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BLACKBRIDGE XC RACE REPORT

After having such a good turn- out at the previous xc at Cheltenham it was a disappointing show at the third county league fixture at Blackbridge.
There was no men’s team apart from in the masters category where they finished 21/21.
The ladies fared better as they mustered one team and with much encouragement and some friendly banter between each other everyone  had an enjoyable race....didn’t you Karen!!

Angie had her usual steady paced race around the two lap muddy course to finish in 13th place. Carol also put in a sterling performance to come home in 48th. And Karen with her shoe laces at the correct tautness brought the team home.

As usual the ladies churned up the course for the men and with Chris unable to attend due to illness this left the newly appointed club captain as the fastest male runner from the club. He did get a bit of a shock on the shorter laps as Rob was on his shoulder. As they entered the track area Rob went wide allowing Dan to create a lead which was never threatened again.
Paul as he did at Cheltenham started off steady and gradually closed the gap on Rob as the stamina of all runners were tested on this course. Paul overtook his team mate as they started the last lap and maintained his lead to the finish.
Completing the 5 man team and a welcome return to cross country both Leigh and Phil were making their first appearances in the xc league this season.

TIMES and PLACES

13TH. Angie Sadler 28.06
48th. Carol Cowley 31.30
81st. Karen Mason 38.16

The ladies team finished 15/21 and in the masters category were 10/15.

96th Dan Webb 44.36
119. Paul Mason 46.43
128. Rob Jordan 47.36
144. Leigh Bichard 50.08
158. Phil Howells 58.47

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Belated Marathon News

Three Tewkesbury AC runners went the distance recently by racing Marathons: Gwyn Williams, Jon Mansfield and Daniel Webb all testing their endurance over the 26.2 mile distance.

Williams picked Snowdonia Marathon as his first attempt at the distance, not the easiest of events, far from it in fact but Williams, having been running well during the summer months conquered the North Wales run admirably. The conditions on the day were wet and having to run a Marathon is tough enough and avoiding puddles and slips made the keen cyclist effort even more impressive.

In contrast, weather conditions in Oxfordshire could not have been kinder for the Abingdon Marathon. Jon Mansfield and Dan Webb both returned to Abingdon after their 2009 exploits only this year both runners were terribly lacking in training miles with neither of the pair able to boast anything near a 20 mile run between them! Nevertheless, both crossed the finish line with Mansfield 10 minutes slower than the previous year and Webb just three minutes off his Pb from last year.

Snowdonia Marathon
Gwyn Williams 3:47:29

Abingdon Marathon
Jon Mansfield 2:57:10
Daniel Webb 3:17:46

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Pitville Park XC

The largest Tewkesbury women’s showing at a Cross-Country race was witnessed at the recent Pittville Park event. The club was able to field three teams with the nine women making the starting line. Late replacement Caroline Rawlinson and debutante Laura Humphreys both performed admirably as the Tewkesbury team was headed by Angie Sadler. Yorkshire girl Caroline Thomas followed Sadler and led the competitive chain of Carol Cowley, Rachel Labdon, Debbie Lee, Anne Williams and Karen Mason.

The men’s team showed some talent too with Simon Waters leading home Jon Mansfield, Jon Rawlings and Chris Yoxall. Dan Webb crashed hard during his first attempt at the water jump but bravely continued before First-Aid. Mungo Park finished the 9 km course with a rare sprint. Steve Wiggall made an even rarer appearance at a XC event while Paul Mason and Rob Jordan both performed solidly. Wesley Reid enjoyed the off-road work-out and crossed the finish line in 200th position with a smile.

Women 6km
Angie Sadler 24.01 minutes
Caroline Thomas 27.08
Carol Cowley 27.10
Rachel Labdon 27.42
Debbie Lee 27.45
Anne Williams 30.04
Laura Humphreys 31.00
Karen Mason 32.34
Caroline Rawlinson 33.56

Men 9km
Simon Waters 32.10 minutes
Jon Mansfield 32.57
Jon Rawlings 33.19
Chris Yoxall 34.01
Dan Webb 36.36
Paul Mason 37.16
Rob Jordan 37.52
Mungo Park 38.52
Steve Wiggall 39.45
Wesley Reid 57.19

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Half-Marathon round-ups

Many Autumn 1/2m races took place this month and many Tewkesbury AC runners made the start lines...

In the Birmingham event Steve Anderson and Paul Mason recorded times of 1hr 32mins and 1hr 35 respectively but the main story coming out of Britain’s second city was of poor organization around the start and finish zones, to such an extent the start become a real hazard!

In the Welsh capital, Jon Rawlings led the club in fantastic conditions as he became the second Tewkesbury athlete to break the 80 minute barrier this year. His run was matched by an incredible performance by Anne Williams; it was always on the cards for Williams as her running has gone from strength to strength in 2010. Husband Gwyn also excelled by recording a new best time too. Triathletes Leigh Bichard and Stuart Bird also clocked great times only for the event to become national news the next day as the course was exposed to be under-distance at just under 13 miles. However, taking this into consideration, the Tewkesbury runners still produced very good times!  Oldest club member 75yr old Mike Ward who also ran well.
Jon Rawlings 1.19
Stuart Bird 1.28
Gwyn Williams 1.32
Anne Williams 1.44
Michael Ward 2.01

Gwyn and Anne Williams also ran the Bristol event with finish times of 1.36 & 1.44 respectively.

At the Swindon 1/2m, Paul Lockyer timed 1hr.30mins. And at Chippenham Gwyn Williams ran well again for 1.35

The Stroud race proved popular again with Tewkesbury runners with 16 runners recording finishing times. Without question, the headliner was Simon Waters as he became the third Tewkesbury athlete to join the sub 80 minute club and set himself an excellent new personal best time. Waters was unchallenged as TAC’s No1 as the anticipated three-way tussle with Jon’s Rawlings and Mansfield faded after 10km with Rawlings legs not willing and Mansfield having to make an unscheduled stop at the half way point. By the 13.1 mile marker it was Nigel Tillott who recorded the closer time to Waters! Also timing under the 90 minutes was Paul Lockyer and Dan Webb. Webb having ran a Marathon the previous Sunday.
With both Caroline Rawlinson and Anne Williams withdrawing due to illness, it was left to Angie Sadler to represent the ladies. This she did with her usual fine style.
Amongst the Tewkesbury team there was a welcome back for both Adrian Lavery and Barry O’Driscoll after spells on the sidelines. 
With Stuart Bird’s legs suffering the same fade as Rawlings’, he had to work hard to finish ahead of Lavery and new member Neil Evans who's proving to be a talented distance runner. Experienced Mungo Park finished five minutes ahead of the even more experienced Alistair Parker. Leigh Bichard showed fine consistent form to almost PB again and Nick Matthews ran a perfectly respectable 1/2m.
Simon Waters 1.19hr
Jon Mansfield 1.26
Nigel Tillott 1.26
Jon Rawlings 1.26
Paul Lockyer 1.27
Angie Sadler 1.28
Dan Webb 1.28
Stuart Bird 1.31
Adrian Lavery 1.32
Neil Evans 1.34
Mungo Park 1.35
Alistair Parker 1.40
Gwyn Williams 1.44
Barry O’Driscoll 1.45
Nick Matthews 1.45

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The Mudrunner

Four mud loving runners from Tewkesbury went over the Malvern Hills to the Land Rover testing track at Eastnor Castle to take part in the Mudrunner Classic on 17th October.
At the start of the race you were immediately met by a run along a knee deep river for 200m, the rest of the race was what can only be described as an arduous, leg sapping struggle over steep terrain, through ankle deep thick mud, thigh deep muddy trench's and just when you thought it was safe to go for the finish a run back though the river and a struggle up a steep river bank. All must agree one of the toughest race's out there.
Bradley Crouch finished a very credible 52nd in 1:08:19 just managing in the last couple of miles to overhaul new member Chloe Felton who finished in a fantastic 61st position on 1:09:06 and picking up a very well earned prize for 1st Lady.
Paul Mason followed a further 21/2 minutes behind in 79th on 1:11:33 with wife Karen in 1:41:37 coming 538th overall (897 finishers) and 70th Lady (258 women)

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Cotswold Farm Park XC

On a chilly cloudy day 15 members from the club ventured over to the Cotswold Farm Park to participate in the first of the counties xc fixture's.

The ladies had enough runners to register two teams and as normal had first crack at the conditions. In a field of 102 all the club ladies gave a good account of themselves with the ever youthful Angie enjoying this event better than the previous weeks excursion to Melton Mowbray.
Angie crossed the line in 20th position with Fran not too far behind in 27th and less than two minutes behind. Twelve places separated the remaining four women, with Caroline making a guest appearance, in one of Jon's vests!!, completing the first team home.
Debbie having struggled with her running since her international event at Edinburgh came in 16 seconds behind Caroline. Rachel and Anne had a close run race with Rachel getting the better of her team-mate by 10 seconds.

LADIES RESULT 102 FINISHERS.

