30th Jan 2009

Andy Hindson reports on the delights of the tough Slaughterford 9 mile multi terrain race. Click here to read full report.

Picture copyright Richard Faropa, Chippenham Harriers.

27th Jan 2009

The long trip to Mansfield for the Midlands Cross Country Championships proved worthwhile for the Cirencester AC men's team who defied a high class field to return with an excellent 8th place finish. Marc Fallows made light work of the mud to place in the top 50 and lead the team home. Adrian Williams rallied to the team's cause despite a heavy cold to finish in 85th with Paul Barlow just 20 seconds down in 94th. Barry Sampson made an exceptional debut for the team to narrowly miss out on a top hundred finish, whilst Robbie Brown showed superb pace judgement to work his way through the field to 114th place. Matt Shannon hung on gamely after a fast start to close the team scoring in 146th. On the roads, Liza Darroch broke the club FV60 marathon record at Gloucester, in the process gaining a qualifying time for next years London Marathon. Running with Rupert Chesmore for much of the race, she pulled away in the last few miles to finish well under her 4.30 target, with Rupert just under 6 minutes behind. Alice Thomas was best placed of the Cirencester finishers at the 4.2 mile "Linda Franks Run" at Gloucester, whilst Andy Hindson led home Nicola Denning and Chris Riches at the challenging Slaughterford 9.

26th Jan 2009

New club FV60 marathon record holder Liza Darroch reports on her experiences in the Gloucester Marathon. Click here to read full report, together with a reminder about shoes for Ethiopia.

21st Jan 2009

Tony Shelbourn writes from his winter sojourn in America on the woes of injury. Click here to read the full report.

20th Jan 2009

Highworth Half Marathon

Robbie Brown was the first runner home for Cirencester AC at last weekends Highworth Team Half Marathon, finishing in a solid 15th position. Just a minute behind was Adam Harborrow who was competing on the day for the Nationwide team, whilst new member Ben Rosedale continued to impress in club colours, placing 21st. Trudi Compton finished an excellent 8th lady, with Ed Morris and Carol Clarke completing the Cirencester team scoring for 11th place.

19th Jan 2009

Help needed for Cross Country

On the morning of Sunday 1st February, the club is hosting the Oxford League Cross Country fixture in the delightful surroundings of Cirencester Park. Although a fair drive for most of the league participants, this remains a very popular fixture and there will therefore be a big turnout. The car park and start/finish are up at the polo grounds in the park with the vehicular entrance off the A419 Stroud road. As well as the need for a good turnout of runners to sustain the club's challenge in the league, it is incumbent on the host to ensure that the day runs smoothly. Thus help will be needed for car parking and marshalling duties. Please let Bob Ferris know if you are able to help. He can be contacted on r.ferris@btinternet.com or on 01285 644766 and is always at the club on Tuesday evenings. The Oxford League website is www.oxonxc.org.

13th Jan 2009

County champs and Rough 'n' Tumble

Cirencester AC's small representation of runners performed strongly at last weekend's Gloucestershire Cross Country Championships, with Marc Fallows leading the way in a highly competetive men's race in a fine 7th place. Adrian Williams finished just half a minute down in 10th, whilst Paul Barlow and Robbie Brown also produced excellent runs to make the top twenty. Alice Thomas claimed a bronze medal in the Under 17 girls race whilst Barbara Thomas was the lone representative in the ladies race, finishing in 28th place. Meanwhile, Rob Forbes excelled at the "Rough 'n' Tumble 10," making light work of the hills around Pewsey to finish a superb 3rd.

Banbury notes
The third round of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League was held in freezing conditions at Banbury. The men's team were severely depleted by illness and injury but the hardy group who made the start line battled gamely to ensure the team lie third in Division 1 going in to next month's home fixture. They were admirably led by Adrian Williams who finished a superb 4th, whilst Robbie Brown just held off the challenge of David Wright in the home straight. Debutant Ben Rosedale produced a fine run to finish just behind in 34th postion. With Andy Bickerstaff and Bryan Reid both making long journeys to support the cause, and Dorian Matts making a return from a hamstring injury, the team finished 4th on the day. The ladies team was almost entirely a Thomas affair, with Jane best placed in 19th position and Alice and Barbara making up the scoring trio. Christina See completed the Cirencester representation in 94th. Amongst the juniors competing were Rebecca Oakes who placed 20th in the under 17 girls, Alex Chantler who finished 12th in the under 11 boys and Hannah Tapley who finished 15th in the under 11 girls.