The cross country season is now over for another year and it has been one of our most successful in recent years in getting TRC members out racing. Thanks to all who attended the races both running and supporting.

Overall Winners
Men – Nick Williams
Women – Laura Orna

Age Adjusted Winners
Men – Jim Godden
Women – Clare Watt

Overall Standings
TRC champs	Old Down Country Park	Charlton Park, Malmesbury	Wotton Under Edge	Rencomb College	Pittville Park	Blaise Castle	Total
League	Glos	Glos	Glos	Glos Champs	Glos	Gwent
	13th Oct	3rd Nov	9th Dec	5th Jan	17th Feb	2nd March
MALE
Nick Williams		25	25	25	25		100
Henry Orna	24	24	23		23		94
Dave Beard	22	22	22		24		90
Jim Godden	21	19		22	22	23	88
Kevin Arnold		17	19	21	20		77
Matthew Johnstone	25		24				49
Martyn Green				23		25	48
Will Hamilton			21	24			45
Paul Clark	23	20					43
Nick Langridge	17	18					35
Brian Godsman		16			19		35
Steve Dimond	14	15					29
Duncan Pauly	13	14					27
Paul Harrod						24	24
Dylan Roberts		23					23
Paul Saville						22	22
Andrew Darton					21		21
Robert Hopkins	20						20
Stephen Allan			20				20
Benjamin Foss	19						19
Ian Evans	18						18
Jeremy Clothier			18				18
Sean Underwood	16						16
Kevin Cundy	15						15
FEMALE
Laura Orna	24	25	24	25	25		99
Hannah Kinloch Haken	25		23	24	24		96
Clare Watt		23	21		23	25	92
Joanne Emerson	23	24	20		22		89
Judy Mills	18	20	18	23	19	23	85
Sarah Newnes	19	22			20	24	85
Rosie Allen			25				25
Rosina Rowland	22						22
Melanie Wilson			22				22
Emma Barnes	21						21
Maddie Parrott		21					21
Lizzie Williams	20						20
Josie Cole		19					19
Angela Bushel			19		21		19
Rebecca Dunsford		18					18
Age Adjusted Scores
TRC champs		Old Down Country Park	Charlton Park, Malmesbury	Wotton Under Edge	Rencomb College	Pittville Park	Blaise Castle	Best 4
League		Glos	Glos	Glos	Glos Champs	Glos	Gwent
		13th Oct	3rd Nov	9th Dec	5th Jan	17th Feb	2nd March
MALE	Category
Jim Godden	MV55	25	25		22	25	25	100
Nick Williams	SM		23	25	25	24		97
Dave Beard	MV40	21	21	22		23		87
Henry Orna	SM	19	20	21		22		82
Kevin Arnold	MV45		17	19	21	20		77
Nick Langridge	MV65	24	24					48
Martyn Green	MV45				24		24	48
Matthew Johnstone	MV40	23		24				47
Paul Clark	MV45	22	22					44
Will Hamilton	SM			20	23			43
Steve Dimond	MV65	20	18					38
Duncan Pauly	MV55	13	15					28
Stephen Allan	MV55			23				23
Paul Harrod	MV40						23	23
Paul Saville	MV40						22	22
Andrew Darton	MV40					21		21
Dylan Roberts	SM		19					19
Robert Hopkins	MV40	18						18
Ian Evans	MV40	17						17
Brian Godsman	MV45		16			19		16
Benjamin Foss	SM	16						16
Kevin Cundy	MV40	15						15
Sean Underwood	SM	14						14
FEMALE
Clare Watt	LV55		25	25		25	25	100
Laura Orna	SM	23	24	23	25	24		96
Hannah Kinloch Haken	SM	24		22	24	23		93
Judy Mills	LV60	21	22	21	23	22	24	91
Joanne Emerson	LV40	22	23	20		20		85
Sarah Newnes	LV45	18	20			19	23	80
Rosina Rowland	LV50	25						25
Rosie Allan	SM			24				24
Maddie Parrott	LV55		21					21
Emma Barnes	LV40	20						20
Lizzie Williams	SM	19						19
Rebecca Dunsford	LV55		19					19
Angela Bushel	LV45			19				19
Sarah Newnes	LV45	18						18
Josie Cole	LV45		18					18

Gwent League – Blaise Castle – 2nd March 2019

The final cross country event of the year was a Gwent League race at Blaise Castle. Although we don’t normally enter as a team at Gwent League races, it was local, so thought it might be good for TRC members to experience the welsh league. Only a few members turned out so we didn’t raise a full team, but those who did attend had a good run. 

In the women’s race, Clare took the lead early on and had a good run to come 5th in her age group – obviously the triathlon training is paying off.  Sarah and Judy both ran well with Judy back to her previous form coming 4th in her age group.

In the men’s race, Martyn has made a welcome return to running and was pleased with his race. Paul had a good run after standing around supporting his son James in the previous race. Jim is getting his fitness back after injuries and had a sprint race at the end with an old adversary (and won!). Paul Saville had only raced a half marathon the weekend before and perhaps started off too fast, hence slowed towards the end but still did well on his cross country comeback.

Blaise Castle	02/03/2019
Men
Name	Cat	Time	Posn	Cat Posn
Martyn Green	MV45	0:38:17	126	25
Paul Harrod	MV35	00:39:21	151	81
Jim Godden	MV55	00:40:12	168	11
Paul Saville	MV35	00:42:15	208	126
Women
Name	Cat	Time	Posn	Cat Posn
Clare Watt	LV55	00:30:12	108	5
Saran Newnes	LV45	00:34:06	188	60
Judy Mills	LV60	00:35:01	203	4

Gloucester League Race 3 – Pittville Park – 17th Feb 2019

Well done to the 14 TRC members who took the M5 up to Pittville Park for the final of the Gloucester cross country league.  The mix of Thornbury runners has changed recently with many more younger runners attending and the old guard (except for Judy and Jim) not so prevalent. 

