HEADLINES
- Chedworth Roman Trail another great success for the club.
- Wendy Jones & Jane Wassell dominate local road races
- Jones survives fierce heat in Rotterdam Marathon
- Big personal best for Terry Ranger in London Marathon despite hot weather
- Entries already closed for next club promotion at Westonbirt Arboretum
ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN RESULTS
25 March, Reading ½ Marathon . Further to the last newsletter, Terry Ranger’s result was missed from the listing as he was inadvertently not recorded under Cirencester AC in the official listing. Following on from the comments about Ranger’s consistency, also in the last newsletter, this result was his best time by two minutes. To view photographs from this race see www.marathon-photos.com and then enter individual race nos: 13135 W Jones; 5551 A Bradley, 9230 T Ranger. The same website also has photographs from the Forest of Dean ½ Marathon including an excellent shot of the battle between Sue Brown & Sandra Elphick for supremacy (Cirencester race numbers to input for photos: 183, 272, 25, 879, 224, 251, 798, 539, 260, 507, 843, 724, 736).
678 Terry Ranger (Cirencester) 1.32.01
1 April, Chedworth Roman Trail 10m m/t. Although conditions underfoot were good, with little or no rain in the previous two weeks, a cold easterly wind made life a little uncomfortable for the large field. Only a few members raced, as most were involved in some way with the organisation, but Marc Fallows sustained his impressive comeback after a few years away from the sport, with a fine run just ahead of a fast finishing Adrian Williams.
The race went off without a hitch and full results were posted on the club’s website on the same day, something competitors really appreciate. One black mark was the lack of cakes provided by members, which resulted in the ladies doing teas having to cut what cakes they had into two and adjust the prices accordingly.
1 Mike Smith (Bourton) 58.43
7 Marc Fallows (Cirencester) 1.03.11
8 Adrian Williams 1.04.09
85 Stephen Elverd 1.17.44
92 Chris Riches 1.18.30. 307 finished. www.cirencester-ac.org.uk .
1 April, Confident First Women’s 5k, Addis Ababa , Ethiopia. Up to 8,000 runners took part in the largest women’s only race in the world, including Cirencester’s very own Liza Darroch, who writes:
“The Addis Ababa women's 5k event was on a somewhat different scale than the Great Addis Ababa run last September. There were only 8,000 of us running a loop around a smart residential area as against 25,000 amassing in Meskel square. But the mood was similar, the excitement of a women only event combined with the raw enthusiasm, chanting and dancing that Ethiopians bring to everything they do made it quite as exciting. It was particularly good to see so many young runners from say, 10 years upwards really enjoying themselves. The colour theme was sky blue as all but the elite donned their race tee shirts. Meanwhile several of the girls from the club I seem to have been adopted by (known as Aspiration) WERE in the 200 or so elite runners. They had race numbers and were segregated in a starting pen until the last minute so it was impossible to see the line up of Ethiopian and Kenyans at the front. Haile Gabreselassie fired the gun - with the usual wide smile - and they/we were off. It was after 9 am (or 3 in Ethiopian time as they very sensibly start counting from 6 am so, when you have been up for one hour, at 7am, it is their 1 am – so much more logical) and the sun was beginning to make its presence felt as we ground our way up the first of three inclines. You might not have noticed the slope in England but, believe me, even after 6 months living at 2,400 metres above sea level, I STILL notice every change in gradient. Anyone who has ever joined me at the back of the pack around the track will know that short, fast distances are not exactly the favourite of Liza (it’s the not worth getting out of bed for a cross country event) plodding Darroch. But I had tried to warm up, unlike most people, and was determined not to walk however much I puffed and panted.
After the first "hill" I acquired a young supporter with the lovely name of Weynchet, which translates as fresh wine, and she certainly provided the tonic I needed. We pottered along together gradually pulling passed big groups of joggers and walkers. After turning the corner near the airport, and another incline, we reached the downhill section. Weynchet and I flew now, passing nearly every other runner on the wide shopping street. Eventually we paid the price as we left Bole Road and started to climb again but by then we were both determined and, apart from a few faltering steps from Weynchet, we pressed on to the finish. There was no clock for us mass runners, but the club time keeper tells me that we came through in between 25 and 26 minutes. So now I have a 5k time too. When you consider that I have averaged under 5 minutes per kilometre for a whole marathon this is hardly my greatest effort let alone likely to find a place in the Club records but I have to tell you I was as pleased about it as I have been about any race for quite a long time.
