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Gazette 11th September 2006
“The Thornbury Running Club athletes who specialise in multi-discipline events have been busy competing in both Triathlon and Duathlon races. The final Duathlon in the Castle Combe summer series was held in favourable weather conditions resulting in excellent performances from our members. First to finish the 2 mile run then 10 mile on the bike and finishing with another 2 mile run was Mark Williams 55:01(64th of 160 finishers) then Jo Whittaker 56:04(79th) who had an especially good bike leg. Next were Arthur Renshaw 58:41(105th), Pete Mainstone 58:445(109th) and Graham Bishop 63:37(142nd). The best 3 times counted towards the series awards where Mark was placed 33 of the 79 who did sufficient races, then Jo (47th), Arthur (56th), Pete (61st) and finally Graham (76th).
The Bath Triathlon gave the competitors a choice of 2 distances, the Olympic 1500m swim/40Km bike/ 10Km run or Sprint 750m/20Km/5Km. In the longer event Keir Harman 2:37:06 was outstanding finishing 49th of 196 who crossed the line. Then, also in a great time, Jacqueline Wadsworth 2:46:17(97th), Sara Harman 2:58:37(149th), Lloyd Davies 3:02:22(162nd) and John Watt 3:03:54(166th). Over the Sprint distance 158 athletes reached the finish with Alan Taylor 1:26:16(13th and 3rd MV40) clearly having recovered from his recent Ironman race. Jane Leslie 1:45:19(92nd) added to her trophy collection finishing as 3rd FV50.
Other Thornbury members had the opportunity to represent their employers companies at the AXA Corporate Challenge road race over a distance of 5 miles. Terge Tondel 37:38(47th of 321 competing) had a storming run, so he looks in great shape for the forthcoming cross-country season. Then it was Mike Willis 40:25(88th) his daughter Rachel 40:38(91st) and Ros Rowland 40:51(2nd). Both of who were well up amongst the leading ladies. Next came the third member of the Willis family, Trina 48:26(209th) and Jan Gaze 48:33(211th).
Gazette 4th September 2006
“The Oldbury 10 mile road race held last Sunday and organised by Thornbury Running Club attracted a record entry of 473 runners. The windy and particularly warm weather conspired to make fast times difficult to come by on what is a flat and usually fast course. Even the event victor John Willis 54:35 was some 3 minutes or more outside the course record. First lady was Jane McWilliams 62:46 of Westbury Harriers and she was placed 21st overall. The event also incorporated the Avon 10 mile road race championships and John Willis also took that Senior Men’s title. As Jane was from ‘out of area’ Sian Monahan 63:41(25th) was the top Avon Lady. As the event was based at an active Nuclear Power station the leading runners approaching the finish were not totally surprised to see three policemen coming towards them in full body armour and carrying machine guns. Clearly Thornbury Running Club had the athlete’s safety in mind at this race! Martyn Green 63:34(25th) headed the Thornbury members with Roger Denton 65:20(41st of 408 finishers) also going very well. Next was Mark Lowenburg 76:35(155th) then Helen Hardwick 77:19(162nd) who had an excellent run giving her great confidence for a fast time in her up coming full Marathon in Cardiff. Bettina Broughton 77:32(165th) was close to Helen after a really strong run. Then came Stephen Hales 78:15(171st), Andy Sayers 78:42(176th), Rachel Willis 79:44(184th), Jim Broughton 79:47(185th), Richard Illingworth 79:52(186th), Mark Grimsey 82:12(217th) and Judy Mills 83:37(233rd). In 259th place was Gareth Thomas 85:36 then John Watt 87:49(276th), Charlotte Leslie 89:35(289th) and her mum Jane 90:36(303rd). Sylvia Fox 91:27(306th) was 2nd LV60 to finish and followed by Maddie Parrott 93:25(318th), Val James 93:33(321st), Sue Taylor 94:59(325th) and Hillary Becerra 95:46(332nd). Then the 2nd FV65 Dorothy Thomas 108:28(387th), Joanne Johnson 109:46(392nd) and in the same time Jenny Butler(393rd).
