As peak Spring marathon season approaches, and those deep into training look for longer distance races, a small band of Cirencester runners headed to Hampshire for the Bramley 20 mile road race. Heavy rain on top of already sodden ground meant a last minute change of route for the organisers in to avoid a flooded section. Even the car journey to the start involved a slightly nerve jangling drive through flood water.
First CAC runner to finish was Kate Sackett. Kate reports "For me it was my last long run before Tokyo marathon in three weeks time, so a pacing exercise. I was aiming for 8:40 pace and achieved 8:42, so not far off. I was pleased with my even pacing and feeling OK at the end with no injuries. The two lap course was flooded, so there was a mini diversion. But the day was rain free and bright, so ideal conditions. I didn't even get my feet wet!"
Sounds like great morning out for Kate who was delighted to be 1st FV60 finisher too. We can all look forward to tales of Tokyo very soon.
Next came Rupert Chesmore. It's no secret that roads are not Rupert's first choice of terrain for a race, but the first 15 miles went very well. His difficulties in the latter stages of the race came from perhaps starting a little too quickly but also some fuelling issues. Kate reports that he was however saved by someone who had an "emergency banana" and he went on to finish in 3:23.
Liza Darroch really appreciated the support of Martin Croucher. She says that the last few miles proved particularly tough. The official results group everyone over 60 into one age group, but it is very likely that Liza was the only FV75 running this hugely challenging distance on the day. Her finish time just outside 4 hours sets another inaugural FV75 club record. Congratulations Liza. Martin is looking ahead to another marathon awayday next week in some Maltese sunshine.
11th February, Bramley 20, 20 miles, road
1 Ronnie Richards (Bideford AAC) 1:48:31 chip time
186 Kate Sackett (Cirencester AC) 2:55:31 - 1st FV60
257 Rupert Chesmore 3:23:48
298 Liza Darroch 4:01:59 - Inaugural Club FV75 record
299 Martin Croucher 4:01:59
302 finished
Bill Leggate was also in record breaking form at the Wiltshire 10 on Sunday. Bill covered the 10 mile distance in a superb chip time of 57.58 setting a new club MV45 record. The previous record of 58.32 was set by Brian Wither.
Many congratulations to Bill.
11th February, Wiltshire 10, 10 miles, road
1 Michael Towler (Team Bath Athletic Club) 53.48 chip time
4 Bill Leggate (Cirencester AC) 57.58
338 finished
In parkrun news this week Gordon Jones had a good run at Lydiard where Martin Croucher also ran, accompanying his niece on her second parkrun with a 5 minute improvement in her finish time. Ollie Campbell was an extremely close 2nd at Coventry, just 5 seconds behind the winner.
Corinne Clarke ran her best time yet at Seven Fields and was 1st lady. David Moss also had a strong run there. James Thomas finished 6th of almost 700 runners at University Parks in Oxford with an age grade of 76%.
With Cirencester parkrun cancelled due to waterlogging, there were a few more faces at Tetbury where Ian Barrett ran an age graded 77% in third place. Alan and Rachel McAdam each placed 1st in their respective age group. Amanda Naylor is reaping the benefits of Tuesday night training and clocked a new PB. Paul and Sam Timms were also there with Paul completing his 120th parkrun.
10th February, parkrun, 5k, trail
Lydiard parkrun
1 Ben Cole 15.31
139 Gordon Jones (Cirencester AC) 26.32
352 Martin Croucher 41.44
388 finished
Coventry parkrun
1 Alex Jolly 16.41
2 Ollie Campbell (Cirencester AC) 16.46
761 finished
Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun
1 Ben Crouch 17.45
3 Ian Barrett (Cirencester AC) 19.26
26 Paul Timms 23.20
37 Alan McAdam 24.51
46 Rachel McAdam 25.52
84 Amanda Naylor 28.46
107 Samantha Timms 31.16
148 finished
Seven Fields parkrun
1 Gary O'Brien 18.08
11Corinne Clarke (Cirencester AC) 21.09
24 David Moss 22.36
206 finished
University Parks parkrun
1 Alex Hammond 16.40
6 James Thomas (Cirencester AC) 17.41
687 finished
Don't forget to let us know if you have raced. Results asap please to Martin at cirenacresults@gmail.com and any further info to Rachel at rachelelisabethbarrow@hotmail.co.uk or via WhatsApp.
*************UPCOMING CURRY NIGHT INCLUDING 2023 AWARDS****************************
A reminder that the next Curry get together will take place at the Sultan in Dyer Street on Monday 18th March. See the News Feed post on 3rd February for details of how to book your place. The evening will include the prize giving for the various 2023 season awards.
******************CALLING ANY WOULD BE SPORTS JOURNALISTS OUT THERE***************
We are looking for someone to take over the weekly news write up of race results. If you think that this might be something you could find time for to help keep everyone informed of club members achievements, please let Pam or Rachel know.