It was another busy weekend for Dursley Running Club, in particular the DRC Tri-team. Saturday morning saw the team training at Westonbirt and Sunday the Westonbirt Duathlon, Fran Amigoni, Ian Fendt, Richard Hogg, Leanna Parry, Teresa Walton and Cara Zoglowek competing. Over the two 5K runs and the 22K bike it was close run thing to see who would be quickest DRC athlete with Richard Hogg and Amigoni battling it out. Hogg was marginally quicker on the run but the time Amigoni took back on the 22Km cycle route mean she was home 18 seconds in front of Hogg, Both placed well with Amigoni 58th overall  5^th female and 4^th in the F35-39 category whilst Hogg 61^st overall and 12^th in the equivalent men’s category.

New member Parry came in next, then Fuller who was 12^th F50 in 01:47:57 just ahead of Fendt. Sweeping for DRC Walton and Zoglowek were thoroughly enjoying the event. Walton reported that it was a “Fabulous day for this super scenic Duathlon amongst the trees and following the Westonbirt Tri bike route, Walton was very pleased to finish 2^nd  F60-64.

Results: Francesca Amigoni, 58^th , (4^th F35-39),  01:25:42; Richard Hogg, 61^st, (12^th M35-39),  01:26:00; Leanna Parry, 181st, (1^st F20-24),  01:37:14; Erica Fuller, 293^rd , (12^th F50-54),  01:47:57
Ian Fendt, 297^th, (43^rd M45-49),  01:48:09; Teresa Walton, 367^th , (2^nd F60-64),  01:58:14; Cara
Zoglowek, 424^th, (26^th F45-49),  02:16:20.

Francois Low was on the start line of the Lulworth Cove Trail Marathon on Saturday. was billed as a 28.5 mile marathon with 7713ft of climbing turned out to be 29 miles and 5500ft. Low cloud and rain eventually cleared enough to see some of the sea views.

After an early navigational error Low found the remaining seven checkpoints along the course. Low commented “The hills came early and frequently….power hiking and gentle mutterings  got me through the first but by the ninth it was pure grit and sweat!’ Low found the final five miles tough, although flat, his legs were feeling the effort already made. A final push saw Low over the line in 05:12:18. 5^th in category and 7^th overall (provsional), an excelent perfomance by Low whose focus now shifts to the Brecon Beacons Ultra Marathon in May. Saturday also saw Kate Browning compete the Poets Potter Marathon on her way to 100 Marathons.

Twenty three DRC Athletes took part in three half marathons over the weekend. Eighteen Dursley Athletes had registered for the Forest of Dean Spring Half, last year, the race was postponed due to snow, the conditions were absolutely perfect on Sunday for the 20th vesion of the local Rotary Club’s race. There was a slight breeze in places, but the sun was shining throughout and it was about twelve degrees.

The first two miles are downhill giving many a false sense of security. An undulating run, some long ascents made it challenging, especially the last uphill mile. James Everett, continued his fantastic run of form after the Dozen and was the first DRC home. Despite lack of training he had excellent race, finishing 9th in 01:19:43 in a field of 1887 finishers. He also managed a one second personal best. Matt Read was next home in 01:31:53. New DRC member John Bourne looked very fresh when he passed Damian Lai and Simon Jones and was third DRC to finish in 01:36:34. Zoe Lamerton was first DRC woman home in an excellent 13^th F35 position, with a time of 01:40:41. Simon Jones and Damian Lai finished in 01:47:05, Jones coming back from illness. Lai was pleased with his time, after the Gloucester 20 last week. Pete Dunn started too quickly and suffered the consequences, he and John Delafield worked hard to finish in just over 01:50. Behind them Huw Poppy ran a great first ever off-road half, finishing well to record 01:56:18. Jo Robinson was second DRC woman to finsh in finished in just over 2 hours followed by Rachel Cook and Zoe Fowler who came in at 02:15:59 and 02:16:19 respectively. As part of his London Marathon preperation, Ian Roberts finished in 02:15:44. Carly Heath running with Charlotte Christopher, ran a PB with 02:20:58 closely followed by Nicki Squire who was perfecting her run/walk tecnique with Darren Carter Smith both finishing in 02:25. Steve Barnes swept up for DRC in 02:28:56, commenting that he found it a very tough race

Results: James Everett, 9th, (6th MSen), 01:19:45; Matthew Read 104^th (53^rd SenM) 01:32:00; 7861 John Bourne 196^th (88^th SenM), 01:37:13;Zoe Lamerton 272^nd (13^th F35) 01:40:47; Damian Lai 444^th (157^th M40) 01:47:11; Simon Jones 445^th (158^th M40) 01:47:12;John Delafield 593^rd, (84^th M50) 01:51:09: Pete Dunn 607^th (204^th M40) 01:51:30; Huw Poppy 792^nd(245^th M40) 01:56:45; Joanna Robinson 983^rd (93^rd F35) 02:02:16; Rachel Cook 1410^th (181^st F35) 02:17:12; Zoe Fowler 1421^st (187^th F35) 02:17:32; Ian Roberts 1433^rd (351^st M40) 02:17:48; Nicola Christopher 1538^th (149^th SenF) 02:23:02;  Carly Heath 1539^th (208^th F35) 02:23:02; Nicki Squire 1620^th, (226^th F35) 02:27:57; Darren Smith 1621^st (333^rd SenM) 02:27:57; Steve Barnes 1678^th (48^th M60) 02:31:23.

Two DRC athletes were at the London Landmarks Half. James Price was the 01:45 pacer and brought his athletes home 18 seconds under target time. Lisa Young cruised in well under two hours and not far off her PB. Results: James Price 1506^th (01:52:48) 01:44:42 (Pacer) Lisa Young 2529^th (90^th F45) (02:03:40) 01:55:28. At the Weston Super Half Ian Cole led the DRC home with Sue Peachy second to finish, Dave Symonds was proudly wearing the DRC vest for the first time this weekend he confirmed that it was “absolutely tough and I enjoyed every minute of it”, Results: Ian Cole 290th (85th M40) (01:46:11) 01:44:06; Susan Peachey, 507^th (34^th F45) (01:54:39) 01:53:42; David Symonds, 1059^th (226^th M40), (02:15:39), 02:12:56.

Mike Hanman completed this 50^th parkrun at Kingsway on Saturday. There were 24 DRC parkrunners,  with 9 PBs, including Walk to Run athlete Julia Dawson (2^nd ever parkrun) and Junior Alex Lygo (23:51 at Stonehouse), alongside his father Dan Lygo, other bests were by Russell Rolls, Andy Kilby, Jackie Pennington, Di Gore, Cath Faye and Alexandra  Kemp. Matt Rogers was quickest DRC parkrunner of the weekend 21:09 at Kingsway Alice Lewis quickest DRC woman and recorded the highest DRC age grading of  82% at Crissy Field. Paul Lee topped the men’s AG with 69.4% at Stonehouse. Sunday saw Stonehouse Junior parkrun’s 1st Birthday. Sam Hill reported ”Perfect morning for a parkrun in the lovely sunshine. Smiles all the way round and nice piece of birthday cake at the end”. Results: Isabelle Crompton 10:04 PB; Liz Hill 11:37 PB; Olivia Sprigings 11:38; Megan Figgis 13:38 (1^st Junior parkrun) Chloe Sankey 17:07 PB

The weekends mostly start with parkrun, but it was a 9am start for the seventeen Dursley Running Club athletes taking part in the Fission 20/20, for many a chance to put training into action in a race environment, whilst also keeping the powder dry for their marathons. The athletes had specific targets which they achieved comfortably in tough conditions due to the wind although the reasonably flat two lap course is perfect for pacing. For Ben Amigoni, Fran Amigoni , Louise Biddell, Janet Matthews, Emma Keating and Dominique Pemberton this was their first 20 mile run and longest run to date, mentally and physically an important milestone.

