Club News

Ex Severn Man Lilly Triumphs

Coach Bob Cytlau's distance group starred in the Gloucestershire Cross-Country Championships. The event was organised by Severn AC and three of Cytlau's athletes made in onto the podium in their respective races at Plock Court.

The pick of these was undoubtedly Josh Lilly. Now running for Tipton Harriers the ex Severn man returned home to win the county title for the first time in five years. He faced a tough task against pre-race favourites Tom Russell of Bristol and Cheltenham's Dave Roper, but showed his class in staying with the pair as they broke from the field on lap one.

At the two mile mark of the six mile course Lilly increased the pace which Roper couldn’t deal with, leaving only Russell and the 26 year old Tipton athlete in contention. This wasn’t to last however as Russell fell back after a further mile and Lilly ran on unchallenged to record a 22 second victory.

“I think that I am in the best shape of my life,” the PHD student explained post race, “So I just wound up the pace.”

Severn's fourth placed senior team was lead home by captain James Rose in 17th place, closely followed by U/20 cross-country specialist Oliver Starkey, who in 20th position won a silver county medal.

Mark keeling won bronze in the V45 category for 23rd, just holding off team-mate Alex Hope in 25th. In 27th position was Ian Smith who secured silver in the V50 category. Team stalwart Andy Norman anchored the team in 35th, winning the V50 gold in the process.

In the U17 race, another Cytlau coached athlete was victorious as Kyran Hale continued his rise to prominence. The Forest of Dean based youngster ran aggressively to win his last championship in this age-group. He was backed up by fellow Severn juniors Harry Bishop (seventh) and Callum Hall (11th).

Completing the Severn/Cytlau contingent was Rachel Underhill who won bronze in the female U20 category.

RESULTS (Severn AC unless stated): 1. Josh Lilly (Tipton) 29.09, 2. Tom Russell (Bristol and West) 29.31, 3. Dave Roper (Chelt) 29.55, 17 James Rose 33.47, 20. Oliver Starkey (2nd U20) 34.41, 23. Mark Keeling (3rd V45) 34.52, 25. Alex Hope (V45) 35.13, 27 Ian Smith (2nd V50) 35.42, 35. Andy Norman (1st V55) 37.03, 36. Martin Whitlock (3rd V40) 37.16, 43. Dave Lowthian (V40) 38.04, 50. Austin Degge 39.09., 53. Dave Lander (V45) 39.15, 64. Gary Barnes (V50) 42.12, 74. Dave Blackburn (4th V65) 48.27, 75. John James (V60) 50.10. TEAM – Senior 4th, Vets 1st . UNDER 17 – 1. Kyran Hale 16.20, 7. Harry Bishop 17.53, 11. Callum Hall 21.33. TEAM – 2nd. LADY U20 – 3. Rachel Underhill 25.19.
OTHER RESULTS – New Years Day 5 Mile Road Race – 1. Tim Dalton 26.16, 4. Kryan Hale (1st U17), 6. Harry Bishop (U17) 28.52, 10. Oliver Starkey (U20) 29.35. 11. Austin Blackburn (2nd V40) 29.55, 26. Nicky Gauder 33.17, 27. Rachel Underhill (1st LU20) 33.21 (pb), 29. Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 33.34, 36. Callum Hall, (U17) 34.58, 49. John James (V60) 39.20, 54. Dave Blackburn (2nd V65) 42.19. TEAM – Senior 1st. Forest Of Dean 6 Mile Multi-Terrain – 2. Kyran Hale (1st U17) 29.29. Hereford 10k Road Race – 6. James Rose 36.20.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Results updated

See results section for all updated latest results.

Updated by

Kaighin Holds off Hale's Challenge

Andrew Kaighin continued his impressive form in 2011 with victory in the Christmas 4 mile road race. Kyran Hale's second ensured a good race for Severn as two of the county's top young runners went head to head. Rachel Underhill won the womens race and stayed on track in her rise to prominence in local road running, while Seven's team prize in the men’s event completed a festive double.

Kaighin and Hale were together until the halfway mark when Kaighin pulled away, passing the turn in 10.18. Kyran battled though and managed to pull the deficit back but Kaighin proved stronger over the last 800 meters and won by nineteen seconds tohis younger rival.

Even so Hale managed to break his own club U/17 record by 15 seconds, showing the high standard the young runners produced. Next for Severn were James Rose, Matt Atkins and Oliver Starkey who all came inside the top ten with positions six, seven and eight respectively.

Andy Norman was next for Severn, breaking his own personal best by four seconds and winning his 36th V55 title of 2011, his most successful season yet. He was followed by Underhill who mixed it well with the local male runners to finish 18th in the open race. The Severn team was made up by Dave Lowthian in 21st place. Derek Lightstone also ran well to take the V60 title in 30th position.

RESULTS (Top 3 plus Severn AC)– 1. Andy Kaighin (Cheltenham) 20.50, 2. Kyran Hale (U/17) 21.09, 3. Steve Hebblethwaite (Keswick) 21.26, 6. James Rose 22.51, 7. Matt Atkins 23.27, 8. Oliver Starkey (U20) 23.29, 11. Andy Norman (1st V55) 24.03, 23. Rachel Underhill (U/20 1st Lady) 25.05, 21. Dave Lowthian (V40) 25.33, 30. Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 26.50, 36. Dave Lander (V45) 28.01, 53. John James (V60) 31.12, 57. Steve Maguire 31.30. 78 RAN.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Starkey Seals Christmas Victory

Oliver Starkey sprinted to victory in the 49th annual Christmas 3 mile handicap road race hosted by Severn AC. He raced through the field from scratch to secure the handicap title after coming so close to winning the 2009 running of the race.

The youngster held off competition from Ed Fletcher and Matt Powell after the trio caught Nicola Wong with ½ a mile to go. The races early leader was Amy Degge who started first and managed to hold her lead until Wong caught her at the 1½ mile mark. Wong looked as though she might challenge for the title but faded late on.

The race saw 17 athletes compete and carry on a proud Christmas tradition among Gloucester's runners. A jubilant Starkey commented after the race, “Fancy electronic present? No thanks, give me a Christmas morning race win any day!”

As always the road race was followed by a handicap sprint race up Kenilworth Avenue's challenging incline. This saw the unattached Paul Beddows hold off brother Scott to win from Rob Jordan of Tewkesbury in third.

RESULTS – ROAD RACE (time minus handicap in brackets) 1. Oliver Starkey - Severn U20, 25.41 (18.21), 2. Ed Fletcher - U/A, 25.53 (19.33), 3. Matt Powell – Gloucester, 26.06 (19.36), 4. Nicola Wong – Angels LV40, 26.31 (26.01), 5. Dave Spackman – Gloucester V65, 26.44 (22.04), 6. Rob Jordan – Tewkesbury V40, 27.06 (23.06), 7. Nicky Gauder – Severn, 27.11 (20.56), 8. Scott Beddows – U/A, 27.16 (22.54), 9. Dave Burton – Keswick V50, 27.20 (20.40), 10. Duncan Sargent – Severn V45, 27.23 (23.13), 11. John James – Severn V60, 27.33 (24.48), 12. Amy Degge – Severn, 27.57 (27.57), 13. Austin Degge – Severn, 27.58 (22.48), 14. Adrian Fletcher – U/A V55, 28.15 (25.15), 15. Chris Young – Stroud V55, 29.56 (29.16), 16. Paul Beddows – U/A, 30.25 (25.55), 17. Phillip Howells – Tewkesbury V60, 31.52 (29.52). 17 RAN. SPRINT (Handicap in Brackets)1. Paul Beddows – U/A (25m) 25.1, 2. Scott Beddows – U/A (20m) 25.3, 3. Rob Jordan – Tewkesbury (45m) 28.4, 4. Matt Powell – Gloucester (12m) 28.4, Phil Howells – Tewkesbury (60m) 29.7, 6. Dave Burton – Keswick (30m) 32.9, 7. Oliver Starkey – Severn (SCRATCH) 33.9. 7 RAN.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Go On Kyran!!!

Hale puts in another hearty run

SEVERN AC's distance star Kyran Hale continued his improvement when representing the Midland Counties in the Cardiff International 10K.

The youngest runner to represent a Midland senior team at 16, he was undaunted by the opposition and set off with the leaders alongside fellow Rob Cytlau-coached athlete Josh Lilly.

Hale, who has been nominated for a Gloucestershire Media Sports Award reached 1K in three minutes and passed 3K in 9.18.

But the effort told on his young frame and he slipped back through the field.

However he maintained his pace with enough to set a 15-second personal best, finishing 35th in 33.43 – a club Under-17 record previously held by Josh Lilly

The latter, having his first race since a July wedding, was five seconds outside his PB in finishing third in 29.48.

Milton Kiplagat (Kenya) won in 27.46, while back in 126th was Steve Maguire who ran a 50-second PB of 39.31.

Updated by Gloucestershire Media

Victory for Severn Youngsters

SEVERN AC celebrated two victories at the Young Athletes open meeting in Cheltenham.

Lauren Richards won the Under-15 girls' shot putt with a distance of 9.22 metres, just short of her season's best and 79cm ahead of her closest rival.

Kyran Hale took the Under-17 boys' 800m with a comfortable victory in two minutes, 6.02 seconds.

Severn AC retained three of their titles in the second of the Gloucestershire County Athletics Track Championship at Cheltenham and added another.

In the evening's first event, the 4x100m, Quince Quayson, Leigh Pritchard, Nathan Peck and Jason Gower repeated their 2010 victory.

In the 4x400m Severn had a battle royale with CLC Striders.

Opening lead runner Mark James ran 60.1 to bring the club home third.

On leg two Steve Maguire (64.0) went into the lead after 100m but relinquished it near the end, while Oliver Starkey on leg three ran 64.4 to finish ten metres behind CLC.

Hale blasted past John Parker (CLC) around the first bend, opening up a 20m gap with 200 metres to go.

He maintained the gap to run the night's fastest leg of 55.4, enabling Severn to retain their title in 4:04.3.

In the 10,000m Starkey retained his Under-20 Championship, placing fifth in 37:5.8, while 19-year-old Rachel Underhill won her first County Under-20 title in her first try at a track 10,000m.

She set her third club record in as many weeks improving the previous best by 98 seconds, clocking 40:22.3.

County Track Championship (Cheltenham): One mile (Open/ A) - 1 Kyran Hale (U17) 4:35.7secs (PB); 6 Mark James 4:52.6. One mile (Open/ B) - 2 Steve Maguire 5:23.4.

Arlingham 4.5mile Road Race: 5 Oliver Starkey (U20) 25.24, 15 Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 28.59, 20 Gary Barnes (1st V50) 30.33, 22 Steve Maguire 30.57, 28 Neil Taylor (V40) 32.32, 31 John James (V60) 34.02. Team - 1 Severn.

Winchcombe 10K Multi/Terrain: 11 Andy Norman (1st V55 & 1st V50) 43.46.

â– Severn AC conclude the summer series of road races with their autumn five-mile road race from the White Horse, Sandhurst, on Saturday, September 10 at 6pm.

â– The Robinswood Hill five-mile fell race has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 2.30pm from the Countryside Centre in Reservoir Road.

Local runners aged 15 and over are welcome at both races.

Updated by Severn AC

Coaches in tandem to Hale rising star Kyran

ANYONE who keeps a close eye on the county athletics scene would have been aware of the name of one young runner cropping up again and again.

Kyran Hale has run his way on to our sports pages with a number of impresses performances in the county, region and across the country.

​RUNNING MAN: Severn Athletic Club's rising star Kyran Hale.
.And now, the 16-year-old athlete, from Joys Green, Lydbrook, in the Forest of Dean, has been nominated for a Gloucestershire Media Sports Award.

He has been put forward by Gareth Howells from Severn Athletics Club in the Young Sports Personality of the Year category.

Only last weekend Hale, put in a good run at the England Under-15s and Under-17s Championships.

Running in the Under-17s boys' 3000m race, he kept pace with the leaders until the halfway mark.

When the top three broke away, Hale stayed with the chasing pack and finished seventh out of 14.

Racing against top English runners in his age group was one of the first goals for Hale, who got a taste for running in school one-kilometre cross-country events in Year 6.

He said: "Our school held trials and I was second best in our school and then I moved on to the Forest District races and finished in the top 12 and then won at a Gloucester run."

Realising he had a talent, Hale joined the Forest of Dean Athletics Club, training and running with them for a couple of years.

Glandular fever then interrupted his running, and when he recovered he joined Severn AC.

His competitive running then developed, finding the best distances being five and 10k races.

He can run 5ks in about 15 minutes and 36 seconds and 10ks in around 33 minutes.

He added: "I train twice a day, running about three miles on each occasion.

"I am on a three-week cycle with a couple of rest days."

One of his first aims was to run in the English Nationals, which he did in Gateshead earlier this year, coming 11th in a 3k race in 9.03.01.

His next aim is to get into the GB squad, ideally running 3k to 5k distances on the track.

Hale, a former Lakers School pupil, is due to start at Hartpury College studying sports coaching, as he would like to be able to pass on his enthusiasm to others.

In nominating Hale, Howells said his run at the England Athletics championships at the weekend helped secure his position as one of the top young runners in the county.

Howells said: "It is performances like this that has lead to Kyran's club nominating him for Young Sports Personality of the Year for Gloucestershire.

"Bursting onto the local road race scene as a 13-year-old in 2008, Kyran surprised everyone by sprinting to second place in the Pilot Inn 4 Mile Fitness run.

"He narrowly missed out on victory that day, something that has driven him to train and race harder than his competitors.

"This is something he has become known for, regularly racing, and beating, some of the county's best senior athletes.

"He has built up an impressive win record since joining coach Bob Cytlau's successful distance group at Severn AC."

Club Manager Terry Haines added: "Kryan has a willingness to race anybody, over any course, and he shows a maturity and competitive edge far superior to what his age would suggest."

"He has combined a tough training schedule with his school work this year, and has stayed very committed to his sport."

Victories this year have included the South West Inter-Counties U17 3000m track title, as well as the Midlands Under-17s 3000m title.

He has also won senior open races such as the Gloucester 4K Cross Country and the Hereford 5K road race, beating competitors far older and experienced than him in these instances.

Get involved in our Sports Awards by using the nomination form on this page or by visiting www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sportsawards

The categories are: Sports Personality of the Year, Professional Sports Personality of the Year, Senior Club of the Year, Club Official of the Year, Outstanding Services to Sport in Gloucestershire, sponsored by Brickhampton Court Golf Complex, Young Sports Personality of the Year (Under 18 years), Junior Club of the Year, Sponsored by Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust, Disability Sports Person of the Year, Sponsored by Hartpury College, Coach of the Year, Sponsored by NHS Gloucestershire and Sports Teacher of the Year.

Updated by Gareth Howells/Citizen Sports Desk

It's a blooming great run from skipper Rose

CAPTAIN James Rose led home an ever-improving Severn AC team in the final White Horse 5K of the season.

Three big personal bests ensured a successful end to the series for the Gloucester outfit.

The race acted as the Gloucestershire 5K Road Race Championships and saw a bumper field of 135 runners take part.

The senior race was won by Dave Roper of Cheltenham in 15.08 from John Parker of CLC Striders in 15.11 and Under-20 Rhys Park of Bristol and West in 15.14.

Roper therefore took county gold while spearheading the Cheltenham Harriers team to victory.

A late charge by Rose saw him climb into tenth position, with the top Severn runner clocking 16.31. He kept a good pace throughout the race, pulling ahead of club-mate Gareth Howells over the last kilometre.

Howells managed an improvement of a minute since last month's race, marking a return to his best ever form of three years ago.

After running with top lady Kate Goodhead in the early stages of the race, he tracked down Cheltenham athlete Elliot Prince over the last 500m to secure 14th position and a season's best 16.45.

Oliver Starkey was the next finisher in blue and yellow. The Oxford student continued his busy summer race schedule with a time of 17.30, which was good enough for 25th position.

He was followed in by Andy Norman, who continued his remarkable summer of racing with a 13-second PB. The V55 won his age group for the 25th time since reaching it and finished in 36th position overall.

Steve Maguire also managed a PB, Severn's recent recruit shaving 21 seconds off his old mark with 18.38.

This was good enough for 42nd position and ensured he held off team-mate Steve Bradley, who finished one second behind in 23rd.

Rachel Underhill was next for Severn, with the youngster improving by over one minute on her previous PB with 18.55. This was good enough to finish 49th and gave her a second club Under-20 record of the month.

Derek Lightstone also ran well, with 19.38 giving him second in the V60 category and earning him a county medal.

Severn's John James brought the season to a close in style with second overall in the Bitton 5K series. He secured his age group podium after successive impressive displays across the summer.

He backed this up with 92nd position at the Chepstow Four Mile road race in 29.48, and his result ensured he finished fourth in the over-60 category in the series.

James, along with his Severn AC team-mates, will now look to the final Lloyds TSB Four Mile fitness run of the year from the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke, on Thursday, September 1 (7.30pm).

All runners who cannot run below 24 minutes for the distance are welcome.

WHITE HORSE 5K: 10 James Rose 16.31, 14 Gareth Howells (U20) 16.45, 25 Oliver Starkey (U20) 17.30, 36 Andy Norman (V55) 18.00, 42 Steve Maguire 18.38, 43 Steve Bradley 18.39, 49 Rachel Underhill (LU20) 18.55, 52 Dave Lowthian (V40) 19.18, 57 Derek Lightstone (V50) 19.38, 88 Les Davis (V65) 21.25, 104. John James (V60) 22.42, 111 Greg Leysham (V60) 23.14, 123 Jo Davis (V40) 25.16.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Atkins Storms to Standish Podium

Atkins Storms to Standish Podium

Severn Athletic Club's spring signing Matt Atkins has continued his steady summer improvement.

In the Standish Woodland nine mile multi-terrain he improved by three minutes and four places on his previous best.

On the uphill mile to the wooded undulating loops he settled into sixth place of the 170 starters.

“I could see the others ahead and started to pick them off” commented a pleased Atkins post race.

At the five mile mark Atkins was second, and within sight of eventual winner Barrie Reynolds (Great Western Runners). He closed to 20 seconds, only for Reynolds to respond by pulling away on the downhill finish.

Atkins went on to say “I am pleased to have done a few personal bests recently, it puts me well on track for my first half marathon in September.”

His club-mates Oliver Starkey and Derek Lightstone picked up age-group honours. The youngest competitor in the race; Starkey managed to defend his U/20 crown with eleventh place, while Lightstone won the V/60 prize with 41st.

In the final Bitton 5K of the Easy Runner series, Kyran Hale claimed third position as he continues his rise to prominence. The youngster couldn’t catch Bristol runners Richard Peters and Philip Parry but his time of 16.08 was good enough for top junior.

He was joined in the event but club-mates Dave Lowthian, who was 36th in 19.21, and John James, who was 82nd in 22.51.

Elsewhere, Severn's top runner Tim Dalton completed his track season with two fast 1500 meters. In the UK Champs he was ninth in his heat with 3mins 48.17secs, after being in contention until the final bend when he was out-kicked. A week later at Stretford he was fourth in 3mins 48.2secs.

Severn's young, rebuilt and ever-improving distance squad will now look to the final White Horse 5K of the season, before the traditional August bank holiday Monday Arlingham 4.4 mile road race.

One of Gloucestershire's premier Road Race competitions, the White Horse 5K series comes to a close on Today from the White Horse, Sandhurst Lane, 7.45pm start. While the Arlingham 4.4 starts from the Red Lion, Arlingham, at 11.30am Monday August 29th.

RESULTS – Standish – 1.Barrie Reynolds (GWR) 58.17, 2. Matt Atkins (Severn) 59.00, 3. Rob Gornall (Stroud) 59.43, 11. Oliver Starkey (Severn 1st U/20) 65.42, 41. Derek Lightstone (Severn 1st V/60) 59.43. 170 RAN

Updated by Gareth Howells

All Hale Kyran after biggest career victory

KYRAN Hale of Severn AC won the most prestigious honour of his young distance running career.

The 16-year-old Forester has dominated the county age group distance races since joining the club in 2008.

In this year's Midland Under-17 3000m Championship at Birmingham he led all the way, never allowing rival Xander Brown (Stroud) to match his pace.

"I wanted to run a sub-nine minute time, staying on target until 2000m, but then tired," he said.

Hale's lead remained unchallenged and he won by nine seconds in 9.11 – eight seconds outside his PB.

Hale warmed up for the championship in the Magor 10K along with team-mate Matt Atkins.

The teenager stayed with top senior Phil Matthews (Swansea) up to 2K before dropping back to take second place.

Meanwhile the improving Atkins broke the 35-minute barrier for the first time to take fifth place.

Severn AC had six runners in this year's Cranham Boundary Chase, a 5.8 mile hilly road race.

First home for Severn was Atkins, who produced his best performance yet for Severn AC with 34.35 in third.

Next home was Austin Blackburn who finished in the top ten in 36.41.

Battling for 14th place were Andy Norman and Steve Bradley, with Norman taking the spoils to claim his 24th over-55 win of the year.

Taking his second V60 age group win of the week was Derrick Lightstone in the Bugatti 10K.

Elsewhere Welsh 2010 Under-13 shot putt champion Lauren Richards broke the nine-metre barrier and took victory in the Cheltenham Open.

Prolific racer Mark James claimed a PB in the mile at Bourton.

In his first UK championships at Birmingham Tim Dalton was with the leaders in his heat of the 1500m but lost touch with 200m to go.

Magor 10K: 2 Kyran Hale (U17) 34.08, 5 Matt Atkins 34.58 (PB), 36 Mark James 40.29, 38 Steve McGuire 40.34 (PB), 42 Dave Lowthian (V40) 41.00.

Cranham Boundary Chase: 3 Matt Atkins 34.35, 10 Austin Blackburn 36.41, 14 Andy Norman (V55) 37.45, 16 Steve Bradley 37.47, 24 Nikki Gaulder 39.25, 35 Derrick Lightstone (V60) 41.32.

Bourton One Mile: 12 Mark James 5.06, Steve McGuire 5.22, 22 Andy Norman (1st V55) 5.26, 38 Derrick Lightstone (2nd V60) 5.53, 60 John James (V60) 6.32.

Cheltenham Open (Track): 1 Mile - 4 Mark James 4:49.03 (PB); Under-15 girls shot - 1 Lauren Richards 9.35m.

Updated by

Super Severn Seal Double Success

V55 Winner Andy Norman

Super Severn Seal Double Success

Austin Blackburn claimed a victory on home soil as he triumphed in the Severn AC organised Lloyd's TSB 4 Mile Road Race. His run was part of a double blue and yellow victory as Rachel Underhill of Severn AC claimed the ladies prize.

The race was started by the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Andy Lewis, and was also attended by the Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Pam Tracey MBE.

This was the fourth Lloyds TSB Road Race of the season, and part of a series of races which is extremely important in bringing new athletes into the sport locally, with most of Severn AC's top athletes competing in the race early in their career.

The series is open to all athletes who haven’t beaten 24 minutes for the 4 mile distance so race winner Austin Blackburn is now barred from future races along with second placed James Chiseldine of Vegetarian's.

Blackburn's time of 23mins 23secs put him 30 seconds ahead of the field for an easy win and a personal best over 4 miles. Chisledine's 23.53 saw him hold off Stroud's Nathan Smith whose time of 24mins 25secs kept Severn's Andy Norman off the podium.

Norman ran well for 24.19 just a day after running the Bugatti 10K at Winchcombe. He won the V55 category in which he has been prolific this season with more then 20 victories.

Top lady Rachel Underhill was next for Severn; in her first race in over 18 months for the club. The Cardiff University Student's time of 25.41 was good enough for 12th overall and a personal best by 29 seconds. This was a step up in class and she will now try to improve further by re-joining Coach Bob Cytlau's distance training group at the clubs Blackbridge home.

Severn trio Austin Degge, Martin Whitlock and Andy Brown were all inside the top 20 with 14th, 15th and 16th respectively; with Whitlock holding off Brown by just two seconds.

Veterans Phil Reece and Greg Leyshon made up the 10-strong Severn contingent with 35th and 41st positions.