Pittville Park isn’t one of the most exciting venues. but they did add a stream for entertainment and the good conditions meant it allowed for steady running. 

In the womens race, Laura sped off with Hannah in hot pursuit and kept her lead all the way to the finish. Throughout the year they have both been diligent in their attendance and it has been great for Thornbury to be represented near the front. Clare had a fantastic run and picked up 3rd place overall in the LV55 group. Jo decided to run even when unwell, but at least she felt better than at the last race. Angela, Sarah and Judy all ran well with Judy 5th in her age group.

As usual in the mens race, Nick complained he didn’t want to be there at the start, then stormed off to finish 32nd. Dave is certainly benefitting from a consistent last years training and stormed ahead of Henry. Jim managed to stay ahead of Andrew who declared at the finish he doesn’t like cross country, hopefully by next season he will have forgotten that. Kevin and Brian both seem to be improving all the time with strong runs.

We will be sorry to lose Angela and Brian, but hope they may find a cross country league in Sweden !

Results are as follows, overall standing for the season still to come  …

Pittville Park		17/02/2019
Men
Name	Cat	Time	Posn	Cat Posn
Nick Williams	SM	0:36:06	32	27
Dave Beard	MV40	00:39:14	68	14
Henry Orna	SM	00:40:05	84	52
Jim Godden	MV55	00:41:52	109	6
Andrew Darton	MV40	00:42:15	113	24
Kevin Arnold	MV45	00:45:46	154	23
Brian Godsman	MV45	00:48:47	174	26
Women
Name	Cat	Time	Posn	Cat Posn
Laura Orna	SL	00:28:55	23	6
Hannah Kinlock Haken	SL	00:29:23	30	8
Clare Watt	LV55	00:32:02	54	2
Jo Emerson	LV40	00:34:12	80	12
Angela Bushell	LV45	00:34:21	83	8
Sarah Newnes	LV45	00:36:10	98	14
Judy Mills	LV60	00:37:30	112	5

Club Position
1 Senior Men Cheltenham & County Harriers [A] Team Open – Men 37 1 + 2 + 6 + 7 + 10 + 11
2 Senior Men Cheltenham & County Harriers [B] 109 13 + 15 + 17 + 19 + 20 + 25
3 Senior Men University of Bath 168 12 + 14 + 16 + 27 + 43 + 56
4 Senior Men Cirencester AC 199 8 + 23 + 26 + 28 + 50 + 64
5 Senior Men Clevedon 226 9 + 22 + 24 + 51 + 55 + 65
6 Senior Men Team Bath AC 232 18 + 33 + 36 + 40 + 48 + 57
7 Senior Men CLC Striders [A] 376 30 + 44 + 52 + 60 + 89 + 101
8 Senior Men Cheltenham & County Harriers [C] 377 31 + 35 + 45 + 67 + 85 + 114
9 Senior Men Gloucester AC 424 5 + 34 + 37 + 92 + 93 + 163
10 Senior Men Forest Of Dean AC 426 42 + 46 + 47 + 76 + 97 + 118
11 Senior Men Almost Athletes [A] 478 49 + 58 + 75 + 90 + 100 + 106
12 Senior Men Tewkesbury RC 510 53 + 77 + 79 + 80 + 91 + 130
13 Senior Men Dursley RC 525 71 + 73 + 87 + 95 + 96 + 103
14 Senior Men Stroud & District AC 525 59 + 61 + 63 + 74 + 121 + 147
15 Senior Men Thornbury RC 560 32 + 68 + 84 + 109 + 113 + 154
16 Senior Men Bitton Road Runners 668 21 + 41 + 104 + 124 + 185 + 193
17 Senior Men CLC Striders [B] 722 102 + 105 + 107 + 128 + 136 + 144
18 Senior Men Almost Athletes [B] 767 110 + 117 + 123 + 137 + 138 + 142
19 Senior Men Almost Athletes [C] 1033 157 + 167 + 170 + 173 + 178 + 188
20 Senior Men Redditch stars 1072 158 + 168 + 183 + 184 + 187 + 192
 

1 Male Vets Cheltenham & County Harriers Team Masters – Men 138 17 + 19 + 35 + 67
2 Male Vets Cirencester AC 178 8 + 28 + 64 + 78
3 Male Vets Team Bath AC 210 36 + 48 + 57 + 69
4 Male Vets Clevedon 301 9 + 51 + 116 + 125
5 Male Vets Tewkesbury RC 303 53 + 79 + 80 + 91
6 Male Vets Stroud & District AC 304 59 + 61 + 63 + 121
7 Male Vets Forest Of Dean AC [A] 308 46 + 47 + 97 + 118
8 Male Vets Almost Athletes [A] 329 58 + 75 + 90 + 106
9 Male Vets CLC Striders [A] 344 52 + 89 + 101 + 102
10 Male Vets Severn AC 357 38 + 81 + 112 + 126
11 Male Vets Thornbury RC 444 68 + 109 + 113 + 154
12 Male Vets Newent Runners 454 62 + 98 + 134 + 160
13 Male Vets Almost Athletes [B] 487 110 + 117 + 123 + 137
14 Male Vets CLC Striders [B] 513 105 + 128 + 136 + 144
15 Male Vets Bitton Road Runners 606 104 + 124 + 185 + 193
16 Male Vets Almost Athletes [C] 607 138 + 142 + 157 + 170
17 Male Vets Forest Of Dean AC [B] 614 139 + 140 + 166 + 169
18 Male Vets CLC Striders [C] 633 150 + 151 + 156 + 176
19 Male Vets Almost Athletes [D] 729 173 + 178 + 188 + 190