Jon Tudor and Mouse Clutterbuck ran in support of Fran Amigoni and Jadie Cotterell. Tony Freer cruised through the 20 miles really comfortably and in control. Matthews and Biddell also made the twenty look easy and finished strongly. Keating and Pemberton were very pleased with their efforts. The stand out run for the 20 miler was Martin Bragg. who planned and executed his run perfectly picking up his pace from half way and another finishing strongly. Unsurprisingly he was first in his age category Margaret Johnson also ran a disciplined race, Bragg commented “Margaret demonstrated her usual amazing ability to maintain a consistent pace. She wanted to run within herself and not push the pace too hard, but rather be sure that the pace she chose, she could stick to right to the end – which she did to perfection”. The wind was equally horrendous for the 20k runners. There were times when, although the arms and legs were moving, the body was totally stationary. Kris Rymer led the 20K team home with a good 93 minute run, Pete Allen managing to keep ahead of Clare Troy, with Annette Heylings placing 3rd in F60 category. Results: 20mile: Martin Bragg 67th (1st M60) 02:35:43; Ben Amigoni, 78th (25th SenM) 02:37:33; Tony Freer 102nd (10th M50) 02:43:41; Margaret Johnson 130th (5th F50) 02:47:10; Jonathan Tudor 140th (34th SenM) 02:49:24; Francesca Amigoni 141st (19th SenF) 02:49:25; Mouse Clutterbuck 146th (9th M55) 02:49:53; Jadie Cotterell 147th (21st SenF) 02:49:54; Andrew Hara 180th (42nd SenM) 02:56:58; Louise Biddell 336th (58th SenF); 03:27:27; Janet Matthews 337th (25th F40) 03:27:27; Emma Keating 392nd (37thF45) 03:48:58; Dominique Pemberton 393rd (75th SenF) 03:43:58. 20km: Kris Rymer 14th (7th M40) 01:33:04; Peter Allen 61st (6th SenM) 01:56:27; Clare Troy 74th (14th F40) 02:00:33; Annette Heylings 96th (3rd F60) 02:18:06 3rd F60. The second 20 miler of the weekend saw four DRC athletes out at the Gloucester 20, for Dave Saunders, Damo Lai and Andy Kilby a training race, for Dave Durden a counting race in the Glos. AAA Road Series. The runners were treated to a cold but sunny twenty miles.

The wind was still there but it blew the athletes up the long drag to Haresfield and up the two hills, there were still some sections of head wind. Durden and Lai both ditched pre-race target paces. Lai pushed on moving to an 8:30 schedule from his planned 8:45 and he executed well, running a 10 minute PB, at 8:29 to finish in 2:48:45. Durden managed to hold on after a fast start, struggling up the last two hills he pushed on to record a 9 minute PB placing 7th M55 in a time of 02:27:59, Kilby continues his strong run of form was third home and 6th V60 with Dave Saunders cream of the DRC category crop, 4th M70+. Results: David Durden 101st (7th M50) 02:27:59; Any Kilby 202nd (6th M60) 02:46:47; Damian Lai 219th (31st M40) 02:48:45; David Saunders 362nd (4th V70) 03:13:54. Four DRC athletes were on the start line of the Reading Half. Paul Hocking returned to competition after an injury layoff and left it all on the road with a 77 minute effort. Behind him Mark Sprigings’ attention to detail in his training paid of with a big 4 minute personal best of 01:25:36. Sprigings commented that he “was happy with the start and how the first half of the race” he then encountered a strong headwind and it became a case of just hanging on.

Despite this he ran a great PB boding well for both his Berlin Marathon. Mike Brown and Neil Hodson also found going tough and were some way off their bests as a result of injury. Results: Paul Hocking 01:17: 50: Mark Sprigings 1:25:36, Mike Brown 1:26:52, Neil Hodgson 1:32:16. The other big half of the week end was at Bath. Neil Parry, Andrew Eades, Lynne Murray, Caz Harper Easthope and Leigh Allen were on the start line for the two lap course. Parry was using it as part of his marathon preparation whilst Eades has been struggling with a niggly knee condition and so in his own words “wasn’t looking forward to running at all” despite this he felt strong throughout the race and was able to get within 32 seconds of his personal best. Parry led the DRC team home in strong 90 minute run. Just behind Andrew were Lynn Murray, with Caz Harper-Easthope and Leigh Allen running buddies raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Easthope achieved a PB Race hat-trick, 3 races, 3 PB’s so far this year, finishing in 02:15:1, a 13mins PB. Results: Neil Parry 01:31:18, 591st (40th M50), Andrew Eades, 01:59:02, 4225th (3282nd SenM); Lynne Murray 02:02:27, 5521st (86th F50); Caroline Easthope, 02:12:50, 8084th (315th F45); Leigh Allen, 02:19:45, 8945th (390th F40). Two DRC-Triathletes travelled to Ebbw Vale to compete in the Try out Try event, a beginner triathlon consisting of a 250m swim, 5km bike ride and 2.5km run. Leigh Allen took and new DRC Tri member Louise Saum to the event and she took to Tri like a duck to water placing first woman in 8th place overall in a time of 31:41. Leigh’s time of 44 minutes is provsional, the windy conditions made the outdoor activity “horrendous” according to Allen. 27 DRC park runners ran Saturday. Richard Pitts was the fastest DRC parkrunner of this weekend in 21:52. Whilst down in New Zealand, Alice Lewis ran the fastest DRC female park run with a 23:46 and topped the Age Gradings with 81.65%, and John Rogers ran his first ever parkrun. Nicola Christopher ran the sole DRC parkrun PB of the weekend with 26:18 at Wotton

Riverbank Rollick- Lucky for Some,  A* for Team Amigoni

Sunday the 13th saw 43 (at least) DRC athletes on the line, amazingly only one person entered as DADAC, but given it is our 50th anniversary this year we’ll let them off! The runners set off from the race HQ at around 10.30 for the 11am start. A rather late start in some runners minds! The 0.6 miles to the start acquainted the athletes with the strong south westerly wind, but also indicated ground conditions were going to be good.

DRC had a small posse of runners almost on the start line, the tactic being used to avoid delay at the ealry stiles and kissing gates. The race started on time and the down side for the front runners was being dragged along by the speedsters faster than they should have been running. Ben Amigoni (AKA Tigger – because he’s so bouncy!)) and Dave Durden certainly over-cooked the first mile, with Simon Jones and Jon Tudor perhaps also guilty on this front as well. As the runners turned down Cow Hill Fran Amigoni was out front for the DRC woman having moved away from Jadie Cotterell after the first half mile.