Two Thornbury athletes had a most successful outing at the Marlborough
Triathlon, both taking first spot in their respective categories after a 400m swim, 22Km bike leg and finally the 5km run. They were Pete Mainstone 1:06:34(64th of 164 finishers and 1st MV55) and Jane Leslie 1:09:49(95th and 1st FV55).
Gazette 21st August 2006
“Very early on last Sunday morning a large number of athletes gathered in the grounds of Sherborne Castle in Dorset to compete in the only Iron Man Triathlon to take place in the UK. The competitors were drawn from around the world to tackle a 2.5-mile lake swim followed by a 112-mile cycling leg and then on to finish with a full Marathon on foot. The many club triathletes competing rubbed shoulders with elite entrants as they waited for the gun to commence their swim at 6am. The weather conditions were generally good, spoilt only by a brisk wind on parts of the hilly cycle and running courses. Thornbury Running Club had 10 members taking part and they had each been training for up to 12 months in preparation for what for eight of them was their first attempt at an Iron Man Triathlon. Of the 1050 tired people who completed the challenge Thornburys Rob Hopkins romped across the line in a magnificent 91st place and was the 27th MV30 in a time of 10 hours 32 minutes and 43 seconds. Bearing in mind that the winner in around 8 hours and 36 minutes was Frank Heldoom an international athlete with years of experience at the world level Robs achievement was truly outstanding! All our members must be congratulated on really excellent performances, especially Rob, Club Captain Garry Slater and the three ladies all of whom were debutants at this gruelling event. The overall times and finishing positions of our 9 other triathletes were Garry 12:09:59(456th and 124th MV35; Alan Taylor 12:38:05(584th and 104th MV40); Richard Phillips 13:15:12(712th and 126th MV40); Mark Williams 13:15:12(713th and 127thMV40); Jo Whittaker 13:15:20(714 and 19th FV30); Selina Davies 13:28:29(764th and 25th FV30); Jon Greenwood 14:17:12(894th and 18th MV50); Trevor Roberts 14:43:48(947th and 5th MV60) and Sandra Webber 15:02:07(971st and 17th FV40).
Gazette 14th August 2006
“The August holiday season had an effect on the numbers of athletes competing in the most recent round of the Castle Combe Duathlon series. Never the less the 158 finishers put in some superb performances and a special mention must be given to Thornbury running club members Rob Hopkins and Jo Whittaker. Rob 52:07 completed the 2-mile run; 10-mile cycle leg and final 2-mile run in 30th place. Jo 56:12 was the 4th female in 78th position. The other competitors from Thornbury were Jim Godden 53:05(41st), Mark Williams 53:44(47th) and Pete Mainstone 62:40(139th).
A few days earlier the Minehead 17 mile off road race took place on the nearby hilly coastal path. Jo Whittaker and Mark Williams enjoyed the superb scenery and sea views during their 4-hour run over what turned out to be nearer 21 miles in the hot sunshine.
The Gloucester Half Marathon has in the past attracted fairly large numbers of Thornbury runners but with the growing interest in multi-discipline and multi-terrain races the club had only minimal representation amongst this years 294 entrants. Richard Illingworth 1:46:57(152nd) had a good run and David Flemington 2:07:54 completed the 13.1 miles in 254 spot.
Simon Young 18:57 was 16th of the 64 finishers in the 4th round of the Bridge Inn 5Km series.
Richard Phillips 36:00(17th) made the trip to Burnham-on-Sea to compete against 70 other swimmers in the Stert Island Swim. Not too far behind Richard were Lloyd Davies 40:56(34th) and Kier Harman 44:43(47th).