20th; Angie Sadler       26:54
27th; Fran Osbourne    28:00
54th; Caroline Thomas 30:42
57th; Debbie Lee         30:58
63rd; Rachel Labdon    31:26
66th; Anne Williams    31:36

'A' team- Angie, Fran & Caroline 11th/25
'B' team- Debbie, Rachel, & Anne 18th/25

Masters team- Angie, Fran & Debbie 6th/16

Now it was time for the men to show what they could do. The pre race talk amongst some of them was either about whether Jon would beat Simon, or who would join Rob and Phil outside of the first six to count as the team.
As some might have predicted Simon triumphed over Jon by 24 seconds to settle the first debate. Jon Rawlings had a steady run to claim 49th place, while Chris on his league debut and Brad not at his best were the 4th and 5th runners of the team to count. So this still left the sixth place up for grabs to complete the team,
During the first lap Rob passed both Dan and Mungo and managed to maintain his lead over them until nearly the end of the second lap. This was when Dan, having not panicked as Rob passed him, gradually hauled him back and once regaining that sixth place didn't let it go again.
Mungo however couldn't do what Dan achieved and came home behind Rob. With Phil crossing the line the men's squad had all finished the race.

MEN'S REULTS, 176 FINISHERS

29th; Simon Waters      34:20
33rd; Jon Mansfield      34:44
49th; Jon Rawlings       35:35
84th; Chris Yoxall        38:02
108th; Bradley Crouch  39:27
117th; daniel Webb      39:52
126th  Rob Jordan:      40:24
129th; Mungo Park     40:36
174th; Phil Howells     49:23

Team came 13th/18 but this is to be contested as Simon was missed off the team results

Masters team, Jon,Jon,Mungo and Phil came 9th/21

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County Cross Country Relay Team Championships at Plock Court

Whilst two teams of some of the club’s ‘A’ team cross country runners tackled the Melton Mowbray based relay race on Saturday 2nd October (at which Angie also ‘starred’ with some painful acrobatics at the water obstacle – and see attached pic), the club also assembled two other teams to take part in the Gloucester County Cross Country Relay Championships at Plock Court on the same day over a 2 mile course. The ladies team of Rachel Labdon (14.10), Debbie Lee (13.50), Cloe Mason (18.19) and Fran Osborne (13.04) were the stars, taking the Gold medal in the Senior Ladies category with a combined time of 59.23. Jon Mansfield came straight from work to run the anchor leg for the men’s team with a time of 10.42, closely matched by first runner Ed Bishop (11.35). Stu Buchan (13.35) and Phillip Howells (14.32) made up the rest of the team which recorded a total time of 51.19.
(Note – Debbie has some pics of this race which she has put up on Facebook)

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Oldbury Power Station 10m

On a very wet and windy day just 4 Tewkesbury AC members braved the conditions to compete in the Oldbury Power Station 10m race on Sunday 3rd October 2010; a bit surprising for a club KOR/QOR event, but points gratefully received by those who did run, nevertheless. Nigel Tillot was first club runner home in 1.05.53 in 50th position, Angie Sadler was first LV50 in 1.07.48 and 62nd place, Phillip Howells recorded 1.26.20 (133rd) and Jude Rodrigues finished in 166 place with 1.55.34. The race also incorporated the BMAF (British Masters Athletic Federation) 10 mile championships and in finishing as first lady vet over 50 Angie became the new BMAF LV50 10 mile Champion, her second national BMAF title after her marathon win in 2008.

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Cotswold Challenge Marathon

Three Tewkesbury AC members lined up on Saturday 25th September 2010, one of the rare lovely and sunny days of the last few weeks, to compete in the LDWA Cotswold Challenge Marathon. Over a tough but stunningly scenic route taking in Haresfield Beacon, Coopers Hill and nearly 5,000 feet of climbing along the route, Angie Sadler showed few effects from her recent 24 hour race triumph to run strongly to be equal first and first lady home in a very good time of 5 hrs 11 mins. Phillip Howells, pleased to be back running again and in his first long run for some 3 months, took it much steadier and was satisfied to finish in 7 hrs 15 mins and to complete his 102 marathon. Jon Rawlings also started to get some miles, but did not complete having to break out early to honour family commitments

.

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Sutton Park Relay's

Once again an intrepid squad headed to take on the cream of the running clubs at this annual event.
With a changed team some of the ladies were a bit nervous prior to the race starting. But afterwards Karen made the most of it by spending lots of Paul’s money!!
First off was Anne, who was one of the nervous debutants, but soon got into her stride and completed her leg to hand over to another first timer Karen. Again like Anne, Karen enjoyed her run and was pleasantly surprised with her time. The final debutant of the ladies team was Caroline who enjoyed her time amongst some very fast ladies teams and handed over to Carol who had been here before so knew what to expect.

The men also had three first-timers at this event, and Paul Lockyer being one of those had the honour of running the first leg. He handed over to Dan who was having a private battle with team mate Paul Mason. When Paul finished the fourth leg Dan was pleased to have clocked a quicker time but on closer inspection his joy was short lived as Paul running here for the first time had ran faster by a mere 5 seconds. Leigh on the third leg was the last of the newbie’s and found the conditions and course testing. The most laid back member of the team Brad ran the fifth leg before handed over to Rob to enjoy bringing the team home.

LADIES
Anne Williams      20:37
Karen Mason        22:45
Caroline Corbett  24:06
Carol Cowley        20:30

MEN
Paul Lockyer                      23:18
Dan Webb                          24:39
Leigh Bichard                     26:08
Paul Mason                        24:34
Brad, ‘Pitt’, sorry Crouch    24:08
Rob Jordan                         25:15

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Chunder Mile

Yet again the might of Tewkesbury AC took on the Gloucester AC crown at the running event of the year - The Chunder Mile.

Rob Jordan and the ever present Dan Webb lined up the pints ready for the Pint - 400m - Pint - 400m - Pint - 400m - Pint - 400m run.

Supringsly there was little chundering from the Tewkesbury pair and Jordan beat webb to the finish line for the first time this century.

The winner Steve Millward from Gloucester AC completed it in 06:45 !!!!!! apparantley warm fosters is the way to go.

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BEACON 10K

Mike Ward ran a steady race (55 min) for points which secured for him the age 70+ 1st position in the 2010 County Road Race Series.
This is the 4th concecutive year that Ward has won this title and as he is 75 in Sept he will be entering the age 75+  range in the 2011 series.

More News to follow when I have 10 Mins !!!!!!!!

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Angie wins Perth 24 hour running race with World Championships qualifying distance

Angie Sadler, 51 and from Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire (and a member of Tewkesbury AC) celebrated her England team selection for the international Perth Ultra Fest 24 hour running race, and considerably enhanced an already formidable ultra running reputation, with a fine win in the women’s race - which also gave her the qualifying distance standard for consideration to be selected in the World 24 Hour Championships to be held in Switzerland in 2011.

In only her second attempt at the distance, Angie recorded 205.984kms (128.74mls) to not only win the women’s race (and finishing 4th overall), but also setting a personal best, achieving the selection qualifying distance for both the Commonwealth and World 24 Hour Championships to be held in 2011 and catapulting herself to the 2010 number 1 position for the best distance covered in the time during the year.

The race was included in an ultra running festival which also incorporated the Scottish 50km and 100km Championships and was held in Perth, Scotland, on the weekend of 4th and 5th September 2010 as part of the city’s 800 Anniversary celebrations. It was held on a 2.381km course (just under 1.5 miles) around a local park, which Angie covered over 86 times!

She had originally set her sights on achieving 200km (125mls), which would have been a personal best, but on being told by her helper during the race that she had to reach at least 205km to attain the Worlds qualifying distance, she simply upped her game, putting on a typically brave performance to do so despite a niggling groin injury from about half way which had an obvious impact on her normal running efficiency and style as the race progressed.

England dominated the race, with the men’s and women’s overall and team victories. It was won by Angie’s team mate Chris Carver with a distance of 238.286kms from fellow England runner Pat Robbins (famed for his wins in the 145mls Grand Union Canal Race). Paul Hart was best for Scotland with 228.372kms and 3rd place. Angie finished next in the race, with the second England woman’s team counter Vicky Skelton only just behind with 200km after a close race between the two which was only finally resolved in the last few hours.

Commenting on her achievement, Angie said: ‘I’m really pleased with my result and very satisfied to have reached the qualifying distances – it was hard going with my groin injury. To finish ahead of my more experienced fellow England team members, who have achieved distances I can still only dream of, makes it rather special. To be selected for England at this stage of my career is amazing* and I am still learning a lot about 24 hour running from both the other runners and the team helpers, some of whom have been past outstanding World performers in their own right. I need a rest now, but I’m already looking ahead to the prospect of selection for the Worlds. If I do make it, I know I will have to go a lot further to get anywhere near a medal, so I will have to work out if that is possible and how I can do it’.

* This was her 4th selection for England, having previously run the 50km and 100km distances for her country

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Winchcombe 10Km

Bloody Tough !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Prince of Wales Track Nightt

During another dreadful evening when the rain lashed down a few brave souls turned up for the annual jamboree at the Prince of Wales stadium.

