Mayhill Massacre
With no Club Championship races, and no cross-country, Forest of Dean AC runners were free to choose their own events last weekend. In terms of numbers, the main event was the annual May Hill Massacre, with 5 members taking part along with 260 others. The 9-mile route is very hilly, going to the top of May Hill, and muddy, including running round a lake. The winner was Steve Kenyon in 1.07.12 and first lady was Claudia Wilesmith in 1.25.51. First FODAC to finish was Wayne Bevan, 21st in 1.18.45, with Helen Lipscomb next in 1.32.07 and Chris Moore, 1st MV60 in the same time. Jacqui Wynds finished 2nd FV60 in 1.41.09, nearly 10 minutes quicker than 2016, with Anna Bevan not far behind in 1.42.49. (picture Chris Moore & Helen Lipscomb)
mayhill massacre
Hereford 10K
Club Treasurer Wendy Lawrence ran the Hereford 10k. She commented: “I managed to finish my first road 10k since last August in just over 68 minutes. The course started by the river, then ran along the cycle path and finally out onto a very quiet, undulating country road, before turning to come back the same way. The path was very slippery near the start, but soon we were out in the sunshine and enjoyed a lovely, scenic run. OK, Peak Performance races are ‘cheap and cheerful’, but it was a great course, nice medal and plenty of parking nearby. Very tired after, but very pleased too.” (picture Wendy Lawrence)
Lions of Longleat
Over in Wiltshire, Debbie White and Claire Lavender went and chased the Lions of Longleat. It wasn’t an easy run with 3 killer hills but it was so much fun. Debbie took a massive 5 minutes off her previous time over the course, whereas Claire, who had never done it before, was only a few seconds away from an all time 10k PB. (Picture Debbie & Claire)
… and finally
In 2016, the Club applied to the Midcounties Co-operative Community Fund for a grant and were pleased to be awarded £2000. This will be used to complete the throwing area and enable junior members to improve their already considerable skills in javelin, discus, shot and hammer. Committee members Stef Francis, Cherry Fowler, Alan Robertson and Chris Moore attended an awards event held in the Coleford Co-op. The local Co-op has also provided volunteers to assist in a number of the Club’s activities. Co-ordinated by member Jo Edwards, they painted two of the Club’s hut and acted as marshalls at a race. (Picture of presentation)
From left – Cherry Fowler from the Forest of Dean Athletic Club, Leadership team ambassador at The Midcounties Co-operative Chris Chandler, Steff Francis, Chris Moore and Alan Roberts from the Forest of Dean Athletic Club, Chairman of the membership strategy committee Pat Juby and Co-op Vice President Helen Wiseman.