This coming Sunday, the 20th, Thornbury Running Club will have no less than 10 members taking part in the only Iron Man Triathlon to take place in the UK. Sherborne in Dorset hosts the event that starts with a 2.5-mile lake swim followed by a 112-mile cycling leg and finishes with a full Marathon on foot. Our Triathletes have been training for up to 12 months in preparation for what is probably the toughest mass participation race in the country. The courageous 10 are Alan Taylor, Trevor Roberts, Mark Williams, Richard Phillips, Gary Slater. Jon Greenwood, Rob Hopkins, Jo Whittaker, Selina Davies, Sandra Webber and all our club members wish them well.
Gazette 24th July 2006
“The Tintern Trot is a 6 mile multi-terrain race based at the Anchor Inn in the shadow of the famous Abbey. Running conditions underfoot comprised of rough dirt tracks, loose rocks as well as numerous tree roots to catch the unwary on the Offa’s Dyke path section of the course that was reached after 600 feet of climbing. Rather than the usual Thursday evening local run 27 Thornbury Running Club members had an ‘Away Day’ across the Severn River to compete in the ‘Trot’. Despite hot and humid conditions our athletes enjoyed the challenging terrain, maybe with the exception of Andrew Darton, Alison Cliff and Wilf Burke who succumbed to an assortment of injuries during their runs. Arthur Renshaw and Jo Bridgeman sacrificed their run times to assist an immobile Andrew. Jim Godden 45:52(17th of 147 finishers and 3rd MV40) was the first Thornbury athlete to the line followed by Nick Langridge 49:40(30th and 2nd MV50), Justin Taylor 49:53(33rd), Jon Greenwood 50:34(37th and 3rd MV50), Mark Williams 51:50(47th), Garry Slater 53:47(62nd), Jim Gill 54:58(66th), Mick Stirrup 58:59(88th) and Graham Bishop 63:00(107th and 1st MV65). Then Andy Sides 63:07(108th), John Grimsey 63:16(110th), Derek Rugman 64:17(111th), Dave Andrews 67:09(119th), Selina Davies 67:30(120th), Sandra Webber 68:00(124th and 3rd LV40), Jo Whittaker 68:00(125th), Wilf Burke 68:33(127th). Then in her customary 1st LV55+ position was Carole Bishop 69:09(129th) next it was Jo Stirrup 1:20(133rd), Val James 75:15(138th and 3rd LV50), Alison Cliff 75:12(139th), Sylvia Fox 5:14(140th and 2nd LV55+), Jo Bridgeman 80:26(143rd), Jan Burke 83:40(145th and 3rd LV55+), Arthur Renshaw 83:41(146th) and Julie Lynch 87:10(147th).
The second in the Blaise Blazer 6 mile series with 600 feet of ascent and an equally demanding decent back to the finish lived up to its reputation as a tough race. Despite this a good number of runners still stepped up to the challenge and Westbury Harriers' hard man Justin Grimwood led the field home in 24:35, followed by Thornbury Running Clubs versatile adventurer Jim Godden 25:20, who was also the first veteran home. Next it was Simon Young 25:36(4th) and a then with a strong run Wilf Burke 27:59(9th and 1st MV50).
Jim Godden 40:15 is going great guns at present as he also defied the handicapper to win the most recent race of the Thornbury clubs summer 10Km handicap series. Jan Burke 58:38 was second with Mick Stirrup 45:59 in 3rd spot.
Gazette 17th July 2006
“The Frampton-on-Severn 10Km road race otherwise known as the ’Cider Race’ as every finisher is offered a glass of the golden brew. Amongst the 501 athletes who crossed the finishing line were some class runners who posted great times despite the undulating course. This made even more praiseworthy the 34th place achieved by Thornbury Running Club member Simon Young 38:34. In 94th spot came Jim Broughton 42:29 then Helen Hardwick 44:05(118th) who is coming back to great form following an injury. Jim’s wife Bettina 46:01(164th) went well to lead Club Vice-Chairman Arthur Renshaw 47:01(180th), John Scanlan 48:05(207th) and Richard Illingworth 48:57(225th). Graham Bishop 49:35(242nd) ran his best 10Km time since moving into the MV65 category last year. Graham’s wife Carole 52:02(293rd) followed up breaking the Sundays Hill 10Km race LV60 course record with an even quicker time at Frampton. Sylvia Fox 55:04(351st) held off a determined challenge from both Helen Renshaw (357th) and Caroline Lansdown (358th) who finished together in 55:18 that was also a PB for Caroline. Jan Burke 59:06(410th) also set a PB, then it was Rachel Longstreeth 67:54(471st) and Chris Kemp 68:32(475th).