MILE RACE 1- 11 runners
2ND Simon Waters  5:06:7
4th Jon Mansfield    5:23:2
7th Dan Webb          5:56:4
8th Paul Mason        5:57:3

MILE RACE 2- 13 runners
7th Angie Sadler       6:03:6
8th Rob Jordan         6:04:7
10th  Steve Wiggall  6:27:0
13th Clare Bayley     7:18:0

10k- 21 runners
7th    Jon Mansfield   37:26:7
18th Rachel Labdon  47:21:8

4x100m men’s relay  4 teams
3rd Tewkesbury 56:5 

4x100m women’s relay 4 teams
4th Tewkesbury  74:0 
4x400m men’s relay 4 teams
3rd Tewkesbury  4:29:8
4x400m women’s relay 4 teams
4th Tewkesbury 5:50:9

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Sandhurst 5KM

The Gloucestershire 5km Championships at Sandhurst produced some astounding results for Tewkesbury AC. Most significant was Simon Waters run. Waters finally turned the tide on Club Captain Jon Mansfield by showing the triathlete a clean pair of heels - having been aspiring to Mansfield's running ability over the last two years he finally lead the Tewkesbury club over the finish line with Mansfield trailing by 22 seconds. A huge gap over the flat 5km course and during the post-event analysis it Waters' great form rather than Mansfield's lack of it that made the difference.

There were more strong runs from the Tewkesbury runners with both Nigel Tillott and Daniel Webb finishing inside the 20 minute mark while Mungo Park and Gwyn Williams narrow missed out on that boast.

Three of the club's most improved runners, Rachel Labdon, Anne Williams and Tom McDonagh all stuck together during the early stages only for Williams, who ran a tough trail run the night before, to drop off the pace and allow Labdon to lead McDonagh across the line in 23 minutes.

Mike Ward made his move over the last 200m to overtake Caroline Corbett. Ward had a great day as he went on to collect Gold in the county V70 category However, Corbett's performance was equally worthy as she set herself a new best time.

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Beer & Bike Ride 2010

The sun shone on the inaugral Tewkesbury AC Beer & Bike Ride of 2010. Vice Captain Elly Smith organised what turned out to be a very enjoyable ride from Tewkesbury to Ashleworth and back incoperating 3 Pubs, A BBQ and a Beer Festival. 20 of us left Tewkesbury School at 11:00, we all made our way through the town, before heading out over Mythe Bridge and into Bushley. A shocked Mungo Park, got plemty of abuse as he was caught pushing a lkawnmower up Bushley Village Road ????? , after Bushley and Bushley Gren, we headed off to Chacely Stock, then cut back to the Lower Lode inn where the first Beer stop awaited.

After a quick swill on the side of the severn, we left the Inn, only to bump into a very tired looking club member (can't say too much - ask Johnny M for details). We proceeded on back to Chacely stock and the Yew Tree Inn for the Lunch Break and a taste of one of the fine Real ales on offer - unknown to us a Beer festival was in full swing, (what bad luck.....).

With Lunch in our stomachs (veggies beware - do not head to the Yew Tree for a BBQ) we leaft Chacely Stock, and headed onto to the furthest point of the Boat inn at Ashleworth, with just minutes to spare, we got last orders in, before turning round and coming back the way we came into Tewkesbury. A quick Icecream by the river was enjoyed by a few before we headed home.

I think we make this an Annual event, just need to find another Beer festival en route.

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Gloucester Festival 7

Two of Tewkesbury AC's Gloucester dwelling runners starred in this years Gloucester Festival race.

Staged in Hardwicke, the course took in seven miles of country lanes and it was in-form Rachel Labdon who narrowly stole the show making her first podium finish by claiming the runners-up spot in the female field with a 56 minute effort.

If that wasn't a good enough Tewkesbury performance, Stuart Buchan made a great impact in his new age category - finishing in 52 minutes for 13th place overall, he took the first place V40 title and together with Labdon walked away with well-deserved prizes.

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Gloucester Half

Two TAC members were amongst the 235 competitors in the Gloucester Half Marathon which was part of the Gloucestershire Road Race Series. The race started at 6pm on Saturday 24 July with an overcast sky and slight breeze in places giving excellent running conditions. The course through Newent, Huntley, Tibberton and Taynton is quite undulating. Steve Anderson seems to relish running half marathons this year and was only 16 seconds off getting under the 90 minuite mark again - a great run over this demanding course. Mike Ward was aiming for just under two hours and was on track at 10 miles but then lack of distance training and the gradients of the couse took their toll, however, he was happy with max points in the County Series.

38   Steve Anderson  1.30.15
188  Mike Ward         2.08.42 (1st M70 Prize)

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Bourton Mile

Six members of TAC competed in the Bourton One Mile Challenge which was part of the Glos Road Race Series. The race commenced at 6pm on the saturday evening and weather conditions were ideal after a couple of unsettled days. A total of 121 competed including a number of fun runners and at the top end the race was dominated by three local junior internationals who came home in 4.19 - 4.21! Simon ran a fine race considering the quality of the runners.Ed just held of Nigel on the finish line.Debbie was pleased with her run as she is in training for a duathlon in Edinburgh later this year.Mick is still quick on his legs considering his lack of running of late. Mike was pleased with his run which picked up max points (and medal) in the County Series considering his recent heavy colds and lack of running.


TAC Results:-

16 Simon Waters  5.03  SM/9
35 Ed Bishop       5.39   M45/1 Prize
36 Nigel Tillott     5.40   M45/2
52 Debbie Lee      6.20   L35/2
78 Mick Morris      7.08   M65/2
84 Mike Ward       7.21   M70/1 (County Gold)

The club will have to wait a few years for Nigel.s young  son Christopher who finished 3rd of the fun runners in a time of 6.49!!

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Severn 10 Mile

The Severn 10 Mile Race which was part of the Glos County Road Race Series commenced at 3PM on a very hot and humid Saturday afternoon. Some competitors did not complete the undulating course around Hardwicke, Elmore and Longney.
Official times are not Known but the three TAC runners finished. - Debbie Lee, Nigel Tillott (1st M45 - County Gold Medal) and Mike Ward (1st M70 - County Gold Medal)

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AEROSPACE 5M

The local Cheltenham Aerospace 5 mile race around Bishops Clevee saw a tidy group of Tewkesbury AC runners take part. Most noticeable was a race debut for Bredon based Neil Evans who finished inside 34 minutes. Two of the club’s most improved women, Rachel Labdon and Caroline Corbett both shinned brightly.

16th Simon Waters 29.43 minutes
33rd Nigel Tillott 32.28
37th Ed Bishop 32.45
48th Neil Evans 33.42
52nd Dan Webb 33.48
64th Mungo Park 35.04
65th David Lane 35.23
83rd Steve Wiggall 38.26
91st Rachel Labdon 39.21
108th Phillip Howells 43.05
121st Caroline Corbett 47.24
123rd Mike Ward 48.13
126th Wesley Reid 53.25
126 finished.

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BREDON BASH

Tewkesbury AC's second showing in the annual "Bredon Bash" was again an all-round measured success. The event, which takes to runners up to 999ft to the peak of Bredon Hill before charging back down to the village of Elmley Castle where the now famous display of culinary delights awaited. The distance was just under 6 miles.
Jon Mansfield was first to start the ascending but it didn't take long before he was reduced to walking. In-form Simon Waters soon took advantage as he and two other runners were first at the summit.
The women’s field was equally as competitive and challenging for Tewkesbury was Fran Osborne. Living close to the Hill, she knew what to expect and ran a cautious ascent.
As the runners came down and back into the village, waiting spectators were treated to a sprint finish as Mansfield pulled away from Stratford AC’s lead runner to take his second victory at the ‘Bash’. Waters claiming third, while further back, Dan Webb, running his second ‘Bash’ came down just ahead of Osborne who, did great to grab the third place women’s prize.
Event regulars, Roy Northcott, Nick Mathews and Phillip Howells followed with Howells claiming the V50 prize. Kevin Emmerson had a splendid race; erasing memories of last years drama, he kept on track and crossed the finish line in great shape. Sandie Harwood was the 42nd runner to cascade down and in fine form. While club favorite, Wes Reid, rounded up the event after a good 1hr 18min work-out.

Pos - Time - Name
01 - 00:38:41 - Jon Mansfield
03 - 00:40:26 - Simon Waters
14 - 00:45:09 - Neil Miles
18 - 00:46:50 - Daniel Webb
20 - 00:47:31 - Fran Osborne
25 - 00:51:25 - Roy Northcott
27 - 00:52:20 - Nick Matthews
32 - 00:55:25 - Philip Howells
36 - 00:56:41 - Kevin Emmerson
42 - 01:04:43 - Sandie Harwood
45 - 01:17:54 - Wes Reid

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Cotswold Way Relay

The results from the epic running extravaganza.

Tewkesbury’s stand-out performers come in the shape of Suzanne, Simon, Caroline and Rob who spent 11hrs driving, running and keeping the club updated with news.

Angie & Michelle ran in as 3rd & 5th females respectively with Angie running again later with Sandie on Stage 10.

Carol, I believe, had some bad luck with her knee niggle flaring-up early into her run - our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Thanks all for you input and thanks to the club for paying the entry fees. Make sure you treasure those CWR T-shirts and roll on next year :-)

Official Results...

Tewkesbury Titans = 14hrs 26 minutes
3rd placed mixed team!!! and 15th overall.