1 Senior Ladies Cheltenham & County Harriers [A] Team Open – Ladies 15 2 + 6 + 7
2 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [A] 38 11 + 12 + 15
3 Senior Ladies CLC Striders [A] 55 14 + 16 + 25
4 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [A] 57 3 + 8 + 46
5 Senior Ladies Cheltenham & County Harriers [B] 65 10 + 26 + 29
6 Senior Ladies Stroud & District AC 66 5 + 9 + 52
7 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [B] 83 22 + 27 + 34
8 Senior Ladies Evesham Vale 103 21 + 35 + 47
9 Senior Ladies Thornbury RC [A] 107 23 + 30 + 54
10 Senior Ladies Bourton Roadrunners 115 17 + 39 + 59
11 Senior Ladies Almost Athletes [A] 123 24 + 49 + 50
12 Senior Ladies Team Bath AC 127 4 + 61 + 62
13 Senior Ladies Cotswold Allrunners 141 28 + 42 + 71
14 Senior Ladies Clevedon 143 13 + 40 + 90
15 Senior Ladies Cheltenham & County Harriers [C] 147 33 + 38 + 76
16 Senior Ladies Angels RC 148 44 + 48 + 56
17 Senior Ladies CLC Striders [B] 158 31 + 32 + 95
18 Senior Ladies Redditch stars [A] 168 51 + 53 + 64
19 Senior Ladies Black Pear Joggers 181 41 + 55 + 85
20 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [B] 213 58 + 77 + 78
21 Senior Ladies Unattachd 213 37 + 68 + 108
22 Senior Ladies Dursley RC 238 70 + 79 + 89
23 Senior Ladies Tewkesbury RC 241 66 + 75 + 100
24 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [C] 243 63 + 86 + 94
25 Senior Ladies Thornbury RC [B] 261 80 + 83 + 98
26 Senior Ladies Running Somewhere Else 281 73 + 74 + 134
27 Senior Ladies Almost Athletes [B] 282 65 + 93 + 124
28 Senior Ladies Cirencester AC 295 67 + 110 + 118
29 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [C] 314 92 + 97 + 125
30 Senior Ladies Newent Runners 318 88 + 111 + 119
31 Senior Ladies Redditch stars [B] 369 114 + 126 + 129
32 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [D] 389 127 + 130 + 132

1 Lady Vets CLC Striders [A] Team Masters – Ladies 55 14 + 16 + 25
2 Lady Vets Gloucester AC [A] 73 12 + 27 + 34
3 Lady Vets Cheltenham & County Harriers 81 10 + 33 + 38
4 Lady Vets Forest Of Dean AC [A] 112 8 + 46 + 58
5 Lady Vets Almost Athletes [A] 139 24 + 50 + 65
6 Lady Vets Evesham Vale 142 35 + 47 + 60
7 Lady Vets Clevedon 143 13 + 40 + 90
8 Lady Vets CLC Striders [B] 158 31 + 32 + 95
9 Lady Vets Angels RC 191 44 + 48 + 99
10 Lady Vets Thornbury RC 217 54 + 80 + 83
11 Lady Vets Redditch stars [A] 231 53 + 64 + 114
12 Lady Vets Tewkesbury RC 241 66 + 75 + 100
13 Lady Vets Gloucester AC [B] 243 63 + 86 + 94
14 Lady Vets Forest Of Dean AC [B] 247 77 + 78 + 92
15 Lady Vets Dursley RC 264 79 + 89 + 96
16 Lady Vets Unattachd 280 37 + 108 + 135
17 Lady Vets Running Somewhere Else 281 73 + 74 + 134
18 Lady Vets Cirencester AC 313 67 + 118 + 128
19 Lady Vets Newent Runners 339 88 + 120 + 131
20 Lady Vets Forest Of Dean AC [C] 349 97 + 125 + 127
21 Lady Vets Almost Athletes [B] 355 93 + 124 + 138
22 Lady Vets Redditch stars [B] 388 126 + 129 + 133

Gloucester Championships 5th Jan 2019

A small group of thornbury runners travelled to Rencomb College near Cirencester for the Gloucester Cross Country Championships.

The course was challenging and varied with a steep hill,  wooded path and a number of stream crossings including one more challenging river!

Hannah and Will made the mistake of leaving the house without trainers (!) but using the wizardry of whatsapp, contacted Nick who hadn’t left yet who then managed to get 2 extra pairs of trainers of the right sizes.  Hannah managed to fit them on at the start line with 2 minutes to spare!

Laura Orna led from the start closely followed by Hanna Kinloch-Haken to begin with but by the 2nd lap Laura was extending her lead.  Judy Mills had a steady run and as can be seen from the photos, concentrating hard through the water and managed to beat her closest V60 rival for the first time this season. Laura finished in 30:15 and a very creditable 15th place with Hannah not far behind in 31:01 and 20th place. With Judy finishing in 39:56 and 60th place this placed the ladies 8th overall out of 15 teams. 

The mens team was supplemented by a surprise visit by Martyn Green who most of the year concentrates on Cyclecross. He has only recently had knee surgery so wanted to see how the knee fared on difficult terrain. 

As usual, Nick Williams led the thornbury team out and maintained his speed throughout. He always states he hates racing at the beginning of a race, then storms off at speed!  Will Hamilton, Hannah’s better half (!) had a steady run as did Martyn, but Will never slowed and Martyn couldn’t catch him. Jim started well but was nursing a calf injury and on the second lap the calf tightened. By the end he was limping and in alot of pain (sympathy please!) and only finished to get some thornbury club competition  points. Kevin Arnold had a steady run with all the men having to go through the water 6 times. 

