Forest Autumn Mile
There were two big events in the Forest of Dean Athletic Calendar this week. The first of these was the running of the Autumn Mile at the track at Five Acres. A total of 89 runners ranging from under to 7 to over 70 ran 4 times round the track to find out how fast they could run the distance. The quickest among the seniors was Peter Woodward who almost broke 5 minutes, finishing in 5:00.5, followed by Alexander Lindfield in 5:02.9 and Marcus Bennetto in 5:07.7, all representing FODAC. First lady was Sam Harris (FODAC) 5:52.9, followed by Chepstow Harriers Sarah Bell 6:05.3 and Sherryl Hall (FODAC) 6:06.3.
Swansea 10K
The other was what has become FODAC’s annual trip to the seaside, to take part in the Swansea 10k and hopefully enjoy a picnic on the beach. In the junior races, Owen Hall & Izzy Babij were third U11 boy & girl respectively over 1k. In the main race, 1st Forester and first in the Senior Male category (of FODAC members) was Marcus Bennetto in 37:02 closely followed by Jack Fleet (1st FODAC Junior Male) in 37:06. First M40 was John Russell in 38:24; first M50 Andrew Kaye in 42:57; first F45 Sherryl Hall in 44:20;
first F55 Jacqui Wynds in 48:43; and now for the drum role – first M60 was Michael Strange (Mick) in an amazing 40:29 which put him as 3rd M60 out of 121.
Also a mention for Graham Bennetto, who ran what he says will be his last race. He was given a guard of honour by Leyton Fleet and Spike Powles.
Other times: Julian Boon 40.04; Tori Baker 40.48; Mark Channer 41.32; Wayne Bevan 41.37; Oliver Rennison 42.39; Patrick Rennison 44.50; Brian Francis 44.57; Daren Smith 45.46; Mel Ruck 45.48; Chris Moore 45.54; Helen Lipscomb 46.32; Lee Osbourne 47.06; Michael Marks 46.53; Ian Morgan 48.40; Peter Hewitt 49.39; Andy Morgan 49.48; Stef Francis 51.50; Peter Covington-Jones 52.19; Karen Barnett 52.19; Ian Coe 52.32; Gemma Hewitt 53.03; Ian James 53.03; Donna Sheen 52.41; Anna Bevan 52.44; Chloe Powles 54.26; Graham Bennetto 54.15; Leyton Fleet 54.15; Richard Powles 54.15; Tracy Lord 58.31; Jane Creed 58.32; John Bevan 58.55; Bev James 61.29; Sharla Fleet 60.47; David Price 62.12; Leona Price 62.12; Jo Babij 61.17; Debbie White 69.43; Claire Lavender 70.08; Miriam Paris 70.34; Sue Dowle 70.57.
Cranham Beast
Finally, Helen Brown broke ranks and instead took part in the Cranham Beast: 16 miles with 3000 ft climbing, finishing first lady, and 3rd overall.