My running mates were pleased too. Martha finished in 16.02, Desta in 16.45 and Mekdes in just over 17 minutes [ed: sign them up for the Oxford League!] . But they stayed, lining the route at the end, and seemed equally proud of their elderly "forenge" member. My sister, Julia, who had arrived two days earlier walked round with a group of Ethiopian friends in around 60 minutes and they were similarly pleased. The BBC were there filming a piece to be broadcast as part of the pre-amble to the London marathon so watch out for us.”
To catch up on Liza’s BLOG whilst she is out in Africa see www.liza2vso.org.uk
1 Asselefech Mergia ( Ethiopia ) 16.13
? Liza Darroch (Cirencester) c 25.30
7 April, Easter 10k, White Horse Inn, Gloucester. As is the way with Severn AC promotions, it was chocolate fingers all round after some excellent runs. There were individual prizes for Wendy Jones, Jane Wassell, David Wright & Alice Thomas plus a winning ladies team. For Jones the run was a particularly sweet pb following times of 34.03, 34.01 & 34.00 in 2006. Wassell also managed a pb: like the proverbial bus, she waited 15 years for one to come along (Bourton), then another follows almost immediately!
1 Andrew Hunt ( Cardiff ) 30.34
12 Wendy Jones (Cirencester, 1st lady, course record) 33.38 – club FV35 & absolute ladies record
27 Jane Wassell (3rd lady) 37.11 – club FV40 record
28 David Wright (1st V50) 37.20
63 Andy Bradley 42.08
100 Alice Thomas (1st U15) 50.55
113 Barbara Thomas 1.04.06. 113 finished.
Ladies team: 1 Cirencester 139pts
12 April, Corsham 5k. Chris Riches comments on the first of the Corsham/Malmesbury summer midweek races: “hilly course, fairly warm, almost humid, pedestrians wandering all over the place, stray dogs getting under your feet. What other excuses can I find?”
1 Stu Dinwoodie (Chippenham) 17.56
20 Chris Riches (Cirencester) 20.52. 60 finished. www.nwll.co.uk
15 April, Highworth 5m . Club championship event. With nine Cirencester runners finishing within 19 places around 32 minutes, there were some epic battles for club championship points as graphically described by two of the protagonists. Firstly Bryan Reid who is gradually closing down his previous best times from a few years ago in the USA :
“The morning started out cool but then it began to warm up quickly. Unfortunately, this type of weather can affect any runner whether you are a beginner or have been running for years. The big questions that cross our minds are how I will be affected physically, mentally and those thoughts of what my performance will be when I cross the finish line.
We completed our warm up and gathered for a quick photo shoot of the team. As the time rapidly approached 11:00 , all runners made their way to the start. Race instructions were simple and to the point. We were instructed to ignore the guy that would be running the course twice. Not sure why anybody would want to run the course two times, but never mind.
As our team is getting stronger and individuals are improving by the weeks and months, individual intentions are to run your race with somebody close to your pace. Martin Croucher, Dorian Matts, Stephen Elverd and I took to the starting line very closely. All four of us finished within 45 seconds of each other during the Bourton 10K. Most of our intentions were to go out conservative and save some energy for the hill.
Martin and I caught Stephen at around the mile marker (6.07). From there, the three of us pushed the pace back and forth between the 2nd and the 4th mile markers. This area of the course was flat and downhill. Thank goodness for the water station around the 3 mile marker. Splits were 12:14 , 18:47 and 25:15.
Then we approached the 4 mile point at the bottom of the hill. At this point of the race knowing that there is a major hill to climb, you put into play all those hard sessions and workouts that you have trained for leading to this race. Martin Croucher switched gears and pulled away from the pack as we entered the hill. Stephen and I dropped off the pace as we climbed that fun hill. Coming onto the field, I looked over my shoulder and noticed a packed of red vests beginning to gain on me. That was Keith Firkin, Stephen Elverd and the guy from Devizes.”
Chris Brough gives his view on the race:
“With the race basking in glorious spring sunshine, the heat was on and going to make the race quite a challenge for us mere pinkys in more ways than one. So with the increasing pressure of having to score points mounting over recent weeks, an ability to perform above or on par in these so called ideal conditions was required, as the battle for league position in the men's club championship intensified.