In other Severn AC news Derek Lightstone joined Andy Norman in the Bugatti 10K. On a hilly course Norman was 19th in 40.09 and Lightstone was 59th and 1st V60 in 44.34. The race was won by CLC Striders John Parker in 33.57.

The Severn AC distance group will now look to the 4th and final White Horse 5k of the season on August 18th in Sandhurst, before the Arlingham 4.4 Mile Road Race on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th from the Red Lion, Arlingham.

RESULTS – Pilot Inn 4 Mile Road Race: (All Severn AC unless stated) 1. Austin Blackburn 23.23 *pb, 2. James Cheseldine (Vegetarians, V40) 23.53, 3. Nathan Smith (Stroud) 24.15, 4. Andy Norman (1st V55) 24.19, 12. Rachel Underhill (1stL/U20) 25.41 *pb, 14. Austin Degge 26.04, 15. Martin Whitlock 26.37, 16. Andy Brown (V50) 26.39, 35. Phil Reece (V45) 29.14, 41. Greg Leyshon (V60) 30.59, 79 RAN; Bugatti 10K Road Race, Winchcombe: 1. John Parker (CLC Striders) 33.57, 19. Andy Norman (1st V55) 40.09, 59. Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 44.34, 325 RAN.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Super Severn Seal Success

Mike Smith of Bourton won the Gloucester Festival 7 mile Road Race in humid conditions at Hardwicke. He was over a minute ahead of his nearest competitor James Rose of Severn AC, while Dave Gresswell of Gloucester made up the podium in third.

Severn AC were victorious in the team prize with 6 runners in the top 10, including U/20 athletes Gareth Howells and Oliver Starkey.

The top two positions were never really in doubt as Bourton's Smith opened a lead over Rose in the early stages of the race. He ran a lone seven miles to finish in 38.35 and also claim the V40 prize.

Far from disappointing in second however, Severn's captain Rose continues to improve. 39.56 is quicker than he was 12 months ago and under the 40-min barrier he hoped to break.

Dave Gresswell of Gloucester managed to secure his third place early as well, moving clear of a 5 strong group at the 1 mile mark. He ran on to 41.42 and the V45 prize.

The next four positions were far more eagerly contested, with Gareth Howells, Oliver Starkey and Ian Smith of Severn in a group with Gloucester Ultra runner Jeremy Mower.

These athletes helped each other to a good pace over the first half of the race with Howells managing to pull clear at four miles. He then concentrated on keeping a good tempo up with a sprint finish ensuring he wasn’t caught by Mower.

Howells' time of 41.59 was good enough for fourth and top U/20. Mower managed to hold off Oxford student Starkey to fifth place and 42.10, while the youngster was pleased with his 42.31 only a few days after running a half marathon.

Next home for Severn was Ian Smith winning the V/50 prize in 23.16, with club mate Steve Bradley back in eighth with 43.16.

Andy Norman continued his dominance of the V/55 category with tenth place place and 43.43 securing his 22nd age group victory of the year. He also completed the Severn AC team who continued a proud tradition of winning at the Pilot Course and won the battle against cross city rivals Gloucester AC.

Andy Brown and Derek Lightstone were Severn's other finishers with 48.05 and 48.56 good enough for 17th and 18th positions. Lightstone's performance also earned him the V60 title.

The fourth Lloyds TSB four mile Fitness Run of the season takes place today (Thursday 4th August), from the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke. Registration is from 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start, see severnac.co.uk for further details.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Rose Second as Team Prosper

Severn Athletic Club vice captain James Rose, victorious in the 2010 and 2011 Dymock Half Marathon, made a brave attempt to win the Gloucester Festival Half Marathon.

Hot conditions and a hilly course were not conductive of quick times at Newent. Rose went off with Paul Jegou (White Horse Harriers) and the two stayed together until 8 miles.

Rose reported “I hit a bad patch at eight miles and struggled to get inside six minute mile pace. I managed to rally though and felt I ran well over the last two miles, Paul had just got too far ahead though.

Jegou won in 1hour 17mins 24secs with Rose a minute behind in second and Dave Rantell of Cheltenham a further 60 seconds back.

Rose was disappointed to run slower than in securing third place last year but every cloud has a silver lining and he lead the Severn team to its first victory in this event since 2005.

18 year old Oliver Starkey was the youngest participant and showed excellent pace judgement to finish tenth in a club U20 record of 1hour 24mins 28secs.

Steve Bradley completed the team in 1hour 29mins 3secs for 23rd place and his first scoring performance for Severn in a major open event.

Other Severn Results: Chepstow 4 Mile - 80th John James(V60) 29.13(3rd V60, 3rd overall in series) 154 ran; Leckhampton 6 Mile Multi-Terrain – 62nd Derek Lightstone (2nd V60) 47.01, 229ran; Cheltenham Open (Track and Field) – 800m - 5th Mark James 2.6.07, 1500m – 7th Steve Maguire 5.3.03, U15 Girls Shot – 1st Lauren Richards 8.62m; South West Inter-Counties (Exeter) – U15 Girls Shot - 2nd Lauren Richards 8.84m.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Young Hale sets the pace as rookies impress

A YOUTHFUL Severn AC team ran well at the third White Horse 5K of the season.

Sixteen-year-old Kyran Hale led the team home, with captain James Rose and the improving Oliver Starkey also impressing.

There were age-group prizes for Andy Norman and Derek Lightstone, while the team finished second to Cheltenham overall.

The race started positively for Hale as he kept pace with a group of top runners including Phil Wylie of Bristol and West and Jeremy Bradley of Cheltenham.

These two broke away after a mile leaving a pack of five to contest positions three to seven. Wylie won in 14 minutes, 45 seconds with Bradley second in 15.27.

Hale was left disappointed as he struggled over the last mile to record 15.52 for seventh.

Hale said: "I was doing well, then in the last mile my legs started to hurt."

His performance was welcomed by his team, however, as he secured a top-ten finish and an Under-17 victory.

Captain Rose was next up for Severn as he continued his busy summer road race schedule with a strong time of 16.40 and 12th position.

Tuffley-based under-20 Oliver Starkey recorded a personal best in 17.13 for 18th position.

After a fast first mile, Mark James allowed Gareth Howells to race by in the final mile and finish next for the team.

With 23rd position and 17.45, Howells showed a return to form to beat James by one second (17.46 in 24th).

Continuing his successful road race season, Andy Norman won the V55 category to complete the Severn AC team in 18.13 and a top-30 finish.

This was a PB by 12 seconds and marks his 21st V/55 win in 2011.

Steve Bradley and Steve Maguire were 35th and 41st with times of 18.35 and 19.10 respectively.

Derek Lightstone won the V60 prize with 48th position and a 20.05 PB John James (22.34) and Greg Laysham (26.02) completed the Severn contingency in 59th and 71st positions.

With five athletes in the top ten, Cheltenham Harriers won the team prize.

Severn were second-best team, beating Gloucester by 30 positions.

While Stroud were a distant fourth, they won the ladies' competition as the only complete team.

Bob Cytlau's Severn AC distance group will look to the final road races of the summer to get into shape before the Midland 6 Stage Relays in September.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Hale's sights set on record

SEVERN AC's Kyran Hale was pleased and disappointed with his victory in the South West Inter County Championships at Exeter, where he won his first area gold proving victorious in the Under-17 3000 metres.

He said: "I ran with my rival, Luke Jacobs (Bristol), up to 1200 metres before breaking away.

"Then I had to fight off Callum Jones (Cornwall). My 66-second last lap was too good for him and I won by 20 metres."

Pleased with his victory and a three-second improvement on his personal best, Hale added: "I wanted a sub-nine minutes time and a go at Josh Lilly's club record of eight minutes and 55 seconds.

"Missing out by such a small margin was disappointing".

Hale has several more attempts lined up before he leaves the Under-17 age group in September.

Over-55s star Andy Norman notched up his 20th consecutive age group win when he finished 26th out of 700 starters in the Evesham 10K, completing the course in 39.46.

"I was disappointed with my time and considered whether or not to do the Frampton 10K the next day."

Norman's doubts were dispelled when he ran a PB of 38.13, placing 30th and second in the Vet-55 category.

In ninth place at Frampton was Matt Atkins in 35.00, taking 20 seconds off his PB.

Severn results, Lloyds TSB Fitness four-mile: 42 Ian Pollard (V55) 30-10. 95 ran.

Eastville two-mile: 1 Gary Hughes (Bath) 11-07; 4 Mark James 11-25; 18 John James (V60) 14-39 (2nd V60/2nd in series).

Frampton 10K: 1 Matt Ellis (Westbury) 32-11; 9 Matt Atkins 35-37; 27 Mark James 38-06; 30 Andy Norman (2nd V55) 38-13; 69th Steve McGuire 41-22; 152 Phil Reece(V45) 45-27; 199 John James (V60) 47-45. 422 ran.

Bitton 5K: 1 J.Hayes (Bitton) 16-46; 45th John James (3rd V60/2nd in series) 22-15; 65 ran.

Cheltenham Open (Track): 1500 9th Mark James 4-26.02 (pb).

â– The Robinswood Hill Fell Race postponed from July 17 due to hazardous descents will now be held on Saturday, September 3 at 4.30pm.

The Gloucester Festival seven-mile, first run in 1964, will be held on Thursday July 28 7.30pm, starting at The Pilot Inn, Hardwicke.

All runners aged 15 and over welcome, registration from 6.30pm.

Updated by

Frampton 10k results

Six Severn AC club members travelled to the picturesque village of Frampton on Severn for Stroud AC's ever popular signature race.

First to finish for the club in 9th place was new club member Matt Atkins in a PB of 35.37, next to finish was Mark James (27th) in 38.06 who just held off Andy Norman (30th) who also recorded a PB at 38.13. Next to finsh was another new club member Steve Maguire (69) who recorded a PB in 41.22. Phiilip Reece then finished in 152nd in a time of 45.27 and final club member home was John James (199) in 47.45.

Race winner was Matt Ellis of Westbury in a time of 32.11.

442 ran.

Updated by Mark James

Latest results added

The fitness 4 mile results and the Pilot 10 mile results have now been added to the results section

Updated by Mark James

Records keep on falling for Hale

Records keep on falling for Hale

SEVERN AC's Kyran Hale maintained his series of Under-17 club records and personal bests.

After a heavy training session the previous day he made a snap decision to run the Rose Inn four-mile road race at Chepstow on the flattest course in the UK – and his boldness was rewarded.

Hale, inset, stayed with the top Cardiff runners Ceirwen Jones and Robert Gardiner through the first sub five-minute mile.

Although dropping off, Hale's fast start gave him impetus to weather the middle two miles and produce a final-mile rally, placing third in 20 minutes, 58 seconds – a 16 second improvement on his club record.

The fast course was to Mark James' liking as he took 49 seconds off his personal best. He finished 18th in 22.39.

Hale dropped down to 800m in the County Championships at Cheltenham.

A 59-second first lap destroyed the Under-17 field and came home an easy victor in 2:04.06.

Severn's other title was won by Welsh Under-13 shot putt champion Lauren Richards, who made a winning debut in the Under-15 age group with a PB of 8.76m.

Severn's older runners continue to sweep up the age group awards.

In the Horton 4.2mile event Andy Norman recorded his fifth consecutive Over-55 category victory, with Derrick Lightstone winning the Over-60s.

Horton Road Race: 4 Mark James 25.55, 9 Andy Norman 26.26, 18 Derrick Lightstone 28.34, 42 John James 32.09.

Shortwood Winter Five series overall: Seniors - 4 Mark James; Vet 60 - 3 George Scully, 4 John James.

Chepstow Four Mile road race: 3 Kyran Hale (U17) 20.58, 18 Mark James 22.39, 50 Dave Lowthian 25.04, 113 John James 28.43, Joanne Davis 30.56.

Worcester 10K: 32 Dave Lowthian 1:40.19.

Worcester (track): Senior 800m - 8 Mark James 2:12.07.

County Championships, Cheltenham: Senior 100m - 4 Quincey Quayson 12.2 (PB), 5 Jason Gower; 200m - 4 Mark James 26.4; 400m - 3 Mark James 56.7; 800m - 7 Mark James 2:08.5, 12 Dave Lowthian 2:33.

Under-17: 800m - 1 Kyran Hale 2:04.6.

Under-15 girls: Shot putt - 1 Lauren Richards 8.76m.

Midland League (Stoke): 100m 5 Jason Gower 13.0; 1500m 1 Tim Dalton 3:57.4; 5000m - 15 Gareth Howells 18:13.5.

Severn ACs next road race is the Whitsun Five Mile from the White Horse, Sandhurst on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 at 11.30am.

All local runners aged 15 and over are welcome to take part.

Updated by Severn AC

Hale on fire as he beats his PB

Hale on fire as he beats his PB

KYRAN Hale, Severn AC's rising 16-year-old star, began his summer track season with a massive ten-second improvement on his 1500m personal best.

This comes after a winter where he won a cross-country title and other races at senior level.

In the Birmingham open Under-17 1500m race, Hale settled in with the leading pack which was soon reduced from five to two with 150m to go.

Hale's sprint finish proved too much and he won in a Severn Under-17 record of four minutes, 15.9 seconds.

His immediate target now is a sub-nine minute 3000m.

Josh Lilly won the senior 1500m race, in 4.02.

Severn's trio of Mark James, his dad John and Andy Norman have been setting PBs and winning age group prizes in recent road races.

Mark James has improved his 5K PB by five seconds and had best ever placings in recent Bristol Shortwood 5K and Weston five-mile races.

Norman became the oldest Severn AC runner to break the 24-minute barrier in the club-organised Lloyds TSB four-mile fitness run from the Pilot Inn.

Recent Severn performances and results,Lloyds TSB 4 mile road race: 4 Andy Norman 23-55; 15 Martyn Whitlock 25-03; 16 Steve Bradley 25-06; 17 Chris Milliner 25-09; 21 Austin Degge 25-40; 23 Derrick Lightstone 25-53; 24 Steve McGuire 25-55; 27 Lea Poole 26-32; 50 Les Davis 28-26; 58 John James 29-10; 79 Joanne Davis 31-24. 144 ran.

London Marathon: Nikki Gauder 3-30-32; Martyn Whitlock 3-59-01; Austin Degge 4-07-35.

Weston 5mile: 17 Mark James 29-47; 114 John James 37-39; 200ran.

Shortwood 5K: 12 Mark James 17-18; John James 22-30; 81ran.

Minchinhampton 7.2mile: 37 Neil Taylor 52:51; 65 ran.

Staverton 4mile: 3 Mark James 23-37; 9th Andy Norman (1st V55) 25-08; 12 Steve Bradley 26-18; 23 George Sculley (1st V60) 27-48; 36 John James 30-56; 68ran.

Sandhurst Easter 10K: 2 Kyran Hale (U17) 33-52; 11 Mark James 39-13; 14 Dave Lander (V45) 40-18; 21 Dave Lowthian (V40) 43-08; 25Gary Barnes (V50) 44-28; 45John James (V60) 50-56; 46 Dave Blackburn (V65) 50-58 (Club V65 Record); Team 2nd.

Updated by Severn AC

Severn Athletes help Composite team to Victory

GLOUCESTER Athletic Club's senior team started their 2011 season by winning the opening Up and Running Midland Track & Field League Division Two match at Stoke.

Work and studying commitments meant several regulars were missing, so team manager Richard Blackwell drafted in the club's youngsters for their first senior competition.

And Gloucester held off spirited challenges from the City of Stoke and Wolverhampton & Bilston clubs to win the match by a narrow eight points.

In the throws, several performances stood out. Wayne Powell dominated the men's hammer from the outset and was a clear winner of the A event and team captain Justin Sysum was a convincing winner of the B event.

In the ladies' hammer, Anna Robertson threw more than 45 metres as she took the A string, with Marion Loveridge throwing a season's best to win the B string.

Gareth Winter set a new Personal Best of 14.93m to win the men's shot putt, while Under-17 Kate Davies threw a new PB of 29.03m for second in the ladies javelin.

In the ladies' jumps, two Under-17s exceeded expectations. Harriet Hunter set season's bests in the long and triple jumps.

Katharine Chadwick was a whisker away from winning the high jump in her club debut.

On the track, Andrew De Camps and Nico Constanti were winners of the men's 800m A and B strings and Tim Dalton and Ben Coldray were commanding in the 1500m.

Newcomer Alex Runciman showed great promise in the men's sprints. He later teamed up with De Camps, Constanti and Dalton to take second place in their first outing in the 4x400m.

Updated by Gloucester AC

Severn celebrate as team-work leads to victory

Severn celebrate as team-work leads to victory

SEVERN Athletic Club got back to winning ways with their first team victory in the Bluebell 10k at Blaisdon.

The overall individual winner, Mike Smith, of Bourton, took the honours after taking the lead at halfway.

Severn were led home by Ian Smith who got the better of Pete Lloyd of Gloucester AC to take the Over-50 prize in sixth position.

Second scorer for Severn AC was Dave Lander who improved over a minute on his previous seasons best to place eighth.

Andy Norman maintained his area superiority in the V55 age group placing ninth while Chris Milliner scored for the team for the first time in 12th position. Meanwhile, Derek Lightstone came home in 19th position and newcomer Steve McGuire anchored the team in 20th position.

Severn's multiple veteran champion, Les Davis, made another return three weeks after an operation, placing 24th.

RESULTS: 1 Mike Smith - Bourton V40, 35:56. 2 Simon Waters Tewks, 36:59, 3 Freak van Arkel FOD, 37:03. SEVERN AC: 6 Ian Smith (V50) 38:24, 8 Dave Lander (V45) 39:04, 9 Andy Norman (V55) 40:33, 12 Chris Milliner (V40) 41:52, 19 Derek Lightstone (V60) 43:23, 20th Steve Maguire 43:44, 24 Les Davis 2nd (V55) 45:40, 25 Neil Taylor (V40) 45:46, 33rd Jo Davis (V40) 51:21. Team 7ac 83pts, Tewks 119pts.

Updated by Austin Degge

Lilly returns to Triumph

The Severn Athletic Club Easter 10K Road Race paraded the distance running talents of Bob Cytlau's elite training group.

Josh Lilly returned to his home-town from his PHD residency in Birmingham to attack the course record of 30mins 36seconds. His chief opponent was Severn AC's 16 year old protégée Kyran Hale.

25 year old Lilly proved the master though as he built up a huge lead over the youngster, ultimately losing out on his record bid due to the soaring temperatures at Sandhurst.

“The newly resurfaced roads were not ideal in that heat” commented Tipton's Lilly after he clocked 31 minutes exactly.

Hale remarked post-race “I asked my coach (Bob Cytlau) if I should follow Josh. He said to take the early pace off him and concentrate on second, that’s what I tried to do and I was pleased with my performance.”

Ultimately the Forest based athlete clocked 33mins 52seconds as he battled off Steve Whittaker of Chelmsford to secure a new club and course under 17 record.

Asked how long it would be before Hale would be challenging him for top honours Lilly answered “ Two years, but it may even be earlier, Kyran is developing so well!”

Behind the frontrunners Severn suffered a rare home defeat as a new look Gloucester team triumphed.

Prolific racer Mark James was eleventh while returning veteran Dave Lander moved from 30th at halfway to finish 14th as he returns to form. Dave Lowthian was 21st as he suffered in the heat and Gary Barnes followed him in 25th.

John James out sprinted Dave Blackburn for 45th but there was a silver lining for Blackburn as he set a new club age group record.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Haines made President

Terry Haines of Severn Athletic Club has been elected as President Elect of the Birmingham and District Cross-Country League. He will serve in that capacity for 2011-12 and assume the Presidency for 2012-13.

Haines is acknowledged as the brains behind the Gloucester and Severn teams successes in the league which is among the toughest in the UK.

The former Mayor and Sheriff is delighted with his new role, “I'm fortunate to have been awarded many honours over the last 40 years, but having been a runner and then an official in such a fine sport, to be granted such a prestigious office by ones peers I find very moving.”

Updated by Gareth Howells

Kyran Hale has taken his winning ways on the road

Kyran Hale has taken his winning ways on the road.

Severn AC's 16 year old rising star has dominated with his recent performances on the Gloucestershire Road Race Circuit; winning the Glos' 4K Cross-Country Championship as well as the Grocery '4'.

He travelled to the Hereford 5K seeking a hat-trick of wins.

His main rival on the day was Luke Mason (Wye Valley), one of Herefordshire's top runners.

The two were close together up until the 2K mark where Hale made his effort and pulled clear.

“Luke slipped behind by around 30 meters, I just concentrated on maintaining the gap. I knew he had a good sprint finish so it took a big effort to complete the job.” commented Hale post race.

Hale managed to secure victory by eight seconds as he clocked a time of 15.53, his first sub 16 minute 5K of 2011.

Severn's team captain James Rose ran a pb of 16.46 for 3rd while Mark James' 17.27 for 8th was an indicator that his good form is continuing.

Fresh from his 18th birthday celebrations Oliver Starkey anchored the team with 11th place and a time of 17.58.

With these fine performances Severn AC continued their rich vein of form of 2011, securing another team title.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Blaisdon Blubell 10K

Blaisdon Bluebell 10K on Monday! Run off the Bank Holiday feasting! Meet at the Red Hart pub in Blaisdon. 10.30 meet for an 11.30 start. Hope to see you all there!

Updated by Gareth Howells

Hale Triumphs at Tredworth

Hale Triumphs at Tredworth

Kyran Hale cemented his name into Gloucester road running history as he claimed the famous Tredworth Road Race for the second consecutive year. The 16 year old led from the outset as he continued his rise to prominence as Severn AC's most successful young athlete.

Ultra-Runner Jeremy Mower had the best Tredworth finish of his career, leading the Gloucester AC team home with second position. Severn AC then dominated the rest of the top 10 with Mark James continuing his good spring form to complete the podium.

The ladies race was won by Becky Summers of Gloucester AC who beat Nicola Wong of Angels.

In typical Tredworth Road Race fashion the occasion brought many locals to the street. They witnessed the senior race, as well as the children’s races and Easter bonnet competition.

Among those present were city Mayor Jann Lugg, Sheriff of Gloucester Geraldine Gillespie and Mayor of Barton Tony Ward. Town Crier Alan Myatt helped bring in the crowds as he announced the race to the many residents of Tredworth High Street. Local politicians Richard Graham MP and council leader Paul James entered the race with James clocking 30minutes 14seconds for 17th position.

Hale, of the Forest of Dean, raced ahead from the first lap of four and had already built a seemingly unassailable lead by the half way mark. He continued to improve on this and ultimately finished the race in 22minutes 42seconds, over a minute faster than his winning time last year.

“I was a bit tired from Saturday but I still managed to do a good time today which I was pleased with” commented Hale after the race.

Kyran ran the race in aid of 'Robocap', a cancer charity who aim to purchase equipment for 'Robotic Assisted Surgery' in the three shires of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Details can be found on www.robocap.org.uk.

The trio of Jeremy Mower(Elmbridge), Mark James(Inner-City) and Gareth Howells(Longlevens) were close together three minutes behind Kyran. James started off strongest, leading through the first two laps with Howells and Mower a few seconds back.

After the opening lap, Mower moved ahead of Howells and eventually claimed second position where he stayed for the remainder of the race. His time of 25minutes 36seconds gave him a 30 second lead over Mark James who held of the challenge of Gareth Howells for 26minutes 2seconds.

After showing some promise in the battle for third position Howells faced problems of his own as he was chased down by Severn veteran Dave Lander (Quedgeley) in the closing stages. He held on however, a sprint finish giving him a time of 26minutes 12seconds with Lander only 2seconds behind in fifth.

In eighth position Eddie Ward was top Tredworth finisher, the unattatched athlete clocking 28minutes 11seconds.

In the ladies race Becky Summers was never under pressure as the U20 athlete from Abbeymead won in a time of 29minutes 58seconds, over 90seconds ahead of Nicola Wong who was second in 31minutes 30seconds.

Debbie Lee from Walham made up the top three with a time of 31minutes 59seconds.