Nick finished in 39:13 and 26th place. Will finished in 43:32, 55th and Martyn in 43:39 and 58th place. Jim hobbled home (more sympathy needed!) in 50:35 and 98th place, Kevin in 52:44 and 106th place. Unfortunately we didn’t have 6 runners so weren’t placed overall but in the vets competition came 13th.

The next Gloucester event is Sunday Feb 17th at Pittville Park, Cheltenham

Gloucester League Race 3 – Wotton-under-Edge 9th Dec 2018

On a breezy, fine day the cross country team gathered for the third Gloucester League fixture round the fields by KLB school. Although not a hilly course there were still plenty of ups and downs and a steep stream crossing to test the legs of the runners.

The ladies had a bumper turn out for their 6.4 K race and it was a pleasant surprise to see a Thornbury vest in the leading group as they came round on the first half lap. This was Rosie Allen, home from university for Christmas, looking for a race and turning out for Dad Steve’s local club. The leading group gradually thinned out and developed into a string of runners as the first lap proceeded. Rosie found the pace at the very front a bit too hot to handle but positioned herself well in the string that developed. Each time round she was still there, running strongly, and eventually finished 26th and 3rd Under 20 in 26:34.

Behind Rosie it was Hannah Kinloch-Haken who set off strongly in the next bunch and Laura Orna who was a little behind Hannah. Hannah opened the gap on Laura but as the race entered the last lap it was Laura who was keeping her pace going and gaining places on other runners. As Hannah started to tire Laura found herself just one place and a few yards behind and on the far side of the field picked off those yards to overtake Hannah and make a strong run for the finish for 32nd place in 27:17 with Hannah coming in 35th in 27:26, reversing the positions from the first fixture.

These three made up the first team and finished a tremendous 8th out of the 31 teams.

Next was debutant Melanie Wilson, a Tuesday night runner. Melanie had the shoes but not a club vest so Pete lent her his antique T-shirt, so faded and without a Thornbury written on it that it was hardly recognisable as TRC. Nevertheless, Melanie took it for the fastest run it had ever been on as she found a position well up the field that she maintained with style to the end for 52nd in 28:44.

Clare Watt gained a jump on Jo Emerson at the start and straight away was a short gap ahead. We are used to seeing Jo start slowly and pick up but Clare was having none of it today. Jo started in a colourfully patterned hat but even dispensing with that half way through didn’t make a difference. She may have picked some places up but Clare was overtaking as well and stayed ahead to gain a rare victory over Jo with 64th in 29:41 and 2nd LV55 to Jo’s 71st in 30:04.

Melanie, Clare and Jo made up the B team who finished in a very good 18th position. These three were also the counters for our vets team and finished a really good 7th out of the 19 teams in that category.

Angela Bushell was next in, running very gamely for 89th in 31:32. Behind her our last two ladies were Judy Mills and Jerry Clothier, sorry, Jerry – our leading MV70. Judy was ahead of Jerry for much of the race but claimed she was suffering a bit as Jerry gained towards the end and overtook her. Jerry was so pleased that as he came into the finish he performed “dive of the day” followed by a forward roll as he showed off his gymnastic talents – 5.8 was given by the judges. He walked the few remaining steps to the finish, looking back suspiciously at a particular tussock of grass to record 125th in 35:32 and 3rd MV70.

Judy followed in a determined looking finish for 127th in 35:55.

In the men’s 9.6 K race it was Nick Williams who was the first TRC runner to come through in the bunch start. Matt Johnstone was not far behind and as the race developed there was not much between them. It seemed as though Matt had a chance of catching Nick but as the race entered the latter stages it was Nick who kept his pace going while Matt was unable to hang on and started to lose a few places as the gap opened up. Nick came through at 48th in 36:03 while Matt was 66th in 37:36.

Behind these there was a three way battle developing. In the early stages it was Dave Beard who led the way but as Henry Orna got into his stride he left debutant Will Hamilton behind, caught and overtook Dave and then pushed on through the field to leave the other two slightly behind. Henry finished 93rd in 39:12.

Will also caught and overtook Dave and looked like he would move ahead but Dave had paced his race better and as the less experienced Will ran out of steam was able to regain his place to finish 100th in 39:27 while Will was not far behind at 109th in 39:43.

Steve Allen, having supported daughter Rosie earlier on, stepped out for a fairly rare appearance. Despite making the cardinal sin of not tying his laces properly and having to stop to retie them – always a double knot in races, Steve – he ran a steady and commendable effort for 143rd in 42:55.

Kevin Arnold completed the squad with a steady effort at 175th in 45:57.

The men’s team finished 14th out of the 21 teams and the vets were 10th out of 16 in their team category.

As reward there was plenty of cake to be eaten afterwards – Christmas cake, flapjack and chocolate cake to celebrate a particularly excellent day for the ladies. So, if you like cake as a reward you know where to come next.

Gloucester League Race 2 – Charlton Park 3rd Nov 2018

So it was almost the same again as TRC turned out another large contingent at Charlton Park, scene of Jo’s unforgettable admonition to Angela of “run, don’t wave”, with the ladies again fielding 2 teams but the men being agonisingly one short of a second team (well, we do have to have 6 in a men’s team rather than 3).

But what a difference a year makes. Last year’s bogfest was replaced by a rock hard surface over the undulating parklands that was even solidly rutted in one corner. A warm wind ruffled the grass and gave something to struggle against when running into it.

As usual it was the ladies’ race at 6.7 K that was off first and it was Laura Orna who set an unassailable pace for the club. Looking comfortable, she battled well for her place and came in a very good 31st in 29:27 in a highly competitive cross country field.