Given the need for additional points, the turnout was particularly impressive from the men, providing for a few intense early miles. The start as usual was very sprightly, proving again the illusion that the first mile is rather more than the measured distance, if only! With that in mind I set off with Bob Ferris to pace a very energetic 19-year-old Claire Conway, aiming for sub 32. So we sort of planned to run a conservative first few miles, which ended up being covered in around 12:20 , so much for that plan then Bob!
I would say on behalf of that Bob, that we were feeling pretty good at the time, that is until the onset of the unease felt by the heavy breathing of Keith Firkin, whose re-emergence from the dark side was rather a shock. However, given his lack of preparation, he was strongly jostling for position, not too sure of the motivation here, but it had the desired affect, as suddenly after the first incline at about 2½ miles, he came out of our slip stream and bolted for the finish, quite remarkable what the previous evening’s alcohol can provide, Keith.
After pacing Claire for the first 3 miles both Bob and I were feeling rather spent, to which Claire was advised to crack on, as we both prepared ourselves for the last 1½ miles and the hill. From that point on there was an impressive sight of six red and black vests in front, all in the mix for crucial bonus points; this is where sadly they stayed. The hill, together with the heat, was true to form and dispelled any aspirations of a quickening of the pace. Pushing all the way to the line, I ran out of road, with 11 seconds separating four Cirencester runners.
Overall the heat and usual competitiveness of the Cirencester runners, brought about some impressive performances, notably Jane Wassell who is maintaining her continuing improvement with a new club record, another intriguing contest between Adrian Williams and Marc Fallows, who pipped Adrian for 7th place overall, and a late surge by Lynne to take the 3rd Cirencester ladies position!
A good day out, as they say, or so they say up north.”
1 Tim Crossland ( Leeds City ) 25.37
7 Marc Fallows (Cirencester) 28.36
8 Adrian Williams 28.40
21 Jane Wassell (1st lady) 30.20 – club FV40 record
25 Bill Leggate 30.43
41 Martin Croucher 31.51
42 Bryan Reid 31.52
44 Keith Firkin 31.57
45 Stephen Elverd 32.00
51 Claire Conway (4th lady) 32.41
55 Jonathan Knight 33.00
58 Jonathan Young 33.03
59 Dorian Matts 33.05
60 Chris Brough 33.11
80 Bob Ferris 34.26
84 Colin Tapley 34.40
119 Darren Dent 36.21
128 Graham Grafton 36.53
159 Dick Waldron 38.30 – inaugural club V65 record
288 Lynn Ferris 44.10
310 Clare Blampied 45.03. 486 finished. www.highworthrunningclub.com
15 April, Rotterdam Marathon. So much for the cunning plan … Wendy Jones decided to run at Rotterdam rather than London and received an elite entry for the race. The organisation was excellent, she received first class treatment amongst some of the finest runners in the world, the course was flat with good quality smooth roads and fantastic support throughout, but there was one problem – the hottest April day for years with the temperature officially reaching 34ºC (93ºF)! To compound this problem the race didn’t start until 11am unlike Paris , run on the same day, or London which both start much earlier.
Jones had hoped to get close to the World Championships qualifying time of 2.33 but it became evident very early on that this was not on the agenda. Her support team of Justin (or “Dustin” as printed on his accreditation pass) Nicholls, David Wright & Alex Halter (Dutch friend of DW) spent the day criss-crossing Rotterdam on the underground and first saw the race at 11k. The lead pack of eight pacemakers and 20 of the main protagonists went through at 2.06 pace, as prescribed by the organisers, but by 15k this pack had already broken up. The same happened with the lead women: the eventual Japanese winner was always clear and in a class of her own but the pack of nine runners with the second pacemaker had been split asunder by 15k. Jones had sensibly stayed off the pace from the start and went through 10k in 36.24 and 15k in 54.58, about 2.35 pace and in about 14th place. Ominously she called to her crew at 15k that it was HOT. She then made a conscious decision to ease her pace back in self-defence against the weather and it paid off. She sustained a sensible pace for the rest of the race and in doing so picked off some of the race favourites, finally finishing with a flourish and undistressed down the main city centre boulevard for an excellent 9th place in the women’s event. Her finishing time constituted not only a new Cirencester club ladies record by over 20 minutes but also put Jones top of the national rankings, albeit only for one week before the London results moved her down to a still very respectable 3rd.