Local runners will now prepare for the busy summer road race season, which starts on May 2nd (Bank Holiday Monday) at the Blaisdon 10k Road Race from the Blue Bell, Blaisdon, 11.30am start.


FULL RESULTS

1. Kyran Hale, Severn AC/Forest of Dean (U17) 22.43
2. Jeremy Mower, Gloucester AC/Elmbridge (v45) 22.36
3. Mark James, Severn/Inter-City (Senior) 26.02
4. Gareth Howells, Severn/Longlevens (U23) 26.12
5. Dave Lander, Severn/Quedgeley (v45) 26.14
6. Andy Norman, Severn/Kingsway (v55) 27.01
7. Dave Lowthian, Severn/Forest of Dean (v40) 27.18
8. Freddie Ward, Unattatched/Tredworth (Senior) 28.11
9. Martyn Whitlock, Severn/Haresfield (Senior) 28.42
10. Gary Young, Gloucester Triathlon Club/Tredworth (v40) 28.58
11. Steve Maguire, Severn (Senior) 29.09
12. George Scully, Midland Masters/Quedgeley (v60) 29.24
13. Dave Spackman, Gloucester AC/Kingswway (v65) 29.35
14. Dave Dowdle, Gloucester AC/Barton (v55) 29.47
15. Becky Summers, Gloucester AC/Abbeymead (LV20) 29.58
16. Ian Summers, Gloucester AC/Abbeymead (v40) 29.58
17. Paul James, unattached/Longlevens (Senior) 30.14
18. Nicola Wong, Angels/Denmark Road (LV40) 31.30
19. Colin Turner, unattached/Tredworth (v40) 31.44
20. Debbie Lee, Walham (LV40) 31.59
21. Lance Spackman, unattached/Abbeymead (v40) 32.22
22. Chris Young, Stroud/Quedgeley (v55) 32.23
23. Andrew East, unattached/Tredworth (v55) 32.27
24. Curtis Davis, unattached/Abbeydale (Senior) 33.09
25. John James, Severn AC/Quedgeley (v60) 33.25
26. Jo Carter, Angels/Newent (LV45) 35.34
27. Deborah Southgate, Angels/Down Hatherly (LV55) 36.51
28. Carol Housfield, Angels/Whitminster (LV50) 37.10
29. Simon Pennell, unattached/Tredworth (v45) 39.46
30. John Gouda, unattached/Hempsted (v50) 41.35
31. Jacqui Campbell, unattached/Barton (v40) 42.31
32. Pauline Reynolds, unattached/Barton (v55) 48.44
33. Ewen Reynolds, unattached/Barton (v40) 49.04

photo – Kyran Hale in the home straight

Updated by Gareth Howells

Lilley returns for run away victory

Josh Lilley previously of Severn AC, now of Tipton returned to his old stomping ground to record a run away victory in the Easter 10k race at Sandhurst.

In very hot and humid conditions, Lilley ran alone from the gun to finish in 31 minutes dead, 2nd to finish was Kyran Hale who recorded 33.52 in his first ever 10k race.

Kate Goodhead of Bristol & West was the first lady home in 37.39.

Full results have now been added to the results pages.

Updated by Mark James

Severn dominant at Hereford 5k

Severn AC travelled in force with great success to the first of the Hereford 5k series.

Kyran Hale was victorious in 15.53 but was closely tracked throughout the race by Luke Mason of Wye Valley who finished 2nd in 16.01.

Other Severn finishers

3rd James Rose 16.46
8th Mark James 17.27
11th Oliver Starkey 17.58
35th John James 22.25.

50 ran.

Updated by Mark James

Birthday thrill for Hale

THE day before his 16th birthday Kyran Hale of Severn AC won himself an early present.

He became the youngest ever winner in the 35-year-old history of the Gloucester Grocery Four Mile road race from the White Horse.

Facing a serious threat from Sam Dalgleish (Westbury Harriers), Hale accepted the challenge with relish.

He was 60 yards ahead by the half-mile mark and improved on his personal best by nine seconds, setting a new Under-17 course record. Dalgleish finished eight seconds adrift.


Severn vice-captain James Rose was determined to break the 22-minute barrier.

He said: "I decided to keep Kyran in sight on the opening stretches of the race, and by the end I was closing on the two ahead."

Rose's award was third place and 14 seconds off his old PB.

Severn's Oliver Starkey, 17, ran a course PB for sixth place while Mark James, fresh from a 5K PB four days earlier, took ninth place. Steve Bradley (12th) improved his PB by four seconds.

Severn's team victory was secured by Andy Norman who added another Over-55 award to his impressive collection.

At the Yate Open Mark James won his first track race for five years.

In the 800m he sprinted clear to win in two minutes, 8.2 seconds.

Kyran Hale was second in the Under-17 3000m in 9.16.

In the Moreton-on-Marsh 10K Andy Norman (V55) was 19th, improving on his PB by 13 seconds in a time of 38.33. He was fifth in the over-55 category.

John James was fifth in the V60 category in 47.01 (66th).

GLOUCESTER GROCERY: 1 Kyran Hale (U17) 21.15, 3 James Rose 21.49, 6 Oliver Starkey 23.09, 9 Mark James 23.31, 13 Steve Bradley 24.35, 14 Andy Norman (V55) 24.42, 15 Dave Lowthian (V40) 24.51, 22 Derrick Lightstone (2nd V60) 26.45, 23 George Sculley (V60) 26.51, 24 Steve Maguire 26.54, 25 Gary Barnes (V50) 27.25, 34 John James (V60) 29.40, 38 Dave Blackburn (V65) 34.44. Severn 45pts.

Shortwood 5K: 17 Mark James 17.22 (PB), 73 George Scully (V60) 20.41, 78 Gary Barnes (V50) 20.59, 92 John James (V60) 22.27.

Forest of Dean trails half marathon: 163 Chris Milliner (V40) 1:34.58.

Updated by Mark James

Norman Thomas Funeral Arrangements

Wednesday April 13th

2:30pm
St Catherines Church, London Rd, Gloucester

3:30pm
Private Commital, family & close friends, Gloucester Crematorium (No black ties but smart)

3pm onwards
Reception at Walls Sports & Social Club Hammond Way, all welcome

No Flowers. Donations in lieu of British Heart Foundation.

Updated by Mark James

Norman Thomas

Norman Thomas sadly passed away on saturday 26th of March aged 58.

He collapsed after the 4km county championships at Plock court. Norman was an important officer at Severn athletics club.

Updated by Jason Gower

Dalton shatters record in relay champs

SEVERN AC's Tim Dalton ran a fast three-mile lap in the Midland Counties 12 stage road relay championships at Sutton Coldfield.

Dalton's main aim is to defend his Midland 1500m title in June, and his personal best performance demonstrates that training is going well.

With 12 stages run over a series of 5.5 mile legs, followed by two three-mile legs, Severn could not raise a full team of 12 so failed to qualify for the national event next month.

On lap one, James Rose ran a PB of 30 minutes, 12 seconds to finish 25th.

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Starkey held the team's position with a PB of 17.40, while veteran Derek Lightstone – on his debut at the relays – ran 19.53 with the club placed 27th.

Next long leg runner Ian Smith (V50) clocked 33.11 to finish 33rd.

Delays in arriving meant Starkey had to run a second short leg, lap five, completing in 18.55 before handing over to Austin Degge who clocked 18.57 on his short leg.

With the team now in 30th position. Austin Blackburn's PB of 32.51 on a long leg gained another place for the team before Andy Norman ran his leg in 18.56.

Although isolated, Dalton improved Severn's position to 24th by running 14.23secs on his short leg – the seventh fastest time of the day – to break Josh Lilly's club record by four seconds.

Injured club captain Steve Hale praised the team afterwards.

He said: "Some of the absences were unfortunate but we must now re-build our strength through the summer."

The following day Blackburn lined up to start the Heart of the Cotswolds Marathon.

In near perfect conditions he set off on the three-lap hilly circuit and was soon joined by triathlon ironman Will Hall (Tri-Anglia) for the majority of the race.

Having remained in seventh position up to mile 21, Blackburn then pulled away to take another two places and finish fifth in 3:14.38 – his second PB of the weekend.

Father and son duo Mark and John James both ran in the Weston Five Mile road race, with Mark finishing 17th in 29.42 and Vet 60 John 148th in 37.34.

Updated by

Clean sweep for dominant Severn

SEVERN AC regained the county road relay championship at the White Horse, Sandhurst, having not won it since 2007.

They completed a clean sweep of the men's titles with victories in the Senior Men, over-40, over-50 and over-60 titles.

On the opening three-mile lap of the four-stage race Cheltenham's sole runner Jeremy Bradley ran the day's fastest lap of 15 minutes, 52 seconds.

Evesham Vale were placed second, 31 seconds ahead of Bourton. Severn's Mark James put his club in contention 17 seconds back in fourth.

Oliver Starkey, 17, paced himself through to improve Severn to second place just three seconds behind Evesham Vale.

Kyran Hale, 15, bustled past Evesham within 100 metres and concentrated on building up a sizeable lead. He ran the day's second fastest lap in a time of 16.25, giving anchor man Ian Smith a lead of 2.38.

Smith tired from having run the opening lap on the Vet 50 team but hung on well to complete his second lap only four seconds slower than his first. Evesham never got near, although they eroded Severn's lead to 54 seconds.

In the Vet 40s Severn led silver medalists Bourton all the way, and they prevailed in the three-lap over-50s race ahead of Worcester.

Smith had the fastest time while Norman Thomas, back after a long lay off, ran the fastest over-55 time of the day. Severn's over-60 stalwarts John James, Dave Blackburn and Derrick Lightstone won Severn's first gold medal in this age category.

Results: 1 Severn 70.45 (Mark James 18.05, Oliver Starkey 17.42, Kyran Hale 16.25, Ian Smith 18.29), 2 Evesham Vale 72.29, 3 CLC Striders 75.03, 4 Evesham Vale (V40) 76.29, 5 Bourton 78.06, 6 Bromsgrove & Redditch 80.17, 7 Tewkesbury 80.53, 9 Severn (V40) 88.23 (Neil Taylor 21.02, Gary Barnes 21.30, George Scully 21.25, John James 24.26), 10 Bourton (V45) 90.16, 11 Stroud 93.18.

Vet 50: 1 Severn 58.02 (Ian Smith 18.33, Norman Thomas 19.25, Andy Norman 20.08), 2 Worcester, 3 Bromsgrove & Redditch.

Vet 60: 1 Severn 68.33 (John James 23.06, Dave Blackburn 24.47, Derrick Lightstone 20.40), 2 Bromsgrove & Redditch.

■ Severn's Anthony Bethell and his partner won the Dark & Wintry 17.5 mile orienteering race at Nomington, Staffordshire.

A busy period also saw Bethell running the famous Long Myndd Fell Race, which involved over 5000ft of ascent over the 11.5 mile circuit. He finished in 2:02.43 and was placed 130th out of 400 runners.

In the Castle Coombe 10K John James finished in 48.01 and was placed 78th.

First home for Severn in the Gloucester 20 was Steve Bradley in 2:28.31 for 61st place, with Martyn Whitlock (2:42.40) and Austin Degge (2:42.47) 123rd and 124th respectively.

Updated by Mark James

Rose in bloom again as Severn shine

SEVERN AC were led home by another excellent performance by vice-captain James Rose, while maintaining their team dominance in the White Horse Five Mile road race.

In the first of the season's five-mile races on the fast Sandhurst course they overcame rejuvenated city rivals Gloucester.

Visitor Steve Phillips, from Southampton, led all the way to win by 600m in a time of 25 minutes, 10 seconds.

Dean Parker (Bournville) was second just ahead of Rose, who broke clear of the chasing pack at two miles before closing down on Parker.

Severn's Ian Smith was not far behind the leaders, coming home in seventh place for his first top ten placing at the White Horse.

He won the Over-50s prize after staving off Peter Lloyd (Gloucester).

Andy Norman took the Over-55s award and placed 11th.

Race watchers were astonished to greet Severn's fifth scorer Norman Thomas, one of the city's greats back from an eight-year break, who finished 13th.

He pipped the club's final scorer Dave Lowthian, who beat his personal best by a second in 14th place.

Results: 1 Steve Phillips (Southampton) 25.10, 3 James Rose 28.26, 7 Ian Smith (1st V50) 29.41, 9 Mark James 30.06, 11 Andy Norman (1st V55) 30.29, 13 Norman Thomas (V55) 30.48, 14 Dave Lowthian (V40) 30.52, 15 Steve Bradley 31.16, 18 Austin Degge 31.59, 22 Simon Wootton 32.41, 23 Dave Lander (V45) 32.58, 26 George Scully (V60) 33.58, 29 Bill Griffiths (V50) 34.55, 35 John James (V60) 37.17, Dave Blackburn (1st V65) 40.45.

Team: Severn AC 57pts, Gloucester 85pts.

IN OTHER races Severn AC members had success, with Kyran Hale maintaining his 100 per cent record in the Forest of Dean Park Run 5K race.

He won the latest in a season's best of 18 minutes and 50 seconds.

Bristol Shortwood 5K: 23 Mark James 17.42, 70 George Scully 22.08, John James 22.38.

Merthyr Tydfil 10-mile multi-terrain: 19 Dave Lowthian 66.15.

SEVERN AC had two runners representing the team in the Inter County Cross-Country championships at Crofton Park, Birmingham.

In the Under-17s Kyran Hale had a good run and finished in 69th position.

With time on his side in this age group he is likely to be challenging the leaders in future championships.

In the Under-20s Oliver Starkey finished 240th.

In the Devizes 10K Andy Norman of Severn AC finished in 16th place, producing a course PB in a time of 39.30.

At the Burnham-on-Sea 5K Mark James managed a top ten finish for ninth place in 18:00, a new course PB for himself.

His father John James (second V60) finished in 23.34 in 60th position.

Updated by Mark James

Bethall enjoys day out

In the National Cross-Country Championships at Alton Towers, Severn AC's Anthony Bethall (Vet-40) came 543rd out of 1,302 runners in extremely muddy conditions.

Former Severn AC star, Josh Lilly, now a Birmingham resident, was 18th overall in a time of 37 minutes and 25 seconds, helping his Tipton Harriers team to silver medal position.

Meanwhile, in the Under-20s Oliver Starkey was placed 144th out of 210 runners.

In the Weston Five-mile road race, won by Matt Ellis (Westbury) in a time of 25 minutes and 37 seconds, Severn AC member Mark James improved on his personal best by finishing 18th in 29.21.John James (V-60) finished 164th in 37.50, out of 254 runners.

Severn AC welcomes new recruits to its distance training groups which include Josh Lilly, Tim Dalton and Kyran Hale. Call Rob Cytlau on 01452 614783 for details.

Updated by Mark James

Sweet scent of progress for Rose

SEVERN AC, led by a career best run from vice-captain James Rose, placed 10th in the final Birmingham Cross- Country League Division Two race.

They came 12th overall, well out of the bottom three relegation places.

Rose has progressed all season, providing an excellent leader's example after captain Steve Hale had to miss the entire season with a fractured foot.

After placing 34th, 36th and 28th, Rose achieved his season's target of a top 30 position by placing 29th.

He went off with the leaders, steadied and was placed 25th by halfway.

From there he worked hard, overtaking on the uphills and losing no positions on the downhills over the fast slopes.

He said: "I felt confident throughout the race passing runners and never lost a place after mid-race."

Severn's next scorer, veteran over-50 Ian Smith (61st), made up four places in the last mile.

Austin Blackburn achieved his best league position (69th) benefiting from some strong uphill running.

Veteran Anthony Bethall (80th) continues to improve after 10 years out of the sport, surprising club-mate Alex Hope (82nd) when passing him on the final hill.

The team was completed by Austin Degge (130th), who struggled from halfway, and the county's top Over-55 Andy Norman (145th).

Club captain Steve Hale said: "At every league match our lads had to battle without several important scorers.

"James Rose's improvement was our highlight".

BIRMINGHAM: 20 James Rose 38.26, 61 Ian Smith (V50) 41.01, 69 Austin Blackburn 41.23, 80 Anthony Bethall 42.04, 82 Alex Hope 42.07, 130 Austin Degge 43.40, 145 Andy Norman (V55) 44.54.

Final League placings (final match scores in brackets): Bournville 501 (138), Sutton Coldfield 629 (119), Cannock/Stafford 847 (114), Wolverhampton/Bilston 905 (194), Bromsgrove/Redditch 1114 (259), Worcester 1132 (343), Leamington 1326 (483), Newcastle 1367 (275), Solihull/Smallheath 1585 (770), Dudley/Stourbridge 1726 (592), Stratford upon Avon 1736 (448), Severn 1755 (442), Sparkhill 1791 (356), Tamworth 1913 (483), Centurians 2085 (483), Northbrook 2092 (554), Kidderminster/Stourport 2302 (480), Trentham 2500(512).

Severn's Tim Dalton was sixth in his heat of the National Indoor 1500m at Sheffield in 3:53.02.

He said: "I improved by 1.5 seconds on the previous week but couldn't manage the fast final 400m."

Dalton is now concentrating on hard training prior to his defence of the Midland 1500m outdoor title.

The first road race of the 2011 season will take place at The White Horse, Sandhurst Lane, on Saturday, February 26 (3pm).

All local runners aged 15 and over are welcome. Registration from 2pm.

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Hale heads Severn's cross-country charge

KYRAN Hale spearheaded Severn AC's challenge at the Gloucestershire Cross-Country League fixture at Plock Court.

Already crowned the Under-17 champion, the 15-year-old decided to guest in the senior race.

He settled in sixth place behind the pace-setting group at the front, displaying his ability by following the pace and not losing ground.

In the final third of the six-mile course Hale was within a minute of the leaders after making up ground.
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Behind him his senior team-mates equalled their best 2010-11 league display by finishing fifth, but with Hale scoring they would have been third.

Vice-captain James Rose advanced from 20th at two miles to his best league placing of 12th.

Mark James, fresh from road race success, passed four in the final 50m for 26th – his previous best being 84th.

Ian Smith (33rd) showed signs of a return to form while Alex Hope (38th) improved 30 places on his last league run.

Steve Bradley (58th) finished 11 places up on his league best.

The team were anchored by veteran Neil Taylor (120th).

Results: 6 Kyran Hale (U17) 31.47, 12 James Rose 33.18, 28 Mark James 35.29, 33 Ian Smith (V50) 35.45, 38 Alex Hope (V45) 36.16, 58 Steve Bradley 38.08, 120 Neil Taylor (V40) 45.31.

Midland 1500m champion Tim Dalton was satisfied with his time of three minutes, 54.5 seconds to take fifth place in the Birmingham Indoor Games.

"I went with the pace then dropped off at the end," he said.

"It was my first race for some time. It's got me geared up for the National Championships."

Father and son John and Mark James did well in the latest Burnham 5K Road Race.

Mark had his best placing and time, finishing second in 18.06, while dad John won the over-60 section when 35th in 22.54.

Severn AC welcome any over-16s to their current circuit training sessions at Gloucester Academy, Cotteswold Road, on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.45pm.

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Kyran's got a taste for the title

SEVERN AC's Kyran Hale has set himself the target of winning next year's Midland Counties' Under-17 Cross- Country Championships.

The 15-year-old said of his eighth position in this year's race held in Leamington Spa: "It was reasonable, but next year I want to win."

Hale set off with the leaders before being dropped at halfway.

A rally saw him close up on them to finish 48 seconds down on winner Matthew Rose (Coventry).

Third was Hale's rival Rhys Park (Bristol), who he had beaten the week before.

Consolation for Hale was that he was the first 15-year-old to finish and will still be under 17 next year.

In the men's race Severn's vice-captain James Rose excelled himself.

Aiming at a top 150 placing, he settled down early on in the severe seven-and-a-half mile course and made progress all the way to the finish 86th.

The Gloucester Festival Seven Mile champion felt it was his best performance ever.

MIDLAND CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS, SENIOR MEN: 86 James Rose 46.55, 144 Anthony Bethall (V40) 50.27, 171 Austin Degge 51.49.

Under-20 MEN: 39 Oliver Starkey 33-48.

Under-17 MEN: 8 Kyran Hale 24-16.

Weston FIVE MILE: 26 Mark James 30.21, 139 John James (V60) 37.41.

Bristol Shortwood 5K: 19 Mark James 17.53, 52 George Scully (V60) 20.47, 71 John James (V60) 22.48.

Quedgeley FIVE mile: 4 Andy Norman (1st V50) 30.38, 34 John James (V60) 38.00.

Lis Werry eight mile: 62 Dave Lowthian (V40) 51.41.

Linda Franks FIVE mile: 2 Kyran Hale 25.10, 12 Mark James 29.22, 15 Andy Norman 30.01, 16 Dave Lowthian 30.02, 18 Steve Bradley 30.27, 74 John James 37.09.

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Hale's pace is tough to beat

SEVERN Athletic Club's distance star Kyran Hale, 15, turned in another eye-catching run on the opening race of the 2011 County Road Race series, the Linda Franks Five Mile at Cheltenham.

He lined up with 200 mostly senior runners and on the first of the two laps, Hale set the pace along with national over-35s champion John Parker (CLC Striders) and his rival in the age groups, Rhys Park (Bristol).

Parker made his effort at the halfway mark opening up a small gap.

Hale didn't panic and maintained his pace, concentrating on defeating Park who he has only beaten once before.

Hale's pace judgement prevailed as Park dropped back.

Parker won in 24 minutes and 51 seconds, Hale was second in 25.10 with Park third.

Other Severn times were: Mark James 29-22; Andy Norman (V55) 30-01; Dave Lowthian (V40) 30-03; Steve Bradley 30-09; John James (V60) 37-11.

SEVERN AC had shown excellent spirit in 2010, said club chairman Albert Gardiner at the club's AGM

He said: "We seem to have had many injuries and the continuing lack of a proper athletics track in the city doesn't help.

"But the club and its promotions, particularly its much praised Road Races, continue to serve its members and the sport well"

Officers elected: President Peter Clarke, chair Albert Gardiner, vice-chair Winston McHugh, secretary Martyn Whitlock, treasurer Mark Robinson, cross-country captain Steve Hale, co-ordinator Terry Haines, committee: Jason Gower, Gareth Howells, Austin Degge, John James, Jo Fletcher, Peter Stephens.

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Rose in flower at League meeting

SEVERN Athletic Club's vice captain James Rose had his best run yet in the third Birmingham Cross-Country League Division two match at Wolverhampton.

To date, Rose's biggest success in a three-year running career was victory in the Gloucester Festival 7 Mile road race in July.

Since then, Rose feels he's been below that form yet consistently being club number one at races.

Over a twisty, muddy six-and-a-half mile course he ran the first two miles with team mate Ian Smith around 40th place until Rose pulled away to record a 28th place finish – his best by six places.

"I felt good and always had someone just in front of me to track down," Rose said.

"It was my best performance yet."

Rose's place helped Severn maintain their mid-table position.

Smith, who faded later in the race, said: "I just didn't have anything there today"

Revelation of the race was returning veteran Anthony Bethell, in only his first cross country race for a year, coming home as third scorer in 106th.

Austin Degge (127th) made steady progress throughout and Andy Norman (135th) passed team mate Dave Lowthian (139th) in the last mile. Under-20 Tommy Brookes (150th) completed the team.

Results, Individual: 1st Matthew Grainger (Kidderminster) 33-32. Severn AC placings: 28th James Rose 36-28; 65th Ian Smith (V50) 38-18; 106th Anthony Bethell (V40) 40-01; 127th Austin Degge 40-44; 135th Andy Norman (V55) 41-10; 150th Tommy Brookes (U20) 42-41.

League Scores: (Saturdays in brackets) Rowntree 363(75); Sutton Clodfield 510(311) Wolverhampton/Bilston 711(195); Cannock/Stafford 723(168); Worcester 789 (291); Leamington 843(308); Bromsgrove & Redditch 855(377); Newcastle 1092(295); Dudley & Stourbridge 1134(489); Solihull & Small Heath 1215(445); Stratford-U-Avon 1228(423); Severn 1313(600); Tamworth 1430(480); Sparkhill 1435(475); Northbrook 1558(577); Centurians1600(384); Kidderminster/Stourport 1844(637); Trentham 1888(653).