1 Ed Bishop 21st in 1hr 35 minutes
2 Simon Waters 9th in 1.31
3 Nigel Tillott 12th in 1.06
4 Angie Sadler 23rd in 1.42
5 Bradley Crouch 15th in 1.34
6 Ian Baker 18th in 1.17
7 Carol Cowley 58th in 1.19
8 Jon Mansfield 6th in 1.32
9 Paul Lockyer 23rd in 1.20
10 Michelle Laws 32nd in 1.26


Tewkesbury Spartans = 17hrs 46 minutes
24th placed mixed team and 59th overall.


1 Paul Mason 37th in 1hr 45 minutes
2 Leigh Bichard 47th in 1.57
3 Caroline Corbett 68th in 1.43
4 Daniel Webb 43rd in 2.00
5 Roy Northcott 44th in 1.56
6 Stuart Buchan 56th in 1.41
7 Suzanne Tharme 48th in 1.15
8 Ian Hughes 43rd in 2.00
9 Phillip Howells 51st in 1.36
10 Sandie Harwood 64th in 1.48

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Evesham 10km

Quite a contrast from 2009, as Tewkesbury AC had just four runners who crossed the finish line in Evesham. Nevertheless, Steve Wiggall, Jude Rodrigues, Jon Mansfield and Bradley Crouch joined the near 700 runners and set-off along the High Street before lapping the River Avon passing the famous boat club, around a vibrant Bandstand, through the Abbey and finally racing into the "Race Village" situated on Crown Meadow.
Leading for Tewkesbury was club Captain Mansfield who managed to bounce back from a hard week of cycle racing to leave Evesham laden with prizes. Brad Crouch enjoyed his gallop around Evesham which for 2010, had been modified to include the grounds of the Abbey.
Starting his come-back to race fitness, Jude Rodrigues found the task tough however, he’s certainly going to improve. Perhaps the most intriguing race was between the two club sectaries, as the race progressed Evesham Vale RC’s Natasha Day found herself head to head with Tewkesbury’s Wiggall. Despite the partisan support, and it really was quite a din, Wiggall held on to claim local bragging rights!
5th Jon Mansfield 36.22 minutes
70th Bradley Crouch 42.33
168th Steve Wiggall 47.01
616th Jude Rodrigues 01:11:08

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Frampton 10km

Just Jon Mansfield ran in Frampton’s 10km race on Monday night. Sold-out before long before the event, Mansfield grabbed a number from a late withdrawal and ran round in 36.15 minutes to finish 13th!

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Severn 10 mile

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Mallards Pike Five

Tewkesbury AC maintained their annual trip to the Forest of Dean with a healthy showing of runners. With a racing debut for Rachel Labdon and a welcome return for Barry O'Driscoll, the club really showed it's diversity with runners spread throughout the race.

Running along the trails around the Mallards Pike lake, deep in the forest, the highlight of the race was after the four mile marker where the course delightfully looped the inviting lake before crossing under the well-spectated finish line.

Quite possibly the best individual performer on the night was Gwyn Williams. His run was incredibly impressive as he looks stronger each and every time he runs. Recording a sub 33 minutes time for an undulating off-road run indicates his season is going very much to plan. His wife Anne, also impressed and she would have been the clubs lead female but for the attendance of Debbie Lee. Lee, a former event winner, looks to sharper her short distance running after her London Marathon exploits - not to mention her call-up for the Great Britain team in the Duathlon World Championships in September (she joins the club's Fran Osborne).

With Lee and Williams at first and second for Tewkesbury, third place went to Labdon on her debut event in Tewkesbury colours. Labdon's returning from a long injury spell and when she regains her form, expect to see her challenging on a regular basics. Three more women ran the testing event for the club and it was great to see Karen Mason finish strongly and the same can be said for both Caroline Corbett and vice-captain Elly Smith as they both finished in fine fettle.

The men were equally impressive; Simon Waters running excellently for the first two miles until his lace came undone and ultimately his prime chance to overhaul Jon Mansfield. Joining Waters and Mansfield in next Saturday's Cotswold Way Relay event, Paul Lockyer, Dan Webb, Paul Mason, and Mungo Park all passed the Pike exam with A+ marks.

Steve Wiggall and Wes Reid, two regulars for this evening event had pleasing races and one of the club's exciting 2010 new members, Ed Meridith showed he's got potential as a fine athlete with an assured performance.


8th Jon Mansfield 28.52 minutes
12th Simon Waters 29.53
20th Gwyn Williams 32.42
22nd Paul Lockyer 32.56
26th Daniel Webb 33.30
32nd Paul Mason 34.15
33rd Mungo Park 34.21
45th Barry O'Driscoll 36.00
49th Steve Wiggall 36.35
55th Debbie Lee 37.59
61st Ed Meridith 38.31
67th Anne Williams 39.10
68th Rachel Labdon 39.34
104th Karen Mason 46.13
109th Caroline Corbett 47.12
116th Wesley Reid 49.17
122nd Elly Smith 51.52

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Blenhiem Palace 10K

On a day trip to see his Dad, Web Master Daniel Webb entered the Local 10K fun run at the stunning Blenhiem Place.

Webb was a little surprised to pass the 1Km mark in the top ten, and quickly realised this wasn't down to his extraordinary form of late but rather that the masses were 95% fun runners.

After his spritley start he settled in to a surprinsingly hilly course, which saw him slowly drop back to finish in around 25th position out off around 600-700 competitors in a time of 43:09.

This is a must do 10K for all that can make the 1:15 journey.

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Northants Ultra 35

Flushed with satisfaction of completing the 40 mile Ridgeway in May this year David Lane travelled to Northampton to compete in the Northants Ultra 35 mile event.

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Westonbirt National Arboretum 10km
 
Racing along one of Gloucestershire's most beautiful courses, eleven runners from Tewkesbury AC trekked over to Tetbury to take part in this hugely popular trail through the woods and gardens of Westonbirt Arboretum.
 
Places on the start-line were sold-out way in advance as this gem event attracts both serious and fun runner alike and although hidden away near the home of Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, the journey is always worthwhile.
 
Even the faster runners leading masses couldn't fail to take in the beauty and the aromas and the rare plants rooted around the course.
 
Jon Mansfield, running the event for the fourth consecutive year finished in his best time to take 7th place and the 2nd veteran prize which happened to be an outstanding Tetbury pottery jug. Although Simon Waters lead Mansfield for the first 2km's, his goal of beating the Club Captain came undone and he was forced to stop to retie his shoe lace.
 
The evening's highlight was in the form of Karen Mason. Deservingly taking the plaudits for a brave performance; having been struck down with shin woes for most of the year and only days prior having discomfort walking, she wisely rested and gambled on what would happen as she took on the somewhat undulating route through the Arboretum. Her run was excellent and her legs surprised all by agreeing with the task in hand.
 
Karen's husband Paul, who has been running strongly of late was a pre-race concern for Dan Webb. Webb knew an unset was on the cards and only strong running would hold off Mason. As so happened, Mason's run was good but Webb's was better to ensure a 1.14 minute gap at the finish.
 
Another Westonbirt regular, Nigel Tillott showed how consistent he is over the 10km distance and especially over this course as was six seconds inside his best time.
 
Husband and wife, Gwyn and Anne Williams also had fine runs. Anne, still receiving dividends from her excellent London Marathon training was only 3 minutes behind the competitive Gwyn.
 
Soon to be married, Paul Lockyer performed comfortably and Dave Lane clocked up another improved time as his running continues to improve in all departments. 
 
Leigh Bichard doesn't do things by half these days; in training for a tough Triathlon in North Wales next month, he cycled 50 miles to the Arboretum and still produced a solid 10km run.
 
683 runners finished and the sun really did shine down on them!
 
7th Jon Mansfield 36.48 minutes
14th Simon Waters 38.50
28th Nigel Tillott 40.39
37th Paul Lockyer 41.33
53rd Gwyn Williams 43.08
57th Dan Webb 43.25
71st Dave Lane 44.25
77th Paul Mason 44.39
94th Leigh Bichard 45.45
197th Anne Williams 50.17
537th Karen Mason 63.34

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Berkeley 10km

38th Nigel Tillott 39.47 minutes
64th Mungo Park 42.37
117th Debbie Lee 47.17
199th Mike Ward 55.27

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Tewkesbury 1/2 Marathon

Tewkesbury AC runners used their 'home advantage' and in-form' legs to make it an historical day for the club; of the 30 club runners who started the race, 15 crossed the finish line in personal best times. Club coaches Jon Mansfield and Dan Webb were both astounded by some of the stellar efforts.
One of the most impressive runs was by Alderton's Steve Anderson, the landscape gardener flew around the 13.1 mile course and stripped minutes off his PB. Although, he was no match for Simon Waters, who squeezed into the top twenty, Anderson did lead a plethora of fantastic achievers over the line including Rob Jordan, Paul Mason, Mike Younger, Roy Northcott, Nick Matthews, Tracie Garston and Ben Reid.

Half Marathon first-timers deserve some headlines too with Kevin Emmerson, Caroline Corbett and Gillian Bourton all joyous to finish the distance in great times. Corbett's performance was especially good.

Ultra-distance specialist Angie Sadler finished inside the top ten for the women coming in 9th place as did Jon Mansfield claiming 6th overall.

