HEADLINES

• Jane Wassell wins silver medal at National Veterans Cross Country Championships.
• Wendy Jones 6th in National XC Championships & another ladies club half marathon record.
• Good turnout at second club road race championship event at Forest of Dean with Cathy Cook second lady overall.
• Chris Brough & Corinne Clark early leaders in club championship.
• Chedworth Roman Trail race this Sunday.

CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

10 March, National Cross Country Championships, Herrington Country Park , Sunderland

Andy Bickerstaff, who travelled up to Sunderland then didn’t run because of illness, wrote an article for Ranelagh Harriers’ newsletter, an excerpt of which is reproduced here: “This year the English Nationals, the traditional climax of the domestic cross country season, were held in Sunderland . Since this is a five hour drive from London [ed: and even further from Cirencester!], it was unsurprising that most southern clubs didn't get many to the start line. Unfortunately I went down with a seriously unpleasant cold the day before so was relegated to a spectator's role. (It was a wild & windy day) Lana (Andy’s wife) ventured out to the course, and five minutes later declared Herrington Country Park far too windy and retired back to the car for the duration of the afternoon. Good idea!
… back in the howling gale the next race with Ranelagh interest was the Senior Women. In the race we had recently signed second-claimer international Wendy Jones, although running for her first claim club (my second claim club!), Cirencester AC. At the front Liz Yelling shot off the line and established a gap over sister-in law Hayley Yelling in the first 800m with the rest including Wendy in a small pack of five or six behind. Driven by the relentless pace up front the pack then began to break up with Wendy showing well in about 6th. Despite a wobble in the second half she rallied well to outsprint a bunch of three girls she had dropped back to during the race and finish an excellent 6th.”

This was by far the best performance ever by a Cirencester runner in the country’s top cross country race.

1 Liz Yelling ( Bedford ) 28.56

2 Hayley Yelling ( Windsor ) 29.35

3 Louise Damen ( Winchester ) 29.40

6 Wendy Jones (Cirencester) 30.33. 297 finished. Full results on www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk

24 March, National Veterans Cross Country Championships, Berry Hill Park , Mansfield . Having just missed out on selection for the England Veterans team for last year’s Home International, Jane Wassell made the National Championships her big target for the winter season. Her hard work paid off as she produced a stunning result to win the silver medal in the FV40 category. Not only that but she was fourth overall with only two FV35 runners ahead of her. This is her account of a performance that should confirm her England vest for the International this year, which will be held in Belfast in November:

“We arrived at Berry Hill Park , Mansfield to grey skies and a very cold wind. The ladies course 6k, two undulating laps through woods and parkland and just a couple of muddy very short sections.  Great, I thought this is my type of course, plenty of firm running and not the ankle deep mud of all the heavy going cross country races I have been running over this winter. This was my first Masters Cross Country Champs for which I have been working towards all winter.  I wanted to be in the leading group at the start but the first three were away quickly and I found myself leading the second group. Halfway through the first lap I started to open a gap on the group just behind me and the leading three were not going away from me at this stage. At the start of the second lap the first two runners were pulling away from third placed Kate Ramsey, the defending champion.  With about 400m to go I had been closed down by three runners from behind and at this point I didn't know what age group they were in (we all had our age group numbers on our backs). With 200m to go I kicked in and was rapidly closing down Kate Ramsey and pulled significantly on the three behind, one of whom was a V40. 4th overall and 2nd V40, I was more than happy with my result.”

1 Claire Woolis (Sutton in Ashfield – FV35) 22.15

2 Sharon Orridge (Long Eaton – FV40) 22.22

3 Kate Ramsey (Barrow – FV35) 22.37

4 Jane Wassell (Cirencester – FV40) 22.42. Full results will appear on www.bvaf.org.uk

ROAD / MULTI-TERRAIN RESULTS

11 March, Milton Keynes ½ Marathon . Two of the club’s London Marathon aspirants used this race as a warm up for the big race. Tony Kingston reports on a big pb: “…got round in 1:29:50 – well pleased, especially as my target was 1.37, previous pb 1.41ish and I had that 1.50+ in Nottingham in September! I even picked up a 1.35 pace band and left the 1.30 one in the car – too hard!  