Other recent Severn results: Painswick Multi-Terrain 7 mile: 3rd Oliver Starkey (U20). Cardiff Veterans 5 Mile Road Race: 26th Dave Lowthian 30:58. 144 ran.

Haresfield 10 Mile Road Race: 18th Mark James 67-52; 44th George Scully (2nd V60) 71-13; 116th John James (V60) 84-18. 200 ran.

Results of Severns Christmas Races: Xmas Morning 2.5 mile cross-country handicap (actual times in brackets): 1st Greg Newcombe 15-51 (15-51); 2nd Rob Jordan 16-10 (14-35); 3rd Jeremy Mower 16-42 (12-57); 4th Andy Norman 16-46 (14-00); 5th Ian Pollard 17-00 (15-45); 6th Arthur Daley 17-22 (15-02); 7th Dave Burton 17-30 (14-20); 8th Dave Sargent 17-54 (16-54); 9th Dave Spackman 18-04 (16-39).

Pilot Inn 4 mile road race: 1st Alex Jones (Enfield & Harringey U20) 21-19; 2nd Kyran Hale (Severn U17) 21-24; 3rd Dan Owen (Chelt U20) 21-36; 4th Oliver Starkey (Severn U20) 23-58. Other Severn placings: 7th Andy Norman (1st V55) 24-49; 8th Mark James 25-22; 9th Nathan Morris 25-28; 13th Ian Pollard 28-58; 15th Austin Degge 29-16; 19th John James 30-56; 20th Paul Stanbrook 32-00; 23rd Amy Degge 39-38. Team Severn 42 points.

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Super Kyran is best in county

SEVERN AC was delighted to see their young star Kyran Hale gain a clear success in the County Cross-Country Championships.

Over the muddy 2.75 mile Under-17 course, the 15-year-old went into an immediate lead and increased it all the way to win by 300 metres from training companion Adam Thrall.

Hale will return to defend his title next year before entering senior racing.

His immediate targets are high placings in the Midland and National Championships in the next six weeks.

In the Senior 6.5 mile event, Severn's team achieved their best performance for three years by winning the silver medal.

James Rose led the club effort, running with club-mate Ian Smith most of the way.

Rose ran a fast final mile, passing four runners, to finish in 16th position.

Smith held on for a well deserved 20th and won the over-50 title.

Oliver Starkey, 17, was disappointed to fade near the end and finished 23rd.

Veteran Dave Lowthian kept his mid-race position throughout to be fourth scorer in 28th, while 19-year-old Tommy Brooks, scoring for the club for the first time, finished 32nd position.

He passed the club's sixth scorer, Andy Norman, in the final 400 metres.

Norman, who was 33rd overall, won the over-55 title.

Club results, senior: 1 Phile Wylie (Bristol/West) 34.03; 16 James Rose (Severn) 40.21; 20 Ian Smith (Severn V50) 41.12; 23 Oliver Starkey (Severn U20) 42.22; 28 Dave Lowthian (Severn V40) 43.55; 32 Tommy Brooks (Severn U20) 44.48; 33 Andy Norman (Severn V55) 44.58; 53 Steve Bradley (Severn) 45.25; 58th Austin Degge (Severn) 45-57. 62 ran.

Under 17: 1 Kyran Hale (Severn) 15-00.

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All Hale rising Severn star Kyran at the Inn

KYRAN Hale, Severn AC's 15-year-old star distance runner, has helped spark a revival in the club's performances.

A personal-best five-mile time in third position led the club to a clean sweep of the team road races over Christmas when they won the final seasonal event in the club's Pilot Inn Five Mile.

On the demanding Hardwicke course Hale, undaunted as usual, set about his senior opponents by setting the early pace.

However, the maturity of senior Will Ferguson (CLC Striders) and past winner Jeremy Bradey (Cheltenham) overcame Hale's pace and by halfway they were clear.

Ferguson's faster last two miles were decisive in his victory.

He recorded the second-best time over the course in 25 minutes, 30 seconds – just 12 seconds outside Josh Lilly's (Severn) record.

Hale (pictured) held on to third, continuing on isolated from the pace.

He broke his own personal best by four seconds when setting a new Under-17 course record.

Afterwards he said: "Perhaps I shouldn't have celebrated the new year so much."

Severn's vice-captain James Rose ran solidly for sixth place while 17-year-old Oliver Starkey won the Under-20 award, placing seventh.

Austin Blackburn held off a pack of pursuers to finish among the individual prizes in tenth.

Another Severn youngster Nathan Morris, 17, in his first race over such a distance, paced himself well to finish fifth scorer in 12th place.

Severn were anchored to victory by prolific age group victor Andy Norman (14th), who added another 55-59 title to his collection.

Injured club captain Stephen Hale praised the team.

He said: "The emergence of several of our youngsters into the scoring team promises much for the future."

RESULTS: 1 Will Ferguson (CLC) 25.30; 2 Jeremy Bradley (Chelt) 26.02; 3 Kyran Hale (Severn U17) 27.04; 6 James Rose (Severn) 29.27; 7 Oliver Starkey (Severn U20) 29.43; 10 Austin Blackburn (Severn) 30.27; 12 Nathan Morris (Severn U20) 14 Andy Norman (Severn V55) 31.28; 19 Mark James (Severn) 32.23; 20 Tommy Brookes (Severn U20) 32.33; 37 Ian Pollard (Severn V55) 36.39; 42 Dave Buckle (Severn V60) 37.18; 45 John James (Severn V60) 38.34; 50 Paul Stanbrook (Severn V45) 41.18.

Teams: Severn 52pts; Tewkesbury 182pts.

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Christmas race updates

Christmas morning the run definately goes ahead. Meet at junction of escort road and cheltenham road. The race will most likely take place on plock court.

The Christmas 4 Mile road race has been post poned to thursday December 30th due to start at 11:30.

Updated by Jason Gower

Ready for a christmas day run?

THE 48th annual Gloucester Christmas morning three-mile road race handicap will be staged around its traditional course.

From 10.30am the runners will head down Estcourt Road, Tewkesbury Road, Oxstalls Lane and Cheltenham Road.

They are asked to register by 10am so handicaps can be assessed.

Last year St Peter's School students Gareth Howells and Oliver Starkey fought out a thrilling finish, with Howells the victor by inches.

Kingsholm resident Dave Spackman has run it 25 times and won three times.

The course has changed with road modifications, but the cirrent record is held by Luke Herbert from Abbeymead, who ran it in 16 minutes, 47 seconds two years ago.

All local runners aged 14 and over are welcome.

After the three-mile event, the 42nd annual Gloucester Uphill 180-metre sprint handicap will be held.

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Christmas 5 Mile C/C Handicap Report

SEVERN AC's 15-year-old distance star, Kyran Hale, gave a mature display of even paced distance running when winning the club's Christmas five-mile handicap cross country race at Plock Court.

He gave all the other athletes substantial starts although he was the youngest runner.

Up to half way clubmate Paul Stanbrook, who was first away, led the race. Just after half way a much-improved Omar Amin (Glos AC) took over the lead. He looked set for victory being 300 yards ahead with one mile to go, however, Hale paced it perfectly. "My coach, Bob Cytlau, said to maintain a steady pace, work through the field and try and get close enough to really go for it," he said.

The youngster did just that, passing a surprised Amin with 500 yards left. Hale became only the third scratch man to win in the 40 year history of the race, following clubmates Nathan Bishop in 1991 and Tim Dalton in 2007.

His time of 26:04 was three minutes faster than anyone else. Amin (Glos) was second, former winner Bill Griffiths (Severn) was unnoticed as he ran through the blizzard-like conditions with a well-timed finish dragging through new team mate Tommy Brookes to fourth.

Results (Actual times in brackets): 1st Kyran Hale (Severn U17) 36:14 (26:04); 2nd Omar Amin (Glos) 36:41 (31:21); 3rd Bill Griffiths (Severn V50) 37:27 (31:37); 4th Tommy Brookes (Severn U20) 37:47 (31:47); 5th Michelle Stark (Glos LV35) 37:55 (34:05); 6th Dave Lowthian (Severn V40) 38:01 (30:21); 7th Oliver Starkey (Severn U20) 38:25 (29:45); 15th Paul Stanbrook (Severn V45) 39:41 (39:41).

Hale maintained his unbeaten record in the Forest of Dean 5km park runs winning the latest race in 19 minutes and one second.

Severn AC's four-mile Road Race will be held from the Pilot Inn at Hardwicke on December 27 at 11.30am. All local runners 15 and over are welcome.

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Winter Circuit Training

Circuit train will break up for christmas with the final session of the year taking place on thursday the 16th of December.

Training will restart again on January the 6th.

Updated by Jason Gower

Gloucestershire C/C League (3/4)

Hale is beaten by his arch rival Park

SEVERN Athletic Club's 15-year-old rising star Kyran Hale (inset) lost his first race for two years in the Gloucestershire Cross-Country league at Blackbridge.

In the Under-17s' race he battled with persistent rival Rhys Park (Under-16s) from Bristol.

The pair matched strides for most of the race with the decisive action happening in the last mile.

Twice Park opened up a 15-yard gap on the single file parts of the course.

Hale hauled him in each time but seemed unable to respond when Park sprinted with 600 yards to go.

A 30-yard gap quickly opened, only for a rejuvenated Hale to come close in the last 200 yards, eventually losing out by five yards. Hale remains top of the individual league.

Severn's senior men and veterans teams both finished seventh in the 6.3-mile senior race.

Vice-captain James Rose ran with Ian Smith, with Rose pulling away in the final mile to finish 22nd and Smith was 24th.

Both are aiming for top-20 places in the final league meeting on February 5.

Former Severn champion distance runner, Alex Hope, now in the over-45s, demonstrated his renowned guile. Placed 130th after one mile, he masterfully progressed, with his feared sprint gaining him an extra six places over the final 100 metres. He finished 49th, a significant improvement on his 83rd a fortnight ago.

Veteran Dave Lowthian ran a personal league best of 61st.

Martyn Whitlock, back scoring regularly for the team, finished in 69th. Steve Bradley finished 85th to complete the scoring for Severn AC.

Results Senior Men's: Phil Wiley (Bristol) 33-03. Severn placings: 22 James Rose 38-22; 24 Ian Smith (V45) 38-41; 49 Alex Hope (V45) 40-51; 61 Dave Lowthian (V40) 41-30; 69 Martyn Whitlock 42-10; 85 Steve Bradley 43-20; 105 Gary Hope (V40) 45-01; 112 Dave Lander (V45) 45-55 157 Paul Stanbrook; (V45) 54-35; 170 ran.

Under17: 1 Rhys Park (Bristol) 14-51; 2 Kyran Hale (Severn) 14-53.

THE winner of the Severn AC Christmas five-mile Cross-Country handicap on Saturday will win a Christmas Cake.

All local runners aged 15 and over are welcome. Report 1.30pm for 2.30pm start at the Indoor Tennis Centre.

The first-ever Christmas Cracker Road Race was run from the Abbey Stars Running Club in Abbeydale.

Taking to the streets of Abbeydale, some runners were dressed as Santa and even one as a red dragon covered in Christmas baubles.

The Abbey Stars hosted a 5km fun run for adults followed by a 1.2km fun run for the children. In first place over the 5km distance was Craig Boggon, who came in under 20 minutes, while 11-year-old James Mounsor took the honours in the children's 1.2km run.

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Birmingham C/C league Division 2 (2/4) Report

TIM Dalton of Severn AC became the first home athlete to win a prestigious Birmingham Cross-Country League fixture in Gloucester.

Severn's hosting of the second match of the season at Plock Court saw the 23-year-old give a majestic display, even though a new career in banking meant he had not raced since September.

From the start of the Division Two six-mile race Dalton tucked in at the back of the six-strong leading group.

Most of the pace was set by league leader Dave Evans (Wolverhampton), and after two miles the pair along with Kidderminster's Matt Granger had a 20-yard lead.

Granger's attempt to break away failed while Evans made an effort but his 15-yard gap was covered by Dalton.

The Severn man then opened up a gap but Evans responded for a 20-yard lead.

Dalton then calmly paced himself back and at four miles he sped away.

He eventually won by 100 yards in a course record of 30 minutes, 42 seconds.

He said: "I felt comfortable and confident in handling the others' breaks."

Dalton, the current Midland 1500m champion and last winter's Midland Seven Mile Cross-Country victor, is aiming to run the two remaining league fixtures and emulate former team-mate Josh Lilly's Division Two victory in 2004.

Dalton's run helped to lift his Severn team mates to eighth, placing the team ninth overall in the league.

Vice-captain James Rose (36th) ran with team-mate Ian Smith (41st) most of the way before getting away in the closing stages.

Oliver Starkey (65th), fresh from his first term at Oxford University, improved nine places on his first league outing.

Austin Blackburn (84th) continued to score for the team, with Mark James (92nd) scoring for the first time in a Birmingham League event.

Results: 1 Tim Dalton (Severn) 30-42; 2 Dave Evans (Wolverhampton) 31-02; 3 Matt Granger (Kidderminster) 31-41.

Severn AC placings and times: 36 James Rose 34-17; 65 Oliver Starkey (U20) 35-14; 84 Austin Blackburn 36-21; 92 Mark James 36-43; 95 Dave Lowthian (V40) 36-52; 124 Alex Hope (V45) 37-54; 132 Steve Bradley 38-22; 144 Bill Griffiths (V50) 39-17; 148 Andy Norman (V55) 39-21; 179 Gary Hope (V40) 40-43; 198 Paul Stanbrook (V45) 49-47; 215 ran.

Team (League points in brackets): Bournville 106 (298); Royal Sutton Coldfield 144 (311); Bromsgrove/Redditch 203 (478); Wolverhampton/Bilston 253 (516); Worcester 257 (498); Leamington 290 (529); Solihull & SmallHeath 294 (899); Severn 319 (713); Dudley & Stourbridge 398 (645); Stratford upon Avon 423 (867); Newcastle 445 (797); Sparkhill 469 (960); Northbrook 477 (981); Tamworth 492 (950); Cannock/Stafford 503 (955); Kidderminster/Stourport 523 (1187); Centurians 557 (1216); Trentham 744 (1235). 'B' Team Severn 6th (800pts).

Severn's 15 year old Kyran Hale added the Gloucestershire Under-17 cross-country title to his large collection.

He led all the way at Pittville Park, beating rivals Xander Brown of Marling School and Adam Thrall of Sir Thomas Rich's.

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Chocolate Biscuit 4.5 Mile C/C & 1.5 miles young athletics races Report

SEVERN Athletics' Chocolate Biscuit or four-mile cross-country race at Plock Court pitted two of the county's rising stars Kyran Hale (Severn) and Lewis Gray (Bourton) against each other.

And it was the 15-year-old Hale who prevailed.

Already the county champion and league champion in the Under-15s, Hale is now campaigning in the Under-17s in which he is unbeaten this season.

Gray tried to follow Hale early on only to find Hale's relentless front running too much and he gradually slipped behind.

Hale led his Severn team mates to their first team victory since the county relay title in early October.

Vice captain James Rose was fourth having to fend off the challenge of team mate Austin Degge.

Degge ran his best ever race capitalising on an unbroken eight month training sequence.

Andy Norman in seventh maintained his county supremacy in the Over-55 age group.

Severn's fifth scorer was newcomer Tommy Brooks in eighth place who outsprinted club mate Bill Griffiths (ninth) after a race-long battle.

Results and Severn AC placings: 1 Kyran Hale (Severn U17) 21-10 (Under 17 course record); 2 Lewis Gray (Bourton U20) 21-58; 3 Andrew Hussey (Cheltenham V40) 22-36; 4 James Rose (Severn) 23-42; 6 Simon Barnes (Cotswold AR V40) 24-27.

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Norman conquers Blenheim 10K race

ANDY Norman of Severn AC took his winning ways in the over-50 age group to Oxfordshire.

After a series of victories in the Vet 50 and Vet 55 categories in Gloucestershire he travelled to the Blenheim 10K and came home 18th.

Norman (above) clocked an impressive time of 39.28 minutes and easily won his age groups out of the 612 runners competing on the day.

Kyran Hale, 15, maintained his 100 per cent record in the Forest of Dean 5K to win with a time of 19.23.

There was devastation in Cardiff for club captain Stephen Hale, who found on completing the international half marathon in 34th place and in 73.20 minutes that the severe foot pain he endured throughout the race was a metatarsal stress fracture.

He is now in plaster for a month.

Club team-mate Joanne Davis completed in a season's best time of one hour, 43.15 minutes.

In their first entry in the National Under-17 3 x 2.5 mile road relays Severn were pleased to finish 43rd out of 75 teams with a time of 40.52 minutes.

UNDER-17 ROAD RELAYS: 36 Kyran Hale 12.28, 43 Gethin Roberts 14.29, 68 Josh Mogg 13.55.

Burnham-on-Sea 5K: 5 Mark James 18.12, 36 John James 23.27.

Stroud Half Marathon: 98 Oliver Starkey 1:25.02, 112 Steve Bradley 1:25.55, 127 Mark James 1:26.45 (PB), 190 Derek Lightstone (5th V60) 1:30.32, 733 John James (V60) 1:48.45.

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Meetings receive a Norman conquest

SEVERN AC's Andy Norman has been a revelation this distance running season.

After showing much promise as a young athlete Norman dropped out of the sport, apart from sporadic returns in low key races.

In 2009 he started making his mark in the Over-50 age groups and joined Severn AC.

He was the overall victor in the Cotswold 10K series and ran in Severn's successful senior and veteran's teams.

Now in the V55 age group, he has dominated the local races with numerous victories in the V50 category as well as his own.

In the Horton Multi Terrain 10K race he came close to his first outright victory.

He surprised himself by leading for the first 2K, where Anthony Glover (Hogweed Trotters) went by him.

Glover won in 39.09, with Norman second in 40.03 and Severn's Austin Degge seventh in 42.11.

Multi-event athlete Nick Walker completed his season with a series of victories.

He won the javelin with 35.43m at the final Avon League meeting at Yate, and then completed a hat-trick of wins in the Northern Veterans (45-49) Championship at Accrington.

He won the pole vault with 3m, the discus with 30.31m and then ran a season's best of 19.4 seconds to win the 110m hurdles.

Dave Lowthian hacked 18 minutes off his marathon best time when finishing 83rd of 570 runners in 3:24.36 at Leicester.

Updated by

Severn squad snare county gold

SEVERN AC bounced back from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the National Road Relay Championships by winning the county cross-country relays at Plock Court.

On the first two-mile lap Cheltenham led Stroud and Gloucester, with Severn's Mark James next in with a PB of 10.48.

On lap two Stroud took over the lead with Gloucester second and Severn captain Steve Hale (10.21) in third.

On lap three 15-year-old Kyran Hale was in imperious form, breaking the Under-17 course record by eight seconds.

This gave Severn a 33-second lead over Stroud, and his lap of 9.40 was the second fastest county time of the day.

Oliver Starkey on the anchor leg ran a PB of 10.58 to hold off Stroud.

Severn's Veteran 40 team swapped the lead twice with Gloucester before Andy Norman overtook Gloucester's final runner to retain the title for Severn.

Earlier Norman gave the Severn over-50 team the lead on lap one, which team-mates Bill Griffiths and Gary Barnes held to the end.

Norman ran the fastest over 55 time and fastest over-60 was Derek Lightstone, who ran 11.57 to anchor Severn to silver medals.

County Cross-Country Relay Championship, senior: 1 Severn 41.48 (Mark James 10.48, Steve Hale 10.21, Kyran Hale 9.40, Oliver Starkey 10.58.), 9 Severn B 46.11 (Nathan Morris 10.55, Chris Miller 12.57, Austin Blackburn 11.01, Mark Rawlings 11.24), 15 Severn C 51.55 (John James 14.45, Martyn Whitlock 11.37, Steve Hale 11.17, Paul Stanbrook 14.16).

Vet 40 (4x2m): 1 Severn 45.50 (Ian Smith 11.13, Dave Lowthian 11.07, Dave Lander 11.47, Andy Norman 11.43).

Vet 50 (3x2m): 1 Severn 35.20 (Andy Norman 11.28, Bill Griffiths 12.07, Gary Barnes 11.45).

Vet 60 (3x2m): 2 Severn 40.42 (Les Davis 13.41, Dave Blackburn 15.05, Derek Lightstone 11.57).

Ladies: 1st lap - 7 Hannah Lloyd 16.20.

■ Severn AC's Chocolate Biscuit Four Mile cross-country race and Schools 1.5-mile Cross Country races have been re-arranged from November 6 to November 13.

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Dalton hits top form at Swansea

SEVERN AC's star track performer of the summer Tim Dalton managed 13th place in the Swansea International 10K.

Dalton clocked 31minutes, 26 seconds to be first county athlete home in the event, which was won by Kenyan Edwin Kiporir in 28.31.

Afterwards Dalton said: "I was worried my short track races could have lost me my stamina, but this was my fastest start at the winter distances."

Severn gained third place behind Kenya and Swansea Harriers in the team race.

Club captain Steve Hale ran his fastest 10K for seven years, placing 37th in 33.48, and James Rose ran 35.39 for 59th.

Severn were disappointed and then pleased in the Midland Area Road Relay Championships at Sutton Coldfield.

The senior men failed to qualify for the national event after finishing 42nd of 120 teams, but the Under-17s squad qualified for the finals for the first time.

Midland Area Road Relay Championship, Senior: 32 Stephen Hale 19.34, 38 Oliver Starkey (U20) 21.32, 32 James Rose 20.43, 34 Nathan Morris (U20) 21.58, 37 Gareth Howells (U20) 21.37, 42 Dave Lander (V45) 22.44. Overall - 2:08.08.

Under-17: 13 Severn AC 41.48 - 4 Kyran Hale 12.16, 14 Gethin Richards 15.06, 3 Josh Mogg 14.26.

Shortwood 5K: 27 Mark James 18.30, 53 Gary Barnes (V50) 20.21, 59 George Scully (V60) 20.56, 82 John James (V60) 23.18.

Forest of Dean Multi Terrain 10K: 2 Austin Blackburn 38.30.

Weston Promenade five mile: 31 Mark James 31.02, 167 John James (V60) 39.14.

Cheltenham Racecourse 10K: 11 Andy Norman (1st V55) 39.05.

Burnham On Sea Half Marathon: 160 Joanne Davis (V40) 1:48.16.

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Norman conquers

FIVE members of Severn AC took part in the Cirencester Park 10K, race 10 in the GAAA County Road Race Series.

They were led home by Austin Degge, closely followed by in-form Andy Norman, who gained ten points in his County Series category and was first Vet55.

Third home for Severn was Mark James in 46th place, with Derek Lightstone 49th and also earning ten points in the GAAA Vet 60 category.

Last home was John James (V60) in 204th place and fourth Vet 60 in the county series.

The winner Shaun Antell (North Devon Roadrunners) was first home and in doing so set a new course record of 32 minutes, four seconds.

Cirencester Park 10K: 24 Austin Degge 38.26, 28 Andy Norman (1st V55) 38.46, 46 Mark James 38.51, 49 Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 40.04, 204 John James (V60) 48.30.

Updated by

Severn AC News Round Up 23/09/2010

Starkey makes a late charge

A MINIMAL Severn AC team performed well in the hilly Woodchester Park multi-terrain race, which was won by Matt Withey in a time of 49 minutes.

Oliver Starkey led the team home in ninth overall with a time of 55.41.

The Under-20 runner occupied 12th place for most of the race before a late charge improved his final position.

He was closely followed by Austin Blackburn, who finished 11th in 55.58 after a spirited race.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Team Prize in Autumn Five

Severn AC had a good showing at the Autumn 5 Mile Road Race in Sandhurst, Gloucester. They were victors in the team prize and took up four of the top 10 positions.

The race was won by Jeremy Bradley of Cheltenham in 26.58, after losing Severn’s James Rose and top local lady runner Kate Goodhead of Gloucester early on in proceedings and coasting to victory.