6th Jon Mansfield 1.18hr
20th Simon Waters 1.22
56th Steve Anderson 1.26
115th Angie Sadler 1.32
131st Philip Miles 1.32hr
138th Adrian Lavery 1.34
151st Mungo Park 1.34
155nd Stuart Bird 1.34
177th Rob Jordan 1.34
183rd Paul Mason 1.36
187th Tim Abram 1.36
217th Michael Younger 1.38
251st Carol Cowley 1.39
266th Roy Northcott 1.40
308th Nick Matthews 1.42
310th Steve Wiggall 1.42
557th Ed Meredith 1.51
576th Clare Bayley 1.51
616th Kevin Emmerson 1.54
668th Sharon Pates 1.55
679th Ben Reid 1.55
726th Suzanne Tharme 1.56
797th Angela Compton 2.01
904th Tracie Garston 2.05
990th Jude Rodrigues 2.11
996th Caroline Corbett 2.11
1043rd Elly Smith 2.15
1065th Gillian Bourton 2.18
1066th Daniel Webb 2.18
1119th Wesley Reid 2.24
1148th Jacqueline Fowler 2.32

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Blaisdon 'Bluebell' 10km

Eleven athletes from Tewkesbury lined-up to start the May Day Bank Holiday race near Gloucester. Although the course is more undulating than flat, three runners still shined by recording personal best (PB) times over the 10km distance. Most impressive of the three would have to be Dave Lane's 43.17 effort. While PB times by Kevin Emmerson and Jude Rodrigues gave healthy confidence for the following weekends Tewkesbury 1/2 Marathon race.

Fran Osborne and Jon Mansfield collected prizes after impressive running secured 4th & 5th in their respective gender categories.

Cutting one second inside 40 minutes, Steve Anderson just missed out on a top ten placing. However, it wasn't until the dust had settled that it became clear just how good Anderson's performance was - he's now shaping into one of the club best runners. Mike Primett run another smoothly controlled race to finish just after Anderson in 15th place. Further back, Dan Webb pushed hard during the later kilometres to ensure he kept ahead of Lane and Osborne.

Stuart Buchan, having to miss this years London Marathon, covered the shorter distance successfully as he builds his fitness after an agonising calf muscle tear. Ben Reid however, did make it around the 26.2 mile London course and just eight days later he was back running to record a satisfying time and also lead his brother Wes: Wes Reid crossed the finish line just outside the hour in his best time of late.

5th Jon Mansfield - 36.24 minutes
13th Steve Anderson - 39.59
15th Mike Primett - 40.29
24th Daniel Webb - 42.53
26th Dave Lane - 43.17
29th Fran Osborne - 44.28
33rd Stuart Buchan - 46.03
41st Ben Reid - 50.28
48th Kevin Emmerson - 50.41
60th Jude Rodrigues - 51.34
62nd Wes Reid - 60.53

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Tewkesbury Triathlon

This year's annual Triathlon had a full field of competitors with TAC taking three starting slots. Along with Jon Mansfield, first timers Sharon Pates and Wes Reid took on the event which consisted of an indoor 400m swim at Cascades pool, a 20km cycle and a 5km run. First to start was Reid, who not only was a complete novice but also a late replacement and so had done relatively no swim or cycle training. Nevertheless, the ex-Rugby player finished the event in fairly good shape.
Sharon Pates was next to start and she played the race with caution; described at it's Olympic Games debut in 2000 as the "ultimate test of strength, stamina and endurance", caution should always be on hand - even for Tewkesbury's half distance 'Sprint distance' event.. Once onto the run section, Pates made it look easy as she was all smiles crossing the finishing line.
Club Captain Mansfield had other ideas as he was out to complete a unique Tewkesbury 1/2m and Triathlon top ten double in the space of just eight days. His race went to plan and it was only a French semi-pro and an elite junior star who finished quicker.

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Marlborough Downs Challenge

3 fellow club runners ... myself (Angie) , Miche and Ian joined up with 3 other runners from Cheltenham ....

Miche and I came in 6hrs and 6mins together,  Ian suffered from cramps from about mile 18, but achieved the 33miles in 6hrs 22mins..
Hard and challenging rolling hills with the most spectacular scenic views... all off road...

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London Marathon

Tewkesbury AC had some wonderful runners in this years London Marathon.
Angie Sadler's 3hr 16min run is impressive by anyone's standards but it's truly measured by claiming 3rd place in her veteran 50+ category - an outstanding result in such a huge event. Fabulous times were also recorded by Nigel Tillott, Edward Bishop and Carol Cowley. While fund-raising Anne Williams impressed with an outstanding sub four hour performance. Dave MacKey and Ben Reid had equal success as both runners have bounced back from training injuries. Alistair Parker continues to amaze onlookers with his achievements, not content with successfully completing the 151 mile, six day Marathon Des Sables last month, he performed admirably through the streets of London. Paul Lockyer and Debbie Lee had tough mornings however, they crossed the finish line to collect one of the new Virgin Marathon medals. Anne Williams made the 26.2 mile distance and stopped the clock just over the four hour mark

2,561st Angie Sadler 3.16 (3rd in category)
2,958th Nigel Tillott 3.20
4,516th Ed Bishop 3.30
5,053rd Paul Lockyer 3.34
6,587th Carol Cowley 3.42 (20th in category)
10,536th Anne Williams 4.12
14,832nd Dave Mackey 4.15
17,885th Ali Parker 4.26
17,960th Debbie Lee 4.26
28,386th Ben Reid 5.11

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Shakespeare Marathon

Stratford-upon-Avon hosted their annual half & full Marathon on the same day as London's VLM. Although just a simple 30 mile trip up the A46, the simplicity ended when the running began over a deceivingly demanding course.
Taking on the 1/2m race was Clare Bayley. Bayley's run was enjoyable and with her finish time just outside 2.00hrs. Now she's set herself a good target the for forthcoming Tewkesbury 1/2m on May 9th.
Performing over the 26.2 distance were Stratford regulars Jon Mansfield and Phillip Howells. Joined by Mungo Park and Dan Webb, the four had some tough times. Fairing the best was late entry Dan Webb. Webb ran at a preplanned comfortable pace and finished the distance with ease on very little training. Experienced Howells found it hard but not hard enough to prevent the Ultra specialist from completing other marathon as he nears his 100th event.
Jon Mansfield and Mungo Park had problems over the two lap course. Pre-race both runners had ambitions with Mansfield expecting a top ten placing and Park aiming the shave seconds of his Marathon PB time. It wasn't to be for either. Mansfield having problems after 10 miles and finally walking sporadically from 15 miles. Park's run experienced difficulties as early as 5 miles where he had little option but to ease off his pace.
37th Jon Mansfield 3.09hr
228th Dan Webb 3.44hr
425th Mungo Park 4.08hr
515th Phil Howells 4.18hr
(1/2m) 888th Clare Bayley 2.00hr

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Offa’s Orror

Keen to take on the tougher challenges, Ian Hughes and Michelle Laws took on the “Offa’s Orror" event. A 20km multi-terrain race, it’s a real tough challenge taking on 1,600ft of climbing, tracing Offa’s Dyke before descending along the River Wye. As always, it was well staged by Chepstow Harriers.
82nd Ian Hughes 1 hour 51 minutes
84th Michelle Laws 1.51hr

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Help for Heroes 10km

Wesley Reid and Stuart Buchan represented Tewkesbury AC at a new event, the 'Help for Heroes 10km' over at Moreton-on-the-Marsh. Based within the grounds of the Fire Service training college, it covered a flat two-lap course. An interesting run as the route was littered with car wrecks, burnt out trucks, rusting aeroplanes and helicopters and also tall buildings bellowing with smoke! - all staged by the Fire teams. The Tewkesbury pair took it all in and still recorded satisfying times for the 10km distance.
29th Stuart Buchan 45:40
98th Wes Reid 1:02:37

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Brighton Marathon

Having missed out on places for London, Roy Northcott and Nick Matthews decided to tackle the inaugural Brighton Marathon on 18th April. The day before Nick wasn’t even sure he would run, suffering with a cold and maybe a slight hangover from the Friday night!! Race morning brought warm sunshine with temperatures heading towards 15C+ and involved the arduous journey to the start line – 50m from their hotel. The start was delayed 15 minutes and it took a further 12 minutes to get over the line, with the pair having started over half way back in the 7600 runner field and a narrow road leading to the start. The course was largely pretty flat and took in some of the highlights of Brighton, mainly along the coast with a few loops inland. Despite still suffering with his cold Nick kept up with the pace for the first half, before Roy slowly started to pull away. Roy wasn’t finding it all plain sailing either, struggling to keep cramp at bay from about 16 miles onwards. The good weather brought out the crowds and created a tremendous atmosphere which spurred both runners on to the finish near Brighton Pier. Both had great runs, knocking several minutes off their PBs with Roy coming home in 3:49:27 with Nick following on in 3:54:51. Both were extremely satisfied with their performances and enjoyed the whole experience; a race to be recommended.

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Crawley 12 hour track race

On Saturday 10th April Angie Sadler and I ran the Crawley 12 hour track race and as usual Angie ran outstandingly to finish 4th overall and took the first lady prize for the second time in 12 hour (see below, the Eastnor result) races just 4 weeks, with a final distance of 115.92 km (about 72 miles). I was still tired after my 70 miler of the week before (surprise?) – see below - so was reasonably satisfied with a modest 81 km (just over 50 miles).