The conditions were great, although quite warm, and a fresh headwind during the second half. Bumped into Terry Ranger beforehand. We even managed to park right behind one another on arrival. Spotted him on the run approaching a mile and then spent a couple of miles catching him…I covered the first mile in 6.45 so thought it wise to slow up a little – was so successful that I got to two miles in 13.30! 

Then it was just a case of keeping going…and, to be honest, although it hurt a little going through 9-11m it wasn’t as bad as the cross-country last week (Banbury), or the horrendous [long training] run during the week…managed to keep the pace fairly even all the way…and had some left for the kick at the end…” Unfortunately for Kingston , history will record the time as just outside 1:30 but that doesn’t distract from a big improvement and, of course, augurs well for London . Ranger’s time reflects his consistency; over the last two years he has now run five half marathons all within two minutes of each other.

1 John Clarke (Newham) 1.11.22

188 Tony Kingston (Cirencester) 1.30.07

299 Terry Ranger 1.34.33. 2,037 finished. www.mkhalf.co.uk

17 March, 32nd Grocery 4m, White Horse Inn, Gloucester .

1 Andrew Hunt ( Cardiff ) 19.47

27 Bryan Reid (Cirencester) 25.08. 52 finished. www.severnac.co.uk

17 March, Grocery 2m for young athletes, White Horse Inn, Gloucester

1 Robert Galt (Westbury) 9.20

7 Alice Thomas (Cirencester, 2nd FU15) 12.31

17 March, Rhayader ‘20’, Mid Wales . Although running for Tetbury Royals in this race, which he completed as part of his London Marathon preparation in 2.53.34, Tim Willson put pen to paper (or, in today’s parlance, keyboard to e-mail) in his own inimitable style as recorded here:

“I really enjoyed the Rhayader race, and felt a lot stronger, especially during the last four miles, which is encouraging. The wind was strong and against up the first big hill, and against again on the first big downhill section. However the sun was out, the views were amazing, and the wind was behind me from about 14 to 17 miles. I enjoyed the run far more than the Gloucester 20, but that big hill from 3 to 6 miles is quite a challenge. To add a little interest to the race I kept a look out for the first black sheep to be sighted on the route, I suppose I could have had a sweepstake for the result. I suppose I still can. Please send when you think I saw the first black sheep on the 20 mile course, if at all, and I will reveal the answer on Friday morning (I think this is about as exiting as it gets some weeks).”

Tim then went on to write about the recent additions to his family – two chicks subsequently christened Bernard & Daphne although sexes are still unknown as discussed frequently on recent Tuesday nights – but perhaps this should be kept under wraps for the time being.

18 March, Adidas ½ Marathon , Silverstone

1 Hendrick Ramaala ( South Africa ) 1.06.53

262 Martin Croucher (Cirencester) 1.30.46. 6,103 finished. www.adidashalfmarathon.co.uk

25 March, Forest of Dean Trails ½ Marathon . Club championship event. There was a decent turnout by Cirencester AC for the second championship race of the season, helped somewhat by the organisers accepting more entries this year. Runs of the day, relative to previous personal best, came from Chris Brough & Sandra Elphick. By all accounts Sue Brown had to put on quite a spurt in the last mile just to keep ahead of Elphick, who had been paced by Dick Waldron throughout the race. Previous winner Cathy Cook performed well again, finishing runner-up this time as well as winning the veteran prize. Adrian Williams also managed a pb and led the club home for the first time.