The warm up had shown ground conditions were very firm, there was the odd puddle and the notoriously muddy field at the turn on to the River had a bit of moist ground but not much to speak of, at least for the front runners. It may have got a bit churned up as the race went on! It was then onto the Riverbank, Ben Amigoni led DRC on to the section with Simon Jones in close attanednce and Dave Durden about 30 meters behind, Jon and Francois Low behind Dave, after he had reeled them in. Fran led Jadie by about 800m.

For “frequent flyers” at the Riverbank, the way the wind blows is all important. So whilst the runners had favourable conditions under foot the Riverbank was hell/purgatory, the South Westerly wind was strong and the athletes needed to work very hard into it. Running with others helped, but then kissing gates broke the groups up so effort had to be made to get back on board the “train” you had caught. Drafting on a bike makes a massive difference a 25% reduction in effort but it is reckoned runners can benefit by 5-10%, and in wind like today’s probably at the higher end.

As ever Thornbury provided great marshals many in fancy dress. This encouraged some DRC runners, not that they need much encouragement on this front, to stop for a “selfie” or a “photo opportunity”. These events reflect what DRC is all about, an all inclusive club where just making it around a course and enjoying it is the reason for doing events, with other athletes pushing their envelopes. Once off the bank the runners just had to contend with hills, a small section of stream and an extra 1.3 miles to the new finish!. Ben yo-yo-ed infront of Dave. Francois was within tuching distacne of Dave 1t 6 mile sand eventually drew level catching Dave at 8.4 miles. Not realising it was Francois behind Dave kept his competitor at bay by using the narrow path and his sharp elbows!

At least Francois had a bit of a rest before the track opened up and he could crack on after Ben in the closing mile. Fran continued to hold Jadie off, in fact by the time she entered the stream she had extended her lead by a considerable margin. Francois continued to hunt down Ben, Dave forlornly hoping that would both hit the wall and allow him to employ his sprint finish! However it was Francois who got to go full gas finishing just one second behind Ben in a great tussle to be first DRC athlete home! Ben triumphant, in 01:12:41, 22^nd overall and 6the senior male. Dave Durden finished 18 seconds behind, a good result for DRC men placing the 3^rd behind Chepstow and Weston AC. Jon Tudor ran a very good race to be fourth home just in front of Simon Jones. “Coach” Kitchen and Andrew Obourne finished in front of. Fran who led the DRC female contingent home and had emptied her tank completely in the process, 92^nd overall, 8^th F35 in 01:21:33. Jadie claimed second spot (8^th SenW) and Immi Testa third for DRC women, Immi just in front of Lise Hindshaw. There were lots of other strong runs under and around ninety minutes, Damian Lai running in with Pete Dunn in eighty-seven minutes & Catherine Faye finishing in 01:33:17.

Again, so many who could get a mention, great to see the effort and the smiles! Sara Wilcox, Anya Eames, Cara Zoglowek and Louise Beck were sweeping up for DRC. Louise has not run properly for some months so it was a great achievement to get around in 02:26:05 to claim Dursley’s Lanterne Rouge spot. DRC achieved some decent age grading results with 8 top ten finishers and another 10 in the top twenty of their categories. Dave Durden highest placed in the MV50 cat. in 5th, with Ben Amigoni and Francois Lows 6th and 7th Senior males (SenM) respectively . As already mentioned Fran Amigoni was 8th F35-39 and Jadie Cotterell 8th Sen female, Immi Testa 10th F45-49 with Jon Tudor 10th SenM. As ever support along the course from members family and friends was fantastic.

Results: Ben Amigoni, 22nd, 01:12:41, (6th Male Senior); Francios Low, 23rd, 01:12:42, (7th Male Senior); David Durden, 26th, 01:13:00, (5th M50-54); Jonathan Tudor, 37th, 01:14:25, (10th Male Senior); Simon Jones, 41st, 01:14:52, (7th M40-44); Darren Kitchin, 67th, 01:18:25, (12th M50-54); Andrew Oborne, 83rd, 01:20:22, (13th M45-49); Francesca Amigoni, 92nd, 01:21:33, (8th F35-39); Jadie Cotterell, 136th, 01:26:11, (8th Female Senior); Damian Lai, 146th, 01:27:07, (8th M40-44); Pete Dunn, 150th, 01:27:24, (29th M40-44); Imi Testa, 201st, 01:33:14, (10th F45-49); Lise Hindshaw, 202nd, 01:33:16, (11th F45-49); Catherine Pinnock, 203rd, 01:33:17, (15th F35-39); ntony Ball, 226th, 01:35:28, (27th M50-54); Nick Fennell, 241st, 01:37:43, (31st Male Senior); Susan Peachey, 245th, 01:38:14, (15th F45-49); Erica Fuller, 247th, 01:38:24, (13th F50-54); Steve Rugman, 248th, 01:38:28, (17th M55-59); Lisa Young, 255th, 01:39:06, (16th F45-49); Louise Biddell, 256th, 01:39:07, (22nd F35-39); Adam Cook, 266th, 01:40:00, (38th Male Senior); Lyn Murray, 271st, 01:40:26, (16th F50-54); Julie Gowing, 278th, 01:41:12, (25th F35-39); Kris Rymer, 279th, 01:41:13, (38th M40-44); Darren Smith, 299th, 01:44:05, (40th Male Senior); Kathryn White, 307th, 01:44:32, (19th Female Senior); Michelle Ball, 314th, 01:45:26, (26th F40-44); Katrina Fletcher, 319th, 01:45:51, (28th F35-39); Andrew Ferguson, 320th, 01:45:59, (43rd Male Senior); Claire Searle, 322nd, 01:46:20, (20th F50-54); Dave Halford, 351st, 01:48:53, (44th M40-44); Steve Barnes, 379th, 01:53:43, (13th M60-64); Sandra Lewis, 385th, 01:56:10, (28th F50-54); Carly Heath, 412th, 02:02:23, (42nd F35-39); Ben Houghton, 413th, 02:02:29, (49th Male Senior); Nicki Cowle, 414th, 02:02:35, (41st F40-44); Jo Fearns, 415th, 02:02:37, (40th F45-49); Karen Eadon, 418th, 02:04:04, (37th F50-54); Terry Cother, 419th, 02:04:04, (38th M50-54); Sarah Willcox, 433rd , 02:14:56, (45th F45-49); Anya Eames, 434th, 02:14:56, (43rd F40-44); Cara Zoglowek, 440th, 02:25:38, (50th F45-49); Louise Beck, 441st , 02:26:05, (44th F40-44)

DRC-more than a Running club

The first full week of January demonstrat-ed what DRC is all about, open to all as well as encourag-ing athletes to do their best.
Tuesday saw the beginning of 2019 DRC Walk2Run , with over 40 runners out around Woodfield, starting the 12 week W2R programme and hopefully a life-long journey of heathy activity and running! Friday saw the Glos. AAA Road Race Series Awards held at Gloucester City Council’s Civil suite, the mayor presenting the medals with a buffet afterwards. There is no such thing as a free lunch so DRC participants had to work hard over the last twelve months to get their invites. Dave Saunders and Dave Durden picked up silver in the MV65 and MV50 categories with Alice Lewis sadly not able to attend picking up Bronze in the F55.