Jo Emerson made her usual careful start (ever thought of starting quickly, see what happened at Woodchester?) and then surged through from further back, passing Clare Watt towards the end of the first of the 2 laps. Further gains were made as Jo finished 65th in 31:49. Clare maintained her position and finished half a minute behind at 72nd and 3rd LV55 in 31:15.

These three made up the first team which finished 17th over all.

Further back Sarah Newnes was having another steady run and pushed on smiling, or was it grimacing, for 129th in 36:40. Maddie Parrott, making a surprise return, came in next at 139th in 37:34 while Judy Mills made up the B team at 150th in 39:04. The B team finished 37th over all out of the 39 competing teams.

Just missing out on the team on her debut was Josie Cole just 2 places at 39th behind Judy in 39:30.

The TRC contingent was completed when Rebecca Dunsford, another one trying cross country for the first time, crossed the line in 166th in 43:08.

In the veteran teams event the first team were a creditable 13th and the B team 26th out of the 28 teams involved.

The men’s 9.6K 3 lap race was next off and TRC had another runner leading from the front as Nick Williams set off to build up his unassailable lead well ahead of the rest of the Thornbury runners. Mixing it with some of the leading Dursley contingent, Nick crossed the line at 59th in 37:11.

Surge of the day belonged to Henry Orna who came from some way back to pull away from Jim Godden, pass Dave Beard and then catch Dylan Roberts as the runners ascended the last slope and made their way over the final stretch of open grassland to the finish. He held Dylan off to finish 101st in 39:49, just 3 seconds and 3 places ahead of Dylan in a bunch finish.

Dave came in behind at 116th in 40:26 while Jim was 132nd and 3rd MV55 in 40:49. The men’s first team was completed by another strong Paul Clark run at 149th in 41:43 which gave the team 15th position out of the 25 teams.

There was a gap to the rest of the willing but not so fast runners. Nick Langridge set off and never saw another TRC runner ahead or behind in the whole race. Nevertheless, competing with those around him he felt he’d had a decent run and was a whole 3 mins and 20 secs faster than last year. This had nothing to do with some surge in form but just goes to show what more benign conditions can do for your time. He thought 45:23 was a decent time but was 200th. He was only put off by the prowling Clare Watt, camera in hand, trying to take embarrassing photos – where are those other runners to hide behind?

Kevin Arnold and Brian Godsman had a good tussle. Kevin was ahead but Brian caught and overtook and thought he’d taken the place until Kevin came back at him and held him off to the line by 1 position and 5 seconds. Kevin was 226th in 47:57 and Brian 227th in 48:03.

Steve Dimond generously came to run in the main race to make up the team and pushed himself around to 242nd in 50:59.

Duncan Pauly was back again after Old Down’s last place finish but managed a much improved performance. He was much closer to the runners ahead and with a virtual sprint to the end held off another runner to avoid last place and hand over the lantern rouge.

In discussion afterwards he reckoned that if he kept up this rate of improvement by beating an extra runner each time, he would be competing at the front after some 200 races.

Sadly, we looked around but 5/6ths of a team didn’t warrant a place in the team event. (I hope this is making someone feel guilty – oh, alright so it isn’t).

We did though warrant a second team in the veterans’ event where our first team were a very good 7th and the B team a glorious and last 24th – we still don’t care, we counted.

There were more of Jim’s cakes with TRC iced on the top before we packed up and left pondering the next event.

Anyone for a Gwent League at Pembrey Park next Saturday 10th? Make yourself known.

 

Overall Standings
TRC champs	Old Down Country Park	Charlton Park, Malmesbury	Total
League	Glos	Glos
	13th Oct	3rd Nov
MALE
Henry Orna	24	24	48
Dave Beard	22	22	44
Paul Clark	23	20	43
Jim Godden	21	19	40
Nick Langridge	17	18	35
Steve Dimond	14	15	29
Duncan Pauly	13	14	27
Matthew Johnstone	25		25
Nick Williams		25	25
Dylan Roberts		23	23
Robert Hopkins	20		20
Benjamin Foss	19		19
Ian Evans	18		18
Kevin Arnold		17	17
Brian Godsman		16	16
Sean Underwood	16		16
Kevin Cundy	15		15
FEMALE
Laura Orna	24	25	49
Joanne Emerson	23	24	47
Sarah Newnes	19	22	41
Judy Mills	18	20	38
Hannah Kinloch Haken	25		25
Clare Watt		23	23
Rosina Rowland	22		22
Emma Barnes	21		21
Maddie Parrott		21	21
Lizzie Williams	20		20
Josie Cole		19	19
Rebecca Dunsford		18	18

Age Adjusted Scores
TRC champs		Old Down Country Park	Charlton Park, Malmesbury	Best 4
League		Glos	Glos
		13th Oct	3rd Nov
MALE	Category
Jim Godden	MV55	25	25	50
Nick Langridge	MV65	24	24	48
Paul Clark	MV45	22	22	44
Dave Beard	MV40	21	21	42
Henry Orna	SM	19	20	39
Steve Dimond	MV65	20	18	38
Duncan Pauly	MV55	13	15	28
Matthew Johnstone	MV40	23		23
Nick Williams	SM		23	23
Dylan Roberts	SM		19	19
Robert Hopkins	MV40	18		18
Ian Evans	MV40	17		17
Kevin Arnold	MV45		17	17
Benjamin Foss	SM	16		16
Brian Godsman	MV45		16	16
Kevin Cundy	MV40	15		15
Sean Underwood	SM	14		14
FEMALE
Laura Orna	SM	23	24	47
Joanne Emerson	LV40	22	23	45
Judy Mills	LV60	21	22	43
Sarah Newnes	LV45	18	20	38
Rosina Rowland	LV50	25		25
Clare Watt	LV55		25	25
Hannah Kinloch Haken	SM	24		24
Maddie Parrott	LV55		21	21
Emma Barnes	LV40	20		20
Lizzie Williams	SM	19		19
Rebecca Dunsford	LV55		19	19
Sarah Newnes	LV45	18		18
Josie Cole	LV45		18	18

Gloucester League Race 1 – Old Down 13th October 2018
It can’t be, surely, not in this summer weather, but it was, as Storm Callum gave us a timely reminder and before the tail of Hurricane Leslie came in and left us with a ridiculously warm October day and a ridiculously strong but warm wind to battle against. Yes, the start of another cross country season and it couldn’t have been a more convenient venue, just out of the back door and fall into Old Down.