Tim Willson’s view on the run through the forest:

“I hadn’t realised how far away the venue was, but left work a little early to get there in time for the 10am start. Lots of runners there, but the Cirencester contingent seemed a little dispersed amongst the 1,200 runners. I had never done the FOD half and didn’t know what to expect. The weather was cold, and there were a few spots of rain not long after the start. The route was along gravel tracks, some along old railway lines, with a general uphill section to about seven miles, and then a general downhill section afterwards. In fact it was nearly all downhill after nine miles, something I was not expecting, I thought there might be another incline at about 11 miles for some reason. Anyway, overall I think it was a very good course, but a long way to travel. I came back via Chepstow / Severn Bridge which was ten minutes faster than going via Gloucester .”
1 Phillip Matthews (Chepstow) 1.13.38 (chip 1.13.37)

16 Adrian Williams (Cirencester) 1.22.20 (1.22.11)

47 Cathy Cook (2nd lady /1st FV35) 1.27.52 (1.27.41)

98 Stephen Elverd 1.33.23 (1.33.14)

118 Chris Brough 1.35.05 (1.34.40)

130 Jonathan Young 1.35.51 (1.35.41)

224 Bob Ferris 1.40.09 (1.39.59)

279 Colin Tapley 1.42.42 (1.41.41)

304 Tim Willson 1.43.36 (1.42.34)

355 Corinne Clarke 1.45.38 (1.44.03)

385 Leon Horton 1.47.07 (1.45.27)

409 Darren Dent 1.47.59 (1.46.59)

539 Sue Brown 1.52.48 (1.51.08)

540 Sandra Elphick 1.52.49 (1.51.08)

541 Dick Waldron 1.52.49 (1.51.10) – club V65 record.

1,135 finished. www.rotary-rfod.org.uk/rfod-half-marathon.htm

25 March, Reading ½ Marathon . Wendy Jones revisited the scene of her big breakthrough race in 2006 and didn’t disappoint. Despite once again finishing second overall, she improved on her time by 33 seconds to enter the top six rankings in the country so far this year. In fact her time of 1.12.48 ranks her 33rd on the UK all time list (see www.gbrathletics.com ). She was only 42 seconds behind Steve Kimber who won three of the senior men’s Oxford League races this season.

Slightly further down a massive field, Andy Bradley continued his excellent early season form with another personal best and a barrier breaking sub 1.30, showing that his marathon training is going well.

1 Simon Kasimili ( Kenya ) 1.03.36

31 Wendy Jones (Cirencester, 2nd lady/1st FV35) 1.12.48 – club FV35 & absolute ladies record

511 Andy Bradley 1.29.34. 9,877 finished.

25 March, Carterton 10k

1 Pete Willis (Belgrave) 34.01

21 Bryan Reid (Cirencester) 39.39. 229 finished. www.carterton-tc.gov.uk/10k

CLUB RACE PROMOTION: CHEDWORTH ROMAN TRAIL

This Sunday (1 April) the club’s popular 10 mile multi-terrain race takes place commencing at 10:30 from Chedworth Village Hall. Well over 300 entries have already been received and with entries being taken on the day, a healthy number of starters is guaranteed. Rupert Chesmore has been coordinating all marshals & recorders so everybody will now know their role on the day. Whether helping out or racing or, indeed, doing both, as is the case with some on car parking duty, please bring cakes for the club to sell after the race. This is not only welcomed greatly by the runners but also forms a very useful extra income for the club. For any last minute questions please contact Rupert or race organiser David Edelsten.

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.

7 April (Sat), Easter 10k, White Horse Inn, Gloucester at 15:00 . www.severnac.co.uk

15 April, Highworth 5m at 11:00 . Club championship event. No entries on the day so enter now. www.highworthrunningclub.com

22 April, London Marathon . Entries closed! To see how club members fare and can’t wait for the next newsletter log on to www.london-marathon.co.uk

9 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

18 June (Mon), Westonbirt Arboretum 10k m/t at 19:30. Some way off but flagged up as this race, which has previously been organised by Tetbury Royals, is now being promoted by Cirencester AC. Entry forms on club website www.cirencester-ac.org.uk

CLUB RECORDS

The Highworth ‘5’ is the next club championship event so here are current club age group records for that distance:

U20: 27.20 Chris Illman, Highworth 2006.