 Rogue Runs Night Series 

Paul Gebbet reports “Three Dursley members headed over the Forest of Dean, for the second Rogue Runs night race of the winter from the Cannop Cycle Centre. Yet again, this was a very enjoyable, fun, well organised event, with a challenging off road course, with a good mixture of tracks, mountain bike single track and off path terrain, and an undulating course (for some reason this year the stream crossing was not included, which was a surprise). I was first DRC runner home in 65th in a time of 41:45, despite still struggling with this irritating cough! Next home was Rachel Brown, in 140th (25th Woman and 7th V45+) with a time of 50:44, followed by Kevin
Brockway in 203rd (17th V50+) in a time of 55:03. These are fun events, extremely well organised, well marked and definitely recommended (with cake at the end).

The next one takes place on Thursday 7th February at Chepstow Race Course. With the final race, with a less challenging course I believe, so suitable for those who would like to try these but are nervous of running at night, This takes place now at Chepstow Park Woods on Thursday 28th March.

It a jolly Holiday with Disney….

James Price completed the “WDW Disney Dopey Challenge”, his children taking part in junior race. The events take part at Disney world in Florida. James reports “The Dopey challenge is 4 races on 4 consecutive days a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and a Marathon. All the events have great entertainment and the option to stop and get photos with different characters as you’re racing. As all the races start at 5am and you need to be on the transport buses by 3am sleep deprivation plays a big factor.
5k
Held on the Thursday. There were 11,750 runners James opted to stop for all of the characters and managed to finish in an official time of 21.13, 82nd overall and 18th in category.
10k
James’ initial plan had been to take it steady in preparation but ended up running it quicker than planned. He finished in 42.35 coming 88th overall, 21st in category out of 11,940 runners.
Half marathon,
Temperatures were starting to rise, it was 17 degrees at the start with the humidity at 94%. With the temp set to rise quickly James made the decision to push on and finish before the sun came up, finishing in an official time of 1.34.48. There were 18415 runners James was 189th overall and 30th in category out of 18415.
Marathon
James continues “On Marathon morning I was feeling tired and was struggling with my left calf. We had a weather advisory the previous day because of the high heat and hunidity. At 5.30 it was 19 degrees and it was set to increase to 26 degrees by 8 with humidity being at 98%. I had made the risky decision of pushing until the sun came up and then just try to hold on. Immediately i knew it was going to be a challenge i was sweating heavily from mile 1 I took on as much fluid as I could. By mile 15 the sun had come up and it was becoming very difficult and it was increasingly harder restarting after stopping for photos was becoming increasingly tough i managed to complete the
Marathon in an official time of 3.26.11”. An awesome effort from James there!

James’ Children Naomi and Sadie both competed in the Mickey 1 Mile Kids run, held on the Saturday in the middle of the day with the temp at 28 degrees! Both went out well and held themselves back and saved some for a fast sprint finish.

Glos AAA Cross Country Championships 2019

A small but determined band of DRC runners a made it to the rather delightful environs of Rendcombe School to take part in the County Championships. It was a bitterly cold day and the cold was increased for the U17s and over with two thigh deep river crossings on each lap. Even the U13s had smaller water courses to run though as well as the challenges of sustained adverse camber along narrow sheep tracks and a steep if short hill climb. DRC had just the two runners in the Senior Woman’s race with Alice Lewis leading the F60s home and first home for the club, with W2R graduate Jo Fearns putting in a great effort to place 10th F40! Just the solitary senior male Dave Durden, ran three large laps, 6 significant water crossings to stop him getting two hot. Coming back from illness he ran a steady race placing 5th in his category., pleased with his pacing and a strong finish. There was some very strong running from the Juniors with Charlie Wosfield placing 3rd un the U13 boys with his brother Joel 7th in the U17s, always a difficult age group. Lucy Holdsworth continued her fine season with a 5th in the girls U13s.

Results: MU13, Charlie Wosfield 3rd 13:42; MU17 Joel Worsfield 7th 19:10; LU13 Lucy Holdsworth 5th

16:22; Senior Women: Alice Lewis 37th (1st F60) 34:17; Jo Fearns 76th(10th F40) 49:03; Senior Men:

Dave Durden 62nd (5th M50) 44:22

Gloucester 10 Miler, or  more…..!

Fourteen DRC athletes were at the Gloucester 10 mile event on the 30th of December to finish off their competitive year and for a few, start laying bases for their marathon training for London 2019
Unfortunately, a marshal misdirected some of the earlier runners leading to Matt Hazel Livall and Kevin Jackson having to run an extra 6th of a mile. This didn’t stop them coming home respectively first and second for DRC. The Beyond Limitation organisation failing to pick up Kevin’s finish and also Jackie Pennington who came in as a late entry! Sadly a week later no amendments posted. As ever great running from DRC in the age categories headed by Eileen Hieron 1st F70 #BOOM! Annette Heylings 4th F60, Di Gore 5th F60. Annette was super pleased with her run three and a half minutes quicker
than last year! Matt-Livall managed a top 20 finish despite the misdirection. Steve Barnes placed 11th M60, and received a special thank you on our FB page for keeping another runner company over the ten miles, helping them keep going, and according to Steve “putting the world to rights!” Well done Steve! Not sure 10 miles is long enough though given the state of the world!

Results
(provisional):

Matt Livall, 40th, 1:10:56, (20th M30-39); Francesca Amigoni, 85th , 1:16:51,(10th F30-30); Paul Breen , 86th , 01:17:06, (31st 30-39); Nick Fennell, 286th, 01:36:34, (58th 30-39); Jackie Pennington, (Pos. tbc) 01:40, tbc; Annette Heylings, 322nd , 1:42:19, (4th F60-69); Steve Barnes, 325th , 1:43:20, (11th M60-69; Emma Keating, 330th , 1:44:28, (57th F40-49); Dominique. Pemberton, 331st 1:44:28, (41st F30-39); Diana Gore, 341st , 1:45:03, (5th F60-69);Sarah Newall, 361st , 1:49:12, (67th F40-49); Suzanne Moss, 363rd , 1:49:13, (69th F40-49); Karen Eadon, 367th , 1:49:27, (33rd F50-59); Terry Cother, 370th 01:49:28, (34th M50-59); Eileen Hieron, 374th, 01:50:07, (1st F70

New Years Day 5

Nigel Sankey reports “Nine Dursley runners lined up for the New Year’s Day Pilot Inn 5 miler organised by Severn AC. A simple out and back, the course would best be described as undulating. Well done to Alice Lewis for coming 1st lady and Alice, Mel Williams and Janet Matthews for picking up first ladies team. Also congratulations to all the other Dursley runners, Mouse Clutterbuck, Ray Williams, Deb Peake, Richard Hensman and Cara Zoglowek”. Great to see Deb Peake competing in DRC vest and Ray escorting his better half over the finish line or was it vice versa?

For those unaware of Severn AC Race Director Terry Haines history of putting on small, well run and competitive races will also be unaware that Terry was famous for his is “Fair Trade Biscuit” prizes. DRC runners dominated the small field this year with 6 first places in category two seconds and one fourth, so DRC definitely took the biscuit(s)!

