Great Oaks Gallop

This year’s Great Oaks Gallop, raising funds for the Coleford hospice, was held over a new course in Yorkley.  The weather was excellent for running with sun, a cool breeze and dry conditions under foot.  The course was gently undulating, with one medium climb, over 10k of trail and track.
First finisher was unattached John George in 37:46, followed by Peter Woodward (38:56) and Daren Smith (39:28) both of Forest of Dean AC.  First female was Niki Morgan of Chepstow Harriers in 43:06, followed by Helen Gabriel, unattached (48:05) and Shirley Albrow, Forest of Dean (52:01).  Category winners were Leyton Fleet, Forest of Dean (MV40); Richard Gilbert, Almost Athletes (MV50); Gareth Jones, Newport Harriers (MV60), Syd Wheeler, Chepstow Harriers (MV70); Liz Usedon, Forest of Dean (FV40) and Jackie Green, Forest of Dean (FV50).
The race gave an opportunity to present trophies to the first male and female finishers from Forest of Dean AC.  The one presented to the first lady is new and is given in celebration of the life of a former chair of the club, Carol Jones, who sadly died recently.  The recipient was Shirley Albrow.  The men’s trophy used to be presented to the winner of the Yorkley Dash, an annual race which ceased some years ago.  The winner was Peter Woodward.
The race for canicrossers was by Kim Mazzucca (39:06), followed by Briar Morris (53:54), and Kath Nichol (54:05).
All finishers received a medal and there was tea and cake for everyone.

Results:  Seniors   Canis   Juniors