Fairford 10k - 1 June 2014
7 Bourton Roadrunners took part in the Fairford 10k, over a hilly course in conditions that were warmer than most were used to.
Ewen Smith’s hard work in training has paid off and he finished in 12th position and 1st V40 with an outstanding 36:20.
Shona Crombie-Smith celebrated her birthday with a podium finish (2nd Lady) in 38:58.
Next in was Darren Long(39:44), Lucy Walmsley (5th Lady in 40:21), Ian Shoemark (40:25), Mike Hobbs (41:47), Tony Goodwill (41:54), Niamh Shoemark (43:08), John Gibson (44:44), Ali Lane (46:49), Susan Hunt (47:00), Steph Holton (48:05), Chris Dry (48:53), Lynn Hudson (55:17), Shirley Creed (55:18), Gary Holton (58:53) and Linda Edwards (59:13).
Dennis Walmsley managed “3rd runner over 17” in the fun run, thanks to some excellent pacing by Bertie on his bike.
Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo 5-ish - 4 June 2014
3 Days later was the Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo 5.5 mile race. Conditions were atrocious for this challenging evening trail race on Cleeve Hill. Heavy and persistant rain, combined with cold temperatrues and thick cloud (which reduced visibility to a few metres) made this an experience that many would not choose to repeat.
But the race forms part of the club series, and a hardy group were determined to grab the opportunity to bag some valuable points. First in for Bourton was Neil Teague (45:14).
Niamh Shoemark was next in 45:28 (1st FV45), followed by Steph Holton (47:01), Susan Hunt (49:33)), Chris Dry (51:36), Dave Turnbull (51:58) and Gary Holton (57:47). The awful conditions meant that supporters on the course were sparse; but ever-loyal Lynn and Steve Hudson braved the elements to encourage their club-mates up the final climb.
Westonbirt 10k - 9 June 2014
Westonbirt 10k is a popular midsummer evening race, held entirely in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum. The race filled up quickly, and numbers were passed around the club like hot potatoes during the days and hours before the race, as runners changed their minds, realised they hadn’t entered or dropped out due to injury.
The club recorded some outstanding performances on the night. Ewen Smith continues to go from strength to strength, finishing 4th overall and 1st MV40 in 36:49. Close behind was Dennis Walmsley, 1st MV50 (36:48) and Lucy Walmsley was 3rd Lady (40:00).
Other Bourton finishers were Mike Hobbs (40:24), Darren Long (41:11), Andy Peaston (42:38), Neil Teague (45:26), John Gibson, 1st MV60 (45:23), Claire Harrison (45:58), Brian Hulcup (46:42), Steph Lane (47:34), Ali Lane (47:45 and 1st FV55), Susan Hunt (48:16), Graham Lane (48:43), David Turnbull (50:07), Chris Dry (50:44), Liz Hulcup (51:02), Lynn Hudson (57:21), Linda Edwards (PB of 58:11).
Other interesting facts gleaned from the results were 1) there is running club called Cake Runners, and 2) 4 people were disqualified for wearing headphones.
Highlights
Ewen Smith finishes 1st MV40 and 12th overall at Fairford 10k, the club’s 3rd 6-from-10 race.
Shona Crombie-Hicks celebrates her birthday by finishing 2nd Lady.
Dennis makes a suprise appearance in the fund-run.
The club’s hardy and loyal racing supporters made an impressive impact at the Cleeve Cloud Cuckoo race.
Strong performances from Neil Teague and Niamh Shoemark were particularly note-worthy, although all of them are to be commended for their dedication.
Westonbirt 10k as usual hit its entry-limit well before the closing-date, with over 800 entries being accepted.
Ewen Smith was Bourton’s star, finishing 4th overall and 1st MV40 in 36:49.
Other fine performances were noted from Dennis Walmsley, 1st MV50 (36:48), Lucy Walmsley, 3rd Lady (40:00) and Ali Lane, 1st LV55 (47:45).
Neil Teague kept John Gibson ‘hungry’ for his second MV60-win of the year; thanks Neil.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.