29th September 2009

Perfect autumnal conditions were enjoyed by the nearly 600 runners who started the Cirencester 10k last Sunday. Will Levett of Tonbridge AC and Gemma Turtle of Shaftesbury were the individual winners, both setting new course records in the process. Levett enjoyed a narrow lead at the half way mark and gradually extended this to finish in a time of 31.59, 38 seconds ahead of Gloucester's Steve Millward, with John Parker of Cheltenham Harriers a further 21 seconds behind in third. Peter Haarer representing Ranelagh Harriers finished fourth and first V40 with Stroud's Mattew Withey first junior in an excellent time of 33.22. Gemma Turtle's new course record of 35.33 gave her emphatic victory in the ladies race ahead of Bourton junior Stephanie Lane, with Gwen Kinsey of Severn AC third. Jenny Manners produced the standout performance of the Cirencester AC members taking part, setting a new junior club record of 38.55 to finish as fourth lady overall, ahead of Jane Wassell who took the LV35 honours.

28th September 2009

Susan Hunt, the lady who collapsed towards the finish of the Cirencester 10k, would like to thank the runners who stopped and gave her assistance. Susan spent Sunday night in hospital but was released the following day, she has informed Cirencester A.C. that she now feels fine and the problem was most likely caused by dehydration.

Another runner, Alison Whitney had a nasty fall just before the finish and having spoken with Alison this evening (Monday) I am pleased to report that apart from feeling a little sore, Alison is fine. She would like to thank the Red Cross for their help in patching her up plus the comfort and reassurance they gave her.

Cirencester A.C would like to wish Susan and Alison a speedy recovery and also pass on our thanks to those runners who stopped to assist them both.

21st September 2009

Club Captain Adrian Williams lined up alongside Haile Gebrselassie and 30,000 other runners at the Berlin Marathon, and settled into a decent rhythm as the Ethiopian legend took the race out at world record pace. Reaching half way in 81 minutes, the second half of the race proved less comfortable, but Adrian held on gamely to record a new PB of 2.52.12. Nicola and Martin Denning were in winning form at the Sherston 10k, claiming the prize of first married couple home, with Nicola also claiming individual victory in the ladies race in a time of 43 minutes. The previous weekend, Ed Morris tackled the challenge of the Stretton Skyline fell race. With the tough 19 mile course incorporating 4,450 ft of ascent, Ed ran strongly to finish in 23rd position. Also in off-road action, Caroline Bolam led home Alice and Barbara Thomas at the Woodchester Park 8 mile multiterrain race. Mark Evans produced a solid performance to finish 309th at the London Duathlon, a race around Richmond Park consisting of an opening 9k run followed by a 22k bike and a final 5k run.

15th September 2009

Reigning club road race champion Trudy Compton could yet make a late defence of her title after ensuring maximum points at the Chippenham Half Marathon. Her excellent time of 1.35.28 was her quickest for some years. Matt Shannon led the club home in 22nd position, with Adam Harborrow and Ian Pople also enjoying good runs. Fred Robson also completed the race, his time of 2.19.15 a club age group record. Martin Croucher and Andy Bradley opted for the Robin Hood Half Marathon and both ran well to finish inside the top 500 competitors.

8th September 2009

Jenny Manners was the star performer for Cirencester AC at the Cotswold Sprint triathlon, strong swim and run sections leading her to a notable age group victory. Bob Ferris was also in fine form, winning his age category by over 3 minutes. Bryan Reid led home the small group of Cirencester members running the Beacon 10k, narrowly failing to break the 40 minute barrier in finishing 25th. Matt Shannon recorded a personal best time of 1.20.44 as he and Ian Davies joined the 10,000 competitors at the Bristol Half Marathon.