Results: Nigel Sankey , 7th , SenM, 2nd, 32:28; Alice Lewis, 15th, F60 , 1st , 37:04; Mouse Clutterbuck, 16th, M55, 1st , 38:45; Richard Hensman, 20th, M40, 4th , 40:39; Ray Williams, 22nd, M69, 2nd ,42:05; Mel Williams, 23rd, F55, 1st , 42:05; Janet Matthews, 26th, F40, 1st , 44:03; Deb Peake, 27th, F35, 1st , 45:15; Cara Zoglowek, 30th, F45 , 1st , 58:55

Greed – Severn Sins

Caroline Jones reports that “There were good conditions for the 7 Sins race held on Friday 28th in the Forest of Dean. Soft ground but not too boggy. The route includes seven hills (and some slopes that aren’t steep enough to officially count as hills) and two tunnels of icy cold water to wade through. It’s a tough course designed to ensure all competitors burn off a good number of festive calories. First in for Dursley was Chris Sweet who made a great time of 1:06 despite having forgotten his trail shoes. He lost a trainer more than once in the muddy stretches and lost time having to retrieve it and was overtaken on some of the slippery downhills. Next year with the right shoes he’ll be a definite contender for the coveted ‘Sub 1 hour’ T-Shirt. Mouse Clutterbuck paced his better half Den around the course coming in with a time of 01:15 Den came in 9th female running for Gloucester AC. Caroline Jones was 12th female overall with a time of 01:19. Rich Prior, (feeing conflicted? Ed.), came in with another strong time of 01:23 running for the Berkeley Harriers (but wearing the DRC vest). The ‘sin’ this year was ‘Greed’ represented by the traditional gruesome medal for all finishers.

Bowstones NYE Fell Race

Paul Gebbett was the sole representative at Bowstones Fell race in Lyme Park (oop North) finishing in a time of 56:31, 103rd place, running as a M40, he was in a veritable host of older runners! Recovering after a cough and cold as most of us are, Paul said “was taking it easy good fun though!”.

Gloucestershire AAA

Cross Country Series Race 1 Old Down

The first in the Gloucestershire AAA Cross Country Series saw 31 DRC athletes competing from first timers at junior (George Pitts) and senior level(Rachel Brown, Julie Gowing Jo Feans Martin Bragg & Mark Owen to veterans such as Kevin Jackson & Trevor Lewis who returned to the fray after a few years away. One of the essences of cross country is that each race is totally different, even on the same course, weather & ground conditions adding to the variables of the athletes’ fitness & preparation. Glos AAA had changed the course with a small loop added for some with a long steady climb through the woods for all, the changes made for an interesting & very runnable course. As Storm Callum headed towards the UK, the runners were greeted with very strong winds & a warm day, with car thermometers showing 22 degrees at the time of the Junior races. The wooded section was very humid. For the juniors who have not raced that often judging their effort over this tough course with the conditions was a big ask & they did fantastically well, most importantly they were smiling at the end.

U11 Girls were led in by Holly Clark, all ran controlled races, with Ruby Heath doing well to pick herself up & finish after a tumble in the woods the U11G being DRCs only full Junior team. George Pitts really enjoyed his fisrt XC outing and finished really strongly. In the U13 girls race Lucy Holdsworth was determined to run well, having felt disappointed with her run at Old Down last year. Another controlled run saw her in ninth place for most of the race, and she managed to hold off a strong s challenge in the last 30 metres. James Durden ran in the U17/U20 race, a challenging range of runners for a 16 year old. He found the woods very warm and increasingly tough but he stuck at his task and also managed a strong finish. The cross country will stand him and all the other juniors (hopefully some seniors) in good stead for next summers track events. After the Juniors racing finished the Senior woman, U20/U17L and male vets over 65 were next up. Robyn Jackson(Waite) led the DRC charge with Margaret Jackson returning to competitive running after a long lay with a stress fracture pushing hard on the first lap. A posse of DRC women followed the leading two with as the race started including Rachel Brown, Tara Truman, Rachel Brown, Shona Darley, Julie Gowing, Erica Fuller, with Eileen Hieron and Jo Fearns doing the sweeping. The thorn between these roses was Trevor Lewis, participatingin the M65 plus event. It was great to see Trevor one of the club stalwarts, Dozen Race Director, sub 3 hour marathoner competing again, after a seven year gap apparently! Robyn held on (see parkrun report) for an impressive 8th position, sharpening herself up for the SW Inter Counties 10K road relays where she is representing the County! Margaret also held on after her quick start to place and impressive 2nd in category, her layoff clearly not affecting her competitive spirit too much. Rachel Brown had a great debut, just 3 and half minutes behind Margaret, and I am confident That this gap is going to reduce over the course of the series, perhaps not at the next one as Rachel as has a marathon in between times! She posted ”I ran my first cross country race today. I’m not going to lie, I found it hard. I was quite nervous at the start, lots of fast looking runners. I’d done a warm up lap so knew what to expect of the course. I felt ok on the first lap; the second lap I started to feel it; and by the third lap I struggled up the climb but recovered enough to finish strong”. In fact, Rachel said afterwards that it was the hardest thing she had ever done, and that’s XC for you, constantly adjusting your effort over testing terrain in a competitive environment. Key points from her post are the necessity to walk/run the course and that the nature of courses will tire you out, more so than on a road run where it is much easier to measure effort. With the rest of the women’s team plugging away DRC Woman’s A team were 13th and the Women’s Masters team 9th , great efforts by all, and a salutary lesson about how every run counts at cross country. An email to Glos AAA re the need for F70 and F75 categories needed. The final race of the afternoon was the senior males. A gain a good turnout form DRC although a few senior men were missing, which was likely to impact on the team result. Paul Hockings, James Everett and Mike Brown led the way for DRC disappearing off in the distance with Andy Truswell leading Dave Durden astray with quick start, whilst Tony Freer just keeping a watching brief, another DRC quintet of Kevin Jackson, Dave Wood, Martin Bragg, Nigel Sankey and Jon Tudor. Paul Hockings showed his class, finishing 18th and 3rd in category about a minute and a quarter ahead of James Everett, who admitted that his current preparation of a Coastal Marathon meant he was not a sharp as he would have liked. Mike Brown was another 2 minutes back and disappointed with his run, typical runner! Although he was pleased to be ahead of James for a bit!

