Bourton 10km

This year’s Bourton-on-the-Water 10km race was again a fulcrum of excitement. As always, it offers an early chance to record a season’s best time over the most popular endurance distance.

The most confident and optimistic Tewkesbury runner to start would have had to been Simon Osborne; new to running this year from a Hockey and Cycling background, he was looking to improve on an excellent 44:34 minutes he ran in the Slaughters Valentine 10k. His high hopes was justified as he didn’t disappoint with an impressive 42:38.

However, it was further back in the women’s field where the headlines were being made by Carly Merriman. Her recent good form and commitment was rewarded by cutting her PB down by four minutes! Truly outstanding and places Carly amongst the club’s sharp girls with 47:30 to her name.

Also committing himself to regular training this year, Gary Pavey worked his way into the sharper half of the race with an improved 46.07. Much like the two aforementioned, expect finish times to tumble later this year if their form stays on the boil.

Leading the race in Bourton for Tewkesbury was Russell Steele. Like many, Russell had an eye on cracking the 40-minute-mark. He ran well and improved on his 2015 time but 40:38 it was to be. No doubt he’ll be checking his dairy for the area’s other ‘fast’ course 10k races like Berkerley, Frampton and the Aviator.

Steve Maber gave Russell a push as he finished just a minute behind with 41:39 and somehow Stuart Dudfield managed to pick-up to finish just a second behind Simon – an impressive later 5km by Stuart.

In-form Sharon Peters stopped her watch twelve seconds past 45 minutes. She would have been buzzing with sub45 but 45:12 is consistent improvement and that’s good from the club’s leading girl on the day. Sharon’s son ran his first 10km and clocked 43:23 which is a delightful result for the 15 year old.

Suzanne and John Tharme upped their pace during their London Marathon training; Suzanne ran an assured 47:10 and John improved with 51:02.

Terry Ballard fitted in another winter race and crossed the line with 55:41 – a pretty good performance for the veteran. Calvin Blandford returned to racing and looks to build the form he made in 2015. He timed 57:21 and lead the consistent Wes Reid who broke the hour with 57:53

Thanks to Cathy D & Barry C for the pictures.