Darren’s Dash
This was the 8th running of the Wye Valley Runners challenging 10K fell run on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, starting and finishing at Longtown. This was another of the FODAC championship runs and a number of hardy souls braved the rain to take part. The club was in the prizes in the Junior section with an excellent 2nd place for Cameron Francis. Although not in the prizes, but certainly deserving of one was Julian Boon whose shoe broke part way round the course and managed to finish undeterred running with just one.
Forest of Dean runners with some of the Canicross Trailrunners
Times: Peter Woodward – 50.26; Leyton Fleet – 50.45; Julian Boon – 52.02; Robert Freeman – 56.49; Michael Marks – 1.00.45; Alan Robertson – 1.03.27; Jacqui Wynds – 1.10.17; Ivan Woodward – 1.11.20; Stefanie Francis – 1.12.02; Chris Hawkins – 1.12.15; Claire Morgan – 1.14.03; Angela Bowkett – 1.21.07; Peter Short – 1.41.45.
Rose Inn 2013 – Race 2
After the rain and wind of the first event, the second was held in warm, dry weather with a slight breeze. This lead to conditions suitable for fast running, as the results confirmed. The overall winner was Elsidig Ibrahim of Cardiff AAC, with a MV40 record of 21:04. Carys Hughes of Les Croupiers was first lady in 24:31. Peter Coles added the MV50 record to the MV45 one he already holds, finishing in 21:58.
There were 8 new PBs for Forest of Dean AC runners, in addition to a number of first-timers. Pride of place went to Leyton Fleet (23:33), who was 15th overall and knocked a massive 51s off his pb, set last month. Julian Boon was 34th in 25:04, also a pb. Other results: Walter Leach 26:13; Richard Peglar 26:45; Jim Storrar 26:45 (pb); Alan Robertson 27:22 (pb); Richard Dennant 27:37; Rob Freeman 27:49 (pb); Chris Moore 28:08 (pb); Michael Marks 29:47; Ian James 34:57 (pb). Kate Frost was our first lady finisher in 32:42, followed by Anna Freeman 33:22; Vanessa Peglar 35:50 and Bev James 36:34 (pb).
Whitebrook Wind-Up
The third running of this local event took place on 9th June with a 10k race being included for the first time, giving runners the option of avoiding “The Hill” on the second lap. The course was firm underfoot, even through the woods, and the weather warm and sunny.
Kim Mazzucca won the Canicross 10k in 45:05, with Andy George 2nd in 1:03:37.
James Dobbing was first Forest of Dean AC finisher in the half marathon, finishing 7th in 1:40:06. Julian Boon was 10th, and 1st MV40, in 1:42:28, with Mark Mathews second MV40 in 1:46:03. Jacqui Wynds and Claire Morgan were joint FV50 winners in 2:23:22. Other results for the half were Michael Marks 2:04:51; Roger Morgan 2:06:45; Peter Short 2:10:26 and Liz Usedon 2:18:56.
In the 10k, Peter Woodward was 2nd overall in 45:17, with Leyton Fleet 3rd, and 1st MV40, in 45:32. Chris Moore was 2nd MV50 in 55:14 with Brian Francis 3rd MV50 in 55:33. Jackie Green was 2nd FV50 in 1:03:30 and Stef Francis 2nd FV 40 in 1:05:01. Other results were Ivan Woodward 59:48; Vanessa Peglar 1:10:01; Angela Bowkett 1:11:08 and Wendy Lawrence 1:12:15.
Magic Roundabout
197 runners completed the Hay Hotfooters’ 2013 race, held in warm, sunny conditions on tracks and moorland just south of Hay on Wye. 24 of these were members of Forest of Dean AC, competing in the the latest round of the Club Championship.
The overall winner was Austin Davies on Brecon AC, in 37:37, and the Ladies winner was Rebecca Davies in 46:03.
There was victories in two categories. Fiona Turner repeated her 2012 success by winning the FV50 class in 51:11. Peter Woodward (6th, 42:05), Leyton Fleet (9th, 42:56) and Julian Boon (12th, 43:25) carried off the Men’s Team Prize.
