Bourton-on-the-Water 10k Race Report
Perfect conditions provided the opportunity for very fast times in the ever popular Bourton 10K on Sunday 24th February and the high quality field added to the excitement.
Race favourite, Dan Robinson of Stroud, stormed away from the start and despite numerous other top entrants, no-one could match his blistering speed, as he set a new course record to finish in a time of 29:21.
Steve Kimber of Windsor, Slough, Eaton and Hounslow was next in with a very creditable time of 31:04, followed by local star, Chris Illman of Cirencester in 31:11. Just over the border from Oxford, came Dan Merckel in 31:28 in 4th and 5th place again went locally to the upcoming talent of Steve Millward from Gloucester in 31:29.
The ladies race was also top quality. Michelle Ross-Cope of City of Stoke had a fantastic run to win in 32:24 and even by producing personal bests of 33:15 and 33:26 respectively, Wendy Nicholls of Cirencester and Emily Pideon of Gloucester (former 3 times winner), were unable to keep with her. Cheltenham's Jo Brewer was also among the top women with a fine run for 4th place in 35:11.
The new junior category winners, both from home club Bourton and both knocking over 3 minutes off their previous best 10K times, were Tom Jess in 37:37 and Steph Lane, 38:10.
Veteran Men O/40 winner was Steve Male from Oxford 31:09, who was actually 3rd in the race, with Bourton's Mike Smith 32:48 and Alistair Lockey 32:56. Dennis Walmsley finished in 32:42, but just lost out on the V45 category to Steve Overton of Oxford in 32:38.
Trevor Dixon, again from Oxford, was first V50 in 34:22, Mick Taylor, Les Croupiers, 35:54 1st V55, David Parsons, Oxford, 37:10 1st V60 and Ken Buckle of Cheltenham 1st V65 in 41:41.
The Lady Vets were of an equally high standard, with Nicky Nealon of Huncote Harriers 35:25 1st LV35, Sharon Shepherd, Woodstock, 2nd LV35 in 38:45 and Michelle Bartlett of Banbury in 39:44 3rd LV35.
First LV40 was Michelle Parsons, unattached, in 36:25, Zara Hyde Peters, Coventry Godiva, in 37:36 1st LV 45, Liz Clegg, Tri Team Glos, 41:38 1st LV50, Carol Cowley, Tewkesbury, 43:26 1st LV55, Kate Williamson, Eynsham, 43:26 1st LV60.
The teams were won by Cheltenham for the men: Dave Roper, Andy Prophett, Darren Jordan, John Norris and Cirencester for the ladies: Wendy Nicholls, Jane Wassell and Sarah Cooper.
Thank you to everyone who ran and made it such a great race.
Report Highlights
Congratulations to Dan Robinson (29:21) and Michelle Ross-Cope (32:24) for achieving top-class times and entertaining the crowds. 515 finishers.
The first 7 finishers achieved sub-32 minutes.
First V60 achieved 37:10!
Cheltenham wins men's team & Cirencester the ladies' team prizes.
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