Berkeley 10k - 11 May 2015
A contingent of Bourton Roadrunners headed to the Berkeley 10K on a surprisingly warm and sunny Monday evening. Around 300 runners were competing in the race, which formed part of the Gloucestershire Amateur Athletics Association Road Race Series and consequently had a strong field cross all age categories.
Dennis Walmsley was returning to racing after many weeks of illness, so was delighted to finish in an impressive 8th place and first MV50 in 36:09. Ewen Smith is also re-building his fitness after a long absence due to injury, and stormed home in 37:16 (14th overall). Likewise, Steph Lane showed that she is winning her battle back from injury, with 5th Lady in 40:47.
Claire Harrison and Susan Hunt were testing their legs a few weeks after their main marathons, with Claire recording a strong 43:12 and Susan 45:38. Next was Graham Lane (47:17), Liz Hulcup (48:05), Gill Carrick (51:34) and Lynn Hudson (54:50).
With many season-best performances and bags of county points, it was a happy band of Bourton Roadrunners who went on to enjoy their free drink from the bar and the traditional chip-stop on the way home.
Hilly 100 Relay Race - 17 May 2015
Bourton fielded a mixed team of runners in Stratford AC's Hilly 100 Relay Race. Bourton's elite team included 3 “husband and wife” pairs (Chris and Kate Krzywiec, Dennis and Lucy Walmsley, Ian and Niamh Shoemark), along with Claire Harrison, Ewen and Mike Smith (who claim not to be couple) and Darren Long.
Claire led the charge from Stratford at 6:00am, with each runner completing a 10 mile leg. Lynn and Steve Hudson once again provided amazing support for the entire race and many club-members turned out en-route to cheer on the team. Bourton had won the mixed-team trophy last year, and with such a strong team, hopes were high that we would retain the trophy. However, the team surpassed all expectations, finishing in a new course record of 11 hours, 17 minutes and 56 seconds (almost an hour ahead of 2nd placed team Eynsham).
Congratulations to the team and thanks to Lynn and Steve for their continued “beyond the call of duty” support of this annual event.
Meanwhile, the 17th May also saw Bourton Runners taking part in other events:
Northleach Mulit-Terrain 10k - 17 May 2015
Tim Heming was 2nd in 40:45 and Steph Lane 9th overall and 1st Lady in 44:43.
Bognor Regis 10k - 17 May 2015
At the Bognor Regis 10K, Shona Crombie-Hicks was 1st Lady (and 18th overall from 1800 entries) in 38:18.
Dymock Half Marathon - 24 May 2015
Ewen Smith ran the Dymock Half Marathon. Afterwards he commented (on Facebook) “First half marathon in almost a year due to injury and getting my training back on track…Tough, hilly undulating course so was really pleased with 1hr 23 min 46 seconds. 6th in race and 3rd old f**t”.
Highlights
Dennis Walmsley is 1st MV50 (8th overall) at Berkeley 10k.
Ewen Smith returned from injury to turn in fine a performance of 37:16 at Berkeley 10k.
Bourton’s elite team retained their 1st mixed-team crown at the Hilly 100 Relay, almost an hour ahead of the 2nd-place team.
Tim Heming was 2nd and Steph Lane 1st Lady at the Northleach mulit-terrain 10k.
Shona Crombie-Hicks was 1st Lady at the Bognor Regis 10k; 18th overall from 1800 runners
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.