Other results were James Dobbing 44:22; Mark Blake 46:57; Rob Freeman 48:21; Chris Moore 50:42; Alan Robertson 51:30; Kim Chester 51:41; Michael Marks 51:59; Roger Morgan 54:22; Shirley Albrow 56:48; Jackie Green 57:45; Jacqui Wynds 57:48; Chris Hawkins 57:54; Lynne Park 58:51; Claire Morgan 59:26; Graham Bennetto 59:52; Tony Pownall 59:58; Kate Frost 60:04; Karen Barnett 62:38; Angela Bowkett 64:50 and Jo Babij 65:54. Every finisher was rewarded with a tee-shirt and tea and cake, and the race is sure to continue to feature in the Championship in future years.
Round-up: 25-27th May
A very busy weekend started with parkrun. Two runners, Peter Woodward and Martin Heath, completed their 100th run and a third, Greg Nash, his 50th. Eight Forest of Dean AC runners then went on to better their pbs: Leyton Fleet, James Dobbing, John Russell, Michael Marks, Neil Peacey, Claire Morgan, Michelle Peacey and Bev James. Having first run the parkrun, Julian Boon, with Kim Chester, went on to compete in the Cwmdu Fell Race: 15.9 miles with 920m of climbing over 3 main climbs. Jools finished 19th in 1:36:49. Kim finished 49th in 2:00:41.
Jason Ross-Collins completed his first marathon in Edinburgh in 4:11:15. In the Crocodile 8 race, a ‘tough’ multi-terrain eight mile race on road, grass and mud, James Dobbing was 14th in 1:05:21; Mark Mathews 19th (1:05:59) and Graham James 157th (1:27:24). Julian Boon continued his busy weekend by finishing the Dymock Half-marathon in 1:32:43, a pb for the course. Shaun Dean & Mike Green also ran. Scott Berry, with team-mates Chris King, Gavin Robson & Wayne Holford, completed the London2Brighton 100k Challenge within the 15-hour target.
Gloucestershire County T&F Championships were held in Cheltenham over the weekend, with great success for Forest of Dean Female Athletes. Angela Sonn won both the 100m and the 200m for FV50. Helen Kearsey was 1st in the FV50 discus, hammer and shot, and Heather Jones won the same 3 events for the FV55 class.
The Parkend Fun Run, in aid of the school and memorial hall, had one of its largest ever fields with both Forest of Dean Ac and the Cani-crossers well represented. Kim Mazzucca won the cani-race. Lily Crawley won the U11 race for girls, and Cameron Francis the U11 race for boys. Josh Mathews won the U18 race for boys and his father, Mark, the senior men’s race, with Julian Boon 2nd and Walter Leach 3rd. Anna Freeman was first senior lady home, followed by Stef Francis. The event raised £190.
Dave Lucas receives Community Games Award
In 2012, Dave arranged 3 Community Game events within the Forest of Dean with over 
500 people attending. His advocacy also led to a further 15 events taking place across the Forest of Dean.
He received a commemorative jersey and has been invited to a special VIP day in London to take part in the official opening of Olympic venue – The Copper Box (which played host to handball during the Games), with a ceremony taking place at Queen Elizabeth Park on July 27 mirroring the day that the torch officially arrived at Olympic Park in 2012.
He will join 69 other volunteers from across the country at this special event and represent the 36,000 volunteers who helped to make Community Games Events a success in 2012.
Hare & Tortoise 2013 – Race 1
The first race was held on 20th May, with 44 runners competing over the Forest of Dean parkrun course at Coverham Enclosure. Conditions were good and the midges encouraged everyone to run faster. The first runners home were Julie Wilkes, Vanessa Peglar and Layla Gunter, with Leyton Fleet completing the course in the fastest time of the night.
Seven runners finished in times that would have been pbs if they had been done on an official parkrun event: Vanessa Peglar, Sharla Fleet, Bev James, Anna Freeman, Nicola Hall, Sarah Marley & Neil Peacey. Several others ran recent best performances. Leyton Fleet ran his fastest time since setting his pb in February 2011; Chris Moore since March 2012; Andy George since May 2012; and Kate Frost and Walter Leach since September 2012.