Male senior: 25.59 Mike Smith, 2000; Female senior: 29.38 Wendy Jones, Highworth 2003;

FV35: 27.03 Wendy Jones, Highworth 2005;

V40: 27.35 David Wright, Broad Town 1997; FV40: 31.15 Cathy Cook, Pewsey 2006;

V45: 29.59 David Wright, Highworth 2002 & 2006!; FV45: 35.47 Elaine Wilson, 2003;

V50: 32.32 Adam Bede, 1999; FV50: 38.09 Ruth Fulford, 1999;

V55: 35.04 Tony Curry, Highworth 2004; FV55: 36.08 Carol Clarke, Highworth 2006;

V60: 36.23 Tony Curry, Highworth 2005.

With the spring marathon season upon us, here are records for the classic distance (remember any marathon counts towards the club championship):

U20: 3.19.16 Chris Illman, Blackpool 2005.

Male senior: 2.26.23 Mike Smith, Abingdon 2000; Female senior: 3.06.19, Trudy Evans ( Compton ) 1999;

FV35: 3.08.23 Wendy Jones, London 2005;

V40: 2.59.00 John Jameson, 1988; FV40: 3.30.00 Molly Fisher, London 1989;

V45: 2.51.00 John Jameson, 1989; FV45: 3.34.00 Molly Fisher, Abingdon 1992;

V50: 3.33.58 David Edelsten, 1997; FV50: 3.49.10 Ruth Fulford, 1999;

V55: no time recorded; FV55: 4.17.28 Liza Darroch, Cardiff 2004;

V70: 4.36.18 Fred Robson, London 2002;

V75: 4.46.54 Fred Robson, London 2006.

CLUB ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP 2007

With bonus points playing a larger part than in previous years, as they are available at all distances, 2007 promises to be a very open competition. Chris Brough’s fine winter form has been converted into some good early season times on the roads and as a consequence he is the early men’s leader. Similarly, Corinne Clark has logged bonus points in both races to date to top the table comfortably in the ladies. Unofficial scores after two races (Bourton & Forest of Dean):

Men: C Brough 48pts, A Williams 47, S Elverd 46, B Ferris 32, J Young 30, D Waldron 27, P Gonzalez-Diaz 20, M Gluning & D Wright 19, D Matts & M Croucher 17, B Reid 16, A Bradley & C Tapley 15, T Willson 14, L Horton 13, N Dunnage & D Dent 12, B Barrowclough 11, C Riches 7, E Sinton 6, G Grafton 5, J Bennett 2, D Edelsten 1.

Women: Corinne Clark 55pts, S Brown 32, S Elphick 28, C Bolam 27, J Manners 25, K Withycombe & J Wassell 22, C Cook 20, C Cox 18, E Wilson 15, Carol Clarke 14, J Hill 12, L Ferris & J Green 9, N Hunt 7.

The rest of the fixtures are as follows:

15 April, Highworth 5m (details above)

17 May (Thu), Globe Inn 5k, Sandhurst , nr Gloucester www.severnac.co.uk

3 June, Fairford Festival 10k www.fairford.org

9 July (Mon), Frampton-on-Severn 10k www.stroudathleticclub.org.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.stroudathleticclub.org.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. It would be good to see some Cirencester names usurping Bourton’s dominance in 2007.

The first two races in the series were the Gloucester ‘10’ & ‘20’ to which limited Cirencester numbers attended. The rest of the races, with dates where known, are as follows (Sunday unless stated):

7 April (Sat), Easter 10k, Gloucester (details above)

17 May (Thu), Globe Inn 5k, Sandhurst , nr Gloucester www.severnac.co.uk

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

? Sep, Cirencester Park 10k www.cirencester-ac.org.uk

21 Oct, Stroud ½ Marathon www.stroudathleticclub.org.uk

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

TRIATHLON

With the clocks now changed, thoughts for many members now turn to the triathlon season. 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

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

Just one this month, James Burgess who is the son of club President, John Burgess.

MISCELLANY

… although short notice, anyone reading this in time is invited to Somewhere Else after this week’s Tuesday club session to help celebrate Jane Wassell’s fine run at the weekend, as well as the changing of the clocks signalling the start of summer.

… photos of Bourton 10k featuring many of Cirencester’s participants can be viewed on www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk

David Wright: wrights@tesco.net or 01285 641224