Goodhead (third) gave Rose good opposition for second position but she didn’t have enough as Rose dropped her at the four mile mark after a hard fought race. Rose clocked 28.18 while Goodhead took the ladies victory in 28.39.

Youngster Oliver Starkey had managed to stay in the top three early on in the race but after falling away was forced to run on his own. He was caught by rival Gareth Howells with 500 to go but with Howells expending all he had in catching Starkey, the Oxford University Student sprinted away to secure fourth in a time of 29.30.

Howells then dropped 2 more positions in the final stages of the race to finish a disappointing seventh with 29.51.

Next up for Severn was Austin Degge who tracked Howells in the early part of the race, keeping up a good pace to secure 9th with a PB over this distance in 31.17.

Completing the victorious Severn Team was Mark Rawlings (16th) and Dave Lander (17th) in 32.35 and 32.37 respectively. Lander securing the V45 prize in the process.

Les Davis was next for Severn with 35.53 and the V65 victory. He was followed by John James (24th) in 38.57 and Jo Davis (25th1st LV40) in 39.11.

Dave Blackburn (26th) and Keith Patrick (29th) completed the team with times of 40.14 and 49.25.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Youngster Richards on Form Again

Severn AC’s U/13 Shot Putt champion Lauren Richards kept her 100% record for 2010 with a handsome victory margin of 65cms when she won the final Avon League match with 8.85m.

She has won the Welsh, South West, County and District schools titles this year as well as breaking the 17 year old Avon League record with her pb of 9.29m.

15 year old Adam Thrall led all the way to become the youngest winner of the Annual Joe Horn 2 Mile Memorial Race. In the traditional end of season Scratcher Haines 150yard Handicap. Severn AC’s Jason Gower got ahead with inches to go to beat Severn newcomer Nathan Peck. Gower won the race while defending champion Mark James was back in third.

RESULTS - 47TH ANNUAL JOE HORN 2 MILE TRACK RACE - 1. Adam Thrall (Glos U17) 10.24.2, 2. Oliver Starkey (Severn U20) 11.79.3, 3. Jeremy Mower (Glos V40) 11.14.2, 4. Mark James (Severn) 11.14.6, 5. Austin Degge (Severn) 11.57.2 PB, 6. Andy Norman (Severn V55) 11.57.3 PB, 7. Mark Thrall (Glos V40) 13.42.8, 8. John James (Severn V40) 14.58.2. 18 ANNUAL SCRATCHER HAINES 150 YARDS HANDICAP - (all Severn AC) 1. Jason Gower (U20) 17.2, 2. Nathan Peck (U20) 17.3, 3. Mark James 17.4, 4. Leigh Pritchard 17.4, 5. Oliver Starkey (U20) 17.5. BITTON 5K - 1. Alastair Sheppard (Bath) 16.20, 14. Mark James (Severn) 18.08, 76. John James (Severn V60) 23.47. 101 RAN note - John James was third veteran over 60 overall in summer series.

Andy Norman Retained his over 50 title in the Bromsgrove 9 Mile Multi-Terrain race running 64 minutes for 10th place of the 300 runners. After the race the Severn AC the athlete quoted “it was much hotter and quicker than last year.”

Updated by Gareth Howells

Happy Holiday in race finale

NICK Holiday of Stroud won the final instalment of this year's Lloyds TSB 4 Mile Road Race Series at the Pilot Inn in Hardwicke.

The summer race series finished with Holiday barring himself from future events after breaking the 24-minute barrier with his time of 23 minutes, 42 seconds.

Holiday (V50) held off team-mate Andrew Shipton (V40) as Stroud AC dominated the podium.

Shipton just missed out on the 24-minute barrier with a time of 24.02.

First home for Severn AC was third-placed Austin Degge, who continued his improvement with a time of 24.12, two minutes faster than his times earlier in the year.

Andy Norman came next for the Gloucester-based club, taking sixth place and clocking a time of 24.25, as he continues to make a big impact on the V50 category in local races.

Gary Barnes and Mark Rawlings battled for 14th position, with V50 Barnes coming out on top with a time of 26.11. Rawlings recorded 26.27.

Les Davis was first V65 with a time of 28.24, just beating Andy Brown into 30th position, even though Brown also clocked 28.24.

Ian Pollard completed a succession of Severn runners, finishing in a time of 28.25 to claim 32nd position.

Jo Davis was first Severn lady home with a time of 31.39 securing 51st position.

Dave Blackburn completed the team with a time of 32 minutes in the V65 category to claim 52nd position.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Norman conquest

SEVERN AC had a good showing at the Haresfield 10K.

First home was Andy Norman in seventh in 39 minutes, two seconds to win the 55-59 category.

Mark James was 11th with 39.46, followed by George Scully who was second V60 with 43.16.

Completing the Severn team was John James in the V60 category with 50.49 and 76th position.

Updated by Derek Lightstone

Prize surprise for in-form Severn

SEVERN AC surprised many – including themselves – by winning five titles in the County Relay and 10,000m Track Championships at Cheltenham.

A novice 4x100m team, including un-raced newcomers Quincy Quayson and Old Cryptonian Nathan Peck, led all the way.

Stalwart Leigh Pritchard established a five-metre advantage on the lead-off, and Quayson extended it to 10m on leg two. Overcoming a slow change, Peck increased it to 20m before handing to Jason Gower, who won by 30m over the Bourton Roadrunners 4x100m team.

In the 4x400m, an Under-20 Severn team were led off by Gower, who gave the team a 15m lead. Nathan Morris increased this to 30m, debutant Josh Mugg added another 20m and Kyran Hale stretched it to 70m at the end.

Oliver Starkey ran a PB to retain his county Under-20 track title, with Andy Norman winning his first-ever county track title in the Over-55s.

Severn maintained their stranglehold on the team title in the 16th Arlingham village 4.5-mile road race.

Cheltenham triathlete David Roper was after a hat-trick of wins and Dennis Walmsley's 2001 record of 22.03, and he achieved both to win in a time of 21.58.

Hale, 15, was second in 23.56, breaking club-mate Gareth Howells' Under-17 record by 45 seconds.

Other age group victors for Severn were Derek Lightstone in the over-60s and Dave Blackburn in the over-65s.

County Track Championship: 4x100m - 1 Severn AC (Leigh Pritchard, Quincey Quayson, Nathan Peck U20 Jason Gower) 49.2; 4x400m - 1 Severn AC U20 (Jason Gower, Nathan Morris, Josh Mogg U17, Kyran Hale U17) 3:51.8; 10,000m - 5 Oliver Starkey (1st U20) 36:50.9 (PB), 10 David Lowthian (V40) 38:24.1 (PB), 11 Andy Norman (1st V55) 39:11.8.

ONE mile County Championship: 1 Kyran Hale 4:44.1 (PB), 5 Steve Bradley 5:32.8 (PB); B race - 11 John James (1st V60) 6:52.8.

Arlingham 4.5mile Road Race: 2 Kyran Hale 23.56, 4 James Rose 24.23, 5 Stephen Hale 25.04, 6 Oliver Starkey 26.00, 11 David Lowthian 26.48, 13 Andy Norman 27.20, 15 Derek Lightstone 28.28, 17 Martyn Whitlock 29.04, 28 Ian Pollard 32.13, 33 John James 34.02, 37 David Blackburn 35.04.

Shropshire 5.2 Mile Multi Terrain: 27 Anthony Bethell (5th V40) 32.23.

Dublin 10 Mile Road race: 37 Stephen Hale 57.56.

■ Severn's Autumn Five Mile from the White Horse restaurant, Sandhurst Lane, is on September 11 (6pm). Local runners aged 16 and over are welcome.

Updated by Derek Lightstone

Lilly claims victory in final White Horse race

JOSH Lilly, the ex-Severn AC runner, now of Tipton, claimed victory in the final White Horse 5K race of the summer.

He finished in a time of 14.42, a personal best for the modern Sandhurst Course to secure the County 5K Title.

Severn AC's top young runner Kyran Hale also secured his county age-group title with fourth place.

His time of 15.36 was a PB and a club and course record for an athlete in the Under-17 age group.
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He defeated strong opposition from rival Aaron Phelps of Stroud and John Parker of CLC Striders.

Next home for Severn AC was Steve Hale, who continued his gradual improvement which has pushed him to the top of the club's senior team with 16th in 16.41.

Youngsters Gareth Howells and Oliver Starkey were fourth and fifth in the Severn team.

The training partners helped each other to a quick first mile before settling into a good rhythm. They were 27th and 28th with times of 17.30 and 17.32 respectively.

Other good performances came from Andy Norman, who was first V55 with 18.58, and Derek Lightstone, who was second in the V60 category with 19.43.

The team prize was won by a strong Cheltenham team with 80 points. Severn were the best Gloucester team in second with 131 points while CLC Striders continued their rise with third and 159 points.

Special mention goes out to Tony Christmas who became the first county V80 champion with a time of 30.20.

results: 1. Josh Lily (Tipton) 14.42 (pb for couse), David Roper Cheltenham 14.52, 3. Joe Dalgliesh (Stroud) 15.33, 4. Kyran Hale (Severn U17) 15.36 (Club and Course Record 19 secs), 5. John Parker (CLC) 15.38, 6. Aaron Phelps (Stroud) 16.06, 16. Steve Hale 16.41, 21. James Rose 16.52, 27. Gareth Howells (U20) 17.30, 28. Ollie Starkey (U20) 17.32, 45. Austin Degge 18.40, 51. Andy Norman (1st V55) 18.58, 65. Derek Lightstone (2nd V60) 19.43, 72. Gary Barnes (2nd V50) 20.01, 82. George Scully (V60) 21.08, 100. Joe Cowdell (U20)22.41, 116. John James (V60) 23.51.

Nick Walker, Severn Athletic Club's decathlon specialist, claimed victory in the One Hour Decathlon event at Wrexham in the 45-49 age-group.

Within an hour he recorded 13.1 for the 100m, 4.88m in the Long Jump, 10.14m in the Shot Putt, 1.40m in the High Jump, 76.2 in the 400m, 20.2 in the 110m Hurdles, 27.68 in the Discuss, Pole Vault, 35.35 in the Javelin and 7.46.4 in the 1500m.

In the Welsh Masters at Cardiff he added another title winning the Pole Vault in the 45-49 age group with 3.30m.

Club mate Gwen Kinsey was second lady in the Magar 10km Road Race in 39 minutes, one second. Les Davis won the 65-69 age group with 44.21while daughter Jo was first Lady over 40 in 50.41.

The final Lloyds TSB Fitness run of the season will be held next Thursday from the Pilot Inn Hardwicke (7.30pm)

Updated by Jason Gower

Starkey Soars at Standish

Three Severn AC runners participated in the off-road Standish Woodland Chase, over a distance of just over 9 miles. Oliver Starkey was first Severn AC man home, finishing 5th. The U20 runner held 3rd for the first half of the race, before fading to 5th and being forced to sprint in order to hold off fast-finishing Dave Rantell of Cheltenham. Derek Lightstone was next home, a very respectable 28th overall, and 2nd in his MV60 age group. The team was completed by Steve Bradley in 49th place, who suffered due to the race’s numerous climbs. The race winner, in a time of 1 hour and 55 seconds, was Kate Goodhead, of Bristol and West AC.

Updated by Oliver Starkey

Morris Marches to Victory

NATHAN Morris from Newent Community School was the surprise winner of the Gloucester Festival Lloyds TSB four-mile Fitness Run from the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke.

The 16-year-old came in ahead of Stroud's Nick Holliday (24.09) and club-mate Steve Bradley (24.26)

Morris, a Severn AC runner and a member of Bob Cytlau's prestigious distance group since he was 12, has matured rapidly this summer.

This fixture had been his target since finishing second in the July leg of the series, and commitment paid off as he ran 23.44 to eclipse his July time of 24.31 and ban himself from the series in the future.

Morris reached halfway in 11.54 before completing the final two miles in 11.50secs to seal victory.

Stroud's Holliday and Severn's Bradley battled for most of the race before Holliday moved clear at three miles, missing out on the 24-minute mark by nine seconds.

Bradley held on to third position to repeat the result he recorded in the July event.

The run attracted a record number of unattached Gloucester city runners, with council leader Paul James running a credible 28.22 for 23rd place.

LLOYDS TSB FITNESS RUN (Severn AC unless stated): 1 Nathan Morris (U20) 23.44, 2 Nick Holliday (Stroud V50) 24.09, 3 Steve Bradley 24.26, 4 Andy Norman (V55) 24.54, 5 Austin Degge 24.57 (PB), 8 Martyn Whitlock 25.37, 10 Gary Barnes (V50) 26.02, 30 Andy Brown (V50) 28.49, 54 Sandra Brown (LV50) 32.18.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Severn AC News Round Up

THREE Severn AC road runners took on the demanding Bugatti 10K around the undulating Cotswold lanes near Gretton.

Mark James was first to finish in 35th, quickly followed by Andy Norman (second V55) in 37th and Derek Lightstone (first V60) in 52nd.

The race was won by the in-form CLC Striders runner John Parker.

Four Severn runners took part in the 59th running of the Cranham Boundary Chase, a 5.8-mile road race which has arguably the hardest uphill climb to the finish in the county.

First home in third was Stephen Hale, having led the race for the first mile before being overtaken.

He said: "I felt it was my best race this season and am regaining my best form for many years."

Second home and first Under-20 was Oliver Starkey in sixth place, while Andy Norman continued his recent good form since a knee injury to come in 13th and first Vet 55.

Last home for Severn in 18th place and first V60 was Lightstone.

Gareth Winter suffered a rare defeat in the Under-20 discus at the Exeter Open.

The English Schools bronze medallist threw a nationally ranked 48.22m but was 4m behind rival Liam Biddlecombe (Yeovil), who threw 52.72m.

In the shot the margin was closer as Biddlecombe threw 15.82m to Winter's 15.72m.

The Midland League matches at Tipton saw pole vaulter Nick Walker finish 10cm behind his club 45-49 record, clearing 3.30m when third.

Kyran Hale missed his club Under-17 3000m record when fifth in 9:10.09.

In the Cheltenham Open Severn's newcomer Quincy Quaymas just edged passed club number one Jason Gower in the 100m. Both were timed at 12.4 seconds.

Bugatti 10K: 35 Mark James 40.10, 37 Andy Norman (2nd V55) 40.20, 52 Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 41.41..

Cranham Boundary Chase: 3 Stephen Hale 33.52, 6 Oliver Starkey (1st U20) 35.54, 13 Andy Norman (1st V55) 38.40, 18 Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 40.07.

■ Severn AC are urgently looking for an Under-17 runner to join Kyran Hale and Josh Mogg in the Autumn Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield over two miles. Call Bob Cytlau on 01452 614783.

■ The County 5K Road Race Championships will be held from the White Horse, Sandhurst Lane, on Thursday August 19 at 7.45pm. All local runners aged 15 and over are welcome.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Severn Shine at Festival Seven

James Rose led a victorious Severn AC team in the Gloucester Festival 7 Mile Road Race. The winning team dominated proceedings at the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke, taking 7 of the top 10 positions.

Rose’s victory was backed up by U/20 Oliver Starkey’s 3rd place podium finish.

At One Mile Rose led but team mate Ollie Starkey was close behind with Matt Atkins of Stroud.

The three leaders had spread by the two mile mark and by three miles Rose and Atkins had dropped Starkey completely.

For most of the race Rose Held a lead of 10 meters over the Stroud athlete but Atkins was not losing any ground and was following with intent. By this time Ollie Starkey had been overtaken by Lee Christmas of Stroud who had been way back in fourth for most of the race.

At the 5 mile mark Rose still held the lead and managed to pull away to record a victory with a time of 40.14. He was followed 32 seconds later by Atkins, leading Stroud to second in the team prize.

Starkey and Christmas then battled for third position, with the Severn youngster, who had coasted in fourth for the latter part of the race, sprinting home to take the honours in a time of 42.05.

Of his victory Rose said; “I was very pleased to win and the conditions will perfect. I will now take an easy month and look to build myself up for the cross country season.”

Team mate Starkey quoted “I was looking for a podium finish and was pleased to secure that, especially when beating a quality athlete like Lee Christmas.”

In the ladies race Mel Williams of Dursley won with a time 55.09, leading for nearly the whole race. She was followed by Tewkesbury athlete Rachel Lasdon in 56.42, before Jo Davis completed the podium and lead home the victorious Severn ladies team in 57.00. The team was completed by Helen Turner in 57.25 and Sandra Brown in 60.19.

Other successful performances came from Andy Norman who won the V55 prize with 44.53 and Derek Lightstone who was victorious in his V60 category with 46.55.

RESULTS (Severn AC unless stated)- 1. James Rose 40.14, 2. Matt Atkins (Stroud) 40.46, 3. Oliver Starkey (1ST U20) 42.05, 4. Lee Christmas (1ST V50 Stroud) 42.10, 5. Andy Norman (1ST V55) 44.53, 6. Mark James 45.20, 7. Derek Lightstone (1ST V60) 46.55, 8. Gary Barnes (V50) 47.09, 9. Adrian Higgs (Cheltenham V50) 50.09, 10. Austin Degg 50.44, 11. Ray Williams (Dursley V50) 51.07, 12. Shane Maguire (Stroud) 51.32, 13. Stuart Buchan (Tewkesbury V40) 52.33, 14. Joe Bailey (Stroud V60) 52.47, 15. Grey Leyshan (V60) 54.54, 16. Mel Williams (1ST LADY) (1ST LV45) 55.09, 17. Chris Young (Stroud V55) 55.11, 18. Rachel Lasdon (Tewskesbury 1ST LV35) 56.42, 19. Joe Davis (Severn 1ST LV40)57.00 , 20. Helen Turner (Severn SL) 57.25, 21. Chris O’Carroll (Glos 1ST V65) 58.32, 22. Sandra Brown (Severn 1ST LV50) 60.19, 23. Pete Brown (Stroud V60) 62.48, 24. Barbara Thomas (Cirencester LV50) 64.35. 24 RAN

Updated by Gareth Howells

Dalton Continues Form

TIM DALTON, Severn AC's premier distance athlete has continued his top middle distance form. The Midland 1500m and 7 Mile Cross-Country Champion set the pace in the Manchester Open. He ran 59 seconds for the opening two laps as he continues to chase down 4 Minute Mile pace. He slowed to 64 seconds on the third lap and slipped into second position in the final lap with a time of 3 minutes 44.6 seconds overall.
Dalton commented after the race; "I was aiming at 3minutes 42seconds which is 4 Minute Mile pace. I will go for it again on August 14th in Cardiff.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Youngsters Impress at Yate

Severn AC travelled to Yate for the BAL Golden Jubilee Cup Match with a young composite Gloucester Team. A strong performance from key athletes saw the team finish 5th ahead of Exeter and Newport.

Kyran Hale took 3 seconds off the club U17 record with a time of 9.08 in the 3000meters. The classy race saw him start at the back of the field but he worked his was through for a strong finish.

Wayne Powell, hampered by the fact he wasn’t wearing spikes, put in solid performances in the Javelin and Hammer Throw. In the Hammer he threw 51.51, just missing out on a win from Swansea’s Richie Wells who threw 52 flat. He then threw 48.8 to secure 3rd in the javellin, winning valuable points for the team.

Ashleigh Naylor was pleased with his 4th position in the 200m, with a time of 22.9, before helping the team to 6th position in the medley relay along with Oliver Starkey, Curtley Phillips and Mark Emmanuel.

110M HURDLES - 5. Mark Emmanuel 24.7
800M - 7. Oliver Starkey 2.17.9
400M - 6. Jason Gower 56.7
200M - 4. Ashleigh Naylor 22.9
100M - 6. Jason Gower 12.1
3000M - Kyran Hale 9.08.2 (pb)
Medley Relay - 6. Severn 2.47.5
Hammer - 2. Wayne Powell 51.51m
Triple Jump - 4. Curtley Phillips 12.36m
Javellin - 3. Wayne Powell 48.8m
Pole Vault 5. Nick Walker 3.1m

FINAL TEAM RESULT
Bristol and West - 78 points
Swansea - 71 points
Swindon - 62 points
Cardiff - 60 points
Severn - 47 points
Exeter - 46 points
Newport - 45 points

Updated by Gareth Howells

Festival on the Horizon

THE Gloucester Festival seven-mile road race will be held this Thursday at 7.30pm from the Pilot Inn in Hardwicke.

Registration is from 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start and all local runners aged 16 and over are welcome to take on the second oldest road race on the Gloucester calendar.

Severn AC Birmingham Cross-Country Division TWO VENUES: October 30 Leamington; December 4 Plock Court, Gloucester; January 15 Wolverhampton; February 12 Bournville.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Severn AC News Round Up

Severn Athletic Club’s Nick Walker, a past veterans champion at National and Area level, continues to break records.
In the Avon League at Yate he was first in the 45-49 age group in the Pole Vault clearing 3.40 meters. This added 20cms to his own club record of 3.20meters which he has vaulted 9 times.

RECENT SEVERN AC PERFORMANCES
TRACK
BRITISH MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Pole Vault (45-49) 4. Nick Walker 3.20m
CHELTENHAM OPEN
Discus (U20) 1. Gareth Winter 49.07m
Shot Putt 1. Gareth Winter 15.01m
NATIONAL JUNIOR LEAGUE NEWPORT
Shot Putt (U20) 1. Gareth Winter 14.80m
Discuss (U20) 1. Gareth Winter 45.87m
Javelin (U20) 1. Gareth Winter 42.11m (pb)
ROAD
FRAMPTON 10K
6. James Rose 34.56 (pb), 9. Dave Lander (1st V40) 35.31, 25.Gwen Kinsey (1st Lady V35) 37.45, 32. Mark James 38.18 (pb), 38. Andy Norman (1st V55) 38.49 (PB), 85. George Scully (V60) 43.13.
COUNTY 1MILE
15. Mark James 5.02, 30 Andy Norman (1st V55) 5.27 (Club Record), 38. Derek Lightstone (1st V60) 5.41 (Club Record), 51. John James (V60) 6.33. 120 ran
EVESHAM 10K (Multi Terrain)
554. Vanessa Anderton (6th Lady V55) 63.57. 634m.
ROBINSWOOD HILL 5MILE FELL RACE
1. Kyran Hale (U17) 33.05, 2. Stephan Hale 33.44, 4. Andy Norman (1st V55) 39.04, 5. Dave Lothian (1st V40) 39.33, 7. Gary Barnes (1st V50) 41.17, Ian Pollard (V55) 45.38. Severn AC also won team award.
WHITE HORSE 5K
4. Kyran Hale (U15) 15.57, 12.James Rose 16.55, 13. Stephen Hale 17.01, 19 Oliver Starkey (U20) 18.06, 23. Mark James 18.23, 24. Nathan Morris (U20) 18.40, 29. Austin Dredge 19.18, 31. Dave Lothian (V40) 19.31, 35, Derrick Lighstone (1st V60) 19.49, 37. Gary Barnes (V50) 20.15, 51. Ian Pollard (V55) 21.55. Severn AC also won the team award.

Updated by Gareth Howells

National final for Dalton

SEVERN AC's Tim Dalton has become the first city athlete to reach a national 1500m final.

Competing in the English Closed Championships at Gateshead, he finished fourth in three minutes, 48.6 seconds in the fourth heat to qualify as the last of the fastest losers.

In the final he ran confidently near the leaders, with his characteristic finishing sprint placing him fifth in 3.44.8.

He was 20 metres behind winner Mark McCormick (Morpeth), who ran 3.42.2, and Dalton's time broke his week-old club record by two seconds and ranks him in the UK top 40.

Coach Rob Cytlau said: "Tim always raises his game for the Championships.

"He is now running near to four-minute mile pace – 1500m in 3.43 is its equivalent.

Elsewhere, Dalton's team-mates were also breaking records and winning events.

Welsh Under-13 shot putt champion Lauren Richards added a centimetre to her club record with her 9.30m victory in the Cheltenham Open.

Eighteen-year-old National Schools bronze medallist Gareth Winter continues to dominate the area's Under-20 throwers.

He did a 'double double' with shot and discus victories in the Cheltenham Open and Welsh Junior League at Newport.

