Alchester 5k, Bicester - 14th August 2019
Bourton Roadrunners’ in-form Darren Long was the sole club representative at the Alchester 5k road race, near Bicester, Oxfordshire. The event, which was part of the Oxfordshire Grand Prix race series, was held on the quiet country lanes around the village of Marsh Gibbon, and was won by Woodstock Harriers' James Bolton (16:03).
Darren, a MV45, achieved a very respectable 18:31 in a highly competitive field, amid his intense race schedule.
Bugatti 10k – Wednesday 7th August 2019
Another mid-week race, the Bugatti 10k was the tenth event in this year’s Gloucestershire AAA Road Race Series, starting and finishing at the Prescott Hill Climb. This ever-popular event saw 275 runners battling the challenging course chasing after valuable ‘county points’, with Cirencester's Bill Leggate winning in 35:13.
Bourton Roadrunners’ first runner home was the ever-present Darren Long, who finished 5th in 38:23, which will seal the MV45 title for him. Bourton’s first lady to finish was Niamh Shoemark who was 3rd lady and 2nd LV45 (43:44). Despite the shortage of County races completed, Niamh could still secure a county medal at LV50 in the remaining two events.
Susan Hunt finished 2nd LV50 in a time of 51:50, keeping her in 2nd position in her County age-group. Other Bourton runners were John Harding MV60 (53:49) and Gill Carrick LV60 (55:20).
Hook Norton 6 – Sunday 4th August 2019
The previous Sunday, humid and sunny conditions greeted runners at the Hooky 6 race, organised by Hook Norton Harriers. This sell-out race always attracts runners from local clubs, comprising of 2 undulating rural laps around the village of Hook Norton.
First home for Bourton Roadrunners was Darren Long, 3rd MV40 in 37:48. Next was Andrew Peaston (44:56). Susan Hunt finished in 48:22, with Lynn Hudson and Allie Quinn running together: this being Allie’s first run back post-injury. They finished in a triumphant 67:30.
Highlights
Darren Long achieved a very respectable 18:31 in a highly competitive field at the Alchester 5k.
Darren Long (188) at 4½k - Alchester 5k
Photo courtesy of Barry Cornelius
At the County’s Bugatti 10k, Darren Long was 5th and Niamh Shoemark was 3rd lady.
Bourton Roadrunners was well represented at the ever-popular Hooky 6, with Darren Long 3rd MV45.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.