HEADLINES

A quieter month, possibly reflecting the fact that July was the hottest month ever recorded in Britain and that there are far more important things to do than run in heatwave conditions. Having said that, the Tuesday night sessions on the grass track at Deer Park throughout the month have been absolutely glorious with good turnouts. Don't forget that a hard session deserves a refreshing drink afterwards and all are welcome to join the many regulars at Somewhere Else, a watering hole just a short walk from the leisure centre, for just that drink.

ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN RESULTS

10 July, Frampton-on-Severn 10k . Further results from the race, missed from last newsletter. A reminder that photos of the race can be accessed by logging on to the website of Dudley Kingswinford Running Club www.dk10k.co.uk

280 Ken McAnespie 51.11

383 Chloe Cox 57.18

400 John Prout 58.29

467 Clive Hook 66.50. 501 finished. www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk

15 July, Bourton 1 mile . Club championship event. A novel event for all and one that was very popular according to those that ran. The course started a mile out of the village and ran straight into the centre of Bourton, where hundreds of ice cream licking sunbathers were bemused to see a hundred or so runners sprinting to the line on a steaming hot day. Pacing a run as short as this for hardened 10k & above racers was very difficult but each ¼ mile was marked out on the road and at least the pain didn't last long! Ian Pople went out for a seven mile training run in the middle of the day, found out about Bourton in the afternoon and promptly turned up for the race! Of the others, Bill Leggate continued his rapid improvement by closing right down on club championship leader Paul Barlow, and David Edelsten was the surprise winner of a Glos AAA bronze medal for 3rd O60. Definitely a race to be recommended for next year.

1 Alex Felce ( Cheltenham ) 4.21

9 Paul Barlow (Cirencester) 4.51

10 Bill Leggate 4.53

14 David Wright 5.04

36 Andy Bradley 5.54

39 Kveta Kroulikova 6.06

50 Ian Pople 6.43

66 David Edelsten 7.43. 88 finished. www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk

16 July, Pinewood 10k, Swindon .

1 Vito Graffagnino (unattached) 33.56

179 David Edelsten (Cirencester) 64.01. 205 finished. www.grassrootsevents.co.uk

20 July, Malmesbury 5k m/t . Chris Riches enticed a number of members to this race, not all of whom ran, with the promise of drinks at his house to celebrate his birthday. Chris Illman had his own celebrations as he won the race outright.

1 Chris Illman (Cirencester) 17.07

2 Pancho Gonzalez-Diaz 17.17

9 Ian Pople 22.06

10 Chris Riches 22.15

11 Tim Willson 22.30. 39 finished.

23 July, Gloucester ½ Marathon .

1 Simon Jones (Belgrave) 1.11.03

126 Trudy Compton (Cirencester, 13th lady) 1.42.28. 294 finished. www.gloucesterac.co.uk

2 August, Bugatti 10k, Gretton, Winchcombe, nr Cheltenham . Club championship event. Last night's race limit was reached very early with the consequence that a number of members missed the event. A number transfer system, allowing entered athletes to give numbers to others, having notified the organisers, allowed a couple of late entrants to get into the race. Another great team result ensued with second team prize for the men behind the very strong Cheltenham squad but ahead of local rivals Bourton. Run of the day came undoubtedly from Bill Leggate. On a course notorious for its hills in the second half, Leggate managed a negative split (second half faster than the first), virtually unheard of even on flat courses. It was good to see club captain Pancho Gonzalez-Diaz back where he belongs, chasing individual prizes in local races, and some classic battles look like ensuing between him and the absent Chris Illman over the concluding club championship races.

1 Mike Smith (Bourton) 33.56

3 Pancho Gonzalez-Diaz (Cirencester) 35.04

9 Bill Leggate 36.33

15 David Wright 37.31

39 Adrian Williams 40.44

69 Andy Bradley 43.42

80 Steve Elverd 44.41

84 Leon Horton 45.22

99 Dick Waldron 46.03

273 John Prout 58.46. 338 finished.

Teams: 1 Cheltenham 13pts, 2 Cirencester 28pts, 3 Bourton 38pts. www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk

FORTHCOMING ROAD & MULTI-TERRAIN RACES & CONTACT DETAILS:

Races are on Sundays unless stated. A noticeboard has now materialised at the new leisure centre, although tucked so far away that no-one can find it! Entry forms for these races will appear thereon. Alternatively, access details via website details given or look out for flyers being distributed on Tuesday evenings. A number of people have missed out on races this year by entering late. The sport is as popular as ever at present and race limits are being reached weeks ahead of the event, so be warned and enter races early!

13 August, Standish Woodland m/t ‘10', nr Stroud at 11:00 . Scenic but tough course through the woods above Standish Hospital . www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk

17 August, White Horse 5k, Sandhurst , Gloucester at 19:45 . Enter on the day, details on www.severnac.co.uk The White Horse (formerly The Globe Inn) is just off the Gloucester ring road.

17 August (Thu), Malmesbury 5k m/t at 19:00 . See Chris Riches for more information or look up www.nwll.co.uk

23 August (Wed), Glos County 10,000m track championships, Blackbridge, Gloucester at 19:00 (also 1 mile race at 19:50 ). See David Wright for entry forms.

