HEADLINES

• One recurring theme this month: flooding! No less than five races have been cancelled or postponed due to prevailing conditions in Gloucestershire.
• Leisure centre still closed.
• Jane Wassell wins Bourton mile.
• Bob Ferris cracks ribs.

ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN RESULTS

12 July, Malmesbury 5km (approx) m/t. The lure of free beer afterwards drew a decent number of Cirencester athletes to this low key race along the banks of the river Avon . In fact the club produced nearly a quarter of the field. Bill Leggate took the opportunity to clock up another outright victory, despite leading the field astray at one point, a habit that he seems to be getting into (see Upton triathlon below). Nicola Denning gave the club a double top with her first win. The beer, in the form of a 72 pint barrel of Archers, was provided by local resident Chris Riches who recorded 42 attendees in his garden, which rather begs the question as to the priorities of the 34 who turned up for a drink but didn’t run the race!

1 Bill Leggate (Cirencester) 17.27

4 Martin Pitts 18.50

8 Nicola Denning (1st lady) 19.05

11 Tony Shelbourn 19.44

14 Chris Riches 20.37

17 Mark Evans 21.05

18 Tim Willson 21.07

34 David Edelsten 26.22. 36 finished. www.nwll.co.uk

14 July, Devils Chimney Chase Almost 10km m/t, Cheltenham . David Edelsten reports on a new local event that saw all three Cirencester participants win their respective age groups: “This was the first running of a very challenging multi-terrain race organised by Almost Athletes - their first event I think.

Starting with a lap of Old Patesians Rugby Club in Leckhampton the course rose steadily up through fields onto a short road section and then continued upwards to the Cotswold Way and close to the Devil's Chimney which was reached after four miles and nearly 900ft of ascent. The final two miles was an even steeper downhill plunge back to the rugby ground.

The race was well organised with plenty of friendly marshals. Some nice views of Cheltenham from the top if you dared look over the edge. The weather was sunny if a little warm but it would have been grim in the rain. An enjoyable run after the first mile or so but not for the faint hearted or lovers of flat road courses!”

1 Drew Inglis ( Darlington ) 37.52

67 Alice Thomas (1st Junior Lady) 53.52

106 David Edelsten (1st V60) 1.03.13

112 Barbara Thomas (1st FV50) 1.07.06. 124 finished. www.almostathletes.org.uk

19 July, White Horse 5km . Once again a high standard field for a low key race. Marc Fallows’ new personal best time would have given him a top three position in many races. Jane Wassell broke her eighth age group record of the year; like the pole vaulters who edge up the height of the bar, she is cannily only taking a second or two off each time!

1 Simon Jones (Belgrave) 14.32

19 Marc Fallows (Cirencester) 16.19

30 Catherine Dugdale ( Swansea , 1st lady) 17.02

35 David Wright (2nd V50) 17.26 – equals own club V50 record

37 Jane Wassell (3rd lady / 1st FV35) 17.51 – club FV40 record

60 Dorian Matts 19.30

92 Alice Thomas (1st FU16) 22.13

107 Barbara Thomas (1st FV50) 26.22. 109 finished. www.severnac.co.uk

21 July, Boddington 50km. Cancelled. The club’s one & only ultra distance runner, Rupert Chesmore, had entered this race and will be pleased to know that it has been rescheduled for Sunday 19 August. www.glosaaa.org.uk

25 July, Bourton 1m . Club championship event. The organisers had to postpone this race on 21 July due to the severe flooding but were able to reschedule it for a few days later. The overall entry suffered slightly as a consequence but an excellent turnout of Cirencester runners performed admirably over a race distance over which most were unfamiliar. There was an epic battle in the V60 category with our own Tony Shelbourn just shading Dave Spackman from Gloucester to the title. As the race incorporated the County Mile Championship, this resulted in a gold medal to Shelbourn. Similar medals were won by Jane Wassell, who was first lady overall, and David Wright. Only two Ciren runners managed to dip under five minutes but the best runs of the day probably came from Martin Croucher & Stephen Elverd, both of whom beat Wassell for the first time. It was good also to see Adam Harborow back racing after some time away due to injury.

1 Jeremy Bradley ( Cheltenham ) 4.29

9 Marc Fallows (Cirencester) 4.49

10 Bill Leggate 4.52

15 Adrian Williams 5.02

19 David Wright (1st V50) 5.10

21 Martin Croucher 5.21

23 Stephen Elverd 5.25

24 Jane Wassell (1st lady / FV35) 5.25

27 Adam Harborow 5.35

29 Dorian Matts 5.40

30 Tony Shelbourn (1st V60) 5.41

33 Andy Bradley (2nd V50) 5.48

48 Alice Thomas 6.18

69 Barbara Thomas 7.24

72 David Edelsten 7.43. 85 finished.

In the associated fun run over the same distance, two of Marc Fallows’ young offspring completed the course: Callum Fallows 7.26 & Casey Fallows 7.42. www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk

29 July, Gloucester ½ Marathon . Cancelled. May be rearranged for September. www.gloucesterac.co.uk

1 Aug, Bugatti 10k, nr Winchcombe . Cancelled. Will not be rearranged in 2007. www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk

ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN FIXTURES (Sunday unless stated)

Entry forms for some of these races on club noticeboard, otherwise access via websites.

