Stroud Half Marathon - 27 October
Conditions at the 32nd Stroud Half Marathon were windy; though mercifully dry, for Bourton Roadrunners looking for PBs and County Road Race series points. The competition was tough, as the field of 1300 runners included a group of elite athletes from outside the county.
Mike Smith continued an excellent season with 3rd MV45 in 1:16:41. Next was Darren Long (1:23:39) and Rob French (1:23:52). Shona Crombie-Hicks was the 1st female county athlete to finish, as 5th Lady and 2nd FV40 with 1:24:11.
Ewen Smith finished in 1:26:27, followed by Ian Shoemark in a superb PB of 1:27:20. Claire Harrison was the 2nd Bourton lady home in 1:36:44.
Next came Rob Humphris (1:42:26), Stephen Holton (1:44:24), Graham Lane (1:47:39), Brian Hulcup (1:48:48), David Pyne (1:50:02), Liz Hulcup (1:52:14) and Julia Morris (1:54:02).
Shirley Creed managed a strong finish (1:57:23), just ahead of Emma Pinkham (1:57:28). Gill Carrick overcame recent niggles to finish in 1:57:54, with Lynn Hudson 2:03:40.
The 2nd Ladies’ team prize was awarded to Shona, Claire and Steph - a great achievement for the club, given the calibre of the field.
Great South Run, Portsmouth - 27 October
Meanwhile, the 10-mile Great South Run took place in equally breezy Portsmouth.
Ed Rozier finished in 1:28:59 and Alan Gibson ran well to finish his first 10-miler just ahead of his dad, John (1:42:02 and 1:42:03 respectively). John had run the Abingdon Marathon the week before (3:40:01).
Snowdonia Marathon - 26 October
Conditions were no kinder in the Welsh mountains (not surprisingly) where Susan Hunt was battered by gale-force winds and whipped by stinging rain at the mountainous Snowdonia Marathon.
She was relieved to finish with race number and hat still intact in 4 hours and 33 minutes.
Highlights
A great performance by Mike Smith at Stroud Half sees him gain 3rd MV45 in 1:16:41.
Shona Crombie-Hicks was 2nd FV40 in a strong field, finishing 1:24:11 at Stroud.
Ian Shoemark achieved a great PB of 1:27:20.
Bourton ladies secured 2nd ladies team at Stroud Half comprising Shona, Claie Harrison and Steph Holton.
Alan Gibson completed his 1st 10-mile race at the Great South Run, and pipped his Dad by 1 second into the bargain.
Susan Hunt battled the elements at Snowdonia, one the toughest marathons in the UK, finishing in a creditable time of 4 hours 33 minutes.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.