3 September, Oldbury 10 mile at 10:30 . Club championship event. Note amended date for this fixture, which is run on a pancake flat figure of eight course www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk

10 September, Beacon 10k, Haresfield, nr Gloucester at 10:30 . Club championship event. www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk

16 September (Sat), Gloucester Autumn ‘5', White Horse, Sandhurst at 18:00 www.severnac.co.uk

24 September, Cirencester Park 10k at 10:30. The club's autumn race promotion organised by David Edelsten. Entry forms on club website but David will also be looking for helpers to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

15 October, Swindon ½ Marathon at 11:00 . www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk

RANKINGS

Both 10k and 10 mile club age group records set out below to coincide with the next championship races (figures in bold represent overall fastest times irrespective of age):

Ladies

U20: 10k, 42.11 Becky Stagg, 1989; 10 mile, no times recorded

Senior: 10k, 34.18 Wendy Jones, Bourton 1998; 10 mile, 1.01.44 Cathy Bourke, 1993

FV35: 10k, 34.00 Wendy Jones, Oxford 2006; 10 mile, 1.06.14 Jane Wassell, Witney 2005

FV40: 10k, 38.44 Jane Wassell, Frampton 2006; 10 mile, 1.21.48 Ruth Fulford, 1991

FV45: 10k, 43.22 Molly Fisher, 1994; 10 mile, 1.15.38 Molly Fisher, 1990

FV50: 10k, 46.53 Ruth Fulford, 1999; 10 mile, 1.24.35 Carol Clarke, Witney 2004

FV55: 10k, 44.51 Mary Campbell, 2001; 10 mile, 1.19.55 Carol Clarke, Witney 2005

FV60: 10k, 52.38 Mary Campbell, Westonbirt 2005; 10 mile, no times recorded.

Men

U20: 10k, 33.50 Marc Fallows, 1993; 10 mile, 1.02.06 Marc Fallows, 1992

Senior: 10k, 32.12 Mike Smith, 1998; 10 mile, 53.23 Mike Smith, 2000

V40: 10k, 33.57 David Wright, Bourton 1997; 10 mile, 58.58 Brian Wither, 1990

V45: 10k, 35.28 Brian Wither, 1993; 10 mile, 58.32 Brian Wither, 1992

V50: 10k, 38.40 Tony Curry, 1997; 10 mile, 1.05.49 Tony Curry, 1994

V55: 10k, 42.38 Tony Curry, Bourton 2004; 10 mile, 1.18.08 John Jameson, 1999

V60: 10k, 43.10 Dick Waldron, 2002; 10 mile, 1.18.16 Dick Waldron, Witney 2005

V70: 10k, 53.32 Fred Robson, Fairford 2005; 10 miles, no times recorded

2006 CLUB ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP

There have been two races since the last newsletter so quite a few developments in the club championship. Both men & women's titles couldn't be closer, particularly bearing in mind that only eight events count so there will be a concertina effect as the season draws to a close. In the ladies, Kveta Kroulikova has taken over the lead following her mile at Bourton. There has been a poor turnout of ladies recently, particularly in relation to the number appearing on Tuesday nights, so it would be good to see some more at the next few races. Scores to date, after eight races and marathons run so far:

Men: P Barlow 109pts (7 events) , B Leggate 90pts (6), P Gonzalez-Diaz 85pts (5), D Wright 84pts (6), C Illman 68pts (4), S Elverd 65pts (7), A Harborow 47pts, A Bradley 39pts, A Williams 33pts, D Cook 30pts, J Young 29pts, T Kingston & I Pople 28pts, D Edelsten & L Horton 26pts, K McAnespie 19pts, D Waldron 15pts, T Ranger 13pts, N Dunnage, C Sherrington & J Prout 12pts, D Atkinson & R Brown 11pts, C Goldie & M Gluning 10pts, J Fallon & R Chesmore 9pts, F Robson & B Ferris 8pts, C Brough, C Tapley, & C Riches 7pts, D Matts 6pts, A McKeeman & C Hook 4pts, A Fraser 3pts, P Moran & G Clarke 1pt.

Women: K Kroulikova 64pts , Corinne Clark & J Wassell 58pts , T Compton 51pts, W Jones 37pts, Carol Clarke 36pts, S McKeeman 33pts, K Withycombe 29pts, E Wilson 28pts, S Brown 21pts, J Manners 19pts, C Pearson 13pts, F Collings, L Darroch & C Cox 12pts, Y Binks 11pts, J Nielson 9pts, L Ferris 8pts.

The final championship fixtures (in addition to those highlighted in fixtures above) are as follows:

1 October, Cricklade 10k www.crickladefunrun.co.uk

22 October, Stroud ½ Marathon . We are promised a new scenic route this year! This is a big race and entries should be submitted now www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk

In addition, times recorded at any marathon between the dates of February 26 and October 22 will score points in the same format as the races above i.e. as though all competed in one race.