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Easter 10K

Easter Eggs were put on hold until after Severn AC's annual Easter 10km at Sandhurst, Gloucester. For the seventeen runners from Tewkesbury who arrived at the venue, Easter Bunnies were forgotten about as all thoughts were skywards as an untimely rain cloud covered the course - it rained so heavy that Leigh Bichard and Roddy Gosden had little choice but to withdraw from the race after a thorough drenching while cycling to the White Horse venue.
The fifteen who did race needed to dodge paddles and labour with wet feet for the two lap race.
Surprisingly it was the ladies who excelled in the conditions with Fran Osborne edging out Carol Cowley with a personal best performance and Sharon Pates-Cook taking a minute of her previous best time.
Tewkesbury AC's men had mixed results with Nigel Tillott running incredibly well by beating a long-standing rival for the first time and form athletes Rob Jordan and Paul Mason impressing.


35.41 Jon Mansfield
38.22 Jon Rawlings
39.41 Nigel Tillott
41.23 Mungo Park
42.27 Rob Jordan
43.19 Paul Mason
44.01 Fran Osborne
44.08 Carol Cowley
44.32 Dave Lane
46.10 Teresa Roberts
48.00 Mike Roberts
49.41 Henry Jordan
50.41 Sharon Pates
55.11 Mike Ward
58.16 Karen Mason

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Forest of Dean Trails 1/2 Marathon - 28th March

Some great performances down in the Forest of Dean over it's challenging off-road course from the healthy Tewkesbury club. Gwyn Williams, Paul Mason, Roy Northcott and Karen Mason all had especially good runs. Charlotte Mowbray-Pratt went home the happiest after winning the 'James Hopkins Trust' Cup as she was the highest placed Gloucestershire finisher under the age of 21.

16th Jon Mansfield 1hr 22mins 05secs (2nd vet)
57th Simon Waters 1.27.48
121st Steve Anderson 1.32.36
181st Gwyn Williams 1.36.29
182nd Ian Baker 1.36.35
229th Daniel Webb 1.39.09
246th Paul Mason 1.39.46
291st Rob Jordan 1.41.20
375th Ian Hughes 1.44.11
385th Roy Northcott 1.44.33
417th Carol Cowley 1.45.28
490th Michael Younger 1.47.41
495th Debbie Lee 1.47.49
498th Leigh Bichard 1.48.00
513th Nick Matthews 1.48.20
533rd Charlotte Mowbray-Pratt 1.48.44
637th Steve Wiggall 1.51.55
793rd Anne Williams 1.56.40
1157th Dave Mackey 2.06.51
1584th Jude Rodrigues 2.27.25
1590th Karen Mason 2.27.55

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Wiggle Lightning 12 hour off-road race

Two of Tewkesbury ACs  long distance exponents, Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells (along with Nick Lewis of Almost Athletes) ran the inaugural Wiggle Lightning 12 hour off-road race around Eastnor Park near Ledbury last weekend (Sunday 21st March) as part of their preparations for the 56 mile Comrades Marathon in S Africa at the end of May. Both had very satisfying results.

Based on a 9.2 km circuit around the deer park, the route was a clever one of mixed terrain over the base of the Malvern Hills, through woods, along mud tracks, across fields and over a small proportion of tarmac road. After the previous evening’s heavy rain, the course was very muddy for the 6am start, but it slowly dried out on what was a lovely spring day. Angie had her usual storming run to finish well clear as first lady with 11 laps covered in just over 12 hrs 15 mins, a distance of approx 63 miles.  Phillip also had a good run to cover 9 laps (about 52 miles) and be the first to finish dead on the 12 hour time for 8th male individual finisher. Most runners were in relay teams; just a few more mentally challenged, like Angie, Phillip and Nick (who completed 10 laps) opting to run as individuals! It was very satisfying for all three of us to finish well though, on a perfect day over a beautiful but tough route.

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Scenic Six - 21st March

Peopleton's annual multi-terrain run proved popular again this year with 280 entrants. Covering just over six miles, the race is famed for it's terrain - once the first two miles are taken in over quite country lanes, the runners head along a farm track before entering open fields and tracing Bow Stream back to the village. Of course, it had to had rained heavy the day before and leave plenty of standing water and in places, shoe-snatching boglands.
 
As always, well supported by Tewkesbury AC, all eyes were on Caroline Corbett; new member Corbett was not only running her first race for Tewkesbury AC but also taking part in her first ever event! The demanding final four miles proved challenging for the new runner and it was to great applause when she climbed up the bank to the finish line in good shape.

Of the other impressive Tewkesbury performers, Rob Jordan managed to finish a huge four minutes quicker on the previous years race. He pushed Dan Webb and Mungo Park throughout the event and at one point it had looked like an upset was on the cards however, Webb and Park pulled through strongly in the later stages.
Dave Lane, Mike Younger and Jude Rodrigues were all equally impressive. Lane's sprint finish clearly indicates he likes to be competitive. Younger's run was successful and Rodrigues bounced back after a tough day in the Bath half-marathon.

Sandie Harwood made the short trip across to Worcestershire and put in a very respectable performance as she returns to her best. Wes Reid raced the Scenic Six for the 6th time and loved every minute of it and Club Sectary, Steve Wiggall didn't mind at all about getting ankle deep to finish in 100th place.

At the sharp end of the race, Jon Mansfield, Simon Waters and Steve Anderson were all out to challenge with Mansfield claiming the runners-up spot, Waters a desirable top ten placing and Anderson, with yet another strong race in, what's becoming, a special year.
 
2nd Jon Mansfield 37.17 minutes
7th Simon Waters 40.00
20th Steve Anderson 42.33
33rd Dan Webb 44.08
34th Mungo Park 44.15
49th Rob Jordan 45.24
67th Dave Lane 47.21
87th Mike Younger 49.41
100th Steve Wiggall 50.57
171st Sandie Harwood 58.30
190th Jude Rodrigues 59.53
234th Caroline Corbett 66.26
242nd Wes Reid 68.33

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Chedworth 10 mile race

Ed Bishop 22nd 1:10:09
Paul Mason 79th 1:17:51
Teresa Roberts 167th 1:26:24
Karen Mason 326th 1:54:14

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The Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 - Sat 20th March

Two intrepid Tewkesbury runners and Phil Lewis an adopted Tewkesbury runner for the day(who has done the odd run at the club) headed into Wales in pouring rain and with heads spinning with rumours about how tough the race was (mainly spread by Nigel Tillott) . Thankfully the rain stopped leaving good conditions , overcast and mild  with little wind – but the rumours  about the course  proved accurate. The legendary hill started after  just over 3 miles and the 6 mile sign had been reached before we stopped climbing , with various false summits reached before a bend and another rise. There was then a steep descent before  a gentler second half but the hill at 19 miles was a reminder of what the body had already been through.

Tillott came home in2.27 and 45th place a massive improvement on his previous effort when he blew up spectacularly at 10 miles. Carol Cowley took the race in her stride and finished comfortably in a strong time of 2.49 (157th) setting herself up well for London. As for Phil Lewis , time to sign him up with a spectacular 2.55 and 189th place. 395 finished.

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Hogweed Hilly Half Marathon 14th March 2010

Just two from Tewkesbury took on the Hilly Half in South Gloucestershire. Despite leading during the early stages, Jon Mansfield had an untimely reminder that ascending isn't his strength, his contest ended after five miles. Having a much better experience, Steve Anderson had his best race to date; improving on the previous years time by eight minutes, Anderson found his legs in exceptional condition as he put them to test over a lung-busting course which featured infamous sections of the Cotswold Way.
9th Jon Mansfield @ 1.23 hrs
41st Steve Anderson @ 1.33
(266 finished)

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Peopleton Duathlon 14th March 2010

Tewkesbury's Fran Osborne finished 47th in the 6.4km/30km/3.2km event. Staged over a Worcestershire course and featuring a star-studded field of competitors, Osborne came in as 6th place women - respectable but when amongst the five women ahead of her included a Commonwealth Games cyclist, a team GB Mountain Biker and the World-class Duathlete Michelle Parsons, you have to say Osborne's performance was excellent.
47th Fran Osborne @ 1.35 hrs
(109 finished)

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Gloucester 20M 7th March 2010

A collectively successful day for the Tewkesbury AC runners. Combining gorgeous weather and new course around Haresfield, most of the runners were out to test their Marathon training with Northcott, Matthews and Williams all finely hitting their targets.
4th Jon Mansfield @ 2.07 hrs (1st vet)
51st Nigel Tillott @ 2.20
87th Ed Bishop @ 2.29
168th Roy Northcott @ 2.49
172nd Nick Matthews @ 2.49
227th Anne Williams @ 3.01
260th Mike Ward @ 3.19 (1st vet 70)
(290 runners finished)

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Ross-on-Wye Ultra 30M 7th March 2010

Back on back of the River Wye for the second year running, Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells both had fine runs with Howells capping an excellence weekend after collecting his Relays Gold Medal.
18th Angie Sadler @ 4.37 hrs (2nd woman)
39th Phillip Howells @ 5.28
(69 runners finished)

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Bath Half Marathon 7th March 2010