Westbury Harriers organised a Multi-Terrain 6 mile race named the ‘Blaise Blazer’ within the confines of the Blaise Castle estate featuring 600 feet of ascent and an equally demanding decent back to the club’s headquarters in the castle grounds. Martyn Green 42:46 continued with his great form of late to take 8th place of the 117 finishers. Wilf Burke 51:29(27th and 1st MV50) had an excellent run in what was for him a rare competitive outing.
“Evening races are taking place now that the days are drawing out and Thornbury Running Club athletes turned out in strength for the Berkeley 10Km road race based at the former nuclear PowerStation. The race was especially notable as the winner was the British International Runner Dan Robinson 30.17 who broke the course record finishing around 3 minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Thornbury members also put in some excellent performances with Jim Godden 38.14(35 of 207 finishers), Mike Willis 38.31(38th), Simon Young 40.01(59th), Mark Williams 40.48(62nd), Arthur Renshaw 42.19(78th) and Andy Sayers 43.44(96th) all recording great times. Then came John Scanlon 47.26(129th) battling throughout with Jim Williams 47.31(130th) and Derek Rugman 48.26(142nd). Our first two ladies had a great race as Janet Gaze 48.29(143rd) just shaded Jo Whittaker 48.52(146th) to the line with David Flemington 50.37(160th) being the meat in a female sandwich as Valerie James 54.42(187th) just beat 1st FV55 Carole Bishop 54.45(282nd) to the finish. Carole was surprised and delighted to take home a good bottle of wine for her efforts. Her husband Graham 56.34(195th) upped his earlier pedestrian pace in the last mile to catch and pass Karen Carr 57.01(198th).
The Taunton Deane Triathlon is a well-established event, this year attracting some very accomplished athletes. The shorter ‘Sprint’ race had 85 finishers with Selina Davies of Thornbury finishing in a superb 10th place overall and 2nd in her senior female age category. The longer event had no less than 230 people finish with Thornburys Alan Taylor in 30th place and 6th Veteran Man. Our other members competing were Richard Phillips (101st & 36th MV), Trevor Roberts (103rd & 1st Vintage vet Man that equates to MV60 in the running world. Trevor is now consistently winning his age category in many Triathlon, Aquathlon and Duathlon races. Sandra Webber (183rd & 7th Veteran Female) was pleased with her result as her swim times continue to tumble race by race.
Last Sunday a smaller number than usual of our club athletes entered the annual Alveston 4 mile Multi-terrain Fun Run. The course is surprisingly challenging for such an event, however Andy Sayers made light work of the run finishing well towards the front and comfortably ahead of Pete Blenkiron, Carole Bishop her husband Graham, Tara and Mike Slade.
“The Thornbury Running Club in action at the Tewkesbury Half Marathon achieved excellent results including some personal best times on the course that has a reputation for producing fast times. Club Captain Mark Williams 1:25:53(37th position of 700 finishers) demonstrated he had fully recovered from the London Marathon. Nick Langridge 1:27:43(49th) also ran well and was 5th in the MV50 age category, he was closely followed by Mike Willis 1:28:09(56th and 6th MV50). Gareth Thomas 1:43:01(245th and 6th MV60) improves with each competitive outing. Then it was Rachel Willis 1:44:53(266th) with her mum Katrina 1:46:26(301st and 4th FV45) not far behind. Joanne Whittaker 1:51:50(394th) was another Thornbury lady to have overcome the exhaustion of her recent 26.2-mile run in London. The same situation also applied for Jane Leslie 1:55:52(459th and 5th FV50). Amy Wilkins 2:12:52(633rd) was also pleased with her run.