5 August, Standish Woodland ‘10’ m/t at 11:00 . Well established off roader. www.stroudac.co.uk

16 August (Thu), White Horse 5km, Sandhurst , nr Gloucester at 19:45 . Enter on evening. www.severnac.co.uk

21 August (Tue), Frampton 10km at 19:30 . Club championship event. Having been postponed in July due to adverse weather conditions, this race has now been rescheduled for a Tuesday evening. All numbers issued for the original date will be valid but anyone unable to make this new date can get a refund if they apply to the organisers by 3 August. See the website for more details. The race remains in the club championship. www.stroudac.co.uk

2 Sep, Beacon 10km, nr Gloucester . Club championship event.www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk

9 September, Witney 10m at 10:30 . Club championship event.www.witneyroadrunners.org.uk

16 September, Woodchester Park ‘8’ m/t at 10:30 . Another challenging off road event in lovely surroundings. www.stroudac.co.uk

23 September, Cirencester Park 10km. Another of our own race promotions. As ever members are encouraged to run but helpers will also be required. According to David Edelsten, entries are coming in well so if planning to run enter soon. www.cirencester-ac.org.uk

RANKINGS

With two 10km races forming the next Championship events, it’s worth publishing club records at that distance once again:

FU20: 42.11 Becky Stagg, 1989; U20: 33.30 Chris Illman, Brighton 2006.

Female senior: 34.18 Wendy Jones, 2000; Male senior: 32.12 Mike Smith, 1998;

FV35: 33.38 Wendy Jones, Gloucester 2007;

FV40: 37.11 Jane Wassell, Gloucester 2007; V40: 33.57 David Wright, Bourton 1997;

FV45: 43.22 Molly Fisher, 1994; V45: 35.28 Brian Wither, 1993;

FV50: 45.41 Elaine Wilson, Bourton 2007; V50: 36.15 David Wright, Bourton 2007;

FV55: 44.51 Mary Campbell, 2001; V55: 42.38 Tony Curry, Bourton 2004;

FV60: 52.38 Mary Campbell, Westonbirt 2005; V60: 43.10 Dick Waldron, 2002;

V65: 49.15 Dick Waldron, Bourton 2007;

V70: 53.32 Fred Robson, Fairford 2005.

CLUB ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP 2007

Recent race cancellations have played havoc with the club championship. Of the three races cancelled, two have been rearranged, Bourton as in results above and Frampton on 21 August. The Bugatti 10km will not be rearranged so the championship will now be best 7 out of 11 events in 2007 (see detail below).

With Frampton 10km now in August, there will be three club races in four weeks coming up and these will go some way towards indicating the likely final winners, as only two more races will remain thereafter, plus any autumn marathons.

The men’s championship still looks wide open, particularly when taking into account the number of events each of the leading protagonists has competed in and the need to drop races later in the season, which results in a concertina effect on the scores. Jane Wassell appears to be literally running away with the ladies championship. Unofficial scores after the Bourton Mile are as follows:

Men: A Williams (run in 6 events) 125pts, S Elverd (6) 116, M Fallows (4) 77, M Croucher (5) & B Leggate (4) 72, D Wright (4) 67, C Brough (3) 66, A Bradley (5) 63, P Gonzalez-Diaz (3) 57, D Matts (4) 55, J Young (4) 53, C Illman (2) 49, B Reid (3) 43, T Ranger (2) 42, B Ferris 41, D Waldron 37, M Gluning 31, T Willson 30, P Barlow 28, N Dunnage & T Kingston 26, C Riches 24, C Tapley 23, B Barrowclough, D Dent & D Edelsten 19, K Firkin 17, J Fallon 16, J Barrowclough 15, A Harborow 14, J Knight 13, T Shelbourn 12, G Grafton 11, 8, E Sinton & A McKeeman 6, J Burgess 4, J Bennett 2.

Women: J Wassell (run in 5 events) 106pts, Corinne Clark (3) 70, S Brown (3) 45, A Thomas (2) 38, B Thomas (2) 36, W Nicholls (née Jones, 1) 32, S Elphick, Carol Clarke & C Blampied 29, L Ferris 28, C Bolam 27, J Manners 25, K Withycombe 22, T Compton 20, K Kroulikova 19, C Cox 18, S Cooper 17, R Brown 16, E Wilson 15, S McKeeman 13, J Hill 12, J Green 9, N Hunt 7.