Glos AAA Cross Country Series Race 1 The clusters of DRC runners behinds stayed together although there was some shifting of positions and Kevin was able to move away from his chasers. After too quick a first lap Dave Durden decided to ease off for the next two laps to save himself for the fourth ascent, howver this strategy went out the window with Tony and Andy Truswell closing in on him, providing an incentive to work a bit harder, and he managed to hold them both off in the final. Making his debut for DRC at XC Martin Bragg was an excllent 4th in category just in front of Dave Wood who must still have his Cotswold Century in his legs! As the images above show some very strong finishes by DRC, Andy Kilby showing off his famous sprint and Nigel showing how sharp his elbows are. He did apologise afterwards. However a key point about cross country is not making it easy for the runners behnind you to get past! The images also show that the runners gave their all, nothing left after crossing the line. A great afternnoon’s competition for DRC and the numbers out from young to old reflect the values of our our club, inclusivity encouragment and friendliness and the efforts in particular of our junior coaching team. And the big plus, Kevin’s chocolate biscuits afterwards! Plenty still do do to encourage more participation but progress is being made and I am sure the chocolate biscuits will assist! We will need to ensure we have hand for DRC Juniors as well! Results Juniors U11G:Holly Clark,31st, 12:30; Jess Poskett,39th ,13:25; Lila Heath, 41st ,13:42; Ruby Heath,43rd ,14:08; Team Result: Dursley U11G, 9th (111). U13G: Lucy Holdsworth , 9th,14:23 Male U11: George , Pitts , 52nd , U11B, , 12:50 Male U20/U17: James , Durden , 21st , MU17, 16th, 00:36:11 Seniors Senior Woman; Robyn Jackson , 8th , SenW, 6th, 30:10; Margaret Johnson , 37th , F50, 2nd, 33:59; Rachel Brown , 79th , F45, 11th , 37:33; Tara Truman , 86th , F45, 12th, 38:50; Erica Fuller , 97th , F45, 15th, 39:41;Shona Darley , 113th , F40, 14th, 42:12; Julie Gowing , 114th , F35, 11th, 42:17; Jo Fearns , 131st , F40, 16th, 51:27; Elieen Hieron , 132nd , F65+, 4th, 51:33; Team Results: DRC SenW A, , 13th (124); DRC SenW B, , 27th (296) ; DRC SenW C, , 31st (377) , DRC FV A, , 9th , (202); DRC FV B, , 17th (324) Senior Men: Paul Hocking , 18th , M40, 3rd , 38:50; James Everett, 31st , SemM, 25th, 40:35 Mike Brown , 46th , SenM, 33rd, 42:40; David Durden , 92nd, M50, 11th, 45:11; Tony Freer, 93rd , M50, 12th, 45:16; Andrew Truswell , 98th , SenM, 52nd, 45:27; Kevin Jackson , 137th , M55, 8th, 47:52; Martin Bragg, 141st , M60 , 4th, 48:09; Dave Wood , 142nd, M50, 23rd, 48:13; Jon Tudor , 147th , SenM, 63rd, 48:35; Nigel Sankey , 152nd , SenM, 65th, 49:24; Mark Owen , 201st , SenM, 78th, 58:32; Paul Lewington, 204th, M60+ 8th, 01:02:13. Team Results DRC SenM A 9th (378 points); DRC SenM B, 20th (920); DRC MV 8th (340) Male Vet. 65+ : Trevor Lewis , 94th , M70, 1st, 39:25:00

Next fixture Race 2 Saturday November 3rd 2018 Charlton Park, Malmesbury

Leicester Marathon

As you can see Hannah Osbourne is one happy camper. Travelling North to complete the Leicester Marathon. Hannah has only been training for two years and completed he first marathon, London, in 05:13. Leicester was her fourth marathon. She posted “It was torrential rain and was soaking from the moment I started, a nice route but finished on a one mile hill!! I got a massive PB of 3h 59mins bang on!!”, congratulations Hannah!

Royal Parks Half

Garry Strickland ran the above Half raising money for the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network His posted prior to the event “Anything you can do to help the Plight of Seafarers would be appreciated. Please bear in mind than the majority of all global trade moves by water, just have a look at your worldly possessions to see where they originate!” All in a good cause Garry ran it in a time of 01:38:18, 1241st position and 201st MV45, I am guessing wide age range in this category! He was then off to Ronnie Scotts for some Jazz, NICE! For more info; http://seafarerswelfare.org

Boward Duathlon

Nigel Burford completed his first Duathlon despite a quick parkrun the day before placed 11th and 1 st in category, so clearly his warm up worked, the results seem rather strange , very short transition and bike and very long run 2 so assuming they will be amended. Run T1 bike t2 Run2 Finsh Overall Cat Nigel Burford 10:22 11:03 43:44 01:28:16 11th 8th

 

Chester Marathon

Three DRC Runners lined up for the 9th MBNA Chester Marathon. James Price running his first Marathon, Ben Cardinale and Andrew Kirby. The conditions were ideal for Marathon running with a slight breeze and the temperature just 9oC at the start James Price whose training had been seriously dented by work commitments, went out with the 3.15 pace group; but after being tripped during the 4th mile he decided to push in front of the main group to give him more space. From this position he worked with a small group and started to progressively increase their pace and move their way through the field. At mile 16 James eased back the pace to ensure that he was able to get back safely he continued stongly, moving through the field. At mile 23 James started to lose a bit of pace when he came to the second to last climb he rallied but then struggled on the climb at mile 25 and wasn’t able to recapture his pace from earlier in the day in the final mile. James finished first DRC in a time of 3.13.25, an absolutely brilliant performance given his disrupted training and the fact it was his first ever marathon. Ben Cardinale, who has a background in long distances triathlon, was hoping for a time in between 3.30 and 3.45, but was concerned as had not had the level of training that she would of liked going into a Marathon. She went out strong at 3.30 pace leading from the front, at the half way point she was still feeling strong and felt that she could achieve a sub 3.30 time if she worked hard. She pushed hard & got to the 20-mile mark with the 3.30 time in sight. She was fully aware of how tough the last 10k was going to be but she gritted her teeth & attacked the hill sections with vigour which put her in a fantastic position. Ben pushed hard over the last mile & was able to finish in an amazing 3.28.54.

Both James and Ben paced their runs very well, with possibly Ben pipping James on this score with 10K splits of 49:52, 49:25, 48:32 and 49:38, also coming 23rd in her category! Behind these two young guns Andy Kilby was running at Chester with Kate Sackett from Ciren AC. Being “old Skool” Andy started hard and held on finshing in 04:14, with Kate doing the same just quicker, Andy wasn’t in a position to use his famous sprint finish in this instance! Results: James Price 03.13:25, 403rd (105th SenM), Ben Cardinale 03.28:54 717th (23rd FV35); Andy Kilby 04.17:41 1879th, 46th MV60.

Warwickshire Triathlon

It was a great turnout at the Warwick Tri with at least 20 finishers from DRC Tri. Fran Amigoni was a very proud DRCTriathlete today finishing 4 th woman overall and 1st in her category and it was all pretty close with just two and half minutes separating her from third place! And she wasn’t far off being quickest DRC triathlete overall. It was also a close race between the DRC men, with Paul Breen and Luke Russell battling it out. Paul just edging it by 4 seconds, with Luke working very hard over the run to almost pull it back. There were other close run placings a 6 second gap between Teresa Walton and Annette Heylings of just 6 seconds and 9 seconds between Karen Eadon and jo Lewis. Currently Chris Young results are missing, with start list alphabetical by surname he was almost the last person off so maybe the timer had gone home for him. As ever lots of smiles both during and after the event.

Results Women: Fran Amigoni 01:06:37 4th; Sue Peachy 01:18:08, 44th; Hannah Osborne 01:23:35 77th; Sandra Lewis 01:23:51, 80th; Michelle Ball 01:26:31, 89th; Jess Lewis 01:31:45 124th; Teresa Walton 01:32:20, 127th; Annette Heylings 01:32:26, 129th; Karen Eaden 01:38:16, 147th; Jo Lewis 01:38:25, 148th; Liz McConnell 01:42:52, 158th .