The next ‘open’ road race organised by Thornbury Running club will be the Sundays Hill 10Km event to be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 7th July. The course is undulating on quiet country lanes to the north of Thornbury. There are plenty of prizes on offer and the full details including an entry form may be found on the clubs website or telephone Arthur Renshaw 01454 415904.
“The multi-discipline athletes of Thornbury Running Club have kicked off the Duathlon and Triathlon season with some superb results. The Springfield Triathlon held at Corsham on the Monday Mayday bank holiday underlined the strength of our membership with two age-group wins. Eight members entered the Wiltshire event that proved to be an excellent test of their speed and fitness after a hard winter's training. The race involved a 400m swim, 22km cycle and 5km run. First home for Thornbury was Alan Taylor, who was delighted to come 33rd overall of 223 finishers in 1hr 8min 25sec, and fifth in the very competitive MV40 age group. Behind him, five Thornbury athletes finished in a cluster, with little more than a minute splitting them. First were Garry Slater, 1hr 15min 43sec, and Jon Greenwood, 1hr 15min 48sec. Then came the club's two category winners, Jacqueline Wadsworth, 1hr 16min 3sec - the first FV45, and Trevor Roberts, 1hr 16min 26sec - the first MV60. Richard Williams defied a foot injury to finish just behind in 1hr 16min 52sec. Pete Mainstone performed well to stop the clock at 1hr 22min 53sec. And Sandra Webber, Thornbury's second woman finisher, was delighted to knock five minutes off her 2004 time, finishing in 1hr 29min 36.
On the following Wednesday evening Thornbury athletes were in action at Castle Combe race circuit competing in the first event of the Duathlon summer 2005 series. The format was a 2-mile run followed by 5 laps of the race circuit itself totalling close on 10 miles then another 2-mile run to the finish. Of the 172 people who finished the race Mike Willis 50.25 was 32nd overall and second Male Senior Veteran, altogether a brilliant performance. Then came Ray Latham 51.30(45th) who is getting back to fitness after a longish layoff. Jon Greenwood 53.14(64th) went well bearing in mind he had completed the Springfield Triathlon only two days earlier as had Pete Mainstone 58.47(123rd). Finally Graham Bishop 1.02.06(149th) finished with a question mark over the distance he actually covered for the cycling leg.
“Thornbury Running Club athletes have for many years found success at The Bridge Inn series of short, fast evening races. The first event of the new summer 2005 series proved equally rewarding for our members. The 5Km course on mainly footpaths around Shortwood saw close, exciting racing with Paul Shanahan 17.46(121h of 77finishers and 3rd MV40) the first Thornbury athlete home then Mike Willis 18.46(22nd and 3rd MV50) who had a tough tussle throughout with Nick Langridge 18.57(251h and 5 th MV50). Rosina Rowiand 21.09(46th and 2nd FV35) had a storming race closely followed by Rachel Willis 21.36(50th and 4th Senior Lady) then it was the 3rd member of the Willis family, Katrina 23.16(64th and lst FV45). Matthew Castle 24.14(64th) was the final Thornbury runner in the race that featured some very heavy rain although this seemed to bring out the best in our competing members.
“Triathlon specialist Trevor Roberts of Thornbury Running Club made the 150 mile round trip to Harlech in Wales well worth while as he brought back the MV60 1st prize from the three discipline event. Trevor had an excellent swim taking only 8 minutes 48 seconds for the 400m leg. Then a speedy transition onto his bike saw him cover 37Km in a quick 1 hour 16 minutes and 46 seconds. Finally on with his running shoes and Trevor completed the 6.5Km on the road in 34 minutes 13 seconds for a combined time of 13 seconds under two hours. There were a total of 266 athletes competing and they had the added bonus of covering the cycle and running legs within sight of Snowdon in this picturesque part of the Welsh countryside.