Results sorted by finishing position and run time here
Hope Valley 10
Mark Mathews was 4th in this race, a 6-mile multi-terrain run through
scenic Herefordshire countryside, in 49:04. Peter Short was 25th in 60:41.
Sirhowy 10
This annual race, held by the Islwyn Running Club, covers 10 mile multi terrain route starting on the Sirhowy walk with 1568ft of ascent. Julian Boon was 23rd overall in 1:15:52, and Michael Marks was 67th in 1:29:13.
Avon League Meeting 2
In the recent meeting, Stefanie Francis ran the 800m in 3:30.7. Angela Sonn was 1st= in the 100m in 15.90s. In the ladies discus, Helen Kearsey threw 17.61m; Heather Jones 16.60m and Sarah James 12.29m. In the shot, Helen putted 6.40m; Heather 6.06m and Sarah 5.28m.
In the mens events, Richard Peglar ran 13.80s in the 100m for SM, with Darren Andrews finishing in 14.60s and Nick Wellsted in 14.90s. In the 100m for VM, Richard Dennant ran 15.60s and Brian Francis 15.80s. Richard Peglar completed 400m in 68.30s and the 1500m in 5:26.8. In the latter event, Richard Dennant finished in 5:36.5 and Brian Francis in 5:55.2. In the high jump, Darren Andrews and Andrew Compton both cleared 1.15m. In the hammer, Darren threw 31.45m and Andrew 14.99m, and in the javelin Nick Wellsted threw 24.31m, Darren 21.43 and Andrew 17.92.
Team placings are not yet available.
Cardiff Ultra 50
The third year of Cardiff’s ULTRA-Marathon event was held in May 19th. The route follows the stunning Taff Trail from the Brecon Beacons National Park, all the way to the Finish at Sport Wales.
One Forest of Dean lunatic, sorry runner, Catherine Lyne took part. The overall winner was Chris Howe in 6:44:34, with first lady Nicola Golunska in 7:33:54. Catherine finished in 76th place, out of 140, in the extremely good time of 9:49:21.
Rose Inn – Race 1 2013
The Rose Inn is an annual series of four very flat, two lap road races held between May & August. A Forest of Dean AC runner’s fastest time in any of these is used to award Club Championship points.
It was a wet & windy night for the first of these events. Over 100 runners took part with 12 representing Forest of Dean AC. Last year, Leyton Fleet was 1st and Julian Boon 2nd in the overall MV40 class, and they were the first FODAC finishers in this race: Leyton in 24:24 and Jools in 25:10, both personal bests. Other results were Mark Blake 26:28; Jack Fleet 26:37 (2nd Junior Man); Richard Dennant 26:47; Walter Leach 26:48; Jim Storrar 27:30; Tim El-Shawk 28:06; Rob Freeman 28:36; Brian Francis 28:57; Ian James 36:02 and the only Ladies Representative, Bev James in 38:14.
Adidas 10k Run – May 12th
A number of club athletes took part in this race at Mallard’s Pike. Leyton Fleet was 4th overall in 40:26, followed by John Russell (8th, 42:30); Richard Powles (10th, 43:20) and Richard Peglar (12th, 44:05).
Other finishers were Ian James (57:32); Vanessa Peglar (59:10); Michelle Peacey (59:34); Bev James (59:42); Sharla Fleet (62:48); Mandy Weare (65:14) and Karen Jones (65:12).
Prague Marathon – May 12th
Alan Robertson competed in his first marathon in Prague, finishing in 3:55:17. Alan described it as a “hot, hard course” and many of his fellow runners finished about 25 minutes outside of their pbs.
Bristol 10k – May 5th
The 9000 runners who took part in the Bristol 10k included 3 ladies representing Forest of Dean AC. Eva Goodhead ran her quickest 10k for some time, finishing in 56:51. Next came Wendy Lawrence in 57:26, her fastest since Swansea 2010, putting her 20th out of 87 V55 ladies. Karen Barnett completed the trio in 57:50, in her first race after several months of injury.