Meanwhile Severn statistician John James had to watch as his club colleagues Andy Norman (Vet 55) and Derek Lightstone (Vet 60) won their categories at the Frampton 10K and beat his own club age group mile records at Bourton.

A young Severn team secured a surprise team victory in the Sandhurst White Horse 5K road race, where Dave Roper (Cheltenham) out sprinted Phil Wiley (Bristol and West) for victory.

Behind them the young Severn team overturned the recently dominant CLC Striders.

Kyran Hale won the Under-17 prize in fourth place.

James Rose (12th) and Steve Hale (13th) had a race-long battle, and next home was 17-year-old St Peter's student Oliver Starkey (19th) in his best 5K position.

Mark James (23rd) had his best 5K of the year and 16-year-old Nathan Morris (26th) who scored for his team on his debut.

Lightstone added to his growing list of over-60 wins, placing 35th.

Hale attempted his first fell race at Robinswood Hill and won by 200 metres.

Steve Hale held on to second place, with third going Mark White, with Severn taking the team award.

Updated by Gareth Howells

Solihull title for Dalton

SEVERN AC's Tim Dalton continued his outstanding form in the Solihull Open.

Contesting a high quality 1500m, he was last of the 19 runners at 400m which he passed in 60.3 seconds.

He gained a place in the second lap with a time of 61.5 and was 12th after another 61.5-second lap.

His trademark finish over the final 300m then improved him to sixth place with a time of 3:46.8 – 2.8 seconds inside his own club record and ranks him 58th in the UK in 2010.

His 18-year-old throwing team-mate Gareth Winter added a National Schools Under-20 discus bronze medal to his 2009 bronze shot putt bronze.

He moved into third early on with a personal best of 49.9m, and another PB broke the 50m barrier with his next throw of 50.08m. He improved again in the final round with 51.10m.

After breaking the Severn club senior record with the two kilo discus with a throw of 45.90m in the Midland League, Winter competed in the Avon League at Yate.

He added 70cm to this distance as he won the senior discus along with the senior shot with a throw of 13.35m, both Avon League records.

He then watched 15-year-old team mate Kyran Hale cruise to an Under-17 3000m victory in 9:14.7 after leading all the way.

Not content, Hale then ran a 2:05.1 personal best when fourth in the 800m.

Dave Lowthian (V40) was third in the veteran's 800m with 2:27.6.

Andy Norman maintained his progress back from injury over a testing 10K at Bromsgrove, placing 19th of 400 competitors in 39.34 to win the over-50 and over-55 categories.

Meanwhile Severn retained their team title in the County 10-mile Road Race Championship, held in hot humid conditions from the Pilot Inn in Hardwicke.

There was an individual tussle between Mike Smith (Bourton) and Andrew Hussey (Cheltenham), the latter eventually taking the title.

Third place was contested by Severn duo Stephen Hale and James Rose, and at halfway Hale mastered the heat better and broke away.

Hale said: "I am pleased with my improving form and leading our team to gold medals."

Next home for Severn was Austin Blackburn (8th), who won his tussle with club mate Dave Lowthian (9th)

Running his first 10mile road race Oliver Starkey (10th) won the Under-20 title, and Severn's successful team was completed by Mark James (12th)

County Road Race: 4 James Rose 61.45, 8 Austin Blackburn 67.18, 9 Dave Lowthian (V40) 68.52, 10 Oliver Starkey (U20) 69.30, 12 Mark James 69.51, 13 Steve Bradley 70.06, 14 Gary Barnes (1st V50) 70.15, 17 Austin Degge 73.07, 18 Derek Lightstone (2nd V60) 73.25, 46 Mike Anderton (V55) 103.00.

Teams: 1 Severn AC 46, 2 Gloucester AC 109.

Updated by

Fixtures and results

Fixtures and results now updated

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 25/03/2010

Severn Athletics Club's Jo Fletcher completed the most successful week or her athletics life.

She placed second in the Nationally Ranked Silverstone Half Marathon, won by Olympian Liz Yelling in 74mins 50secs. Fletcher said after the race; "I couldn’t quite match Liz's pace but I felt good and ran a super event paced run. I beat my pb by 50seconds with 1hour 22mins 6secs."

Fletcher’s next target is to break Sian Lewis' club record of 80mins 57secs.

Seven days earlier Fletcher had triumphed in the Gloucester 20mile Road Race, breaking her club record by 5mins with 2hr 9mins 24secs. Then midweek she placed fourth in the National Police Cross-Country Championships, leading the Gloucestershire Police Team to their first ever National Championship. "I was pleased with that as I don't like cross country" said Fletcher afterwards.

Fletcher's Severn AC club mates were also in medal winning form else where. 14 year old Kyran Hale repeated his January victory in the Mallard's Pike multi-terrain 10K with an easy triumph in 39mins 43secs.

In the 15.4Km race Dave Lowthian won his first over 40 title placing second in 1hour 3mins 17secs.

Dave Lightstone maintained his prominence in county over 60 races, placing third in the Chedworth 10 Mile multi-terrain race in 1hour 17mins 56secs.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 15/03/2010

Gloucester 20

Johanna Fletcher hacked 5 minutes off her own Severn AC 20 Mile club record in the Gloucester 20 Mile Road Race.

Starting Conservatively, Police Sergeant Fletcher found herself comfortably inside her target of 6.40 miling early on. By seven miles as she had moved into second place she was running 6.24 pace and when she took the lead at 14 miles was running at 6.22 pace. Her speed continued to increase and she covered the final two miles in 12 minutes. She won by over seven minutes in 2:09.24, placing tenth among the male competitors.

Afterwards Fletcher said; "my aim is a sub 2:50 Prague marathon in May, the course wont be as hilly there"

Father and son London Marathon entrants Mark and John James used the race as a build up. Mark ran 2:22.05 while dad John clocked 3:39.13.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 15/03/2010

Vanessa Anderton of Severn Athletic Club, last years Gloucestershire Cross Country League over 50 champion, has added the Bristol Shortwood 5K Road Race Series title to her collection. Now competing in the 55-59 section,

Vanessa beat rival Sandra Bailey-Gard (Westbury) by 90 seconds in the final race of the series, clocking 29minutes 55 seconds.


Dave Gilbert, with a time of 50.25 was Severn's best finisher in the National Cross Country Championships in Leeds. Gilbert was pleased to finish in the top third of the race (609th) which was won by Andy Vernon (Aldershot) in 38.01 minutes. Severn's next finishers were Mike Anderton (V50 - 1397th) with a time of 70.26 and his wife Vanessa (V55) who placed 540th with a time of 55.35.

In the Bourton 10K Road Race, Severn's London Marathon entrants started their build ups. Mark James was 69th in 39.01 and his father John James (V60) was 210th in 48.40.

Severn's Gareth Winter was fifth with a new club U/20 record in the shot putt at the National U20 Championships at Birmingham with 14.49m. It added 8cm to his pb and was his best position in these Championships.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 28/02/2010

Gareth Winter, Severn Athletic Club's 17 year old throwing star, added the Midland Under 20s shot put silver medal to his collection throwing a club record 14.41 metres in the Midland Indoor Championships. After he commented "I was a bit disappointed as I felt I could have beaten the winning putt of 15.05 by Chris Preston of Bristol. My 14.11 metres throw with the senior Shot Putt the week before was worth that."

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 26/02/2010

Tim Dalton ran in the 1500 metres at the National Indoor Championships in Sheffield. Tim recorded his second best result of the season with 3.57.3 minutes, to finish eighth in the heat.

Severn Athletic Club's athletes sparkled at the Birmingham Indoor Games.

17 year old Gareth Winter surprised himself placing second in the Shot Putt, his first top three placing at national level in a senior competition. Although unable to match Frenchman Alain De Bois' 18.20 metres winning throw, Winter became the first Severn athlete to break the 14 metre barrier with an effort of 14.10metres. Winter later explained his surprise; "I had a hamstring injury all week and didn't expect much, also the soft indoor shot isn't as solid as the outdoor version when you push against it."

In the 1500 metres 22 year old Tim Dalton was two seconds outside his club record, with a time of 3.51.8. He stayed with the pace until the final 200metres, taking the lead at the bell, before losing out winner Frank Baddick (Loughbrough) and missing second spot over the line.

Josh Lilly helped Birmingham University to silver medal in the British University Cross-Country Championships at Stirling, placing 21st. After he said; "It was better than the run in the Midland Championships and I was within 40 seconds of 10th place, but I still dont feel at my best."

Elsewhere, Severn AC's Dave Lander marked his return from an achilles tendon injury with victory in the Vet 40 section of the Shortwood Bristol 5K road race.

RESULTS - (winner plus Severn AC placings)
1. Alan Sheffield (Bath) 15.49, 8. Dave Lander (V40) 17.17, 47. Gary Barnes (V50) 19.53, 63. Dave Buckle (V60) 21.48. 110 Ran.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 27/01/2010

John Holland completed the Gloucester Marathon in 3.28.19 on Saturday. The Severn AC athlete was pleased to finish the race, describing the marathon as a ‘cruel mistress’.

Holland started well, setting off with his normal pace group, before a lack of training told in the latter stages of the race; “It went pear shaped at 16 [miles] which is far too early” he reflected.

He managed to rally in a final push though to finish 50th in a field of 500. This field included a large turnout from Royston Runners. They ran in memory of Ian Casey, who, in tragic circumstances, died on the course last year. As a mark of respect many athletes wore black armbands during the race.

Gareth Winter of Severn AC put in a superb performance at the Birmingham Indoor meeting on Saturday.

In the senior Discus the U/20 athlete was victorious with a throw of 41.48m. Winter was delighted with this as he beat many competitors who had beaten him at younger age groups, showing the class and dedication this athlete has.

However he was even more pleased with his shot put performance, which saw him seal a second victory and beat his club record by 49cm, with a throw of 13.71m.

Kyran Hale of Severn AC recorded a magnificent performance at the U/15 UK Cross Country Challenge in Antrim, NI. He finished third in a strong field, grabbing a first bronze medal at this level in a time of 13.03 and improving on his best result from 10th.

The youngster held the lead for the opening 400meters but dropped back to fourth and stayed there for much of the race.

A late charge however saw Hale really challenge the leaders, moving to within one second of second placed Neil Gourlay of Scotland and within four seconds of winner Conner Christie of Northern Ireland.

He manged to hold onto third though, sending out a statement of intent to his rivals as he continues to improve week in week out.

Dave Lowthian of Severn AC also ran in Antrim, he was 41st in the V/40 category with a time of 30.54.

Tim Dalton of Severn AC hopes that 2010 can be his year on the track. Injury has caused Tim to have poor preparation for the track season in the past, especially in 2009 when he developed shin splints, but he is showing good form in the cross country events of the winter and this should bode well for the summer months.

The Loughbrough University student joined Severn AC in 2005, quickly finding his place in Rob Cytlau’s distance group. He won his first race later that year at the Lloyds TSB 4 Mile with a time of 23.25.

Blessed with great natural speed, Tim is quick over shorter distances such as 400m and 800m, with personal bests of 49.9 and 1.52.24 respectively. Dalton quoted recently "I think I can go even quicker and win championship medals."

Tim won his only county championship on his 20th Birthday in August 2007. This performance, in a 5K race at the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke, saw him beat Olympian Dan Robinson’s course record by five seconds in a time of 14.51.

In Cross-Country he won a silver medal behind Tom Russell of Stroud in the 2006 County 4K Champs. Other good performances have come in the Birmingham League Division one; with several top 10 finishes and an overall Silver medal in the 2007-08 league standings. On a National scale Tim’s best was in the 2009 Inter-Counties, when he finished 38th.

The most important victory of the Old Richian’s career came in 2009 though, with a win at the Midland 7 Mile Cross-Country Championships. Tim noted "I was surprised to take victory as it was such a challenging course, but once I got into the lead I wasn’t challenged."

However after this top form, injury has put a halt to Tim’s progress. He will look to recuperate before putting in strong performances in the big Cross Country Championships, and then focus on his training for the summer season.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup 07/01/10

Severn Athletic Clubs team in the Hereford New Years Day 10Km finished second behind Wye Valley. James Rose led the team home in seventh in a winters best of 36mins 10seconds . Ian Smith won the over 45 prize in 36mins 40 seconds for eighth overall and Andy Norman improved by over a minute on 2009 when second over 55 in 42.12, 24th overall.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 10/12/2009

In the Cotswold multi-terrain 10K, Derek Lightstone was 20th and won the Vet 60 award in 44.02. Club-mate Mike Anderton (V50) was 67th in 52.43.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 03/12/2009

Overcoming high winds and blustery showers, Severn AC members retained their age group leads in the November Bristol Shortwood 5K races.

Gary Hope was first over 40 home in fifth place in 16.52. Vanessa Anderton was first lady over 55 home in 126th in 29.49.

Kyran Hale followed up his 14th place in the Gateshead international under 15s cross country race with a win in the Mallards Pike 10k trails race in 38.53.

Veteran Dave Lowthian was 10th in the V40 race at Gateshead and 11th at Mallards Pike 15k trails race (63.16).

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 05/11/2009

Severn AC scooped three age group prizes in the Bristol Shortwood 5K Road Race.

Winds slowed times and Gary Hope narrowly missed out on the top three, but he comfortably won the Vet 40 award.

Fourteen-year-old Kyran Hale held his own against seniors, placing 10th with victory in the Under-17s, while Vanessa Anderton won her first age group prize in the over-55s.

At the Tewkesbury Five Mile, Dave Lander's customary late charge gained him 10th place (27.55) and the second Vet 40 prize.

Severn's Chocolate Biscuit Four Mile cross-country race will be held on November 14, at Plock Court (2.30pm). Registration is from 1.30pm at the indoor tennis centre and all local athletes aged 15 and over are welcome.
There are also 1¼ mile cross-country races for local school children, starting at 2.30pm. Age Groups are Years 5/6, Years 7/8 and Years 9/10 for both boys and girls.

SHORTWOOD BRISTOL 5K: 4 Gary Hope 16.14, 10 Kyran Hale 17.08, 79 George Scully (V55) 21.01, 93 John James (2nd V60) 22.12, 138 Vanessa Anderton 29.57.

TEWKESBURY 5M: 10. Dave Lander 27.55, 40 Andy Norman (V50) 31.14, 85 Derek Lightstone (V60) 33.44, 127 Ian Pollard (V55) 35.53, 139 John James (V60) 36.38.

STOCKPORT 5K: 121 Mike Anderton (V50) 26.14.

WESTON 5M: 20 Mark James 30.57, 110 John James (2nd V40) 36.39.

WIMBLEDON 5K (trails): 89 Mike Anderton (V50) 25.41, 130 Vanessa Anderton (V55) 29.31.

BIRMINGHAM Div 1: Tipton 64, Birmingham University 84, Loughborough Students 178, Coventry 188, Oadly/Wigston 248, Halesown 259, Cheltenham 282, Birchfield 289, Staffs Moorlands 298, Birmingham Rowheath 476, Severn 532, Warwick University 562, City of Stoke 616, Bournville 657, Rugby/Northampton 664, Wolverhampton/Bilston 827.

STROUD HALF MARATHON: 49 Gwen Kinsey (5th lady) 1:22.09, 119 Steve Bradley 1:28.59, 156 Mark James 1:30.48, 514 Austin Deare 1:43.54, 577 Paul Young (V40) 1:45.41, 766 John James (V60) 1:51.16, 1034 Sandra Brown (V50) 1:59.15, 1152 Kasy White

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 17/09/2009

Gwen Kinsey is the British Aquathon champion.

In the Tredegar event she exited the 750m swim in 10th place but pulled through the field on the 5k run to win convincingly.

Gary and Alex Hope confirmed their status as the top veteran runners in the country. Gary claimed his sixth national veterans over 40s title in the 10000m at Oxford.

He stayed with the leading runners until lap 20 out of 25, before kicking away to win in a new club record of 32.29.76.

In the 45 - 49 age group Alex Hope moved from last at 1500m to snatch silver medal on a sprint finish in a new club record of 34.25.9.

Nick Walker also won a silver in the 45 - 49 decathlon with performances of 100m - 13.05, long jump 5.49m, shot 10.25m, high jump 1.47m, 400m 62.42, 110mH 18.58, discus 28.94m, pole vault 3.20m, javelin 39.90m, 1500 6.24.97.

In all he had seven season best performances.

Steve Hale finished 120th in the Dublin 10 mile race in 62.40.


Gareth Winter capped a magnificent season with victories in the U20 shot and discus in the final open meeting of the season with throws of 14.54m and 43.42m.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 10/09/2009

Severn's 17 year old throwing star Gareth Winter demonstrated his South West superiority in the U20 age group at the Yeovil Bank Holiday Games.

He won the shot with a putt of 14.55m and discus with a throw of 43.06m.

Gary and Alex Hope both enjoyed good runs at the Bristol Half Marathon. Gary finished 37th overall in 71.24 and was first M40.

Older brother Alex finished 83rd in 75.58 and was fourth in the M45 catagory.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 03/09/2009

Severn throwing star Gareth Winter managed a club senior discus record of 44.27m in the final Midland League match at Kettering.

He then travelled to Manchester in search of the U20 record, he easily won with a throw of 48.91m to miss his own club record by 1cm.

Winter is hoping for a 50m throw before the end of the season and is currently ranked 42nd in the senior standings.

At the Birmingham open Tim Dalton won a tactical 1500 in 3:56.8. A fast 58 second final lap took him from last to first.

The 10000m attracted a quality field with UK number one, Andy Veron winning in 28.23. Josh Lilly ran in the chasing pack until halfway, reached in 15 minutes before dropping back to finish eighth in 30:27.2, his best time for two years.

Gary Hope was 11th in 32:53.9.

Oliver Starkey followed up his Pilot Inn Four mile win with victory in the Dursley Biathlon.

In the Bredon to Hardwicke triathlon Mike Anderton (V50) completed the event in 1:40.44 for 178th place.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 20/08/2009

The beaten Severn and Gloucester team from the Interclub match at Halesowen.

Kyran Hale's brave front running in the National U15s 3000m championships at Beford gave him a 20m lead at 1km.

A group of five caught him but a fast last lap got him fifth in 9.49.

In the Welsh Masters Championships at Swansea Nick Walker won bronze in the vet 45 - 49 javelin with a seasons best 39.40m.

The Cranham Boundary Chase (5.8 miles) saw Severn's most improved distance runner James Rose take his second runners up spot in a county road race in 10 days.

A fierce climb to the finish proved too strong for Luke Herbert while Tom Meheran placed sixth, catching club captain Steve Hale (seventh) with 400m remaining.

Derek Lightstone mounted a late charge to pass John James and win the over 60 award.

Oliver Starkey finished 13th and Severn were second team behind Gloucester AC.

New signing Andy Norman was a surprise victor in the Cotswold 10k series at Guiting Power. After two fifth places his sixth in the final race was sufficent to win.

In the Masters Home Counties international, Dave Richards was second in the triple jump with 11.14m.

Simon Fortnam finished 21st in the DB Max Castle Combe duathlon. He completed the 5k run, 21k bike, 3k run event in 68.37.

John James was 59th in the 10k race in 46.01.

Fortnam was a comfortable winner in the first Beat the Bore race. He finished 10 minutes clear of second place and beat the bore back back over half an hour.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 13/08/2009

Throwing star Gareth Winter continued his record breaking season in the Gloucestershire midweek open.

Following his 2.5m on the club discus record (44.80m) he threw the U20 1.75kg implement.

Each of his four throws were better than the club record throwing 47.23m in round one and 48.92m in round four.

Winter now ranks 42nd in the national rankings and 13th in the U20s.

Dave Gilbert led from the gun to secure his first victory of the summer in the 800m.

Gloucster ACs Ashley Naylor won both rounds of the 100m decisively.

Simon Fortnam finished 27th in the August Castle Combe duathlon. He completed the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run event in a seasons best time of 49.35.

Three days later Fortnam followed this up with third place in the Hove Park 5k in 17.28.

On his return from injury Tim Dalton was seventh in the 1500m C race in the BMC meeting at Cardiff in 3.53.56.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn give cheque to track fund

The surplus proceeds from the 2009 Severn-Gloucester Athletic Clubs’ Spring Ball have been officially handed over to the “Athletics Track For Gloucestershire” Appeal Fund.

Severn AC Chair and Ball co-ordinator, Richard Blackwell, handed a cheque for £190 to appeal fund secretary, Bob Purcell, at the Black Bridge track recently.

Blackwell said “The amount fell short of what we had hoped to raise due, in part, to the current economic situation but as the man at a well-known supermarket says, Every Little Helps”.

Purcell said “The event was a great success, both in terms of raising money for the appeal as well as further strengthening the links between the clubs.”

The money in the fund now stands at over £32,000 and Severn shall be looking to contribute further in the future.

Our picture shows Bob Purcell (front left) receiving the cheque from Richard Blackwell (front right).

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gloucester City Run 10k event - Sunday 20th September

Cancer Research UK are organising a 10k run in Gloucester on Sunday 20th September 2009 starting at 10am in Gloucester Park.

Online entries can be done at:

www.run10k.org

Or call the Run 10k hotline on 0871 641 2401(Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm)

How far will you go to beat cancer? Running 10k might sound like a challenge, but a little bit of training is all it takes. Join a Cancer Research UK Run 10k and get sponsored, and you will help save lives. Suddenly, 10k doesn’t sound like far to go at all. Enter now at www.run10k.org.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 06/08/2009

Josh Lilly returned to top form when he moved up to 42nd in the 2009 UK rankings in the 3000m.

He finished fifth in the BMC B race in Solihull to smash his own club record and PB by 14 seconds. Passing through halfway in 4.11 he increased the pace in the second half and narrowly failed to catch winner James Williamson (Leeds).

There were some good performances in the Gloucester half marathon. James Rose improved his PB by over four minutes when finishing third in 77.31, passing through 10 miles in his fastest time of 58.40.

In the ladies race Jo Fletcher was second and first county finisher in 85.27. Gwen Kinsey tracked her but was never able to close the gap in the closing stages. She finished fourth in 85.57.

Dave Richards and Nick Walker won gold medals in the Welsh Masters championships in Cardiff.

Richards was pleased to win the triple jump with 11.51m for his fourteenth title. He has been selected to represent Wales in a Home International competition on August 16th.

Walker was unable to compete in the pole vault as it was cancelled but he set a seasons best of 19.0 seconds to win the 110m hurdles. His fifth Welsh Masters title.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Hope's fifth national title

Gary Hope won his fifth National Masters over 40 title in the 10k road race at Magor.

He also won the National 5000m track championships a fortnight ago.

"I felt good for the 10k, it was a flat course. Phil Parry (Bristol) set the pace and I took over at halfway".

Hope ran on to finish unchallenged in 33.00.

Elder brother Alex won his third bronze medal at National Vets level. He was third in the V45 age group in 34:36, breaking club coach Rob Cytlau's club record by nine seconds.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 30/07/2009

Josh Lilly continued his good run of form with a PB over 1500m in the BMC Gold standard meeting at Watford. He finished fourth in the B race in 3:54.33 to take him to second place in the club all time rankings over the distance.

In the BMC 5000m race at Stretford he was on course for a pb and club record with three laps to go before fading to ninth in 14:36.1.

Simon Fortnam continued to race himself back to full fitness with a victory in the Quedgeley 5 mile road race. He pulled clear in the last mile to win by 16 seconds in 28:30.

Gareth Winter ended the Cheltenham open meetings with a record breaking 16.87m throw in the U20 shot to break the stadium record and add 2cm to his own club record.

Kyran Hale ran an aggressive last lap to win the U15 mile in a new club record of 4:57.5.

Two days after an exhausting County 10 Mile Road Championship victory, Jo Fletcher was second lady in the Frampton 10K in a personal best. She edged past team mate Gwen Kinsey in the final 400 metres.

Kinsey was delighted to run a PB as did eighth-placed James Rose who had won gold in the County 10 Mile two days before.

New over-60 veteran John James, the club statistician, won his first over-60 prize in the Chepstow Four Mile and set a club over-60 record in the Bourton One Mile.