All eyes were on the in-form Tewkesbury runners at Bath. Simon Waters continued to impress with an excellent run. Carrying a worrying chest infection, Waters continues to get faster and faster. Paul Lockyer ran with a plan and had a controlled race. Gwyn Williams tested his early season form and passed with a noticeably good time. Jude Rodrigues on the other hand, was taking on his first 13.1 mile event. Although his training hadn't quite gone to plan, he still came through promisingly.
205th Simon Waters @ 1.23 hrs
438th Paul Lockyer @ 1.28
906th Gwyn Williams @ 1.34
9,022nd Jude Rodrigues @ 2.19
(11,000+ finished)

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3rd Jon Rawlings @ (1st vet) @ 24.35 mins
12th Paul Mason @ 28.34
20th Teresa Roberts @ 32.12
23rd Carol Cowley @ 33.25 (1st Super vet)
38th Karen Mason @ 39.19

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National Duathlon Championships 6th March 2010

Tewkesbury AC's Debbie Lee bravely took on the Clumber Park 10km/40km/5km Duathlon. Up against some of the best Duathletes in Britain and bitter cold weather, she got stuck in and came through with a top ten finish in her female age-group.
389th Debbie Lee @ 2hrs 33 hrs
(500 raced)

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2010 Gloucestershire Road Race Relays (3.25 miles) 6th March 2010

Well earned medals were scooped-up at the annual Road Relays. Great runs by the veteran M55 team easily took Gold. Carol Cowley ensured Bronze for the women after Clare Bayley and Gill Burton set the standard. While the competitive Men's V40 team, boosted by Rob Jordan's improved form, also took Bronze.
Gold Medal winners M55; Mungo Park @ 19.40, Mike Younger @ 22.20, Phillip Howells @ 23.59 Total = 65.59 minutes

Bronze Medal winners W35; Clare Bayley @ 25.56, Gillian Burton @ 28.59, Carol Cowley @ 21.56 Total = 74.51 minutes

Bronze Medal winners M40; Rob Jordan @ 20.21, Jon Rawlings @ 18.34, Rob Knight @ 18.27, Jon Mansfield @ 17.32 Total = 74.51 minutes

SM; Dave Lane @ 21.07, Simon Waters @ 18.10, Dan Webb @ 20.05, Steve Wiggall @ 22.11 Total = 74.51 minutes

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Bourton-on-the-Water 10Km - 28th February

As always, Bourton's 10km road race produces exciting news for the Tewkesbury AC press office. The 2010 event lived up to expectations with some colourful exploits over a re-measured course; this after the previous years distances were claimed to be short of 10km! This years course was defiantly not less than exactly 10,000m and that meant that some runners actually ran quicker but were given slower finishing times simply due to running the extra distance.
 
Whichever way, Carol Cowley blasted away the competition to take Tewkesbury’s best prize of 1st V55 category. An incredible achievement as she shows no signs of ever slowing down. Also in the prizes, and for the first time in many attempts at Bourton, was Jon Mansfield. He claimed the 2nd V40 prize as he led the club home.

The days great performances came in a number of shapes; one of the clubs youngest members, Simon Waters smashed his personal best (Pb) by a huge margin. Likewise, husband and wife Gwyn and Anne Williams both made incredible improvements on their Pb’s.
 
Magnificent sub 40 minute runs by in-form Ed Bishop and Nigel Tillott stood out. Tillott’s sub 40 was especially poignant with family close to heart.
 
Dan Webb and Roddy Gosden starred in an exciting finish line sprint - in which Gosden upset the form book by out-sprinting Webb - quite possibly the first time Webb has been beaten in a sprint finish!
 
Mungo Park followed in just behind Gosden and Webb. Park recording a great time of 41.15 mins as he crossed the finish line.
 
Jon Rawlings took on his first run since a calf injury on New Years Day. Still finishing in a reasonable time, he found the going tough and looks forward to regaining run fitness. Fellow triathlete, Leigh Bichard had a successful run. Boosting his confidence greatly with a fine performance as he too looks forward to stepping-up.
 
Dave Lane surprised with an adroit performance. Clear of injuries, he recorded a decent time.
 
Good to see Ali Parker crossing the finish line comfortably in 50 minutes. He led Anne Williams home who, in turn, just lead Sharon Pates-Cook. Pates-Cook however, had reason to celebrate as she shaved another three seconds of her Pb.
 
36:01 Jon Mansfield
37:05 Simon Waters
39:37 Ed Bishop
39:57 Nigel Tillott
40:43 Roddy Gosden
40:44 Daniel Webb
41:15 Mungo Park
41:55 Gwyn Williams
42:58 Jon Rawlings
44:02 Dave Lane
44:45 Carol Cowley
46:30 Leigh Bichard
50:55 Alistair Parker
51:15 Anne Williams
51:39 Sharon Pates-Cook

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Winter 5 Mile - Sandhurst

The snow was melting, the blue skies were...well blue, and a small field of about 40 runners turned up to the annual Severn AC winter 5 Mile race at Sandhurst.

Tewkesbury AC made up a huge 10% of the runners (4 of Us) this included Daniel Webb, Husband and Wife Duo Paul & Karen Mason, and following his return from warmer climates Adrian Lavery.

It was Webb who set off the strongest as he was joined and pushed all the way by his Mothers better half, Malcolm a Gateshead Harrier of the last 30 odd years had travelled down from Sunderland to compete and was dissapointed, not only to be beaten by Webb, but also to miss out on the V50 prize by a mere 4 seconds.

Webb managed to finish first for Tewkesbury in a pleasing run of 32:42, followed closely by the first of the Masons (Paul), Paul had been running with the returning Lavery for the first 3.5 miles, but Pauls increasing speed helped him pull away in the latter stages of the race to finish strongly in 34:15 and take the V45 Prize.

Just 21 Seconds behind Paul Mason, Lavery came home in 34:36. This is a good result due to the fact that there is a lack of Fun Run's in Afghanistan where Avery has been posted for the last 9 Months (good to see you back safe and well Adrian).

Bringing home the Tewkesbury Contingent was the Second of the Masons, Karen finished in a very good 48:45, if she keeps up her training and runnning, the Hanidicapp Title may well be on the cards.

14 Daniel Webb 32:42
18 Paul Mason 34:15 (First V45)
20 Adrian lavery 34:36
36 Karen Mason 48:45

16 Malcolm Thirlaway 32:56 (Second V50)

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Weston Tough Ten

After a not so long drive down to the Coast at Weston, the 13 Tewkesbury runners turned up to find beutiful blue skies and very little breeze.

There was plenty of support from family and friends as well as the Local residents who turned out in there hundreds to cheers on the athletes.

The race started on the sand just along from the newly refurbished Grand Pier, after a quick lap to get planty of the yellow stuff in your trainers and up the back of your legs, the runners headed out of Weston, up some stone steps before a liitle bit of undualting road followed by the start of the climb through the woods.

It was quite evident from the quickly dissapearing Tillott, that he was the one to beat on the day, but alas nobody did. Webb tried to hang on, but started to suffer from this tatic as he was forced to wlak up the first climb through the trees, Sadler seeing the oppertunity gave an 'encouraging' pat on his back as she passed him. this was how the top three for tewkesbury were to finish.

Steve Andersons tatics were almost perfect, and would have suceeded if it hadn't been for the slighlty shorter course this year, Anderson had pulled away from Mungo, and had Webb in his sights, Webb thought Mungo was the next Tewkesbury athlete behind him and thought he had third place in the bag, little did he know Anderson was closing fast and if the course was another 1/4 mile longer Anderson would of pipped him to the line.

Behing Park was a rare appearance of Ian Baker, Baker seemed to take this race in his stride, and I am sure quicker times will follow if he keeps up his training. Paul Mason led home the Husband and Wife team, followed by a quick trio of Tewkesbury stars, Cowlet, Lee and Buchan were within 30 seconds of each other, the suprisinf absentee from this trio was Rob Jordan who finished with a disspaointing time following a string of fantastic performances, Jordan put this down to the 'Squits' (technical term). Mike Younger also had a pleasing run with Karen Mason providing a trademark sprint finish which had the anouncer in stunned admoration and the runners around her aghast at the turn of speed.

In Short - Fantastic Run, Beautiful Day, Great Organistation.

67 01:06:12 Nigel Tillott
96 01:08:28 Angie Sadler
127 01:10:20 Daniel Webb
131 01:10:34 Steve Anderson
173 01:12:23 Mungo Park
221 01:14:24 Ian Baker
277 01:16:08 Paul Mason
310 01:17:23 Carol Cowley (Ladies V50 Winner)
324 01:17:44 Debbie Lee
329 01:17:51 Stuart Buchan
401 01:20:08 Michael Younger
491 01:22:48 Robert Jordan
995 01:51:03 Karen Mason

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May Hill Massacre

A 'different' run awaited the 11 members of Tewkesbury AC at the annual May Hill massacre.

The start consisted of a liitle bit of Tarmac, followed by 800 feet of climbing before hitting the summit of May Hill 2.5 miles into the race..........

Some excellent descents and some VERY thick Mud/Clay/Puddles up to your kness followed, before finishing back where we started 1 hour ish later.