And that brought out a large and, dare I say it, enthusiastic team of Thornbury Runners so large, in fact, that not only did we have full teams but for the first time ever since they were invented full men’s and women’s B teams. Even former stalwart and latter recluse Emma Barnes was persuaded to don her trail shoes for a rare cross country outing.

The start times had been put back an hour to avoid clashing with a wedding function, having been decided that hundreds of cross country runners tearing through the reception and pinching pieces of cake was not such a brilliant idea. A further surprise was in store when at the start an extra lap was announced for each race so the ladies had 3 laps and the men 4. Not everybody heard this information and so was in for a bit of a surprise when, having put in a finishing effort, had to go round again, the joys of cross country.

The course itself was totally dry, despite Storm Callum’s downpours, and after an initial circling of the top field, twisted round to a steep descent, down a track, an open area and a narrow path below the pond and across to the woods. After some tricky manoeuvres past stones and roots, the path climbed steeply back to the top and across fields and more woods back to the start.

The ladies’ 6km plus extra lap race was first off and we had 2 new runners to star for the team. On the initial turn of the field it was new runner Hannah Kinlock Haken and Laura Orna who came through side by side, not far behind the leaders. Ros Rowland, back after a season out, made a customary quick start ahead of Emma and Lizzie Williams with Jo Emerson making her usual circumspect start. Sarah Newnes and Judy Mills completed the TRC runners.

As the runners returned to the field after the first circuit, Hannah had established a lead over Laura which she was not to relinquish and finished for a very strong run, not too far off the front runners for 23rd position in 32:08. Laura kept the gap to within a minute to come in for a very good 28th in 32:52.

Behind them Jo had made her customary mid race surge to pass and leave the others behind but couldn’t get close to cutting the gap to Laura. She came in 46th in 34:44 and completed the first team who finished in 10th position out of the 31 competing teams, really good for us at this level.

Ros and Emma, meanwhile, were having a bit of a ding dong battle, with Ros dropping back then picking up again to finally pip Emma with 59th place and 3rd LV55 in 36:09 and Emma 62nd in 36:21. Lizzie had been part of the tussle for a while but just fell off a bit towards the end, finishing close behind at 71st in 36:53. These three close finishers made up the B team and finished 20th.

Sarah Newnes finished 100th in 40:25 while Judy Mills came in a cheerful 119th in 43:03.

The women’s vet team were 7th out of 20, another strong result.

In the men’s 9K plus 1 lap race it was Matt Johnstone and Henry Orna who led off with Jim Godden mixing it with them and being 2nd at one point. However, it was Matt having an inspirational performance who dropped the other two and pushed on through the ranks to finish 50th in 42:47. Henry kept 2nd place and completed at 83rd in 44:47.

Jim Godden dropped back and was later passed by Paul Clarke, making a rare appearance and picking up places throughout the race from a steady start. Paul then had a tight finish with Dave Beard but just held him off in 94th place in 45:16 with Dave just one position and 5 seconds behind. They were closely followed by Jim who was 99th in 45:33 and 2nd MV55.

Rob Hopkins had a slow start and as we dropped through the narrow paths on the way to the woods, Nick Langridge, picking up from his now essential steady start and having passed Kevin Cundy and Sean Underwood also managed to squeeze past Rob. This clearly offended Rob’s sensibilities as at the next opportunity he not only went back past Nick but steamed off into the distance like a man on a mission. This was clearly the wake up call he needed and Nick’s main contribution to the race as Rob overtook Ian Evans and Ben Foss and continued picking up places with a strong second half of the race to finish 125th in 47:00 and finished as last counter in the first team. The men’s first team were 13th .

Ben Foss continued his strong run and came in as leader of the B team at 151st in 49:14. Nick had Ian in view on the open areas but couldn’t make any impression on the gap. Ian was 154th in 49:26 and Nick struggled in 161st in 50:13.

Sean Underwood was 192nd in 55:37 while Kevin Cundy kept a consistent pace at 195th in 55:55. Steve Dimond was another one to start off slowly and pick up places during the race and came in just behind Kevin at 197th in 56:35. Steve was last counter for the B team who came in 21st and last but we don’t care, just having a B team competing was enough.

But it didn’t finish there. New runner Duncan Pauly kept up a proud tradition of lantern rouge and was loudly cheered and applauded as he came in smiling at the approbation while the course helpers dismantled the course around him to be 208th and last in 70:18.

The men’s vets teams were 7th and 19th out of 21, another good result for the first team.

So we all gathered in the wind to recover, discuss stories, dismantle camp and eat cake, thoughtfully provided by Jim, which were buns with icing on and the letters TRC iced on top of that. Now That’s Really Cool.

Oh, and I forgot to look at Wales. The next event is near Malmesbury on 3rd November which is also close by so same again, then?
 