Severn AC performances:
Bitton 5K: 50 John James (VO55) 21.34 (2nd V55) 90 ran.

Frampton 10K: 8 James Rose 35.17 (pb); 23 Jo Fletcher 37.47 (2nd lady) (pb); 24 Gwen Kinsey 37.49 (3rd lady); 279 Mike Anderton (V50) 52.32. 443 ran.

Chepstow 4 Mile: 55 John James (1st V60) 27.57. 124 ran.

Bourton One Mile: 1 Tim Dalton 4.24; 15 Mark James 5.09; 43 John James (3rd V60) 6.06 (club record).

Midland Track League 2000mS/C: 5 Simon Fortnam 7:00.3
5000M: 10 Simon Fortnam 17:42.3

Police Track Championships (Doncaster) 5000M: 2 Johanna Fletcher 18:22.0

BMC Meet, Watford.
1500m B: 4 Josh Lilly 3:54.33 (pb)

BMC Stretford.
5000m: 9 Josh Lilly 14:36.3

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Bourton Road Mile races

This year's One Mile Challenge attracted a number of top quality runners, with the runaway leader, Tim Dalton from Severn AC proving too much for Gloucester AC's Steve Millward with just 3 seconds separating them, the winning time being 4 minutes 24 secs.
Unattached Robert Galt came in 3rd in 4:32.

The quality of high class juniors in both the male and female races was impressive, the first being Tom Purnell, 4th overall, from Stroud AC in 4:34.

Rachel Felton retained her title, winning in 4:44 and amongst the top men. Louise Durman had a good race for 2nd in 5:21, both the aforementioned from Stroud AC. Steph Lane from Bourton finished 3rd in 5:31, but took first Junior Lady prize, which brought Gemma Collier of Gloucester AC into the top 3 in 5:57.

1 Tim Dalton Severn AC SM 4:24 (club record)
2 Steve Milward Gloucester AC SM 4:27
3 Robert Galt Unattached JM 4:32
17 Mark James Severn AC SM 5:09
43 John James Severn AC V60 6:06

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gareth Winter wins English Schools medal

Severn's 17 year old throwing star, Gareth Winter, won his first medal at National Schools level at Sheffield.

In the U20 shot he won bronze with a throw of 14.49m.

His next aim is to gain representative honours for the Midlands area.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 16/07/2009

Gary Hope successfully defended his National vets over 40 5000m title in Birmingham.

He moved into the lead halfway through the race and was unchallenged as he won in a new vet 40 club record of 15:46.

Brother Alex Hope finished fourth in the vet 45 age group in 16:34.

Josh Lilly ran his second fastest 5000m in the BMC meeting at Stretford. A quick last lap took him into third place in 14:29.3. The race was won by Alan Swinburn (Leeds) in 14:24.0.

In the National Under 20 championships at Bedford Gareth Winter finished ninth in the discus with 43.42m and eighth in the shot with 14.16m.

Gareth continued his excellent season with a bronze medal in the shot at the English Schools Track and Field Championships at Sheffield.

In the Cheltenham open meeting Tim Dalton continued his return to full fitness after a stress fracture with a 1500m win in a seasons best time of 3:57.8.

Kyran Hale won the U17 1500m in 4:37.1. Dave Lowthian reduced his 1500 PB to 5.03.7 when finishing fifth in the B race.

Dave Gilbert finished second in the 600m in 89.5 seconds.

Gareth Winter won the U20 shot with 14.07m and the discus in 40.32m.

Nick Walker equalled his club 45 - 49 pole vault record with a 3.20m winning height.

Simon Fortnam finished 27th in the Castle Combe Monster Duathlon in very hot conditions. He completed the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run event in 93.24.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

John James turns 60

John James the Severn AC statistician and results recorder turns 60 on 9th July. At the Pilot Inn four mile race last week he was presented with a cake and Terry Haines and everyone at Severn would like to thank John for his dedicated work over the years with club records, rankings, race results and course measuring.

We all hope you have a happy birthday.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 25/06/2009

Josh Lilly regained the 5000m title at the Midlands Track championships in thrilling style.

The 23 year old won the title in 2006 and 2007 before injury thwarted his chances of a hat-trick last year.

Jonathan Thewlis (Notts) pulled away on the last lap and with 200m to go Lilly was 10m off the pace but a fast finish enabled him to win by less than half a second.

17 year old Gareth Winter picked up two medals in the same championships competing with the senior men. He won silver in the shot (12.78m) and bronze in the discus (38.12m).

The previous day in the South West championships he won gold in the U20 discus (46.30 a new club record) and silver in the shot (14.15m).

In the same meeting Kyran Hale was fifth in the U15 boys 1500 in a PB of 4:33.5 mins.

Dave Richards won his seventh Midlands Vets title at Solihull winning the V45 triple jump in 11.57m.

Nick Walker won his first South West Masters medal in Exeter.

His score of 2777 points easily won the pentathlon and was a new club record. He set seasons bests in the long jump (5.30m), javelin (39.39m), 200m (26.9), discus (30.85m) and 1500m (6.15).

He also took silver in the pole vault (2.50m) and bronze in the 110mH (19.1 secs).

Gary Hope wasn't able to retain his V40 5K road title at Horwich despite equalling his own V40 club record. He challenged for 3rd place with 200m to go but lost out on a medal in the sprint finish.

Brother Alex Hope was eighth in the V45 race in 17.15.

Gwen Kinsey won the ladies race in the Westonbirt Trails 10k in 37.59 mins.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 18/06/2009

Young throwing star Gareth Winter has continued his record breaking form.

The 17 year old was second in the Welsh Open Under 20 discus at Newport adding 80cm to his own club record with a throw of 45.34m.

At the County Schools Championships he easily won the Senior Boys discus with 42.99m and later won the shot with 13.55m, a County Schools record.

Those performances gained him selection for the English Schools Championships, his major target for the season.

In the same championships Gareth Howells won a silver in the Senior Boys 1500 in 4:45 and Courtney Hamilton ran a PB of 2:08.3 for silver in the U17s 800m. Kyran Hale won bronze in the U15s 1500m in 4:44.8.

James Rose finished fourth in the Cleeve Cloud multi terrain race narrowly missing out on catching second and third places after a fast finish.

Josh Lilly set a new 1500m PB in the Birmingham University Open meeting. Passing through 400m in around 61 seconds he reached the bell in contention before losing out in a sprint finish to Andrew Stanton (3:56.1) Lilly held on for second in 3:56.3.

Gary Hope warmed up for the defence of his vet 40 5000m title with a win in the Bradley Stoke 10k. he led from the start to clock 33.37 minutes.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 28/05/2009

Rising throwing star Gareth Winter improved on last years two bronze medals in the Midlands Championships when he won two silvers in the U20 age group in Birmingham.

He was unable to match the distances of winner Matthew Bartholomew but he threw 14.41m in the shot and a club record 41.56m in the discus.

Winter was delighted with his performance and will return in 2010 to try to win Gold.

Kyran Hale took a fine bronze medal in the U15 boys 3000m with a club record of 9.58.7 minutes.

Gary Hope took second place overall and first vet 40 in the hilly Keynsham 10k in 34.17.

In the Bristol 10k Josh Lilly took ninth place in a quick 30.49 minutes. Gary Hope finished 24th in 32.49 and brother Alex was 46th in 35.36.

Jo Fletcher took victory in the women's race at the Windermere marathon in 3:07.02, winning by 95 seconds on the demanding course.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

More club records for Winter

Gareth Winter was in record breaking form again at the opening Midlands league match at Yate.

He won the shot with 13.22m to break his own Under 20 record and the discus with a PB of 38.40m. The discus throw was a new senior mens club record adding 76cm to a record that has stood since 1998.

A delighted Winter said "I never expected that, it makes me one of the youngest club record holders."

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 07/05/2009

Josh Lilly was fifth in the British Universities 10000m championships at Bedford. He stayed with the leading group of four, passing through 5k in 14.57 before dropping off the pace in the second half. He finished in 31.20, 80 seconds outside his PB.

In the Shortwood 5k Gary Hope finished third overall and top vet 40 in 16.05. Dave Lander also placed in the top ten when finishing seventh in 17.11. Lucie Woodyatt was third lady in 18.39.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

London Marathon roundup - 30/04/2009

Jo Fletcher ran the race of her life as she placed 25th woman at the London Marathon.

The 33 year old reduced her club record from 2:58.33 to 2:57.52.

"After a steady start I settled and ran the second half faster than the first passing runners all the way."

John Holland was also targeting sub three hours, but faded after 18 miles for 3:09.02 and 1498th. “I just aimed to enjoy the crowds after my target became unachievable”.

Martin Cleverley came 5089th with 3:40.44 in a very evenly paced run.
Paul Stambrook came 17994th with 4:53.38.

Kyran Hale set a new U17 club record of 16.34 when he finished 22nd in the young athletes mini marathon 5k race.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 30/04/2009

Josh Lilly placed third in the Eastleigh 10k road race.

He stayed with the pace until halfway before dropping back. Australian Russell Dessaix-Chin won in 30.18 with Lilly finishing in 30.55, just inside his 31 minute target time.

At the trials for the British University championships Josh warmed up for his tilt at the 10000m title with third place in a tactical 1500m in 4.06.6.

In the City of Lincoln 10k Lucie Woodyatt ran a PB of 37.47 when finishing ninth woman.

James Rose finished fourth in the Eastnor Castle Seven Mile race in 45.38.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Winter smashes more records

Seventeen year old Gareth Winter has been busy re-writing the club's under 20 records this season.

In the Basingstoke Spring open he won the shot (13.36m) and discus (37.22m), both club records.

He improved both of these in the Mansfield open with a winning shot of 13.83m and second in the discus with 37.80m.

In the Exeter open he smashed these records again with 14.16m to win the shot and 41.21m to take second in the discus.

In the Tipton open he won the shot (13.80) before adding three metres to his discus record with 44.07m to move into the UK top 20 rankings.

It was Gareth's seventh club record of the year and he is hoping to break the senior club records of 13.85m in the shot and 38.02m in the discus this summer.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 26/03/2009

GARY HOPE of Severn Athletic Club was delighted with his 27th place in the prestigious Bath Half Marathon.

It won him the V40 category ranking him third in the nation at the distance in his age group in 2009.

Better still for Hope was his new Severn club record of 70:48, beating Andrew Hussey's record of 71:12.

"I have narrowly missed Andrew's record several times, so I'm pleased I've nabbed it at last," he said.

Hope, the national V40 5000 metre champion, was an uncertain starter. The previous week he had a poor run in the National Inter-Counties and subsequently could not train because of a virus.

He did a light run two days before and decided to take his chance, although not confident. Feeling fresh, he almost matched his best 10K time, passing through in 33:14.
Entrenched in the fast moving head of the field, he maintained his pace to beat his personal best by almost a minute.

He said: "I'm not doing the London Marathon this year, I'll have a little rest then aim at PBs in the summer."

Severn's top lady distance runners, Lucie Woodyatt and Johanna Fletcher added to their recent haul of prizes in the Forest of Dean half marathon.

Woodyatt reversed the Malta placings on Fletcher coming second in 1.28.11 compared to Fletcher's 1.28.34.

Forest of Dean Trails Half Marathon: 2nd Lady Lucie Woodyatt 1.28:11; 3rd Lady Jo Fletcher 1.28:34; 205 Dave Lowthian (V40) 1.37:09; 225 Duncan Sargent (V40) 1.38:05.

Weston 5 Miles: 1 Kevin Crenol (Burnham V40) 26.53; 126 John James (V55) 37.21; 191 Paul Stanbrook (V45) 44.77. 210 ran.

Shortwood 5 Kilometre Winter Series Overall Placings: 20 Dave Buckle (2nd VO60); 26 John James (3rd Vet O55).
Thornbury Half Marathon: 38 Martin Cleverley 1.39.27. 270 ran.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 12/03/2009

GLOUCESTER AC and Severn AC returned from the recent Malta Marathon and Half Marathon with a host of honours and personal bests.

Jo Fletcher dominated the women's race for a time of 1:23.42. She was almost a minute ahead of her team-mate and second placed female Lucie Woodyatt in 1:24.38. Combining the top two with a PB performance from seventh placed Lorraine Ryan (1:27.14), Gloucester and Severn were convincing winners of the team prize.

Andrew Hawkins came home in 1:21.07, an encouraging time after missing several months through injury.

National Veteran 5000m champion Gary Hope continues to dominate the age group in the area road races.

He ran his fastest 5k of the winter in the Shortwood race, placing sixth and first veteran 40 in 15.54.

Simon Fortnam returned to racing after a 3 month injury break to finish 43rd in the Spring duathlon at Castle Combe race track. He completed the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run event in 52.13.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 26/02/2009

Severn's recent signing Ian Smith won the Forest of Dean 10.4K Multi-Terrain race in 39 minutes, four seconds.

Thirteen-year-old Kyran Hale won the 5.4K event in 20.39, while in the Weston Multi-Terrain 10 mile Dave Lowthian was 67th in 1:07.10.

Saturday sees the Severn winter five-mile race from the White Horse, Sandhurst Lane, starting at 3pm. All runners aged 15 and over are welcome.

Woodyatt and Fletcher will fly the club colours in the Malta Half Marathon.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Midlands league track and field fixtures announced

The four dates for division two of the Midlands track and field league have been released.

Saturday 2nd May at Yate.
Sunday 7th June at Charnwood.
Saturday 4th July at Cheltenham.
Sunday 2nd August at Kettering.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Final Gloucestershire XC league date

THE LEAMINGTON CROSS COUNTRY (FINAL GLOS CC LEAGUE) HAS BEEN RE-ARRANGED FOR SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2009. THE TIMETABLE IS AS BEFORE, FIRST RACE 11.45, LAST RACE 2.30PM.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 23/02/2009

Tim Dalton was seventh in 4.01 in his heat at the National Indoor 1500m Championships at Sheffield, failing to reach the final.

The White Horse road races start on Saturday, February 28, with the Winter Five Miles, starting at 3pm.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 12/02/2009

Multi event rising star Gareth Winter won his most prestigious title yet at Birmingham.

Making his indoor debut, the 17 year old won the Midlands Under 20 shot putt title. He had previously won two bronze medals at this level and added two metres to the club record.

Winter won by more than half a metre and said afterwards "I was disappointed to not threw further than my 13.24 metre opening throw."

Winter attends Gloucestershire College at the Docks where coach Lorraine Shaw lectures.

Tim Dalton and Josh Lilly travelled to Aberdeen for the British Universities Cross Country Championships only to see it cancelled at short notice due to heavy snow on the course.

Josh Lilly was ranked 35th in the National 5k rankings for 2008. He ran 14.50 at Sandhurst in August. Gary Hope was ranked 299th and 19th vet 40 (15.46). Pete Stephens was 402nd (15.56), Simon Fortnam and Alex Hope 729th (16.25), Dave Gilbert 774th (16.28), Gareth Howells 901st and 43rd U17 (16.36) and Dave Lander 1038th (16.44).

New signing Emma Gooderham continues to re-write the clubs record books. After her 60.06 at the Elmore 10 she ran 28.51 for seventh place at the Alsager 5 mile.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gloucestershire Cross Country League cancelled

The fourth round of the Gloucestershire Cross Country league at Leamington scheduled for Saturday 7th February has been cancelled because of adverse weather. The new date is yet to be confirmed.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 05/02/2009

TIM DALTON made an impressive start to his indoor running career, coming third in the Birmingham Games 1500 metres.

After qualifying in a club record three minutes, 57 seconds for second place in his heat, he stayed with Chris Warburton (Notts AC) and Mark Draper (North) until the final 200m sprint.

He reduced his six-hour club record to 3mins 50.2secs – three-tenths outside his outdoor personal best.

His next target is the National Indoor Championships on February 14.

Severn's representative in the Gloucester Marathon, John Holland, was pleased with his 13th place in 3:17.26, the fourth county runner home.

In the Bristol Shortwood 5km road race, Gary Hope stayed with the leaders until 3km before slipping off the pace. He ran a winter's best of 16.10 and was first veteran home in third place.

Severn new signing Ian Smith was third in the Hereford 10K in 37.05.

Some of Rob Cytlau's training group did well in the County Schools cross-country championships. Rachel Underhill was fourth in the Under 17's and Adam Thrall third in the Under 15's.

Race details (Winners and Severn AC placings):
Shortwood 5K: 1 David Green (Bristol Univ) 15.53; 3 Gary Hope (V40) 16.10; 57 Gary Barnes (V45) 20.48; 62 Dave Buckle (V60) 21.10; 81 John James (V55) 22.51; 105 Mike Anderton (V50) 26.35; 115 Vanessa Anderton (V50) 31.47. 117 ran.
Hereford 10K: 1 S. Penny (Chepstow) 36.42; 3 Ian Smith (V45) 37.05.

SUBSEQUENT to a scrutiny of results, Severn Athletic Club's veterans cross-country team have been awarded first place in the third Gloucestershire Cross-Country League after initially being placed second.

The senior men's team have been raised from 10th to ninth place after the third Birmingham Cross-Country League Division One meeting.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 15/01/2009

The surprise first runner home for Severn AC in the Gloucester New Year's Day 10-mile was new signing Emma Gooderham.

She was 12th and slashed more than a minute off Sian Lewis' club record in 60 minutes, 26 seconds.

Gooderham, who was a latecomer to the sport, was spotted by club coach Norman Wilson running in ultra-distance events in 2007.

She has already represented England in ultra-distance, but in the summer and winter has displayed near national-class form at the shorter distances.
Her immediate aim is a fast London Marathon performance.

GLOUCESTER 10-MILE: 12 Emma Gooderham (V35) 60.26, 63 Martyn Whitlock 66.54, 95 Martin Cleverley 70.21, 115 John Holland (V45) 72.17, 183 Austin Degge 76.52, 204 Philip Reece (V45) 78.20.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 11/12/2008

Severn's distance-running sisters Sally and Rachel Underhill have done well this winter.

Now at university in London, Sally has gained representation for the University of London in the British Universities Championships at Aberdeen.
She has finished fourth and sixth in recent races in the London Colleges cross-county league.

Younger sister Rachel, now at Pate's, was fifth in the county schools under-20 championships and qualified for the National Schools Championships.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Lilly shows promise in Liverpool

SEVERN AC's Josh Lilly continued his return to better cross-country form at the UK International Cross-County Trials in Liverpool.

He placed 48th of 340 starters after making a steady start and progressing to 39th at the 8K mark of the 10K race.
"I faded from there so I obviously still need to get my stamina back," he said.

Team-mate and Under-23 Tim Dalton placed 78th, and coach Rob Cytlau was cautious afterwards."Tim's been on antibiotics after dental work for a fortnight – they do deaden you up."

Gary Hope competed in the Bristol Shortwood 5K Road Race, running a winter's best of 16.10 to win the veterans O40 award in sixth place.

Club-mate John James (V55) was 87th in 23.01 in a race won by Dan Moore of Bristol in 15.31.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

British & Irish Masters Cross Country Championship

Gary Hope made a promising England over 40s debut in the British & Irish Masters Cross Country Championships at Swansea.

Run over five miles on a testing four lap course he finished 28th in 30.22. The race was won by England's Tim Hartley in 28.04.

After the race Hope said "That was hard work and the standard was high. I struggled a bit on the third lap but overall I am happy as I gave it my best."

Hope is returning to club duty on Saturday in the Midland 7 cross country championships at Leicester.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gower, Howells make mark for Severn

TWO youngsters who have been making progress at Severn AC since joining the club last spring are St Peter's School students Jason Gower and Gareth Howells.

Sprinter Gower started indoor training at the club and brought along his friend Howells in February.

Severn co-ordinator Terry Haines encouraged Howells to try out the two-mile young athletes race at the White Horse in March, where he was second, and he followed up with sixth in the Tredworth Road Race and fifth in the County Short Course Cross-Country.

His form saw him selected for the Severn senior team, and he ran well in the Area and National 12 Stage Road Relays.

Training in the Severn distance squad mastered by Rob Cytlau, the 17-year-old has continued to progress in the White Horse road races and featured as a team member in Severn's best-ever placing of seventh in the Midland Six-Stage Road Relay.

Unfortunately, as he is growing rapidly, several injuries have occurred.
Haines said: "It's often the case that developing youngsters get a lot of aches and pains.
"The best thing to do is to rest and let nature take its course. Maturity usually solves the problem."

Gower, also 17, has had several similar injury lay-offs since starting committed athletic training.
Yet he improved his sprint times all summer and finished the season with a surprise victory in the season's finale, the Scratcher Haines 150-yard sprint.

Gower spent much of his childhood in Zimbabwe, where he received the Victor Ludorum award at high school, and has been at St Peter's for two years now.
This winter he has avoided injury and added distance running to his schedule, and next summer he may try out hurdling.

Personal bests, Gareth Howells: 1000m 2:45.2, 1500m 4:29.9, 3000m 9:34, 5000m 17:28. Road race bests – 5K 16:36, 4 miles 23:42, 5 miles 27:44, 10K 36.32.

Jason Gower: 100m 12.0, 200m 26.2, long Jump 5.09m.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Lucy Woodyatt in South West Intercounties winning team.

TEAM manager Norman Lane has paid tribute to the Gloucestershire girls who retained the South West Inter Counties 10K title.

Led by overall winner Wendy Nicholls of Cirencester, the county trio proved far too strong for their rivals as they won the team prize at a canter at Stanley Park in Chippenham.

Stroud-based runner Kate Goodhead provided superb support for Nicholls in third place, and Severn AC's Lucy Woodyatt completed the scoring in ninth.

"Lucy is the only survivor of the team who won the team title last year, so that's nice for her," said Lane.

"They all ran really well over what was one of the toughest 10K courses they have ever seen. Over that course, in cold conditions, I was delighted with how they performed and they did the county proud."

Nicholls echoed Lane's sentiments about the course, with her winning time of 35 minutes and 53 seconds more than two-and-a-half minutes outside her PB of 33:15 – set when winning the Bourton 10K earlier this year.

She said: "It was an horrendous course – it was up or downhill the whole way, so fast times were out of the question. I ran to win and was glad when I got to the finish line."

Wiltshire 10k, Men: 14 Adrian Williams 35.05, 21 Dave Wright (M50) 36.00.

Women: 1 Wendy Nicholls (Ciren, W35) 35.53, 3 Kate Goodhead (B&W) 37.27, 9 Lucy Woodyatt (Gloucs) 39:56.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 13/11/2008

JOSH LILLY was pleased with his fourth place in the Gwent Cross Country League race at Bath.

He lost out on third near the end of the six-mile course, finishing 40 seconds adrift leading Bristol runners Tom Russell and Rob Whalley.

Afterwards he said: "I'm pleased I was a minute closer to Tom than at Birmingham a fortnight ago. My fitness is getting back to where I was a year ago, but I need races to sharpen me up."

Lilly was close to international selection last November when a serious ankle injury kept him out of the sport until August.

Now 22, he is presently on the first year of a PhD course at the University of Birmingham.

His club-mate Tim Dalton at Loughborough University ran the first leg for his college team in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield.

He ran 15 minutes, 32 seconds for the 5K lap, with UK number one Steve Vernon (Stockport) fastest in 14 minutes, 51 seconds.

Lilly and Dalton are focusing on the international trials race at Liverpool on November 29.

Spring signing David Lowthian moved up the Severn half marathon ratings when he was placed 45th of 400-plus runners in the Torfaen event.

His time of 1:25.40 was an improvement of one minute, 20 seconds.

This Saturday Severn's Gary Hope makes his debut for the England Over-40 team in the Three Counties Cross County International at Swansea.

Martin Cleverly finished 69th in a personal best 42.47 at the Chippenham 10K.

John James was top veteran Over-50 in the Burnham-on-Sea Swim and Sports Academy Winter 5K road race, clocking a time of 22 minutes, 44 seconds.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 06/11/2008

Dave Lander maintained his improved form this winter by placing second veteran 40 in the Tewkesbuty 5 mile road race. His usual late charge got him sixth place overall in 27.38.