Men Paul Breen 01:06:26, 32nd; Luke Russell 01:06:30, 33rd, Andrew Oborne 01:11:12, 78th , Richard Lewis, 01:14:51, 120th; Julian Peachey, 01:15:33; Ian Fendt, 01:17:26 153rd; Kevin Brockway 01:17:48, 159th; Terry Cother, 01:30:13, 253rd ,

Spartan Windsor Sprint

Mark Sprigings had a little a warm up for the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships in two weeks’ time. He posted: “Today just a little warm up ready for the real deal in 2 weeks’ time! Was great to wear and compete in my United Kingdom top for the first time and bump into a few other representing the country at the World Champs. Decent result today, and had I not stopped on the final obstacle at the top of a 9ft wall for a photo opportunity and wave to my kids I would’ve won the event! Mark S said this hi under no illusion that the “worlds are going to be a whole different ball game!” Well done Mark!

 

Cardiff Half

12 DRC athletes completed the Cardiff Half, with Nick Fennell leading the team home in just under 01:49, with Pete Dunn hard on his heels and Hugh Poppy hard on his! Liz Fairall was first DRC woman in a smidgen over 2 hours with training partner Nicki Squire running a big PB behind her. Rebecca Halford ran her first ever half and posted: this was the biggest challenge that I’ve set myself so far. The pain set in between miles 6-11 and I ache all over! I am so proud to have completed it in 2hrs 48mins.

Massive thank you to everyone who supported me and especially Mum and Dad who came all the way to support me. Also my amazing running buddy Cara who I lost at mile 11!” Not all runners results are up so no official result yet for Louise Beck but she got Sam Stevens and herself to the finish, Well done both!

Results:

Nick Fennell, 01:48:45, 4353rd; Pete Dunn, 01:51:09, 5416th;
Hugh Poppy , 01:53:17, 5617th; Lucy Fairall, 02:00:16, 6809th;
Nicki Squire , 02:02:03, 7184th;Steve Barnes , 02:26:41, 12745th;
Sarah Willcox, 02:31:47, 14211th; Leigh Allen, 02:36:32, 14914th;
Katie Reynolds, 02:36:34, 14922nd; Rebecca Halford, 02:48:45, 16642nd;
Cara Zoglowek, 02:54:19, 17105th; Sam Stevens 03:11:51, 18,132nd;
Louise Beck TBC

 

 

 

The Order of the Woodwose

One of the top performances of the week was by Steve Watson, who after swapping the Great North Run for some speed golf a few week ago was on the start line for the iconic Greenman Ultra, past DRC runners Kate Browning, Rachel Topham and Dave Halford can all testify as to how tough the event is. Not only did Steve Watson complete the event he also provided a Race Report! t “The Green Man Ultra (approx 46 mile with 3,800 feet ascent) is a full loop of the Community Fores Path, starting and finishing at Ashton Park School, Bristol. All in all a really enjoyable day. The race had been cancelled twice due to snow, ice and general travel problems so the forecast of a chilly start with a promise of an 8-hour sunshine window was welcomed by all. Anyone who has ran marathons and ultra-marathons will know the familiar story – The first half of the run is quite sedate, fun and manageable (dare I say comfortable) then ever so suddenly things (in fact everything) start to hurt and ache and scream at you. Old injuries start to niggle and pull, new tweaks start to develop and the mind wanders on a weird and disturbing journey. Eventually the SEVERE pain and cramps just become normal pain and cramps so you just ignore them…….and you crack on Why the hell you we do it?!?! Well as stated above ‘ Anyone who has ran marathons and ultra marathons will know the familiar story’ It’s simple and complex all rolled into one. I completed the race in a very respectable 8hrs 59 and finished in the top 50. The medal is the biggest and heaviest that Ive ever seen and I got a certificate of completion (and a late September tan)”. Official results pushed Steve back to 09:00:26, but still in an impressive 36th position Awesome! A “walk in the park” to a man who can do an Ashpath Marathon 😉

Barnstaple Marathon

Kris Rymer celebrated his award as “Best Running Buddy” by taking himself down to Barnstaple, on his lonesome for a change. Completing his first ever Marathon Kris completed it in a great time of 03:44:57, 03:44:57, 66th overall and 21st MV40, he said “I think I have earnt the beer and chocolates”, to be fair I think he needs more than one beer! Super year of running continues for Kris.

Chiltern 50

Another member deciding to “go long” this weekend was Graham Wilkes who completed the Chiltern Ultra 50km event in 11:11:12, just one second off a number that woud have made Neil Truelove delirious! Well done Graham.

A Tale of Two “Halfs”

At the AGM we spoke about the number of Miles DRC members do each week, Sunday saw another 280 odd miles added by the Half Marathoners at Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean Autumn Trail. Weather conditions, after a warm Saturday were idea for running.

Cheltenham saw Francois Low in first for DRC. It was a day for PBs, François Low running one and just missing out on a sub 90 minute half, placing an impressive 137th out of 2931 runners, Audrey Harris joined him & her good season continues. Tara Truman was first woman home for DRC with a strong run, with Lise Hindshaw next home also running a PB despite a lack of training and a cold! Results: Francois Low, 01:30:10, 137th, (31st M350; Tara Truman, 01:47:43, 825th, (10th F45); Audrey Harris , 01:47:52, 837th, (24th F40) (PB) Chris Williams , 01:48:15, 859, (147th M35); Lise Hindshaw, 01:51:37, 1032nd, (18th F45)(PB); Nick Fennell, 01:54:31, 1187th, (322nd SenM); Hannah Brookes, 01:58:23, 1452nd, (142nd SenF); Andrew Ferguson , 02:16:56, 2241st , (262nd MV35); Steve Barnes, 02:17:23, 2254th, (29th M60); Lisa Young , 02:52:39, 2819th, (153rd F45)

Forest of Dean Autumn Half 12 DRC athletes completed the course, which is like an awesome XC course. A quick downhill start, (if you are unwise) leads to a sustained climb after which a rapid descent means there is only one way home, and it’s up! The last three miles being gentle uphill gradient, but feels steeper! Great efforts by all just getting around, and at the sharp end some seriously quick runs Matt Hazell-Livall just over 90 minutes with Ben Amigoni and Simon Jones not far adrift. Simon was really pleased with his 16th position, after a summer of little running this was a great result for Simon . As ever in the age categories DRC delivered, Martin Bragg an excellent 2nd M60 in 01:36:54 and Alice Lewis first DRC woman home and 3rd F60. Damian Lai, had the benefit of this wingman, Darren Kitchin, who had funnily enough just received the Best Supporting member! With a little bit of help from his friend Damo ran a PB, pretty awesome of this tough course. Results: Matt Hazall-Livall, 01:30:19,, 38th , (23rd Sen M); Ben Amigoni, 01:32:42, 51st , (31st Sen M); Simon Jones, 01:33:26, 54th , (16th M40); Martin Bragg , 01:36:54, 91st , (2nd M60); Darren Kitchin, 01:46:53, 229th , (39th M50); Damian Lai , 01:46:53, 230th , (69th M40) ; Alice Lewis , 01:53:32, 351st , (3rd F60); Rachel Brown , 01:56:22, 14th (14th F45; Kevin Brockway , 02:06:01, 599th (92nd M50); Paul Lewington , 02:06:40, 604th 21st M60); Claire Troy , 02:17:09, 785th (45th F45); Annette Heylings , 02:29:15, (898th (16th F60).

Brinkworth Bash

Meanwhile Alan Honey was showing all the Old Men how to take a decent selfie down at the Brinkworth Bash 10K off road race. First in the Wiltshire Off Road League Alan may have been getting some early Cross Country Training in for the Glos AAA series! I am currently struggling to find his name on the results sheet but Alan reported “The main event was over a mixture of terrain including fields, farm tracks, roads and a narrow path through a wood. There was a field of around 150 runners and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. I was pleased with my time of around 51 minutes”.