Jon Mansified made light work of the course finishing in a not bad time of 1 hour 1 min, Simon Waters is gaining exoerience and learning to pace himself, and this showed in an excellent time, Mansfield better keep an eye on the young gun. Ed Bishop got the better of his collegue Lockyer with a storming run to finish a full 40 seconds ahead. Angie Sadler again showed the others how it is done, with another fantastic run. Paul Mason looked strong all the way around the course, with Debbie Lee finishing just 5 Minutes behind after she had been told to rest, (don't want to see what she gets up to when she is not resting), Daniel Webb had a disspaointing afternoon with a slow but steady run through the mud and clay. He could put this down to the fact he ran the XC the day before at Pitville, but unfortunatley so did most of those finishing ahead of him.

Carol Cowley finished 1 Minute behind Webb after being within a few feet at one point in the race, (Webb was oblivious to this), Teresa Roberts had a pleasing run, well she had a smile on her face at the end, and Phillip Howells who Jogged from home to the start with 2 minutes to spare, finished in a good time, and then jogged home, a small 38 miles for the Veteran runner (white jacket anyone?)

11 Jon Mansfield 01:01:49
31 Simon Waters 01:05:19
43 Ed Bishop 01:07:22
52 Paul Lockyer 01:08:05
75 Angie Sadler 01:10:49
121 Paul Mason 01:14:47
176 Debbie Lee 01:19:13
211 Daniel Webb 01:22:19
226 Carol Cowley 01:23:21
252 Teresa Roberts 01:25:10
325 Phillip Howells 01:32:59

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News from the World of Howells

Gloucester Marathon

Did not take part in the Linda Franks of course, but not sure if you picked up that I was the sole Tewkesbury AC representative same day in the Gloucester marathon? Upheld club honour to finish respectably in 4-08-18 and record my 93rd marathon/ultra finish. Hoping to go under 4 hours, but as you know it is a tough-ish course and ran pretty well, including a negative split, so have to satisfied with that – finished very strong which was even better.

Sleepwalker Night race

Also very ancient now I know, but again don’t think you ever got a report from the extraordinary Sleepwalker Night Race that five members of TAC ran on 28th November? It is an infamous 20 mile off-road night race, starting at 6pm and travelling up into the hills and reservoirs above Talybont-on-Usk in S Wales. Angie, Mich, Ian, Alistair  and myself lined up at the shivering start with the 150 or so other nutters, I mean adventurers, in really appalling conditions - cold and pouring down with rain with the prospect of wind, snow and cloud on top of the hills. With good headlights essential, it soon became clear this was not to be an ‘ordinary’ event (if long distance off-road night running can ever be ordinary?) since within minutes we were running uphill on tracks that were literally like streams with inches of cold running water to slosh through. Descents were probably even worse, being very slippy on rock and mud strewn surfaces. Before half way the organisers played their joker, sending us through a section of a mile or so of what can only be described as swamp, with mud and water well over the knee and waist deep in places.

At about 12 miles the course turned up hill for what was probably the most demanding part of the course, up a very rocky stream bed on which most fell at least once in mud and slush, and as we climbed it got colder and colder, the cloud made visibility (and therefore navigation to follow the route) no more than feet ahead – oh, and yes, it was also very windy and snowing, with probably half an inch or so and extremely cold – I was shivering uncontrollably with four layers of clothing. The descent back to the finish was some sort of relief although again in stream-like paths. I finished with the last group of 5 in 5h 13mi(for just 20 miles!) having still not fully recovered from the Kalahari ultra a few weeks earlier (and what a contrast in temperatures!). Angie ran her usual strong race to finish in about 4.20 I believe, Mich and Ian were something after 4h 30m and Alistair a little while after. One for the memory banks but not one for a quick repetition!

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Linda Franks 4.2 Miler

Tewkesbury AC's first serious race of 2010 attracted a healthy collection of club runners. Putting their new year fitness to the test, two dozen athletes made the short trip to Cheltenham and, as always, enjoyed the hospitality of the ‘Almost Athletes’ popular event.

Grabbing the headlines for Tewkesbury was Vice-Captain Elly Smith; not only surprising on-lookers with her pace, she toasted those who were expecting and were expected to out run her. Smith's flying start to 2010 is testament to her dedication over the festive period and she deserved her eureka moment. Her display sends out a warming to club mates that she's moving on up!

One of those losing out to the VC was Gillian Bourton. However, Bourton had a great run also. Getting the better of her loyal training partner, Jackie Arnett and still keeping a safe distance ahead of Wes Reid who tried the course for the first time.
Now improving with every race she finishes, Fran Osborne flew around the two lap course to record a smashing time. Finishing with Osborne, new member Dave Lane used this run to test his fitness after being hampered with an injury.

With just 95 days until her Marathon debut, Clare Bayley finally got her running into gear; Bayley silenced her critics with a fine performance and especially looking comfortable over the later stages.

Eyes too were on Rob Jordan. His running has gone up a level recently and there was much anticipation as to how he would perform and, more excitingly, who would be the next club member he steps ahead of. As it so happened, his run was rapid - even breaking the 30 minute mark for the first time but his club mates escaped his advances - in particular, Dan Webb who, in the end lead Jordan comfortably and even had enough energy left to catch Angie Sadler along the finishing straight. Sadler claimed 3rd place female over a distance she would normally run ten times over.

At the sharp end of the race, Jon Mansfield found it tough. Mansfield lost seconds on last year’s time and to make matters worse, was caught and passed by the leading lady. His only consolation was holding off fast flowing Simon Waters. Waters performed well proving he is finding his form after a woeful autumn. Waters in-turn crossed the finish line ahead of Paul Lockyer - another runner who, on his day is hard to out run.
Just outside the front-enders, a wave of Tewkesbury runners were trading places and leading the charge down the finish decent it was Nigel Tillott. Tillott’s performance was at its best and so needed to be as Ed Bishop was on his tail. Tillott recorded his best ever time on the course. Bishop had taken a brief hiatus from racing while he concentrated his efforts on Rowing. He certainly hit the ground running with a great time through the Reddings.
Another of Tewkesbury’s improving talents is Steve Anderson. He didn’t disappoint with a top run and a moot as to his best performance to date.
Mungo Park and Paul Mason both seemed equally relaxed at their work although Park did feel it near the end.
Proving to be a competitive age-grouper, Mike Younger impressed again. Just losing out in the end to the ensured performing Steve Wiggall. Club Sectary Wiggall experienced the rare feeling of leading Club Treasurer Carol Cowley on the day. Cowley clearly not at her best for this one however, we all know form is temporary and talent is permanent so expect the veteran star the shine again.
Super-vet Mike Ward raced to his normal high standard blazing ahead of runners over 50 yrs younger.
Popular runners Jude Rodriguez and Karen Mason saw a lot of each other during the race but it wasn’t until the last 100 yards that things got tasty; Mason produced a powerful sprint which scattered the crowds and would have surely left Usain Bolt pondering.

11 24:42:00 Jon Mansfield
18 25:10:00 Simon Waters
25 26:08:00 Paul Lockyer
27 26:10:00 Nigel Tillott
30 26:29:00 Ed Bishop
33 26:58:00 Steve Anderson
36 27:23:00 Daniel Webb
37 27:24:00 Angie Sadler
45 27:47:00 Mungo Park
50 27:58:00 Rob Jordan
54 28:38:00 Paul Mason
61 29:39:00 David Lane
62 29:42:00 Fran Osbourne
68 30:01:00 Steve Wiggall
82 30:56:00 Michael Younger
84 31:12:00 Carol Cowley
130 37:07:00 Mike Ward
140 38:57:00 Elly Smith
144 39:49:00 Jude Rodrigues
145 39:52:00 Karen Mason
146 39:55:00 Gill Bourton
158 41:12:00 Jackie Arnett
167 43:57:00 Wesley Reid

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Gloucester New Years Day Five

Tewkesbury AC were prize winners at the Pilot Inn five mile race. Clive Sentence took the top prize in the Veteran 40 Male category. Nigel Tillott took the V45 winnings and Fran Osbourne scooped the V40 ladies prize with another improved performance timing under 36 minutes.
Debbie Lee featured in her first road race for many months and with a time of 37 minutes, she's looking forward to returning to her best in the run-up to her London Marathon debut.
 
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Hereford New Years Day 10km

There were very much mixed fortunes for the four Tewkesbury runners at Hereford. Steve Anderson, Jon Mansfield, Dan Webb and Jon Rawlings line-up outside the 'Boat House', excited about tackling a new course which promised some undulations. The exception being Anderson who raced the event the previous year. It didn't take long for the other three to start to feel 'hoodwinked' as the course transpired to be hilly throughout - 720 feet of ascending to be precise!
The four runners soon became two pairs as the two Jon's fought. The ascents knocked Mansfield off his stride and by 9km, Rawlings had the better of his club mate by 500m. On the final short-sharp rise disaster struck for Tewkesbury's front runner as his calf muscle 'pulled' and ended his race. Having to hobble over the finish line gave ample time for Mansfield to lead the club home.
A little further back, Webb felt the presence of in-form Anderson. With patchy ice and strong morning sun, Anderson kept sight of course novice Webb from a safe distance of several yards. Another potential upset was on the cards until Webb upped his effort to keep the gap - it was very close in the end - just 3 seconds! Nevertheless, Anderson's performance was outstanding.
 
 
14th Jon Mansfield 37.57 minutes
15th Jon Rawlings 38.15
57th Daniel Webb 42.59
58th Steve Anderson 43.02
 
239 finishers.