for third lady overall in the three race series . Jon Mansfield missed out by seconds for third placed series male. And Simon Peach, one of our Guy Fawkes 5m race sponsors, won the 10.4km race on the day.

15.4km

4th Clive Baker 58.26 mins
7th Jon Mansfield 1hr 00.47 mins
21st Baz O'Driscoll 1.07.33
28th Cathy Dudfield 1.08.05
29th Stuart Dudfield 1.08.08

180 ran

Tring2Town, 10/02/07

Phillip H reports............


The 45 miles Tring2Town (T2T) was held on Saturday 10th Feb. This was the second of two events held this year since the first (held in January) was oversubscribed. Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells ran for the club, Phillip's second time but Angie's first. Not only would this be her longest run or race by 10 miles, she was also running it after having had flu with several days in bed earlier in the week! The course is along the Grand Union Canal and is the last 45 miles of the well known 145 miles Grand Union Race from Birmingham to London (the finish of both is Little Venice, about quarter of a mile from Paddington Railway Station). Unlike last year's crisp, dry but cold conditions, this year the race started in heavy rain, which lasted for several hours before a weak but warm(ish) Sun broke through the clouds. Conditions along the canal tow path varied from slushy mud (there was still a fair bit of melting snow around) to reasonable firm track, but all 'off-road' type conditions. It is actually mainly an interesting and varied route, very scenic in parts. After a steady start, Angie got into her stride and showed she has lost none of her brilliant early season form with an excellent time of 7 hours 41minutes for 19th place overall, 3rd lady, 2nd vet lady - she was awarded the 2nd lady trophy on the one person one prize rule and was delighted with the result - a great psychological boost in preparation for running the 56 miles Comrades Marathon in S Africa in June. Since Phillip was chauffeur, she then had to wait several hours for him to finish! On a decidedly 'off' day with hip and hamstring problems he'grovelled' for the first 35 miles, before 'getting going' (after a sit down with 10 miles to go and a stern self-talking too!) to storm the last 8 miles in just over an hour, the last 4 in 30 minutes (a pace that would have givena top 10 place had he been up to it from the start!). His finish time was 9-58, which was just inside his slowest target time, and despite the hardgoing, was still a 7 minute personal best time!! He was 52nd of 61 finishers. So honour reasonably satisfied and for both runners, tired but elated at the achievement.With Adrian (Lavery) we now have the 35 miles Draycote Water Race to relish this coming weekend!

Weston Tough 10, 11th Feb 2007

AndyHawkins and Jason Draper performed in the Weston Tough 10 mile - A multi- terrain run starting on the sandy beach before taking in pavements,s teps, trails and road surfaces. Pre-race rain made sections extremely muddy and tough to tackle. Nevertheless, Hawkins finished just outside the top ten and Draper just outside the top 100 - exceptional results considering nearly 1000 people started the race.

14th Andy Hawkins 1hr 02.58
110th Jason Draper 1hr 11.42

2007 Club Championship

Jon M explains....

All but one, of the selected Club Championship races now have confirmed dates. A couple of the events have moved from their normal calendar slots. However, the real pleasing news is that we have some splendid races spread throughout the week including, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with events starting in the morning, afternoon and evening.

The Bourton-on-water 10km is the next race and news has got back to the club that all 550 places have been filled. If you didn't get an entry place then there's lots of other races to plan for. Much, much better races too...

Forest of Dean Half Marathon takes place on 25th March.

Chedworth Roman Trail is on 1st April, a fantastic multi-terrain run which can be entered through Cirencester AC. Enter soon as it's a popular race. Severn AC's Easter 10km takes place on Saturday 7th April. It's in the afternoon from the White Horse Inn in Sandhurst. This can be entered on the day.

Tewkesbury AC's all-time most popular race is on the 13th May. The Tewkesbury Half Marathon can be entered through the Runners World website. Severn AC's Thursday evening 5km race is on 17th May. Enter this one on the night.

Mallard's Pike 5m MT is taking place on Wednesday 20th June. Entry on the night.

AeroSpace 5m is on July 4th. The Cheltenham Harriers event starts in the
evening. Frampton 10km is the one Monday evening run and is organised by Stroud AC.
Probable date is July 9th but could be the 2nd!

Bugatti Beer race sells out swiftly, so enter this 1st August event as soon as you see an entry form.

Beacon 10km is hosted by Angels RC and set to take place on 2nd Sept.