Devauden 10k – May 6th
The second Devauden 10k saw 177 runners compete in hot, sunny weather. Forest of Dean AC were well represented with 27 runners taking part. Both the male and female course records where smashed with Fairwater runner Mark Jennings winning in 36 minutes and 5 seconds, easily surpassing the winning inaugural time of 38 minutes 47 seconds set by Peter Ward in the rain and mud of 2012. Chepstow Harrier Katherine Matthews took even more off last year’s female course record coming home in 41 minutes and 30 seconds,
3minutes and 22 seconds faster than last year’s female winner Chloe Felton.
Forest of Dean had 4 runners in the top 30, with Peter Woodward 14th in 43:45; Julian Boon just behind (15th, 43.56), Martin Joyce 20th (45:32) and Mark Blake (47:20) in 26th. Julian received the prize for 3rd MV40, with Mark Blake 6th. In the ladies competition, Nicky Hall was first home in 58:29, finishing 3rd in the FV50. Forest of Dean nearly had a clean sweep in this category, with Jacqui Wynds 4th (58:53), Claire Morgan 5th (59:56) and Bev James 6th (1:06:50). Walter Leach was 4th in the MV50 class (48:17), with Chris Moore 6th (50:46). Peter Short was 4th in the MV60 class (53:57).
The men came 2nd in the Team event, and also 6th and 8th due to the number of runners fielded. The Ladies Team were 4th.
Other results were Richard Peglar 48:13; Rob Freeman 49:48; Alan Robertson 53:13; Brian Francis 53:20; Roger Morgan 53:47; Michael Marks 55:03; Graham Jones 55:28; Ivan Woodward 55:34; Tony Pownall 58:23; Graham Bennetto 59:57; Peter Covington-Jones 1:00:14; Kate Frost 1:01:53; Ian James 1:02:10; Jo Babij 1:06:24; Vanessa Peglar 1:07:55 and Mike Green 1:11:49.
Records Tumble at Forest Mile
A total of 14 new club records were set in an evening of mile races on 30th April. Forest of Dean AC is fortunate in using a track that, as well as being the highest in Britain, is still 440 yards round: ie 4 laps to a mile. A mile race was added to the Senior Championship 2013 to add another distance to the range already covered. Almost 100 runners took part in a series of races throughout the evening.
Performance of the night was by Conor Creed who won the senior race and set a U17 record of 5:20.8 in the process. Another junior runner, Emmett Thompson set the U20 record (5:44.8) in the same race.
The results in men’s competition were 1st Leyton Fleet (5:23.5; MV40 record); 2nd Kyran Hale (5:23.9) and 3rd Martin Joyce (5:24.5). In the woman’s competition, Fiona Turner was 1st (6:25.6; FV50 record); 2nd Kim Chester (6:39.5; FV35 record) and 3rd Stef Francis FV45 record). Other records were set by Tom Creed (8:19.2; U7 boys); Lily Crawley (6:46.1; U11 girls); Richard Peglar (5:45.3; MV35); Anna Freeman (7:49.6; FV40); Matt Bond (6:16.6); Walter Leach (5:48.8; MV50); Jackie Green (7:33.7; FV55) and Chris Hawkins (7:45.6; MV60).
Weekend Round-up: 27th/28th April
The Forest of Dean parkrun celebrated its third anniversary on Saturday, with a higher-than-usual turn out and lots of cake. Drier conditions resulted in many new pbs. The winners of the points competition: Stef Francis, Angela Bowkett, Anna Freeman, Marcus Bennetto, Alan Robertson and Callum Francis received personalised mugs as prizes. Jacqui Wynds presented Race Director Dave Lucas with a framed collage of photographs taken at the event over the year.
Scott Berry completed his second marathon in three weekends, finishing the Shakespeare Marathon, held in Stratford upon Avon, in 4:30:56.
The Kymin Dash was held on Sunday, after a gap of two years. Four Forest of Dean runners took part. Richard Powles and John Russell finished in 14th & 15th places, sharing a time of 49:36. John Linden was 27th in 52:44 and Michael Marks 57th in 57:51. Team Forest of Dean were third, on the same number of points as second-placed Lliswerry Runners.
