Race reports - Gloucester Cross Country Series Round 2
The second round of the Gloucester Cross Country series was held at Cirencester Park on Saturday the 31st. First to race in glorious autumnal conditions were the ladies and men over 65 on a 5.8 km loop. First home for the Striders was Isabel Brinsden in a time of 21:16 for second place overall and first senior lady. Next to finish was Cordelia Parker in 13th, crossing the line in 23:40. Ellie Pudifoot, Helen Knight and Karlien Heyrman finished in quick succession in 17th, 20th and 22nd, with Ellie and Karlien placing first and second in the ladies V35 category and Helen placing second in the ladies V45 category. They were followed by Scarlett Bell in 26th, Georgina Abbey in 27th, Amelia Mullins in 45th and 3rd V50, Rachel Vines in 55th, Fiona Brady-Miller in 56th, Nicola Weager in 63rd, Emma Abbey in 69th, Rebecca Reynolds in 70th, Hifsa O’Kelly in 71st, Hannah Weager in 76th, Helen Howes in 82nd, and Lientjie Colahan in 103rd. It was an excellent turnout for the Striders and the ladies were rewarded with second place in the team standings with a comfortable 29 point lead over the Harriers. However, once again, the University of Bath Athletics Club dominated with a very impressive 9 points from their first three runners.
In the men’s over 65 race David James placed first in the V75 category and 15th overall.
Next to race were the men on a 9.8 km course. First home for the Striders was Pete Duffy in 25th place overall. Behind Duffy were Thomas Fletcher in 35th, Josh Phillips in 43rd, Gavin Woods in 47th, Izaac Cole in 50th and Tom Burgess in 54th, resulting in a total of 254 points which earned 5th place in the team competition. Also representing the club were James Mogridge in 55th, Lee Ormerod in 74th, Jon Howes in 85th, Liam Richardson in 97th, Nick Ledwold in 98th and Jon Pearce in 110th.