Cirencester Park 10km is also in September. The second event organized by Cirencester AC on Sunday 23rd.

Oldbury 10 mile race is back in October this year. The fast course on the 7th is a perfect build-up race for the...

Stroud Half Marathon on 28th October.

If we hear of any date changes or further entry information, it will be publicized. Any quires, please get in touch with me, Steve or Andy

Here's the links to the above races...

www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=35429
www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk
www.fodac.org.uk
www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk
www.severnac.co.uk
www.cirencester-ac.org.uk
www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk
www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk
www.chepstowharriers.org.uk

Yours in Sport

Jon

Linda Franks 4.4

John M reports...

Runners from Tewkesbury AC had huge success in the annual Linda Franks 4.4 mile race in Cheltenham.

In what can be described as the club’s most prolific day, it was Evesham based Simon Hall who ran the fastest over the two lap course ending at the Reddings village hall. Hall the 2006 victor had a 200 yard lead at the halfway point that meant he was able to cruise the final stages to fully enjoy the winning feeling.

The runner-up was Andy Hawkins, who like Hall duplicated his 2006 efforts. Hawkins is more a longer distance runner and was pushed all the way by another team mate, Clive Baker who completed the Tewkesbury podium clean sweep.

In the ladies field, Angie Sadler defended her title from last year too taking her second race win of the year so far. She came in an excellent 9th position overall.

Luke Anthony and Stuart Buchan made it a total of six Tewkesbury runners in the top ten by finishing 4th and 10th respectively.

Further down the field there were fine performances from 16th placed Barry O’Driscoll and Rob Jordan in 38th. Club captain Cathy Dudfield picked up a niggle mid-race though still finished as the 5th placed lady.

Up and coming Charlotte Mowbray ran very well finishing in 36th place/8th female. Beverly Thomas completed the Tewkesbury contingent in 66th place from over 100 starters.

Steve Wiggall, who’s on the injury comeback trail didn’t want to miss the event so eased around the one lap 2.2 route to finished 50th.

Results (no official times available)

4

.4m Linda Franks Run.
1st Simon Hall

2nd Andy Hawkins

3rd Clive Baker

4th Luke Anthony

9th Angie Sadler

10th Stuart Buchan

16th Barry O’Driscoll

28th Rob Jordan

31st Cathy Dudfield

36th Charlotte Mowbray

66th Bev Thomas

2.2 mile fun run.

50th Steve Wiggall

Glos x/c league - final placings

Andy H reports...

Following the last league race at Droitwich the final overall standing have now been calculated and it is good news for two of our members.

In the WV45 category the top three are as follows:

1. M Williamson Leamington 17 points
2. A Sadler Tewkesbury 32 points
3. A Lane Bourton 65 points

As you can see Angie finished in an excellent and comfortable 2nd place.


In the WV55 category the top two are as follows:

1. C Cowley Tewkesbury 99 points
2. P Dable Kenilworth 233 points

A brilliant performance from Carol, many congratulations. Well clear of her rival!

Stourbridge Stagger, 4/02/07

Jason Draper took on the Stourbridge Stagger - a tough multi-terrain race covering 10 miles. Draper completed his toughest race to date, taking on hills, stiles and, of course, mud. Nearly 500 runners enjoyed the scenic 'out and back' route. A finishing time of 1hr 16 minutes gave the Tewkesbury runner a respectable 69th placing.

Not the Roman Nine, Stratford

Tewkesbury AC had a lone repersentative in the annual "Not the Roman nine" road race. Childswickham based Lisa Kane set herself a new personal best time over the 12km country lane course around Stratford-on-Avon. She finished as 14th senior female and 253rd overall in a time of 59 minutes. With a starting line-up of 600 runners, Kane (pictured) did well.

Glos x/c league, Jan 07

Just four Tewkesbury AC runners tackled the final XC event of the season. Staged at Drotwich in difficult conditions over an equally difficult course, it was just Lisa Kane who flew the flag in the women's race. Kane came in 56th position in a time of 34 minutes.

With Andy Hawkins stepping in to help Mick Morris with the organization on the day, Jon Rawlings produced the fastest Tewkesbury run. Rawlings just made the top 40 in a competitive field. Jason Draper came in ahead of Phillip Howells in 118th and 129th place respectively.

Women.

56th Lisa Kane 34.14

Men.

40th Jon Rawlings 40.16
118th Jason Draper 57.18
129th Phil Howells 63.13