Bourton Mile - 12th May 2023
Bourton Mile Win Completes Hat Trick for Robinson
There was a thrilling finish to the Bourton Mile when Ben Robinson beat his training partner, Richard De Camps by less than a stride to win the Gloucestershire county title in Bourton on the Water.
Robinson, from the Bristol & West club, who had already won the Berkeley 10km and mile only four days earlier, led from the start and maintained his advantage to cross the line in 4min 31sec.
A cool headwind ruled out fast times on the flat course along Rissington Road and into the centre of the village but for these friends and rivals, the race was everything.
Robinson, who won the Bourton Mile in 2021 said: “Richard and I ran neck and neck the whole way. Once I’d committed myself, I had to stay in front and defend every move he made.”
For De Camps, a winner in 2018 and 2019, this was his fifth time on the podium and although he was credited with the same time as Robinson, he accepted second best this time around.
The Gloucester AC athlete admitted he’d “thrown everything” at Robinson in a bid to win. “We train together so I know Ben’s a stronger runner. I had to rely on my finishing speed but he found something extra to hold me off.”
The race also capped a remarkable week for Kate Telford, from Cheltenham’s CLC Striders, who took the women’s title in 5min 40sec, in what was her first attempt at a road mile.
Telford, who won the women’s race at the Berkeley 10km, said: “I’m used to running marathons. Having never raced a mile before, my tactic was just to run as fast as I could for as long as I could. It was that simple. But I really enjoyed it so I’ll definitely be back.”
The sentiment was echoed by runner-up, Tracy Hinxman from Gloucester AC, who finished two seconds back in 5min 42sec. “It was a good event,” she said. “I love running in Bourton on the Water. For me, this is as fast a course as you’re going to get. It’s in the prettiest village, the race is well organised and it’s a lovely place to come.”
There was no greater endorsement than that offered by the inspirational 16 year-old Felix Thompson, a regular in the mile, who stepped out of his wheelchair for the finale of the race with mum, Christine. “That was great,” said Felix. “I think I’ve beaten my time from last year and I’ll be back to do it again next year.”
The event – with 176 finishers of all ages and abilities – saw some good performances from Bourton Roadrunners. Chris Nesbitt was the first one home in 5:36, followed by Dougal Hamilton-Smith, in his first race for the club in 6:03. Tom Hill clocked 7:12, Tony Goodwill 7:20, Noelle Morgan 7:54, Janice Townsend 8:03, Cath Nesbitt 8:05, Lisa Baird 8:05, Louise Hamilton-Smith 8:05, Kate Price 8:29, Annie Oliver 8:45, Allie Quinn 8:51, Jo Cooper 9:29, Jenny Evanson 9:42 and Liz Hulcup (tail runner) 13:26.
Sherborne School 5 Miles - 14th May 2023
Two days later, the Sherborne 5 Miler was a fund-raising trail race hosted by Sherborne Primary School and supported by members of Bourton Roadrunners. The first Roadrunner home was Dougal Hamilton-Smith, finishing in 11th place in 37:14. Tom Hill was next in 43:12 (MV60/2), followed by Tom Knight in 48:45 (MV60/3). Rebecca Townsend, running with mum Louise clocked 53:28, ahead of Gillian James’s 53:36. Ali Tighe, winner of a Sweaty Betty spot prize was next in 55:45, Val McKay 58:05, Jeanette Brew 61:05, Jenny Evanson 61:35, Coral Feenan-Hill 63:26, Jo Cooper 66:46 and tail runners Jo Roadknight and Polly Hammond in 63:15 and 63:16 respectively.
Ilmington Trail 10km and Trail Half Marathon - 14th May 2023
In the Ilmington Trail 10km and Trail Half Marathon, two of four races held over the weekend, Lorna Shawcross, running with Sharon Rees, finished in 1:30:02 with Sharon in 1:30:05. In the half marathon, David Rees clocked 2:26:17.
Dursley Coronation 10km - 8th May 2023
Meanwhile, in the Dursley Coronation 10km on May 8, Darren Long finished in 39:07 (MV50/1 Gold medal). Maxime Emes clocked 45:35 (LV40/2, Silver medal), John Harding 51:38, Tony Goodwill 53:17, Gill Carrick 55:44 and Liz Hulcup 56:58 (LV70/2, Silver medal).
Parkrun
Also on Saturday, Bourton Roadrunners was present at the following parkrun events:
Daventry: Susan Hunt – 25:38, LV55/2.
Tetbury Goods Shed: Liz Hulcup -27:20, LV70/1, Gill Carrick – 27:30, LV60/3.
Witney: Steph Holton – 27:45, LV55/2.
Wolford Wood: Tom Hill – 28:04, MV60/1.
Highlights
Download a copy of the full race results
We have about 90 photos of the race for you to review or download.
Battle for the line at 2023 Bourton Mile, with Ben Robinson of Bristol & West AC just edging-out Richard De Camps of Gloucester AC. Click on the image for a larger copy.
Winning lady at 2023 Bourton Mile, Kate Telford of CLC Striders, in a time of 5:40. Click on the image for a larger copy.
First Bourton finisher at 2023 Bourton Mile, Chris Nesbitt, in a time of 5:36.
Ever-present Felix Tompson, for whom the crowd shows its respect.
Bourton Roadrunners’ members supporting Sherborne School 5. Click on the image for a larger copy.
Tom Hill making it look fun. Click on the image for a larger copy.
And they thought that we were going to run!
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.