Cotswold Hilly 100 Race Report
After watching the men take part in the Cotswold Hilly 100 Mile Relays for years, the Bourton Ladies decided to see what they were made of this year, for the first time.
The course which starts in Stratford, meanders all around the Cotswolds and back to Stratford along undulating lanes and roads, began with Ladies Team Captain, Lynn Hudson, and Tony Goodwill for the men, who had the unenviable task of getting up at the crack of dawn to start their leg at 5 a.m. in Stratford.
They started the teams off in contention for a medal situation. The ladies team of Julia Rutherford, Gill Carrick, Sarah Harper, Sarah Clemo, Steph Lane, Niamh Shoemark, Shirley Creed, Brittany Teague and Ali Lane all put in superb performances, with Steph and Brittany the stars of the day who ensured the team could not fail by giving Ali such a huge lead by the last leg, she was able to coast in to glory without any pressure.
The end result was a fantastic win 18 minutes ahead of the next team and a new course record of 13 hrs. 3 minutes and 35 seconds.
The Bourton Men's team of Tony, Dennis Walmley, Chris Hartley, Alistair Lockey, Mike Smith, Tom Newbould, Ian Shoemark, Rob Edwards, Andy Chapple and Tom Jess, again all with fine runs, were delighted to finish 3rd on the podium, one place higher than last year in a time of 10 hrs. 50 mins, 67 secs.
Team supporters were fantastic throughout the day, urging the runners on all the way through.
Report Highlights
Ladies team win at first attempt.
Total time 13:03:35 - a lead of 18 minutes.
Men finish a brilliant 3rd - 1 place better than 2007.
As always, excellent support.