The Pendock Spring Chicken 5 & 10k races were also held on Sunday: a multi terrain run on gently undulating roads and farm tracks in south Worcestershire Countryside. Proceeds in aid of the Pendock School Solar Project. In the 10k race, Dave Jones was MV55 winner in 50:17, in spite of being in a group who ended up running nearly 7 miles. Janet Dimmer won the LV50 category in 50:30. Wendy Lawrence (59:41) was second in the LV55 and Eva Goodhead (1:00:35) 4th in the LV35. In the 5k, Heather Jones won the LV55 class in 36:32.
Weekend Round-up: 20th/21st April
Four Forest of Dean runners completed the Virgin London Marathon in warm sunny conditions on Sunday. Fiona Turner was first to finish in 3:41:16; 3 minutes quicker than last year. Matt Bond was next in 4:15:28, followed by Claire Morgan (right) in 4:32:07 and Andy George in 5:02:53. FoD parkrunner Lynne Garner ran for charity, finishing in 6:17:06. Chepstow Harrier and parkrunner Syd Wheeler completed his 25th London Marathon and his 200th marathon overall in 5:47:16. Well done everyone.
6 members took part in the annual Offa’s Orror trail race along the Wye Valley, which includes 480m of climbing in 12 miles of racing. Julian Boon finished 25th in 1:37:06, followed by Mark Mathews in 1:38:19. The others were Michael Marks (1:57:22); Andy Dallow (2:02:25); Shaun Dean (2:03:56) and Graham James (2:06:59).
The first of this season’s Avon League meetings took place in Yate. In addition to some excellent results by the juniors, senior results were as follows:
Ladies Hammer: Sarah James 20.06; Helen Kearsey 18.67; Heather Jones 17.72m.
Ladies Javelin: Heather Jones 10.25; Helen Kearsey 10.11; Sarah James 9.46m.
Ladies 100m: Angela Sonn 2nd 15.70s.
Men’s 100m: Luke Barnes 11.77s.
Men’s 800m: Martin Joyce 2:26.3; Leyton Fleet 2:28.6; Richard Peglar 2:37:50s.
Men’s Long Jump: Luke Barnes 1st 6.10m.
Men’s Discus: Darren Andrews 25.96; Andrew Compton 18.19; Richard Peglar 16.68, Martin Joyce 16.43m.
Men’s Shot: Darren Andrews 8.05; Andrew Compton 6.45; Peter Compton 5.36m.
Senior Men’s 3000m: Martin Joyce 10:42.55; Richard Peglar 11:43.56s.
Veteran Men’s 3000m: Leyton Fleet 2nd 10:47.28s.
In total the club had 44 athletes competing, which is a healthy increase over the last few years. Most clubs have seen an increased interest in competing recently. There were over 500 athletes on the day.
Provisional results place Forest of Dean 4th overall in the Team Competition, behind Bath, N Somerset, & Yate, but ahead of Bristol & W, Gloucester, Stroud and combined Bitton & Frome. Well done everyone.
Weekend Round-up: 13th/14th April
Julian Boon greatly improved his marathon pb in the Brighton Marathon, finishing 299th out of 9067 in a time of 3:17:39. The course records were broken by both the men’s and the women’s winners. One runner, Sam Harper Brighouse died of a suspected cardiac arrest: our thoughts go to his friends and relatives.
Scott Berry completed the Worcester Marathon, finishing 164th in 4:27:32.
Several FODAC runners took part in the The Magnificent Eastnor Castle Seven which is an undulating 7 miles rural course over footpaths, tracks and through woodland culminating in the ‘Orrible’ climb to the Obelisk. Pride of place went to Simon Dimmer, who won the MV50 category, finishing 17th in 53:12. Other runners included Mark Mathews (14th; 51:41), Janet Dimmer (63rd; 1:01:59), Peter Short (73rd; 1:02:50), Graham James (83rd; 1:04:42)and Tony Pownall (128th; 1:15:09). The women’s record of 48:24 is held by Kim Mazzucca, who took it from Ann Nixon in 2011.
Forest of Dean Spring Half
A record number of FODAC members turned out for this year’s Spring event.
Despite having been postponed the club fielded over 30 runners, who were able to enjoy the perfect weather and running conditions. Top marks to the organisers, helpers and supporters who made the event such a great success.