The rest of the fixtures are as follows, note two date changes for Beacon & Witney races:

21 August, Frampton 10km (rearranged date, see above)

2 Sep, Beacon 10km (see above)

9 September, Witney 10m (see above)

7 October, Cricklade 10km www.crickladefunrun.co.uk

21 Oct, Stroud ½ Marathon . Worth entering this major race quite soon. www.stroudac.co.uk

In addition, times recorded at any marathon between the dates of February 25 and October 21 will score points in the same format as the races above i.e. as though all competed in one race. Of the 11 races, plus marathon, best seven scores to count. 20 points will be awarded to the first Cirencester finisher in each race down to one point for the 20th and any subsequent finishers. Male & female championships will be scored separately. Bonus points will be awarded for any personal bests achieved against times published in the newsletter for 2005 and 2006. One bonus point will be awarded for every 15 seconds improvement up to a maximum of two minutes (8pts) for races of up to & including 10k and three minutes (12pts) for longer races. To qualify for points, runners must be fully paid-up members, be entered under Cirencester AC and be wearing a club vest. This rule is being strictly enforced in 2007.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROAD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP 2007

The organisers have announced that the White Horse 5km on 16 August (see fixtures above) will replace the Bugatti 10km in the championship. With five races left, the championship is now beginning to take some shape. David Wright (V45, based on age as at 1 January) and Andy Bradley (V50) both lead in their categories and Jane Wassell is 2nd in both the Ladies Open and FV40 categories with a very good chance of winning both when the best 8 results pan out nearer the end of the season. Scores and rules can be viewed on the official website www.runnerduck.co.uk/running. The rest of the fixtures are as follows:

16 August, White Horse 5km (see above)

2 Sep, Beacon 10k (see above)

23 Sep, Cirencester Park 10k (see above)

21 Oct, Stroud ½ Marathon www.stroudac.co.uk

4 Nov, Tewkesbury ‘5’ www.tewkesburyac.blogspot.com

TRIATHLON RESULTS & FIXTURES

As stated in the last newsletter, Elaine Wilson became the third Cirencester AC athlete to qualify for the ITU World Triathlon Championships to be held in Germany in September despite “atrocious conditions off the west coast of Wales ”. Wilson ’s husband, David, had the pleasure of enduring the conditions as he watched the race unfold, as he describes in wonderful detail here:

“Diaries of an itinerant triathlon spectator: 1 July 2007 Pembrokeshire Triathlon, Fishguard, Dyfed

According to the official website: “despite the poor weather good racing took place”. My god, that’s a somewhat optimistic view of proceedings. Why on earth, you may ask, would we want to drive all the way to the western-most point of Wales to do a triathlon in the driving rain? The answer is of course, the fact that it was the third of four world championship qualifiers, with four more precious spaces up for grabs for each age group for this years ITU event in Hamburg . And, for some bizarre reason, Elaine seemed to think this was a bright idea! (Bright, if only). Well heh, if it worked, at least we wouldn’t have to go Wakefield on the following weekend!

The merest glimpse of sunshine before the race start proved to be a total illusion not to be fulfilled. A quick hooter and mad rush down the slipway into the harbour and they were off in one mass start, with one mad soul getting fished out of the Irish Sea after 50 metres for trying to do it without a wetsuit. If the sea swim wasn’t enough to put you off – climbing up another slipway and running 150m back to the first one only to get back in for another loop was surely a hint of things to come. All full well and good for the leader, other than for the funny little guy with the whistle who insisted on trying to run in front of him to clear his way – at about half his speed! A quick second swim lap (including overtaking of some tail-enders on their first lap), and the leaders ascended for their first transition, in the now driving rain.

Now, if Elaine’s bright idea was to compete here to get a qualifying space, all she needed was to ensure a top four position in her not-to-be-disclosed age group. A great idea, if as you seasoned tri-pros know, you can work out what position you are in. Working that out at the exit from the swim is somewhat tricky given the wetsuits, so loitering at the back of the exit from the bike transition, checking out the back leg lettering of anything female is the only strategy, if not a little suspicious. Initial indications looked good with a suspected (and accurate as it turned out) second position in her age group, and off on the bike leg. In, yes you guessed it, the driving rain!

Our pre-race prep had involved a quick loop of the bike leg the day before. Two loops of, what seemed to me to be a bit like one of those Escher pictures, fairly constant up-hill and not much in the way of descent. Pretty much the first six miles were up-hill, before it flattened and seemed to go up again. The last stretch joined the end of the A40, well known for its relaxed (?) traffic conditions, before ultimately swooping down towards the ferry port and the end of the bike loop ready for, you guessed it, another six mile ascent on the next loop.