Simon Young took part in the Hanham Horror race and did exceptionally well to finish 6th out of about 60 finishers in a time of 45.13 for 6 miles. Following a busy schedule Simon also raced in the Marshfield Mudlard and again with a most creditable run was 19th out of 139 finishers in a time of 51.43 for 6.2 miles; both events were multi-terrain races featuring some tough, hilly terrain.
Last weekend, also in Wales, a group of twenty Thornbury club members enjoyed a social running break in the Elan Valley close to Rhayader. Thanks are due to both Karen Carr who organised the accommodation and the local running club who took the Thornbury runners onto some very challenging moor land tracks through absolutely stunning scenery in what must be one of the least populated parts of the Principality. The reservoirs in the area provide water to the City of Birmingham and some very interesting details relating to the construction of the Dams provided an insight into the brilliance of Victorian civil engineering.
If you would like to know more about the athletic and social activities of the club log onto www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk Alternatively come along on any Thursday night to The Castle School, Park Road at 7pm and speak to Club Captain, Mark Williams.”
The RIVERBANK ROLLICK Multi-Terrain Race over a distance of 7.5 miles held last Sunday proved to be a great success for both the competitors and the organizers, the Thornbury Running Club. The course was 90% off-road along trails, field paths and a couple of stiff climbs all of which had been made extremely muddy by the recent rain. An additional feature was a number of stiles that had to be negotiated; these broke the athletes stride patterns adding to the challenge of the event. The severity of the race was such that a number of runners, after recovering their breath after finishing, rated the run the most challenging, recent, off-road event in the Avon area. The winning time of 57 minutes 30 seconds set by Kieron Lelson of Dursley & DAC was outstanding. The first lady, Caroline Kloiber of Bristol AC who finished fourth overall in the astonishing time of 60.03, probably, put in an even more notable performance than Kieron. There were 183 other finishers all of whom must be congratulated on their efforts in the testing conditions. The first Thornbury member home was Terge Tondel 1.01.17 (7th overall) who had a great battle throughout with Simon Spedding of the Hogweed Trotters. The other Thornbury athletes competing were Simon Young 1.06.34(23rd) then a great run by Rosina Rowland 1.13.46 (57th and 3rd FV40), Arthur Renshaw 1.16.05 (69th), Andy Sides 1.17.33 (74th), Mark Salvage 1.18.20 (79th), Phil Brown 1.18.40 (84th), Sandra Jenkins 1.26.18 (114th) and finally husband and wife Jo 1.26.35 (116th) and Graham Bridgeman 1.39.38 (147th).
A week earlier Thornbury athletes were in action for the final round of the Gloucester Cross Country League held in Droitwich. Changes to the course were a cause for close scrutiny by the runners before the races commenced. The previously relatively flat grassland terrain had additionally a second stream crossing, a tough climb over mud and protruding tree roots and extremely slippery, undulating muddy woodland tracks. Altogether much more challenging race conditions than in the past. The senior/veteran ladies race covered essentially two laps of the course, a distance of 6.2km. Rosina Rowland 32.15 had a fine run and was closely followed by the ever improving Rachel Willis 32.37 then her mum Katrina 34.35. Next were Val James 35.45 and Carole Bishop 37.42. The senior/veteran men raced over three laps, 10Km, on ground that had become badly cut-up providing very testing racing conditions. Never the less Jim Godden 46.40, Mark Williams 48.3, Mike Willis 49.07 and Nick Langridge 49.13 were close at the finish. Chris Pearce 52.00, Jon Greenwood 53.47 and Phil Brown 56.11 also coped admirably in the circumstances. A lot further back was Graham Bishop 71.29 who was able to give some of his club mates an encouraging cheer as they lapped him.