First FODAC male home was Leyton Fleet in 1.28.27, following a fierce battle with Jools Boon (1:28:44, a new pb by 3 minutes)
. John Russell 1:31:43 was third FODAC male home
First female was Fiona Turner in 1.42.25, coming second in the FV50 category,and was awarded the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean Cup for 1st FoD woman. Jackie Green was next (1:54:09) and Jacqui Wynds 3rd (1:57:42).
Overall, the men came 4th in the Team Competition and the women 8th.
Other results: Spike Powles 1:35:19; Jim Storrar 1:39:43; Peter Woodward: 1:40:44; Richard Peglar 1:40:48; Scott Berry 1:40:57; Chris Moore 1:42:10; Robert Freeman 1:42:59; Glenn Harvey 1:44:40; Alan Robertson 1:45:06; Brian Francis 1:45:38; Richard Dennant 1:45:46; Andy Dallow 1:46:31; Jason Ross-Collins 1:47:11; Greg Nash 1:48:30; Roger Morgan 1:49:06; Peter Short 1:49:19; Michael Marks 1:52:13 (one day after completing a 20 mile race); Shawn Dean 1:54:25; Claire Morgan 1:57:54; Graham James 1:59:18; Stefanie Francis 2:02:35; Nicola Hall 2:05:15; Anna Freeman & Chris Hawlins both at 2:08:13; Wendy Lawrence 2:12:57 and Neil Howell 2:13:47.
Local parkrunners who also completed included Neil Garner 1:43:10; Martin Heath 1:50:27 amd Lynne Garner 2:44:28.
Spirithill Trail 12k – 24 March
The 12K multi terrain run looped around Spirithill Trail, Calne, Wiltshi
re the course was on farmland, taking in some trickier sections as well as gentle areas. The runners encountered short sharp climbs, steady elongated climbs, mixed underfoot terrain, woodland and stream crossings.and of course freezing conditions. This was one of the few events that was not cancelled and went ahead despite the weather.
The in-form Mark Matthews took 2nd place in this event in a time of 49:50. Fellow runners Jo Babij finished 5th in her category in 1:13:46 and Graham James in 1:03:58.
The Unofficial Forest Half Marathon
Such was the disappointment when the organisers, very wisely, had to postpone the Forest Half Marathon and such a shame considering all the hard work that already gone in to organising the event, that a number of FODAC, Canicross and other hardy runners decided to do the run anyway. Despite the wind chill factor of -9 deg, nearly 30 took to the frozen Forest tracks .
Some of the runners, led by Martin Joyce
Everyone is now looking forward to hearing the re-scheduled date and hope that the Rotary have better luck with their weather.
Update – 16th / 17th March
A busy weekend for FODAC runners, with the club being represented in 3 different races, with two outstanding results. So in chronological order:
Rhayader 20, Round the lakes.
The third round of the 2013 club championships saw 9 FODAC members brave sleet, slush and wet snow in mid-Wales. The usual fine views were masked by clouds of precipitation, with some runners thinking of claiming injuries just to get a lift from a passing ambulance.
Pride of place went to Steve Cunliffe who won the MV55 group by 5 minutes, finishing 38th overall in a time of 2:22:33, a new club record. Leyton Fleet was 52nd in 2:29:37; Jools Boon 58th, 2:30:42 and Martin Joyce 79th in 2:37:22. Overall, they were 2nd men’s team.
Other runners were Alan Robertson (135, 2:51:39); Chris Moore (141, 2:52:23); Roger Morgan (213, 3:19:05) and Andy George (3:28:30). The sole ladies representative was Claire Morgan who finished 221st in 3:20:48 and provided the after-race refreshments (cake).
Night Terror
On the web-site, this is described as “Not for the feint hearted but definitely for those wanting fun and a twisted thrill, each route is 6 miles ish (just under 7 Miles) of cold-sweat nervous, multi-terrain running. Head out in to the unknown with only the sounds of terror and your fellow competitors for company.” The local race was held at Ashton Court, Bristol and FODAC was represented by Mark Mathews and Tony Pownall, with Mark recording his first, and much overdue, first place in 41:47. Tony was 54th in 52:24.