I saw Elaine from some distance as she came down the descent of the first loop towards the beach area where I and a few foolhardy other nutters were waiting under the roof of a Texaco garage (if my memory is correct). I recognised it was Elaine because she seemed to be only person braking as she came downhill, only to get passed by another member of her age group leaving her in fourth place. Oh no, lose another place and visions of Wakefield rain flashed before my eyes!

Off she went for a second lap, and at that point the rain went from “driving” to “stair-rod vertical”. Seriously miserable and perfect timing for that up-hill leg. Another long wait in the garage forecourt and there she was again, having caught up with third place as they came down together for the run transition, literally side by side.

The run leg was again two loops. This time up the breakwater and back (how pointless is that!), and then around the beach and up a simple (?!) 100 metre ascent of some steps onto the coastal path for a kilometre or so, only to come all the way back and do it again. By this stage, Elaine is now running with her age group companion in what, I believed to be, third and fourth place. Now that’s theoretically fine. Good moral support and all that, and both get qualifying places. But what if I’ve missed someone? How do you say to someone who’s just spent over two and a quarter hours in the driving rain, and running with someone she theoretically doesn’t have to beat to qualify, to make sure she does actually beat her just in case you’ve screwed up and there’s someone else ahead of them I didn’t see? In the end, I solved this dilemma by getting unsubtle and shouting out things like “don’t be second” and “make sure you beat her!”.

First loop and obviously my (un)subtlety hadn’t worked. They were still running together. I was getting increasingly anxious, still gawping at every likely female back leg just in case. On the descent back down on the end of the second loop, and she finally got the hint, pulling away from her obviously exhausted colleague to cross the line in what I hoped, and in the end was, third place in her age group.

Three hours and fifteen minutes of rain drenched madness later and the qualifying place was in the bag! A fantastic effort under desperate weather conditions. Even the winner took 25 minutes more than you’d normally expect for a standard distance race. It was obviously tough for everyone, and a fantastic achievement for all who finished. The course was tough, and the weather was dire. Elaine got her much-earned World Championship qualifying place; I got a few pints of Theakston’s XB (not very Welsh!) in the charming Ship Inn in Lower Town the night before, and a free weekend following. A great result all round, I would have said. Does anyone remember the rain?”

14 July, Upton-on-Severn Classic . (1,500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run). Bill Leggate reports on an action packed race: “ Friday the 13th came a day late as we headed up to Upton upon Severn for its inaugural triathlon. The omens weren't good when the car sustained a flat tyre only 100m from Bob's front door. Some belated map reading then identified a missed exit on the M50 so it was a little later than planned that we finally arrived. A delayed start did little to improve the mood but time was made up rapidly on the "swim" down the Severn - the recent flood waters ensuring a near world record split for Bob with Trudy not far behind! Care had to be taken not to miss the exit point out of the water for there would have been no hope of turning and swimming back upstream! A gentle undulating bike course unfortunately proved to have a sting in the tail for Bob - a narrow twisting series of lanes near the end of the lap proved his undoing as he misjudged a sharp corner, and landed in the road via a hedgerow. It was only half way round the run his [cracked] rib injury became fully apparent by which point he had conveniently got to within touching distance of the first aiders, although their kind offer of gas and air was politely declined! At this point I was just discovering that I'd inadvertently taken a short cut on the run course (how was I supposed to know the cone the marshal wanted me to run up to was a further 400m up the track than the one I actually reached?!) and so having confessed my sins to the organisers found myself being disqualified from the official results! At least Trudy managed to reach the finish legally and in one piece, whilst Chloe and Ben successfully completed the sprint distance race (also unscathed - although some misplaced car keys gave them some jitters late on!).” Mr Leggate was too modest to mention that his run was actually the fastest overall on the day, albeit marginally short because of his little indiscretion.

1 Tom Fordyce (Full-on Tri) (17.21, 1.06.50, 42.18) 2.06.29

19 Bill Leggate (Cirencester) (22.02, 1.18.08, 42.05) 2.26.15

53 Trudy Compton (22.09, 1.33.37, 54.58) 2.50.44

dnf Bob Ferris (18.01, 1.17.15, n/a). 67 finished. www.uptontriathlon.com

14 July, Upton -on- Severn Sprint . (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run).

1 Rhys Davies (Team Tri UK ) (7.51, 35.43, 21.31) 1.05.05

12 Ben Cox (Cirencester) (10.45, 43.24, 24.04) 1.18.13

43 Chloe Cox (12.18, 47.04, 29.51) 1.29.13. 67 finished. www.uptontriathlon.com

Fixtures:

9 September, Cotswold Sprint Triathlon, Keynes Country Park , nr. Cirencester. (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run or 400m swim, 20k bike, 2½k run). Entries are probably now closed. www.triferris.com

NEW MEMBERS

Victoria Hemmings has joined the club this month.

MISCELLANY

David Wright: wrights@tesco.net or 01285 641224