Of the 12 races, plus marathon, best eight scores to count. Points will be awarded on the basis of 15 for first Cirencester finisher down to one. If more than 15 finishers all score at least one point. Bonus points will be awarded for any personal bests achieved at 10k against times published in the newsletter for 2004 and 2005. Unlike 2005 the male and female championships will be scored separately in 2006.

TRIATHLON

Results:

22 July, Cheltenham Try-a-Tri (400m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run). Paula Vass reports : “I have just taken part in the Cheltenham "Try a Tri" event held in Pittville park.  I just wanted to say how well organised it was, and what a great event for someone who wants to try a triathlon for the first time. This was not to say, however, that it was easy - there were plenty of high quality triathletes (it wasn't a novice event).  The swim was the best I've ever done in that there were only two or three swimmers in a wide lane at one time, the organisers explained everything in detail, and the lane counters were really helpful.  The transition was on grass and the marshals were really good. The cycle was nothing like I had expected, partly because we had just had a thunderstorm and the smooth golf course grass was really slippy and muddy (still we were all relieved it wasn't 35ºC).  This meant that my mountain bike tyres were just the job, but cyclists on racers and cycle cross bikes still seemed to have an advantage (or were slightly mad, or more likely, much fitter than me!).  The course was four laps of the park – an anti-clockwise version of the cross country course familiar to some.  There was one major hill and lots of little bumps and jumps - the main difference for me was that there was no place to get into an even rhythm and it seemed much harder on the legs. The run had to be redirected as they had originally included a stream jump, but it had turned into more of a river wade! The 2.5k run was possibly too short - but that presented a new challenge, in that it is really difficult to find a bit of speed when you first get off the bike, also we were quickly into the same uphill as on the bike course (you know - when your legs still feel like rubber and you wonder if you look as bad as you feel!). I really want to emphasise the good organisation of the event, with friendly marshals and the results appearing on a screen at the end - and also a bit different to the usual bike and run courses.  The afternoon start also meant that I could send in a slow swim time and not have to start at 6am ! See some of you there next year I hope!”

1 Nic Burridge (7.30, 20.11, 10.22) 38.03

2 Lisa Greenfield (1st lady) (6.02, 23.59, 8.21) 38.22

131 Paula Vass (Cirencester) (10.04, 33.25, 12.49) 56.18. 185 finished. www.cheltenhamtri.co.uk

23 July, Milton Keynes (1,500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run).

1 Joe Gambles (17.57, 58.40, 33.06) 1.49.44

570 Corinne Clark (Cirencester) (25.25, 1.19.39, 47.43) 2.32.49. 789 finished.

In addition our regular triathlete correspondent, Mark Evans, sends in his latest report:

“my results for July:

Bath Triathlon, Olympic distance (1,500m, 40km, 10km)

1 Julian Hatcher (23.53, 1.10.48, 36.24) 2.11.06

65 Mark Evans (Cirencester) (25.58, 1.23.37, 51.08) 2.40.45. 196 finished.

Concept II Rowathlon series, Castle Combe (Olympic distance; row 5,000m, bike 30km, run 7km)

1 P Holdaway (17.23, 47.16, 25.09) 1.29.48

17 Mark Evans (Cirencester) (18.20, 53.22, 33.09) 1.46.01. 40 finished.”

Summer fixtures as follows:

Castle Combe mid week duathlon series Wed evening May – Sept. www.bathamphibians.co.uk

6 August Worcester sprint tel- 01905 840082.

27 August Malmesbury 400m – 22k – 5k www.nwll.co.uk

3 September Faringdon 800m – 50k – 8k www.soll-leisure.co.uk

10 September Cotswold tri open water, 750m – 20k – 5k or 400m – 20k – 2k www.triferris.com

MISCELLANY

… Lisa Darroch is departing these shores in mid-September for two years of altitude training in Ethiopia , otherwise known as Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). A number of members helped drain her house of alcohol recently and we all wish her well in her venture. Hopefully Lisa will keep us all updated on her news via the newsletter. In the meantime it will be possible to follow her progress by accessing her BLOG on www.liza2vso.org.uk

… an excellent new website has been launched listing national rankings at all age groups and distances: www.athleticsdata.com but as with all new enterprises (particularly one as detailed as this) a few errors have appeared. The senior men 10k rankings come under this category as Paul Barlow's (albeit excellent) time of 34.38 at Bourton currently appears at the top of the list, ahead of the actual fastest time of 28.37! Enjoy it while it lasts, Paul, before you are demoted to your rightful position of =1,007th!

… on the same website it is possible to view what a fantastic year Wendy Jones has experienced: at present she is ranked 7th (2nd FV35) in the country at 5k, 4th (1st) at 5mile, 14th (1st) at 10k, 6th (1st) at 10,000 track and 4th (1st) at ½ marathon. Another notable ranking, although not listed at present, is Carol Clarke's magnificent 1.39.28 ½ marathon at Leeds , which places her 18th FV55 in the country this year. Expect to see Jane Wassell & Cathy Cook in the FV40 rankings soon as they have both recently moved into this category.

David Wright: wrights@tesco.net or 01285 641224