IN BITTERLY cold conditions, with the top of Larkstoke covered in snow, 232 intrepid runners set off and completed the fourth of the five Tempo Winter Series races, writes David Jones.
Unlike the previous week’s Not the Roman 9 race, SAC members were out in force, with 18 of them competing in this most challenging of races. They were not only competing but enjoying considerable success, with three of the top ten, seven of the top 30 and two of the top ten ladies’ places being filled by club members.
First home for the club was Ivan Sarti in eighth place in a great time of 43.21, more than 40 seconds quicker than the last race when the conditions were considerably better.
Matt Burdus-Cook finished in a time of 43.36 and ninth, just 15 seconds behind Sarti. Completing the top ten finishers for the club was Chris Cond in tenth place, recording exactly the same time as Burdus-Cook, who just had the edge as they both crossed the finishing line. Showing some good form, Cond was 45 seconds quicker than in the last race.
Next to finish for the club was Andy Cox (15th – 44.20) who has been remarkably consistent in the series to date – a fact supported by his current fifth position in the competitive MV35 age category.
David Smyth (19th – 45.02) finished third in his age category and was followed by Owen Goschen (21st – 45.34) who was fourth in the same age category.
Completing the top 30 finishers for the club was Joe Lee (29th – 46.58), followed closely by Martin Austin (32nd – 47.20) and Malcolm Bowyer (36th – 47.41).
With one race remaining in the series, the battle at the top of the MV45 age category is really hotting up, with Sarti edging into first place, Smyth third and Goschen fifth.
First lady to finish for the club and ninth lady overall was Emma Vickers (70th – 51.41), followed very closely by Lynne Hinson (71st – 51.47) whose inspired run ensured she is second overall in the FV45 age category.
Tim Owrid (111th – 56.32) continued his fine form in this series and was pleased to improve his position on previous races. Next to finish was Daniel Whittington (128th – 58.43), followed by Suzi Graham (131st – 59.16).
Fern Hordern (139th – 59.39) was treating the race as a training run, running with a friend, hence she recorded a time considerably slower than you would normally expect from her.
Rebecca Pridham (156th – 1:01.59) showed she continues to improve after her recent injury and Gemma Smith (205th – 1:12.43) ran her usual doggedly determined race.
Last to finish for the club, indeed last to finish the race, was John Butler (232nd – 1:23.41), four seconds behind the penultimate finisher.
The race was won by Dean Clark in a time of 39.10 and first lady to finish in 20th place in 45.02 was Caroline Abid.