Next Sunday, the 23rd, Thornbury RC will be involved in the organization of the Oldbury 30 mile road race that astonishingly has attracted over 80 athletes. The event is primarily a qualifying race for a major international ’Ultra’ 100Km event that is coming up in the near future. While the 30 miler is going on a separate 5Km race will take place. Entries for the shorter race will be accepted on the day and runners should get to Oldbury Power station before 10.30am to complete their registration forms.
The club Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday 4th February and all members are invited to attend when their views on the future shape and direction of the club may be discussed. Issues relating to the rapidly increasing number of members and diversity of interests are aspects that could lead to lively debate.
A good number of Thornbury Running Club athletes have been in competitive action over the festive period. On Boxing Day the Clevedon club held their 28th 4-mile road race on a flat, rural, course. Colette Rugman 28.07(214th of 718 finishers) had a storming run and was well ahead of the Thornbury men. Next was Richard Illingworth 29.34(284th) then Richard Phillips 29.36(289th) and Mike Slade 34.38(532nd) who had clearly benefited from his recent decision to ‘rest’ from cross country racing.
Last Sunday the annual Acton Turville Charity Fun Run was held in cold but bright sunny conditions. The 4-mile course crossed some very wet and muddy fields on the Badminton Estate and finished with around 2 miles of road running. Some 300 or more runners and walkers took part with the first Thornbury athlete home being Dave Andrews 29.00. Carole and Graham Bishop were a minute or two behind Dave with Carole going away from her husband in the final yards.
Weston-super-Mare was the venue for two rather different races, the first being the 4th of the winter series of Prom Races over 5 miles. Nick Langridge 31.16(32nd) was in fine form with Tim Thorne 35.32(84th) and Derek Rugman 38.07(1100 also in Thornbury colours. The other event was the annual Christmas Cracker 10Km race featuring stretches of both sand and tarmac underfoot. Club captain Mark Williams 42.55(95th of 1182 finishers) was really ‘on song’ and well supported by Tim Thorne 42.52(138th), Arthur Renshaw 45.14(225th) and Richard Illingworth 45.49(244th). Derek Rugman 48.34(349th) was comfortably clear of Sandra Jenkins 50.29(428th), Sandra Webber 51.35(469th) and Dianne Jones 51.55(478th). Cath Sell 58.15(760th) had a rare race outing and was followed by Jo Whittaker 58.53(787th), Sylvia Fox 59.12(798th), Helen Renshaw 59.12(799th) and Karen Carr 1.00.00(825th).
Finally a race held in the Forest of Dean attracted just two Thornbury members. The event was named the Xmas Tree race as the first man and woman got a tree. The race started at Mallards Pike Lake and was run on forest trails over a distance of approaching 10K. Dave Andrews 46:40(103rd of 215 finishers) achieved a rare multi terrain victory over Dave Palmer 47.36(110th) who was probably still recovering from his Himalayan experience.
The number of entries for the next Thornbury organised open race is approaching 3 figures and more are expected on the day. The event is the RIVERBANK
ROLLICK to be held on Sunday 16 January 2005 at 11:00 a.m. starting from the Mundy Playing Fields, near the center of Thornbury. The race is a Multi-Terrain
Race over a distance of 7.5 miles. The terrain is 90% off-road along trails and field paths. The entry fees are; attached £5, unattached £6 with a closing
date for postal entries of 6 January 2005. Entries will be accepted on day if the entry limit is not reached and an extra £1 is required on the day for both
attached and unattached runners. There are prizes by age category for the first 3 (Senior, Veterans: 40, 50 and 60) and team prizes (men: 4 to score, women:
3 to score). Entry details are available from; telephone: Dave Andrews 01454 632024, e-mail enquiries
dave@ddandrews.fsnet.co.uk
The Club Annual Dinner will take place on Saturday 5th February 2005. Places are being booked very fast, 80 plus as of last weekend. There are limited places so it is advisable to speak to Sandra Webber soon.
Graham Bishop (Press Correspondent)