Despite the field boasting 12 sub 2.09 (including eight sub 2.08) runners, only one man broke 2.10. Similarly there were 10 sub 2.30 ladies of whom only one finished under that time. Most of the leading runners were Ethiopian or Kenyan yet the heat was too much for them. So brutal were conditions that the race organisers took the unprecedented step of halting the race after 3½ hours. An indication of the effect conditions had on the race came from Ed Whitlock who, incredibly, broke the World V75 record despite the weather. In 2005 he was 450th in 2.58.40, this year he was 183rd in 3.04.54. The day after the race Alex Halter sent the following message recording the aftermath of a remarkable occasion – his broken English hasn’t been edited and clearly gives a flavour of the situation:
“There is very mutch spoken [in the media] about stopt the marathon, most of the runners understand this action of the organisation, but also they say its my own dissition to run in this tropical wether. Thers are still 5 people in the hospital but there where more than 50 or 60 in the hospital, the organisation say we take care of all the people, there are finish about 3,700 runners (walking for the most) the rest of the 11,000 are out of the race, stopt by the police, they blokt the roads, but everybody gets his medaille, the organisation thinking if there is an possebility to give back the entry fee for them they have to stop, i watch to the TV last night in diffrent programs but it was an battle feeld, for me i think an very good action from the organisation, and wat has the people says when there are dead runners on the course, 5 people get on the road electric shoks from red cross helpers and they stil live. It was crazy 29ºC in april normal 14ºC.”
1 Joshua Chelanga ( Kenya ) 2.08.21
56 Wendy Jones (Cirencester, 9th lady) 2.45.54 – club FV35 & absolute ladies record
4,337 finished, about 11,000 didn’t. www.fortismarathonrotterdam.nl plus photos on www.marathon-photos.com (Jones’ number F555).
22 April, London Marathon. April’s warm weather continued for the marathon runners and Cirencester’s results reflected the conditions. Most were well below expectations, which makes Terry Ranger’s personal best by 10 minutes particularly noteworthy. At least some had enough energy to pen their thoughts.
Tim Willson, member of both Cirencester & Tetbury Royals, was the first to log a message and as is evident, this was before it even started: “After long deliberation I have decided that I will run the marathon on Sunday, even though the blurb advises not to if you have had a cold / cough. As for my running attire I have been thinking long and hard. The likelihood of a PB is remote, so I thought I could run in something different. Then I read a very interesting article in The Times about the ban on demonstrating near the Houses of Parliament. The idea – run the marathon in Guantanamo style orange overalls and carry a placard – something rude about that Mr.Blair. The children thought this was an excellent idea, and would almost guarantee me getting on the telly, and arrested. As you can imagine Jan was not happy with this prospect, and so of course I have had to bow to her view on the subject, and run in ‘normal’ running gear. I must be getting old, or more likely I know that I can only get away with ‘so much’. Anyway, to sum up I will most probably be wearing a Cirencester AC running vest, but possibly a Tetbury Royals vest, or even a remote chance of a vest consisting of a Cirencester AC front and Tetbury Royals back, or even a Tetbury Royals front and a Cirencester AC back [ed: how do we allocate club championship points?]. I have consulted Jan on this subject and was told this could be done, but there might be ‘fraying’ and problems with re-sewing the bits of disassembled vests. Any suggestions / experts at sewing out there?”
Chris Riches appears to have seen most club participants during the day: “In the world of football they sometimes say, ‘it’s a funny old game’ and I think that applies aptly to the marathon today. With injuries and viruses affecting some of the club members it meant that, at the end of the marathon, I was able to slip into third place of 8 or 9 Ciren runners. I had myself down to finish last of all those competing for the club but may be the tortoise approach to running has its benefits sometimes. It was a perfect day for spectating and sunbathing but not necessarily the best day for running 26.2miles. However, the day got off to a good start and I met up with Terry Ranger and Tony Kingston. Tim Willson was nowhere to be seen but I later learnt that he had met Pancho, who appeared to have his own changing facilities and personal loo! Tim and I were in the same pen and fortunately met up just before the gun. We ran together for 15 ½ miles and enjoyed plenty of conversation and banter at the expense of those around us. We decided cavemen don’t have a sense of humour. Big thanks for your company, Tim. Then, we parted company and Tim met Andy Bradley who was, after a good start, having a bad time. (Andy and I had a phone chat later in the day but the graphic details of his dilemma are too much to print here). At the end of the race, who should I meet but Tony Curry a few yards over the finish line doing his official duty. After a welcome greeting we had a chat for about five minutes and then it was off to Tree T to meet Tim. It was good day, bit hot, bit tiring and for the first time, a bit bloody. I didn’t apply vaseline to all and sundry as required and so consequently finished to find my legs trickling blood. This was my 7th London , my last London and I’m very happy to say, for the record, my last marathon.”