Minchampton 10k
This 10K road race, now in it’s 4th year, is a great pre-Easter event, on quiet country lanes in and around the beautiful Cotswold town of Minchampton, and contains one hill and a few undulations. Dave Jones was the token male amongst a group of Forest ladies, and finished 35th in 45:35. First lady finisher was Wendy Lawrence in 59:39, followed by Eva Goodhead (1:00:59); Aileen Griffiths (1:02:07); Angela Sonn (1:16:26) and Heather Jones (1:19:40).
Newent parkrun
After waiting for nearly 3 years for another in Gloucestershire, we get two in three weeks when the inaugural Newent parkrun took place on March 9th. A sizable group of FODAC members, together with several other FoD parkrunners made the trip to support the event. The course is over two laps, and is mostly run around football pitches but has about 3 times the climb of the FoD course so times will be expected to be slower. There is also a distinct lack of mud & roots.
Marcus Bennetto was first local home in 4th place, with Mark Matthews just behind.
Bideford Half Marathon
Mark Jeffries was FODAC’s sole representative in this race on 3rd March, run partly along the Tarka Trail in North Devon. He finished 353rd in 1:46:33.
Barcelona Half Marathon
A group of FODAC runners flew to Barcelona to take part in the 2013 half-marathon.
Eight runners, plus partners, enjoyed a city break in a beautiful, interesting city in addition to running 13.1 miles around the wide streets in the company of some 14000 other runners. With the exception of Jim Storrar, all of the group booked with Running Crazy, a company specialising in running trips. Both Running Crazy and the race itself were very well organised and well-worth the trip.
The course is flat, describing a figure of eight, starting and ending at the Arc de Triomf. 
The men’s winner was Olympic and World Championship medalist, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge in 1:00:04, and the women’s winner was Atsede Baysa of Ethiopia in 1:07:33. First FODAC runner home was Dave Jones. Even though he was claiming a handicap due to a cold and to serious foot pains, he managed a pb of 1:33:58, finishing 2041st. Second was Jim Storrar in 1:36:58, also a pb. Other times were Alan Robertson (1:37:27); Chris Moore (1:44:49); Graham James (1:49:16, pb); Chris Hawkins (1:58:01); Heather Jones (2:43:23, pb) and Sally Phillips (2:43:25, pb). Clearly the course is fast, and anyone taking part has a good chance of getting a good time.
Dursley Dozen
Men’s 2012 Club Champion, Julian Boon, took part in this annual race on February 10th. Afterwards he said: “Thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Dursley Dozen today. 45th of 441 finishers overall & 9th in category in 1:43:38, 2:34 slower than last year but 31 places higher (most of the top guys were over 3 minutes slower & the winning time, former GB athlete, Dan Robinson of Stroud, was 5 minutes slower than last year’s). Conditions were far worse with fallen trees, knee deep mud in loads of places. Made May Hill look like a walk in the park!”
Cool running Jools.
Valentines Pairs Relay – February 10th
There must be something about this race that attracts wet weather. For the second year running it poured with rain. None-the-less, 14 pairs of lunatics, sorry enthusiasts, signed up for the running and another 12 pairs for the Cannicross races. There were also quite a number of juniors who took part in a shorter event. The main race and the Cannicross were run around the Adidas trail, with the first partner doing approx. 5.4k and the second 3.4k. The trail had been damaged by the WyeDean Stages held on the previous day, and the short length of trail on the shorter circuit was especially muddy, although we didn’t lose anyone.
In the Cannicross event, Kim & Mark Mazzucca were first in 39:19, followed by Briar Morris and Barbara Harrison (41:01) with Neil Halford and Nicky Bale third (43:32).
The running race was won by Jack Fleet & Megan Creed in 33:48, with Mark Mathews and Joanne York second (41:59), and Marcus and Julie Bennetto third (42:09).
The prizes in the Veterans class went to Sharla & Leyton Fleet (1st), Richerd Pedlar & Shirley Albrow (2nd) and Rob Jordan and Diana Lee (3rd).
Full results here.
News Round-up: February 2nd & 3rd
Peter Woodward travelled to Wolverhampton on Feb 2nd, where he completed their parkrun in 17:07.