DRC Tri – The calm after the storm!

Mumbles Tri

Tony Ball was over in Wales on Saturday, a total contrast to Weymouth last week (Paul Breen described the swim as a combination of swimming and surfing to me!), the Welsh water was like a millpond. The event covered 750M swim (which was bay the look of the image downhill?), 32K bike and a 5K run. Tony was a Vintage Veteran? And finished in 2:00:16, 125^th out of 330, closing in a top quartile overall position which is always good, and was an excellent 7^th in age category.

 

K2 Tri and Exmoor Open Water Swim

Zoe Lammerton and Jo Robinson ventured to the K2 sports North Bristol sprint tri at Tockington Manor on Sunday. Zoe reported “A lovely low key friendly event. Wave times were spread out over morning so we were both in the 11:00 wave. A slightly hectic swim with them setting us off at 5 second intervals, a quick transition for me (no wetsuit) and off out on the bike. A short 300 metres climb up onto the A38 took us on two 6 mile loops with a downhill bit after each loop. The run was twice round the rugby pitch field and an out and back on a road and farm track (one sneaky climb too). Really enjoyed it DRC Tri must do this next year!!” Zoe finished in 1:11:36 and 2^nd  in age category, Jo Robinson completed in 1:22:35 Zoe said “thanks Sarah Willcox for coming to cheer us on” Anne Roberts ventured further so South to the Exmoor Open Water swim at Wimbleball Reservoir today, completing eth $km suim in 01:24:59, 2 minutes by 100m!

The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy for the club with some impressive performances across a wide range of events.

Sunday the 16th of September had seen DRC’s Neil Parry and Dave Durden in Berlin for the 2018 version of the race. Eliud Kipchoge was there hoping to break the world record. The DRC runners objectives were more focused on getting round. Neil Parry was running his 23rd marathon, at his best

had run under three hours, back in 2013. Dave Durden was running his first. Kipchoge pulverised the marathon record just 99 seconds away from a sub two hour marathon. Parry ran a controlled race to finish in 03:24:00. Durden struggled over the last three miles coming home in 03:31:17.

This effort paled in to insignificance with DRC’s Matt Read and Dave Wood looking to complete the Cotswold Century Ultra run and three DRC Triathletes, Charley Palmer, Paul Breen and Damian Lai in Weymouth to attempt the Ironman 70.3.

A few DRC runners have completed the Cotswold Century challenge over the years, this year Wood and Read decided to complete the 100 odd miles from Chipping Campden to Bath Abbey. The organisers description is ‘Start in Chipping Campden at the Village Hall, stop in Bath at Bath Abbey, follow the signs marked “Cotswold Way”. The only route markings being the existing Cotswold Way markers THIS MEANS YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ A MAP!” Participants have 30 hours to complete the event, with intermediate cut-offs along the way. Starting on Saturday at Midday they were faced with miserable weather with incessant rain for most of the day and night. Dave Durden caught up with both of them at Painswick Rugby Club checkpoint 4 both were remarkably chipper although the tiredness was clearly already taking its toll. Running in the dark, mist and rain both had tripped on roots with Wood hitting the deck.Despite previous reconnaissance Read found himself of course in the mist around Coopers Edge, but was able to get back on track. Early Sunday morning both were passing through Dursley and trying not to think of their dry and warm beds that were so close by. Wood led the DRC duo throughout the event eventually getting to Bath in 26 hours and 49 minutes. His pace was under 14 minutes per mile over the first half slipping to 17 minutes for the second, illustrating what a gruelling challenge this was. Read came home in 28 hours and 38 minutes .

More DRC athletes were off road at the weekend, Rachel Brown, Ellen Efford and Sam Hill took part in the Walcot Whopper, offroad 10K. Brown placed 3rd FV40. Results: Rachel Brown 36th (3rd F40),01:02:58; Ellen Efford, 60th, (9th F40) 01:17:52; Sam Hill 63rd (11th F40) 01:31:04. Andrew and Michele Shapland completed their first ever trail marathon the Cotswold Challenge, which started and finished in Birdlip

On the Road six DRC athletes ran Bristol Half Marathon, Mike Brown,Tony Wooldridge, Ian Cole, Julie Gowing, Andrew Eades, Annette Helyings with unaffiliated Jon Morgan along for the ride. It was pretty damp for the early part of the race, but it eased to a light drizzle. The organization was very slick, with runners treated to a tour of central Bristol with sections of cobbles to add interest for tired muscles. Brown set a blistering pace to finish 152nd in 1:23:38. Gowing ran a massive course best of 13 minutes and a Half Marathon PB of two minutes. Brown’s run was a PB and is just 14 seconds quicker than Severn Bridge, consistency being a good sign, his position of 152nd in a huge field signalling a strong performance, as was Tony Wooldridge’s run.

Results: Michael Brown 152nd 01:23:38; Tony Wooldridge 680th 01:34:04; Jon Morgan, 1235th 01:40:30; Ian Cole 1881st, 01:45:53; Julie Gowing 4586th 02:06:06 Andrew Eades 4586th 02:07:05; Ian Roberts 5303rd 02:14:14; Annette Heylings 5733rd 02:20:42

At the Angels 10K there was another DRC team of six, David Durden, Kris Rymer, Andrea Sexton, Elieen Hieron, Steve Barnes and Pete Dunn. Just over half the 168 entrants made it to the start line the, the foul weather no doubt putting many off. Dave Durden led the DRC team home in just over 43 minutes, with Kris Rymer in shortly after him looking strong, as did the remaining DRC athletes. Sexton running a personal best and Hieron putting an impressive surge to the line in an attempt to get under 68 minutes, Hieron walked away with Silver medal for 2nd in category on the day. Results: Dave Durden 30th (5th M50) 43:40; Kris Rymer 45:26 40th (10th M40); Pete Dunn, 62nd (14th M40) 51:25; Andrea Sexton; Steve Barnes 58:05, 79th (6th M60); Eileen Hieron, 67th (2nd F70) 01:08:03

Saturday saw a celebration of Pete Dunn’s 50th parkrun at Wotton despite the wet conditions Wotton was the place to be for PBs with Kris Rymer, running another PB leading  DRC home at Wotton in 20:34, with Stuart Watts, Huw Poppy and Terry Cother also running course bests, whilst at Chipping Sodbury Sarah Newall ran one. The DRC Tri Trio of Zoe Lammerton, Fran Amigoni and Jennie Marshall warmed up with a bike ride to Stonehouse and then produced some blistering runs, respectively 20:34, 21:50 and 22:58. Marshall posted the best AG of the weekend of 75.83% with Kris Rymer highest grading for the men at 66%.

 

Tuesday the 11th was the fourth and last DRC “club handicap” event at Hamfield Leisure, a light breeze serving to cool the runners down on overcast but warm night. First home was Caz Harper-Easthope with Emily Harding coming in just behind her, it was then long wait for the 3rd finisher and first male home, Stuart Watts with Jo Lewis cruising home in fourth. Over another successful series the series Derek Jackson was first male on 40 points, leaving the women’s victor Diana Gore to place 1st overall in the series.