Tim Willson, who did run in a Cirencester vest, continues …
“Well what a lovely day yesterday, nice and sunny, lots of interesting sights to see, and one or two other runners to run with. The train from Charing Cross to the start was better this year – more coaches so more people could get on. Lots of people at the Blue Start, but I didn’t see Chris until literally the start of the run, and most amazingly we ran together for 15 ½ miles – most unusual. I must say that the first seven or eight miles just flew by, with some very entertaining banter at the expense of other runners. The route was congested, and the sun was surprisingly hot, so the tactics changed to running on the ‘shady side of the street’ if there was any shade. At the eight mile mark I could tell that this run was going to be a case of getting to the finish in one piece. Anyway, Chris and I continued together, across Tower Bridge (with an ambulance on it seeing to some poor runner). At 15 ½ miles I slowed a little, and Chris carried on. From 16 to 20 miles I felt quite hot and tired, and at 18 miles I saw poor Andy Bradley walking – his calf had gone. From 20 to 24 ½ miles I felt fantastic. From 24 ½ miles to the finish it was a case of ‘keep going’, I was getting some worrying twangs of cramp during this stage, and there were loads of people walking, and an increasing number of runners flat-out on the ground being seen to by ambulance staff.”
According to Tony Kingston, the “wheels came off” very early on as the combination of a bad knee and the warm conditions reacted to a confident start: “ Went off too fast in the conditions and frazzled by the time I reached Cutty Sark – but wanted the medal for [son] Fin so continued with a walk/run (and hobble!)! 4.05 – bloody awful but at least my muscles aren’t sore – think I need a little coaching on this pacing lark; and a lot of long runs in the heat of the summer – then a marathon in the Arctic Circle where I’ll wear a t-shirt and shorts. Hope the others had a better day - saw Terry and Chris at the start and Niel overtook me early on and was looking good (think he really wanted a medal for Sam (or is it Fred?!)).”
As alluded to by Chris Riches, Andy Bradley, who reached halfway in 1.39, had some major problems with his legs – and orifices – during the race. The editor has received his graphic account of the race but the gruesome details are best not repeated here. Similarly Pancho’s comments afterwards were along the lines of the worst experience in his life and included being flat out on the ground for two hours after the race.
Final words go to Tim Willson: “ I was pleased to see the finish, and to finish under four hours. I must have been a bit delirious because I was even pleased to see Tony Curry at the finish!”
1 Martin Lel (Kenya) 2.07.41
666 Pancho Gonzalez-Diaz (Cirencester) 2.57.27
3,610 Terry Ranger 3.32.37
6,699 Chris Riches 3.54.40
7,414 Tim Willson 3.58.35
8,415 Tony Kingston 4.05.07
9,187 Niel Dunnage 4.10.08
17,692 Jim Fallon 4.58.57
20,710 Andy Bradley 5.23.31
35,669 finished. Full results can be viewed on www.london-marathon.co.uk where each runner’s revealing race splits can also be seen. These results can be accessed via individual names or by punching in Cirencester under team.
ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN FIXTURES (Sunday unless stated)
Entry forms for some of these races on club noticeboard, otherwise access via websites. Severn AC promotions (and there are many) can be entered on the day. Space precludes the ability to flag up anything other than local races but for a good list of events around the country log on to www.runningdiary.co.uk Club secretary Dick Waldron also receives many race flyers which he posts onto the club noticeboard.