	Old Down Country Park 13th Oct
Names	Cat	Finish	Time	Cat
Mens Race – 9k		Posn		Posn
Matthew Johnstone	MV40	50	42:47	6
Henry Orna	SM	83	44:29	48
Paul Clark	MV45	94	45:16	12
Dave Beard	MV40	95	45:21	18
Jim Godden	MV55	99	45:33	2
Robert Hopkins	MV40	125	47:00	23
Benjamin Foss	SM	151	49:14	64
Ian Evans	MV40	154	49:26	31
Nick Langridge	MV65	161	50:13	1
Sean Underwood	SM	192	55:37	76
Kevin Cundy	MV40	195	55:55	36
Steve Dimond	MV65	197	56:35	2
Duncan Pauly	MV55	208	01:10:18	21
Ladies Race – 6k
Hannah Kinloch Haken	SL	23	32:08	12
Laura Orna	SL	28	32:52	14
Joanne Emerson	LV40	46	34:44	4
Rosina Rowland	LV55	59	36:09	3
Emma Barnes	LV40	62	36:21	7
Lizzie Williams	SL	71	36:53	23
Sarah Newnes	LV45	100	40:25	16
Judy Mills	LV60	119	43:03	6

Mens Team Standings

Position Club Category Score Race Position
1 Senior Men Cheltenham & County Harriers [A] Team Open – Men 51 1 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 + 14
2 Senior Men Team Bath AC [A] 97 8 + 9 + 17 + 20 + 21 + 22
3 Senior Men Cheltenham & County Harriers [B] 203 16 + 24 + 29 + 34 + 49 + 51
4 Senior Men Team Bath AC [B] 205 23 + 26 + 28 + 30 + 45 + 53
5 Senior Men Stroud & District AC [A] 261 6 + 12 + 42 + 54 + 61 + 86
6 Senior Men Cirencester AC 265 10 + 19 + 25 + 27 + 75 + 109
7 Senior Men University of Bath 317 2 + 33 + 36 + 47 + 82 + 117
8 Senior Men Clevedon 322 4 + 43 + 58 + 68 + 69 + 80
9 Senior Men Dursley RC [A] 378 18 + 31 + 46 + 92 + 93 + 98
10 Senior Men CLC Striders 384 3 + 41 + 48 + 72 + 97 + 123
11 Senior Men Severn AC 402 38 + 40 + 44 + 73 + 101 + 106
12 Senior Men Gloucester AC 473 32 + 57 + 60 + 87 + 111 + 126
13 Senior Men Thornbury RC [A] 546 50 + 83 + 94 + 95 + 99 + 125
14 Senior Men Bitton Road Runners 560 39 + 76 + 78 + 103 + 121 + 143
15 Senior Men Forest Of Dean AC 598 37 + 52 + 71 + 134 + 136 + 168
16 Senior Men Team Bath AC [C] 603 59 + 74 + 104 + 114 + 119 + 133
17 Senior Men Almost Athletes 638 63 + 67 + 88 + 116 + 146 + 158
18 Senior Men Stroud & District AC [B] 871 89 + 131 + 132 + 163 + 171 + 185
19 Senior Men Evesham Vale 906 115 + 129 + 149 + 156 + 169 + 188
20 Senior Men Dursley RC [B] 920 137 + 141 + 142 + 147 + 152 + 201
21 Senior Men Thornbury RC [B] 1050 151 + 154 + 161 + 192 + 195 + 197

VETS Teams
Position Club Category Score Race Position
1 Male Vets Cheltenham & County Harriers Team Masters – Men 111 7 + 14 + 34 + 56
2 Male Vets Team Bath AC [A] 248 22 + 53 + 59 + 114
3 Male Vets Cirencester AC 252 10 + 27 + 75 + 140
4 Male Vets Severn AC [A] 256 38 + 44 + 73 + 101
5 Male Vets Forest Of Dean AC [A] 294 37 + 52 + 71 + 134
6 Male Vets Stroud & District AC 320 42 + 61 + 86 + 131
7 Male Vets Thornbury RC [A] 338 50 + 94 + 95 + 99
8 Male Vets Dursley RC 340 18 + 92 + 93 + 137
9 Male Vets Gloucester AC 400 57 + 87 + 111 + 145
10 Male Vets Almost Athletes 425 63 + 88 + 116 + 158
11 Male Vets Bitton Road Runners 436 39 + 103 + 121 + 173
12 Male Vets Bromsgrove & Redditch AC 444 77 + 105 + 112 + 150
13 Male Vets Severn AC [B] 462 106 + 107 + 110 + 139
14 Male Vets Newent Runners 474 81 + 90 + 128 + 175
15 Male Vets Clevedon 480 43 + 80 + 155 + 202
16 Male Vets CLC Striders 513 72 + 97 + 164 + 180
17 Male Vets Team Bath AC [B] 547 119 + 133 + 138 + 157
18 Male Vets Evesham Vale [A] 562 115 + 129 + 149 + 169
19 Male Vets Thornbury RC [B] 635 125 + 154 + 161 + 195
20 Male Vets Forest Of Dean AC [B] 670 136 + 174 + 179 + 181
21 Male Vets Evesham Vale [B] 794 188 + 198 + 203 + 205

