Late starter Smith is a fast finisher in fifth (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Late starter Smith is a fast finisher in fifth

A SMALL contingent of Bourton Roadrunners headed off to Highworth near Swindon to run the annual five-mile event and they came away with a number of prizes.

The one-lap course is quite undulating in places, but conditions were ideal.

The first club member in was Mike Smith who was one of a few runners who were caught out at the start when the race was started two minutes early!

He started the race at the back of the field and had to jostle his way past more than 400 runners on a narrow road before he could get into his stride.

At the three-mile point he managed to catch and overtake teammate Dennis Walmsley and finished up in fifth place in a time of 27 minutes and 21 seconds to take an individual prize.

Walmsley, still recovering from a 100K race, wasn't far behind when crossing the line sixth and claiming the first V40 prize in a time of 27.27.

Girlfriend Lucy Townsend continues her return to fitness and finished as the third lady and 43rd overall in 31.59 but still has a long way to go before recapturing her form of 2003.

Brian Hulcup just missed on a top 100 place finishing in 102nd in 35.13.

Pauline Teague has had a good start to the season and added another trophy to the collection when winning topping the V45 category when finishing 124th in 36.17.

Sarah Clemo, also coming back from injury, was pleased with her run to end up in 132nd in 36.40, just enough to hold off Lyn Spedding who crossed the line seven places down the listings.

Liz Hulcup ran a worthy time of 40.27 to finish 227th and Julia Kelly was 320th with a credible time of 44.45.

Athletics for juniors takes place every Tuesday between 6 and 7pm, while junior members aged eight to 15 can also take part in sports hall based training. Members under 8 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Activities include warm-up exercise/games, drills, workouts, basic skills for throws and jumps including balance and co-ordination, running training, competition and cool down exercise.

Sessions are staged on the Astroturf at the Cotswold School at a cost of £1. Ring Dennis Walmsley on 01451 820972 for details or just turn up with adequate clothing and a drink.