There was a lot of success for seniors at the final round of the Glos AAA Cross-country Series. Jackie Green was 1st FV55 to finish in 35:31, and Wendy Lawrence was 2nd (40:23). Jackie received the silver medal for being 2nd FV55 overall in the series, and Wendy the bronze for being 3rd.
In the Senior Men’s Race, Marcus Bennetto was 1st MU20 in 37:02, and received the bronze medal for coming 3rd over the series. 1st and 2nd also went to FODAC runners: Kyran Hale and Freek van Arkel respectively. In the same race Simon Dimmer finished in 41:16; Julian Boon in 41:59 and Richard Dennant in 43:22.
Black Sheep Sports had their second running of the Mayhill Massacre on 3rd February. Since they have taken it over they have been dogged by bad weather, this year being one of very muddy conditions. In fact a high percentage of the nearly nine mile course in and around Mayhill was in run through deep mud but needless to say thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part.
As the second race in the FODAC Championship these was a good turnout of members, with 17 FODAC runners taking part.
First man home was Leyton Fleet, 12th in 1:05:28, followed by John Linden (27; 1:08:51), Marcus Bennetto (30; 1:09:18) and Julian Boon (36; 1:10:50). First Lady was Fiona Turner (75; 1:18:18) who was also 2nd FV55, with Jacqui Wynds ( 172; 1:33:35) and Nicky Hall (201;1:43:44). Other finishers were Martin Joyce (44; 1:12:48), parkrunner Andy Batts (53; 1:13:42)’ Rob Freeman (67; 1:16:20), Martin Drew (85; 1:19:35), Alan Robertson (99(1:22:04), Jason Ross-Collins (102; 1:22:47), Simon Dimmer (118; 1:25:08), Andy Dallow (128; 1:25:58), Shawn Dean (129; 1:26:03), Graham Bennetto (151; 1:30:00), and Peter Short (152; 1:30:09).
Four FODAC runners also took part in the Town & Country Harriers Moorland Multi-terrain 10k Race on the northern edge of Bristol. Mark Matthews was 15th in 48:30; Tony Pownall 68th in 61:44; Graham James 69th in 62:21 and Jo Babij 98th in 69:32. There were 136 finishers.
Ladies Win Prizes at Lliswerry
FODAC ladies won two age categories at the Lliswerry 8 road race on January 27th. Jackie Green was 1st in the FV55 category in 1:05:46 and Fiona Turner was 1st in the FV50 category (59:54). In addition Jacqui Wynds (404; 1:06:40) and Shirley Albrow (471; 1:1036) were 2nd & 4th respectively in the FV55 class. The race winner was Phillip Matthews of Swansew Harriers in 40:49 and the first lady was Kate Roberts of Bridgend AC in 45:56.
The weather was surprisingly good following the snow and rain of the previous week, although the wind, which seemed to be against the runners for more than half of the course, resulted in some slower times. 18 FODAC runners took part and the our first finisher was Marcus Bennetto, 63rd in 50:54, followed by Leyton Fleet (68; 51:06 ) and Julian Boon (80; 52:04). Fiona was first lady home, followed by Jackie and Jacqui. Other finishers were Jim Storrar (148; 55:54); Alan Robertson (174; 56:49); Chris Moore (269; 1:00:28); Roger Morgan (283; 1:01:02); Peter Short (251; 1:03:59); Chris Hawkins (275; 1:05:25); Graham Bennetto (393; 1:06:11); Graham James (402; 1:06:36); Mel Mould (406; 1:06:41); Claire Morgan (444; 1:08:55) and Angela Bowkett (567; 1:18:34). Local runner Ian Storrar was 385th in 1:05:59. There were 618 finishers.
Kymin Winter Race
Martin Joyce, Julian Boon & Peter Short took place in this event on the 5th January. Martin was first FODAC runner home (35th in 39:01), followed by Jools (43rd; 40:01) and Peter (87th; 44:55).
Gloucester AAA Cross-country Championships
FODAC athletes performed well at the Championship held at the Crypt School, Gloucester on 5th January. Marcus Bennetto, Freek van Arkel and Ben Robbins were 1st junior men’s team. The LU15 team also won gold.