Ladies Team Standings

Position Club Category Score Race Position
1 Senior Ladies Cheltenham & County Harriers [A] Team Open – Ladies 18 2 + 3 + 13
2 Senior Ladies Team Bath AC [A] 26 5 + 6 + 15
3 Senior Ladies Stroud & District AC [A] 27 7 + 9 + 11
4 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [A] 59 14 + 18 + 27
5 Senior Ladies Evesham Vale [A] 71 12 + 24 + 35
6 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [A] 74 10 + 26 + 38
7 Senior Ladies University of Bath 83 1 + 40 + 42
8 Senior Ladies Stroud & District AC [B] 91 25 + 32 + 34
9 Senior Ladies CLC Striders [A] 96 20 + 33 + 43
10 Senior Ladies Thornbury RC [A] 97 23 + 28 + 46
11 Senior Ladies Cirencester AC [A] 108 17 + 39 + 52
12 Senior Ladies Cheltenham & County Harriers [B] 111 16 + 29 + 66
13 Senior Ladies Dursley RC [A] 124 8 + 37 + 79
14 Senior Ladies Almost Athletes 125 22 + 50 + 53
15 Senior Ladies Stroud & District AC [C] 163 47 + 55 + 61
16 Senior Ladies Team Bath AC [B] 167 19 + 64 + 84
17 Senior Ladies Clevedon 167 4 + 76 + 87
18 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [B] 174 30 + 70 + 74
19 Senior Ladies Forest Of Dean AC [B] 177 45 + 49 + 83
20 Senior Ladies Thornbury RC [B] 192 59 + 62 + 71
21 Senior Ladies Bourton Roadrunners 195 36 + 63 + 96
22 Senior Ladies CLC Striders [B] 201 56 + 65 + 80
23 Senior Ladies Cotswold Allrunners 215 41 + 51 + 123
24 Senior Ladies Black Pear Joggers 259 60 + 90 + 109
25 Senior Ladies Evesham Vale [B] 262 69 + 92 + 101
26 Senior Ladies Redditch stars 286 58 + 110 + 118
27 Senior Ladies Dursley RC [B] 296 86 + 97 + 113
28 Senior Ladies Gloucester AC [C] 307 78 + 105 + 124
29 Senior Ladies Cirencester AC [B] 317 81 + 116 + 120
30 Senior Ladies Newent Runners 335 82 + 126 + 127
31 Senior Ladies Dursley RC [C] 377 114 + 131 + 132

VETS

Position Club Category Score Race Position
1 Lady Vets Stroud & District AC Team Masters – Ladies 73 7 + 32 + 34
2 Lady Vets Forest Of Dean AC [A] 81 10 + 26 + 45
3 Lady Vets CLC Striders [A] 96 20 + 33 + 43
4 Lady Vets Gloucester AC [A] 102 14 + 18 + 70
5 Lady Vets Almost Athletes 125 22 + 50 + 53
6 Lady Vets Evesham Vale 128 24 + 35 + 69
7 Lady Vets Thornbury RC 167 46 + 59 + 62
8 Lady Vets CLC Striders [B] 201 56 + 65 + 80
9 Lady Vets Dursley RC [A] 202 37 + 79 + 86
10 Lady Vets Cirencester AC [A] 207 39 + 52 + 116
11 Lady Vets Cotswold Allrunners 215 41 + 51 + 123
12 Lady Vets Cheltenham & County Harriers 228 29 + 66 + 133
13 Lady Vets Forest Of Dean AC [B] 231 49 + 83 + 99
14 Lady Vets Gloucester AC [B] 257 74 + 78 + 105
15 Lady Vets Clevedon 258 76 + 87 + 95
16 Lady Vets Bourton Roadrunners 274 63 + 103 + 108
17 Lady Vets Dursley RC [B] 324 97 + 113 + 114
18 Lady Vets Newent Runners 335 82 + 126 + 127
19 Lady Vets Redditch stars 357 110 + 118 + 129
20 Lady Vets Cirencester AC [B] 375 120 + 125 + 130

Overall Standings

TRC champs

Old Down Country Park

Charlton Park, Malmesbury

Pembrey Park, Llanelli

Bryn Bach Park

Wotton-Under-Edge

Bath University

Rendcombe College

Leamington

TBA

Cheltenham

Blaise Castle

Best 4

League

Glos

Glos

Gwent

Gwent

Glos

Avon Champs

Glos Champs

Midland

Gwent

Glos

Gwent

13th Oct

3rd Nov

10th Nov

2nd Dec

9th Dec

9th Dec

5th Jan

26th Jan

10th Feb

17th Feb

2nd March

MALE

Matthew Johnstone

25

Henry Orna

24

Paul Clark

23

Dave Beard

22

Jim Godden

21

Robert Hopkins

20

Benjamin Foss

19

Ian Evans

18

Nick Langridge

17

Sean Underwood

16

Kevin Cundy

15

Steve Dimond

14

Duncan Pauly

13

FEMALE

Hannah Kinloch Haken

25

Laura Orna

24

Joanne Emerson

23

Rosina Rowland

22

Emma Barnes

21

Lizzie Williams

20

Sarah Newnes

19

Judy Mills

18

 

Age Adjusted Scores

TRC champs

Old Down Country Park

Charlton Park, Malmesbury

Pembrey Park, Llanelli

Bryn Bach Park

Wotton-Under-Edge

Bath University

Rendcombe College

Leamington

TBA

Cheltenham

Blaise Castle

Best 4

League

Glos

Glos

Gwent

Gwent

Glos

Avon Champs

Glos Champs

Midland

Gwent

Glos

Gwent

13th Oct

3rd Nov

10th Nov

2nd Dec

9th Dec

9th Dec

5th Jan

26th Jan

10th Feb

17th Feb

2nd March

MALE

Jim Godden

25

Nick Langridge

24

Matthew Johnstone

23

Paul Clark

22

Dave Beard

21

Steve Dimond

20

Henry Orna

19

Robert Hopkins

18

Ian Evans

17

Benjamin Foss

16

Kevin Cundy

15

Sean Underwood

14

Duncan Pauly

13

FEMALE

Rosina Rowland

25

Hannah Kinloch Haken

24

Laura Orna

23

Joanne Emerson

22

Judy Mills

21

Emma Barnes

20

Lizzie Williams

19

Sarah Newnes

18