2 May (Wed), Stroud Beer Race 7.2m, Minchinhampton Common at 19:30 www.stroudac.co.uk
7 May (Mon), Eldersfield Beer Race 4.2m, nr Gloucester at 11:30 . This is an old favourite of the club’s based at the Greyhound Inn at Eldersfield, where a very fine glass of ale can be enjoyed in the sunshine after the race! www.severnac.co.uk
13 May, Tewkesbury ½ Marathon at 09:30 . www.209.events.com
14 May (Mon), Berkeley Power Station 10k at 19:30 . Provisional date & time, awaiting confirmation.
17 May (Thu), White Horse 5k, Sandhurst , nr Gloucester at 19:45 . Club championship event. Enter on evening. 1st of four in summer series, others on 14 June, 19 July & 16 August. www.severnac.co.uk
20 May, Pewsey Vale 10k at 11:00 www.pewseyvalerunningclub.com
28 May (Mon), Whitsun ‘5m’ beer race, White Horse, Sandhurst, nr Gloucester at 11:30, www.severnac.co.uk
18 June (Mon), Westonbirt Arboretum 10k m/t at 19:30. This race was previously organised by Tetbury Royals who have handed over the promotion to Cirencester AC. Remarkably entries have already closed, with the 500 race limit having been reached. Any members able to help on the evening should contact David Edelsten.
CLUB RECORDS
The next club championship event is a 5k so here are current club age group records for that distance:
U20: 16.41 Chris Illman, Bexhill 2006.
Female senior: 16.59 Wendy Jones, 2000; Male senior: 15.33 Mike Smith, 2000;
FV35: 16.24 Wendy Jones, Bristol 2007;
FV40: 18.15 Jane Wassell, Bristol 2006; V40: 16.30 David Wright, Gloucester 1999;
FV45: 23.53 Ruth Fulford, 1998; V45: 17.23 David Wright, Gloucester 2006;
FV50: 23.31 Ruth Fulford, 1999; V50: 19.43 Colin O’Hare, 1999;
V60: 22.46 Dick Waldron, Gloucester 2005.
CLUB ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP 2007
This year’s championship is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever. With bonus points available in all races and with a big pack of runners of similar standard, as evidenced at Highworth, any one of the current top 10 men could prevail in October. Leaders are three of the most improved athletes in the club, Stephen Elverd, Chris Brough & Adrian Williams. Turnout by the ladies has been relatively poor to date.
Subsequent to the publication of unofficial scores in the last newsletter, there have been a number of adjustments as it came to light that some members were not wearing club colours. As previously stated, following some comments last year the club vest rule is being strictly enforced this year where evidence is available. Unofficial scores after three races plus scores from spring marathons to date:
Men: S Elverd 68, C Brough & A Williams 66, J Young 42, B Ferris 41, P Gonzalez-Diaz 40, M Croucher 34, D Waldron, D Matts & B Reid 32, T Ranger & T Willson 31, A Bradley 28, N Dunnage 27, C Riches 25, C Tapley 23, M Fallows 20, M Gluning, D Wright & D Dent 19, B Leggate 18, K Firkin 17, T Kingston 16, J Fallon 14, J Knight 13, B Barrowclough & G Grafton 11, E Sinton 6, J Bennett 2, D Edelsten 1.
Women: Corinne Clark 56pts, J Wassell 44, S Brown 33, W Jones 32, S Elphick 29, L Ferris 28, C Bolam 27, J Manners 25, K Withycombe 22, C Cox & C Blampied 18, E Wilson 15, Carol Clarke 14, J Hill 12, J Green 9, N Hunt 7.
The rest of the fixtures are as follows:
17 May (Thu), Globe Inn 5k (see above)
3 June, Fairford Festival 10k www.fairford.org
9 July (Mon), Frampton-on-Severn 10k www.stroudac.co.uk
21 July (Sat), Bourton 1m www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk
1 Aug (Wed), Bugatti 10k, nr Winchcombe www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk
9 Sep, Beacon 10k, nr Gloucester www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk
16 September, Witney 10m www.witneyroadrunners.org.uk
7 October, Cricklade 10k www.crickladefunrun.co.uk
21 Oct, Stroud ½ Marathon 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 12 races, plus marathon, best eight 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 will be strictly enforced in 2007.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROAD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP 2007
This championship is run along similar lines, and shares some fixtures with, our own club championship. As well as an overall championship, points are scored for male and female veteran categories (age as at 1 January) in five year age groups and there are also team categories. Of the 12 races, best eight count with a minimum requirement of five races to qualify for prizes. There is no need to specify that you are entering this series when racing, a list of club members has been sent to the organisers. Look up the bizarrely named www.runnerduck.co.uk/running for full details, including results of the 2006 championship. Unfortunately this website doesn’t get updated too often which makes monitoring the series very difficult and probably helps to explain why Bourton are so dominant (the compiler being a Bourton member). There have been three races to date, the rest are as follows (Sunday unless stated):
17 May (Thu), Globe Inn 5k (see above)
30 June, Bourton Hilly ½ Marathon www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk
5 July (Thu), Aerospace ‘5’, nr Cheltenham www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk
21 July (Sat), Bourton ‘1’ www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk
1 Aug (Wed), Bugatti 10k, nr Winchcombe www.cheltenhamharriers.co.uk
9 Sep, Beacon 10k, nr Gloucester www.angelsrunningclub.co.uk
23 Sep, Cirencester Park 10k www.cirencester-ac.org.uk
21 Oct, Stroud ½ Marathon www.stroudac.co.uk
4 Nov, Tewkesbury ‘5’ www.tewkesburyac.blogspot.com
TRIATHLON
1 April, Swindon Duathlon (run 10k, bike 40k, run 5k)
1 Oliver Mott (Tri UK ) (32.03, 59.01, 16.15) 1.47.20
126 Kim Withycombe (Cirencester) (47.10, 1.31.04, 25.15) 2.43.30. 134 finished. www.triferris.com
Bob Ferris lists below some of the popular events coming up:
27 May, Gloucester Triathlon www.triteamglos.co.uk 400m swim - 20k bike - 6k run.
10 June, Womens Only triathlon, Keynes Park plus Cotswold sprint triathlon www.triferris.com sprint and super sprint events, good for first timer.
10 June, Wantage Triathlon www.soll-leisure.co.uk 800m swim - 35k bike - 12k run.
24 June, Marlborough Triathlon www.conceptsport.co.uk 400m swim - 32k bike - 8k run.
1 July, Dorney Lake Eton Olympic distance www.humanrace.co.uk- there are other events on this website too.
15 July, Bath Triathlon Olympic and sprint both pool swims www.bathamphibians.co.uk
For some local triathlons, swim/runs plus 5ks www.nwll.co.uk
These web sites cover most of the local triathlons. For other triathlon events visit the British Triathlon web site www.britishtriathlon.org
Some of the above organize more than one event so this should give plenty of choice.
For anyone who would like to try an Ironman distance swim only, there is an event at the South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre ( Lake 12) on 9 June contact www.votwo.co.uk
NEW MEMBERS
Matthew (Matt) Young is the club’s latest recruit on the back of his London Marathon training. He completed the race in 3.47.10, taking seven minutes out of Chris Riches in the last nine miles, but had entered before joining the club.
MISCELLANY
… there was a small report and some typically picture postcard Cotswold photos in Runners World of the Bourton 10k and the black & red vest of Cirencester AC was prominent in the views, Corinne Clark, Graham Grafton & Lynn Ferris being featured.
… Rod Sinclair, who hasn’t been seen at the club for some time, has resurfaced and come up with a good idea for a running break : “Long time no see - I apologise profusely. I have been training and racing on the fells, but work has been taking its pound of flesh, and as such haven't been able to get down to the Tuesday night sessions, I hope all is well! I am heading to southern Spain on Saturday 8 September, for a week of trail running, as part of an organised package, and I wondered if anyone else fancied coming along. The basic format is to run on the first two days, then have a day off, followed by running for the next three days - then stagger home! The courses are generally 20-30km, on gently rolling terrain, and the idea is to take it easy and enjoy the scenery, should we happen to pass a shack selling something to drink ... well we might stop off! It is all based from a hotel, so should you wish to have a couple of rest days it would be no problem, in fact my partner Mel is coming along, and she will be sunbathing and sipping Sangria! Why not take a look at www.trailrunspain.com and see what you think. The package includes pickup from the airport, accommodation, and transport to and from the trail head, all for about 650 Euros. I have booked up and will be heading out there on the dates above. If you are interested feel free to drop me an email at rod.sinclair@smiths-aerospace.com and maybe I'll see a few Cirencester runners there - a week of trail running in southern Spain, can’t think of anything better - come on it'll be great!”
… the popular Abingdon Marathon held each October has been cancelled this year for unspecified reasons.
… through the winter & spring, Sussex University student Chris Illman has been competing in orienteering events all over the country in an attempt to make the British team for the World Championships to be held in Australia later this year. Last Saturday in Birmingham he finished 14th in the last qualifier, struggling with a few technical errors, which resulted in him just missing out on selection.
David Wright: wrights@tesco.net or 01285 641224
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