Martin Cleverly was the club's first finisher in the Stroud half marathon in a personal best time of 1.34.12.

Dave Buckle continued his success in the vet 60 age group. He won his fifth award since the summer when finishing second vet 60 in the Shortwood 5k.

Results:
Stroud half marathon:
313 Martin Cleverly 1.34.12, 563 Phil Reece (V40) 1.43.11, 660 Jo Davis (LV40) 1.46.39, 934 John James (V55) 1.53.06, 1027 Sandra Brown (LV45) 1.55.58, 1176 Emma Bishop (LV40) 2.00.48, 1177 Nathan Bishop (V40) 2.00.49, 1236 Paul Stanbrook (V45) 2.02.54

Shortwood 5k:
47 Dave Buckle (V60) 20.38, 53 George Scully (V55) 20.56, 70 John James (V55) 22.41

Tewkesbury 5 mile:
6 Dave Lander (V40) 27.38, 34 Ian Overthrow (V40) 31.17, 63 Mark James 32.55, 90 George Scully (V55) 34.04, 149 John James (V55) 37.30, Sandra Brown (LV45) 37.30.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup 30/10/2008

John Holland improved his personal best by 25 seconds in his 14th marathon at Abingdon, he found conditions near perfect to finish 57th out of 647 runners in 2:58.47.

Burnham 5K: 24 John James 23.06 (1st Vet 50).
Hannay 5 Mile: 128 John James (V55) 37.05.
Weston 5 Mile: 125 John James (V55) 37.01.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup 24/10/2008

Gary Hope has been selected to run for the England over 40 veterans team in the Home Countries International on November 15th at Bedford.

Severn's over 40 team finished 14th in the National Veterans cross country relays at Mansfield. Gary Hope was sixth fastest overall on the day with 13.36 for the 2.5 mile course.

Severn finished 10th in the Midlands 4 x 4 mile cross country relays at Halesowen. Josh Lilly was the star of the team gaining 10 places on leg two whilst clocking the fourth overall fastest time of the day with 21.01.

In the Peterborough Half Marathon, Andy Hawkins of Severn was 43rd in a season's best 78.14.

Simon Fortnam won a trail race whilst on holiday in the Lake District. In appalling wet and windy conditions he completed the 3.5 mile course in 21.03 to win by 43 seconds.

Nick Walker and Gareth Winter finished their summer seasons with medal success. In the Exeter Pentathlon, Walker retained his vets 40-44 title while Winter won bronze in the U17 event.

Vets 40-44. 1st Nick Walker - 1972 points.
(LJ - 5.26m, jav - 35.51m, 200m - 26.8, discus - 30.37, 1500 - 6.04.9)

Under 17. 3rd Gareth Winter - 1953 points.
(LJ - 5.75m, jav - 33.03, 200m - 26.6, discus - 40.02, 1500 - 6.31.4)

Simon Fortnam finished 8th in the Shortwood 5k in 17.18. Dave Buckle was 63rd (20.53), George Scully 65th (21.01) and John James 87th (22.34)

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 25/09/2008

GARY HOPE of Severn AC has confirmed his current status as number one in the area in the Veterans' Over-40 age group.

Following his category win in the Cardiff 10K, he added the Bristol Half Marathon crown. Overall he was 20th of the 6,000-plus starters in 72 minutes, 42 seconds, a minute ahead of the next Vet Over-40.

Club-mate Nick Walker maintained his record of winning medals in the British Masters Decathlon Championships at Oxford.

He won gold in 2005, silver in 2006, bronze in 2007 and has followed up with another bronze this year.

BRITISH MASTERS DECATHLON: 3 Nick Walker (Severn AC) 4849 (100M: 13.07; LJ: 5.19; Shot: 10.48; High Jump 1.48; 400M: 62.96; 110 Hurdles (3ft 3in) 18.98; Discus 31.45; Pole Vault: 3.20; Javelin 36.35; 1500M 6:6.47).

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn and Gloucester AC spring Ball

The Severn and Gloucester Athletic Clubs' Spring Ball 2009 - in aid of the "Athletics Track For Gloucestershire" Appeal Fund.

When: Saturday 30th May 2009.

Where: Guildhall Arts Centre, Gloucester


Due to popular demand, Richard Blackwell is co-ordinating this event for next Spring, with all surplus proceeds (profit) going to the "Athletics Track For Gloucestershire" Appeal Fund. This is a great opportunity for members of both Clubs to get together, have a great time and raise money for what we think is a good cause.

Many of you would have attended one or more of our previous bashes. I hope they will endorse my claim that it is as good a night out as you will get in Gloucestershire!

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of going to one, we have a tried and tested combination of the best covers band in the area (The Shy Teds) at the best venue in the county. Drink and dance the night away, but make sure you have something to eat first because I can't guarantee I can supply nibbles and free bubbly again.

Tickets (£15 each) will go on sale early in 2009. There will only be 300 available, so make sure you get your orders in - quick!

Thanks

Richard Blackwell

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Trio help British team win in Holland

THREE members of Severn AC men's distance squad travelled to Winschoten in Holland to take part in a 10x10K road relay and came back as race winners.

Running under the composite club name, Team Sussex, Simon Fortnam, Tim Dalton and Gareth Howells all ran well to help them to a narrow victory over the defending champions and local favourites, Runners World of Groningen.

Dalton was given the first leg of the day and the responsibility of putting the team among the early leaders.
He did not disappoint, bringing the team home first in 31.13 minutes – the fastest recorded time of the day and an excellent split considering the windy conditions and the twisting nature of the course.

Fortnam took over the third leg in front and ran a solid 34.58 minute split to extend the overall lead by a further 15 seconds.

By the time Howells started leg five the lead had been lost, but a personal best run of 36.32 minutes kept the British team in contention with their Dutch rivals.

The lead was eventually regained on leg seven and, despite a late rally by the Dutch on the final lap, the British team held on to win by one minute and 26 seconds.

Fortnam said: "It was a very close race and everyone ran really well. Gareth had never done a 10K race before, but he stepped into the team at short notice to replace an injured runner.
"We were made to feel very welcome by our Dutch hosts and hopefully we can return next year to defend our title."

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Forthcoming race information.

The Autumn 5 mile road race at the White Horse in Sandhurst has been re-arranged for Saturday 27th September at 5.30pm. Registration is from 4.30pm.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 11/09/2008

Gary Hope finished 21st in the Cardiff 10k road race in a season's best time of 32.51.

In the Beacon 10k road race all Severn AC runners set season's bests.

Dave Lander maintained his recent good form taking fourth in 35.15, Andy Hawkins was eighth in 36.27, Tom Meheran was 14th in 38.22 and was second vet over 50. John James was 80th in 47.51, Joanne Davis was 82nd in 47.59, Paul Stanbrook was 112th in 52.54 and Sandra Brown 119th in 53.59.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 04/09/2008

Simon Fortnam made a winning debut over 5000m competing for the combined Severn and Gloucester team in the Avon League at Yate on Sunday. Fortnam tracked the early leaders and took the lead with four laps to go, winning the race by eight seconds in 16.31.9.

Nick Walker picked up valuable points with second place in the javelin with a throw of 37.52 metres.

The previous day's Halesowen multi event competition had seen Walker win the over 40s age group when finishing ninth of the 17 competitors with 3048 points.

Team mate Gareth Winter won the under 17 section placing seventh overall with 3440 points. His best performances were equalling his PB of 12.1 seconds in the 100m and 13.81 metres in the shot.

In the Oldbury 10 mile race Stewart Lynas finished 27th in 60.21. John Holland was 71st in 65.11 and John James 223rd in 78.55.

Simon Fortnam finished 24th in the final midweek duathlon at a very windy Castle Combe race circuit. He completed the 2 mile run/10 mile bike/2 mile run event in 50.17.

George Scully finished 125th on his duathlon debut in 63.37.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 28/08/2008

Triple jumper Dave Richards cemented his Welsh number one position in the veteran's over 40 age group.

The Severn AC star jumped 11.53m to win the final Welsh Veteran's League Match at Newport.

In his onyl previous competition this year he won the Welsh (45 - 49) long jump and triple jump titles.

He has recently returned to competition after a two year injury lay off and aims to break the Welsh age group record of 12.00m in the triple jump.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 14/08/2008

Josh Lilly continued his return to racing after 10 months off with a serious foot injury.

He followed up his second place in the Midlands league 3000m track race with a runaway victory in the Boddington 5k road race in 15.26 mins.

Lilly's time was 4 seconds outside his 2005 course record and will rank in the UK top 100 for 2008.

He said "It was a good test. The ankle still seems sore but hopefully I can get some races in before the winter cross country season."

Second was team mate Gary Hope in 16.22. He had no answer as Lilly revelled in the mile long downhill finish.

Dave Lander took second place in the Cranham Boundary Chase in 34.37 behind Will Joyce. Lander won the veteran over 40 prize and led Severn AC to their first team victory at Cranham in eight years.

Promising newcomer James Rose was seventh in 36.09 and the team was completed by over 50 winner Tom Meheran in 37.48. John James was 47th (3rd Vet 55) in 47.10

Andy Hawkins was 6th in the Civil Service 5k track champs at Solihull. In wet and windy condtions he finished just outside his PB in 17.35. The race was won by Phil Parry in 15.58. Andy picked up a team silver medal for his efforts.

Gareth Winters performed well in the latest round of the Avon League. He came 2nd in the U17 shot with 14.08 metres.

Nick Walker was also in good form scoring 30 point for the team. Walker won the shot and discus and came 2nd in the pole vault (3.50m) and Vet 40 100m (12.84)

Simon Fortnam came 7th in a duathlon race at Castle Combe race track. He completed the 5k run/21k bike/3k run course in 66.56.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 07/08/08

Simon Fortnam finished 28th in the midweek duathlon at Castle Combe on Wednesday 6th August. He completed the 2 mile run/10 mile bike/2 mile run event in 49.07, a PB by 21 seconds.

In the final Cheltenham mid summer open, Nick Walker won the veterans (40 - 44) pole vault with a height of 3.40m to equal his own club veterans record.

Les Davis went to the top of the UK veterans 65 - 69 rankings for 4 miles when he finished 29th in the Rose Inn 4 mile race in 25.00.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gloucester Cross Country League dates announced

PROPOSED DATES AND VENUES:

11th October 2008 Bourton (new course)

15th November 2008 Gloucester
(Black Bridge)

13th December 2008 Gloucester
(Plock Court)

7th February 2009 To Be Advised

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn and Gloucester are league champions

The Gloucester-Severn athletic team travelled to Tipton on Sunday and won their Midlands Athletics League Division three match, achieving promotion to division two as champions.

Well done to all involved, more details to follow.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup - 01/08/08

SEVERN Athletic Club athletes were in season's best form over the weekend.

Multi-event veteran star Nick Walker retained his Midland 40-44 pole vault title at Solihull, clearing 3.30 metres, then added the discus title with 30.80 metres and the shot with 9.85 metres.It was the first time Walker has won three titles in the same afternoon.

After a two year break due to injury Dave Richards made a triumphant return in the Welsh Veterans Championship at Swansea. He won UK titles in the 40-44 group and had ambitions to continue adding to his title collection in the 45-49 group. He won the triple jump easily with 11.61 centimetres, but the long jump victory of 5.35 metres was closer, only 16cms clear of second.

It was Richards' 12th and 13th Welsh titles in all age groups after senior titles in the 1980s.

Sixteen-year-old team-mate Gareth Winter has received advice and guidance from Walker and Richards.

After his under-17 club records of 11.29 metres in the shot and 32.37 metres in the discus in the last Midland senior league, he raised his club under-17 five kilo shot record to 13.70 metres when winning the event in the National Young Athletes League at Carmarthen. He also won the javelin with 36.08 metres.

Travelling to Loughborough in search of competitions and records he was rewarded, throwing 14.16 metres for victory in the under-17 shot.

Severn's new young distance runners Gareth Howells and Alex Maton continued their battles.

In the 1,000 metres at the final Cheltenham Open Howells, 17, was fourth in two minutes 45.2 seconds and Maton, 18, in two minutes 45.7 seconds, both personal bests.


Stewart lynas was 13th in the Gloucester Half Marathon in 81.55.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Lloyds TSB four mile Fitness Run - Thursday 7th August

The fourth of this summer's Lloyds TSB Four mile Fitness Runs from the Pilot Inn in Hardwicke on Thursday 7th August will be one of the final events in this year's Gloucester Festival.

Registration is in the pub from 6.30pm.

The race will be started by Gloucester rugby legend Mike Teague.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Volunteers wanted for research project

Ryan Molyneaux at Gloucester Uni wants volunteers to help with his research project.

"I am currently studying for my MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and I am looking to recruit participants for my research project, of which the title is:

"effects of precooling during an active warm up on 10 km run performance in the heat"

It will involve the athletes coming to the University of Gloucestershire over to perform certain assessments in a laboratory which will simulate the environmental conditions of summer. The exact details of the tests can be discussed further in subsequent e-mails, however, the main physiological measurements that will be made are: VO2max, lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold, body core temperature, skin temperature and heart rate. All this will be provided free of charge (charges for these tests normally exceed £500) to those who are interested.

All the data collected from each participant will be written up and returned. This will give detailed information about their current state of fitness that may complement any training program. It will also be an invaluable tool for coaches and high level athletes who may be training throughout the summer months.

If any athlete has an interest in volunteering for my project, then I would be extremely grateful if you can contact me (rjmol_5@hotmail.com ). I will also be willing to meet with any potential volunteers prior to testing to discuss the details further.

If you require further information, then please do not hesitate to contact me"

Ryan Molyneaux

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Shortwood 5k results

Severn AC were well represented in the final race of the Shortwood 5k series on Tuesday 29th July. In windy conditions Simon Fortnam was first home for the club in seventh place in 17.05. Close behind in eighth place was Andy Hawkins with his best time on the course by 3 seconds (17.11).

Gary Barnes was 49th in 20:17, George Scully 56th in 20:52, Dave Buckle 62nd in 21:52, John James 65th in 22:11 and Pauline Barnes 87th in 26:05

There were 97 finishers.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Gary Hope hits top form

Gary Hope is back to his best after a series of impressive recent race results. At the Prestwold Hall 10k incorporating the British 10k road championships he finished 14th overall and ninth M40 in 33.15.

In the British Masters track and field championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham he won the M40 5000m title in 15.56.44 minutes.

In the Gloucestershire 10 mile road race championships at Hardwicke he pulled away from race favourite, Dave Roper, at 7 miles and went on to win by nearly a minute in 54.40 minutes.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Winter shines at Gateshead and news roundup

In the English Schools track and field championships at Gateshead Gareth Winter finished an excellent eighth in the Intermediate Boys discus final with a throw of 41.33 metres.

Developing young runners Gareth Howells and Alex Maton raced each other to new personal bests over 1500m at the Cheltenham Midsummer open meeting. Howells outsprinted Maton clocking 4.29.7 to Maton's 4.29.9.

Gareth Winter won the under 17 javelin with 37.99 metres.

George Scully took the second over 55 award in the Thornbury 10k in 43.08. He was 35th overall.

Results:
Chepstow 4:
29 Les Davis (V65) 25.00, 35 Andy Brown (V50) 25.24, 99 Joanne Davis 29.32
(179 ran)

Bourton Half Marathon:
49 Andy Brown (V50) 1:34.54, 122 Joanne Davis (LV35) 1:47.27, 206 Sandra Brown (LV45) 2:01.43

Oldbury 4:
29 Andy Brown (V50) 25.13, 190 Sandra Brown (LV45) 33.35 (644 ran)

Neolithic Marathon:
72 Neil Taylor 3:51.29 (272 ran)

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Midland Athletics league Match Three

The Gloucester and Severn Track & Field Team are virtually assured of promotion from Division 3 of the Midland League after the third of the four matches.

With one remaining match Yate their nearest rivals for the final promotion spot would have to win the last fixture and Gloucester and Severn would have to finish last which is highly unlikely.

The city team will fight it out with Kettering for the divisional title in the final meeting. The team spirit of Gloucester and Severn team has been great all season with everyone giving their all. A fine example of this was on Saturday when Richard De Camps stepped in for the 800m race at the final moment when it was realized transport carrying some of the athletes was going to be late.

Richard ran a courageous race leading all the way only getting pipped on the line. Andrew De camps secured a fine double winning his 800m and 400m both by a good margin. Tim Dalton again was untouchable in his 1500m race and the return of Ryan Preddy in a 400m race was great to see as he clocked 48.8 secs even though he eased of in the final 30 metres.

Another returning athlete was Peter Kellie who won the 2000m “A” steeplechase by 20 seconds and was followed in by team mate Ben Coldray who won the “B” race. Kellie was pleased to get the race out of the way but admitted he was still someway off full fitness. Coldray’s run should give him plenty of confidence for the English Schools 1500m steeplechase next week.

Justin Sysum and Wayne Powell totally dominated the Hammer both winning “A” and “B” respectively. Sysum had a great day producing PB’s in the Discus and Shot as did Under 17 Gareth Winter who won his first Midland League event in the Discus.

Veteran Nick Walker was the teams only pole vaulter and finished in 3rd place and he later injured himself in the 110m hurdles but carried on to the finish. The versatility of Lloyd Andrews was important to the team as he competed in five of the technical events and just missed out on a win in the 400m hurdles by tenths of a second.

The city’s ladies team is probably the youngest in the division and has held up well against the more experienced teams. Ladies team manager Bob Purcell has been pleased with his team and knows next year they will be a year older and stronger.

Former Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Lorraine Shaw turned out due to the late withdrawal of Nikita Morgan (broken wrist) and despite having not picked up a discus or shot for over three years won both the “A” events. Lorraine said that she had enjoyed the day, being part of the Gloucester and Severn combined team and would compete again if her busy coaching schedule allowed. Under 20 Kate Yhnell won three of her four events and won the Hammer by a margin of more than 15 metres.

Alex Purcell and Amy Whitcher were the busiest athletes of the day both covering 6 events each and saving their best performance for the triple jump. The three youngest ladies Sarah Williams, Rozalia Gombera and Amy Waite all faired well in the sprint events gaining valuable points.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news round up

In a very windy Malvern Half Marathon, Severn AC's Les Davis maintained his 100% record in his new 65 - 69 age group.

He was 14th overall in 1.27.04 with Andy Brown (V50) 63rd in 1.35.40

Completing his perparations for the English Schools Championships, Severn Vale pupil Gareth Winter was third in the under 17 discus at the Birmingham Open with a throw of 41.85 metres.

Simon Fortnam finshed 36th in the Monster Duathlon at Castle Combe race circuit. He completed the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run event in 90.20.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Dalton wins BMC race

Tim Dalton was a winner at Saturday's Nike BMC Grand prix in Solihull.

The 20 year old Loughborough University student won the men's 1500 D race in 3.50.09. It was just outside his recent personal best and club record of 3.49.97.

Simon Fortnam finished third in a 3000m steeplchase race in Worthing on Saturday. Running as a guest in the Southern League match he battled strong winds to record a time of 10.25.4.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup

Gareth Winter has made the U17 UK top 20 rankings in the discus with a throw of 42.30 metres when finishing third in the South West Schools championships. He also threw 13.26 metres for third in the shot.

Previous to this Winter has also jumped a season's best 5.50 metres to win the long jump in the Avon League. He also has seconds in the shot (13.37m) and discus (35.00m)

At the same meeting Severn team manager Richard Blackwell set a club vet 45 - 49 record of 13.1 seconds in the 100m.

At the Worcester open Lloyd Andrews won the long jump with 5.77m. He was second in the 200m in 25.48 seconds.

16 year old Hannah Jones ran 24.30 in a 5k multi terrain race at Malvern.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

New club record for Dalton

Tim Dalton, Severn AC's top middle distance runner, competed in the Norwich Union England Athletics U23 track & field championship at Bedford on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June.

Running in the 1500 metres heats, Dalton came home in 3rd place in a new personal best and club record time of 3 mins 49.97 seconds, thus becoming the first Severn runner to duck under 3 mins 50.0 for the distance. In a slow, tactical final, caused by the extremely blustery conditions, Dalton finished in a very creditable 8th place in a time of 4 mins 00.7 seconds.

Well done Tim on an excellent weekend's work!

Updated by Simon Fortnam

White Horse 5k - Thursday 19th June

Results now in the results section.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup

Teenager Gareth Winter was Severn AC's star performer at the County Schools Championships.

In his last representative fixture for Severn Vales School, Gareth aged 16, won the under 17 discus adding over a metre to the previous record by throwing 40.37m. He also won silver in the shot and is aiming to throw the qualifying distance for the English Schools championships when he competes at the South West Schools championships at the weekend.

Gareth also set a new under 17 club record in the shot at Kettering when he threw 11.10 metres.

Andy Hawkins ran a seasons best of 17.00 when finishing ninth in the Hereford 5k road race. He was ninth again four days later in the Westonbirt 10k in 36.47. Ladies captain, Gwen Kinsey was fourth lady in 40.50.

Results roundup:
County Schools:
Under 20 men:
100m - 6th Jason Gower - 12.5
3000m - 5th Gareth Howells - 10.13.9
Long Jump - 4th Jason Gower - 5.01m

Under 17 men:
800m - 5th Courtney Hamilton - 2.11.6
Long Jump - 5th Richard Daley - 5.30 (PB)
Shot - 5th Gareth Winter - 12.69m
Discus - 1st Gareth Winter - 40.60m (championship record)
2nd Steffan Quarry - 30.60m

Under 17 women:
1500 - 3rd Hannah Jones - 5.40.6

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Midland league match two report

The Gloucester AC and Severn AC composite team remain on target for promotion from Division 3 of the Midland Track & Field League. After narrowly finishing in second place behind the home club Kettering they remain top but only on match point difference.

For a full match report and results check out the results page.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup

A Fine weekend for Severn AC saw Gary Hope win the UK 10,000m Masters title at Oxford.Competing in his final race in the 35 to 39 age group, he clocked 33 minutes, 31 seconds after twice being pulled back by the chasing pack.

"I waited until the last 800 metres before my final victorious effort," he said.

It was Hope's second UK Masters gold, having been a member of the club's winning cross-country team in March.

His elder brother Alex was fourth in the 40-44 age group in 33 minutes, 56 seconds.

Peter Stephens' excellent run of form continued in the Fairford 10K, in which Chris Illman (Cirencester) went immediately into the lead and stayed unchallenged throughout.

Behind him, Stephens battled with his usual rivals, Harvey Speed (Coventry) and Adrian Williams (Cirencester).

By halfway - reached in 16 minutes, 31 seconds - Williams had dropped off, and the silver medal battle was resolved at seven kilometres when Speed broke Stephens on an uphill stretch.

Stephens was delighted with a five-second improvement on his PB, clocking 33 minutes, 35 seconds.

Tim Dalton recorded the club's best 800m time of 2008 (1:53.6) when fifth in the Manchester Open.

In the Loughborough 50th anniversary meeting, Joe Hylton improved his own club record by two 10ths when fourth in the Under-20 110m hurdles in 14.5.

Fairford 10K: 3 Peter Stephens 33.35 (PB), 195 Rob Stephens (V50) 52.56.

Shortwood (Bristol) 5K: 28 Mark James 19.35, 36 George Scully (V55) 20.30, 59 John James (V55) 22.25.

Eastville two miles: 5 Mark James 12.18, 12 John James (V55) 14.35.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup

In the Midland and Counties Under-17s Athletics Championships at Birmingham, Severn's young multi-event performer Gareth Winter added to a host of county medals his first area medals.

He won bronze in the discus with 39.81m and in the shot with 12.85m.

Earlier in the week, he had won a National Young Athletic League match at Yate, throwing 34.94m in the discus after being second in the shot with 13.37m.

New Severn signing David Lowthian tackled his first marathon in sweltering heat in East Anglia. He was 88th of 429 runners in 3:42:11.

TIM DALTON went to the top of Severn Athletic Club's 800 metre rankings for 2008 when he recorded 1:54.09 at the Watford Games. He was eighth in the race.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn AC news roundup

Severn Athletic Club's promising emerging multi-event athlete 15-year-old Gareth Winter has started his season well.Fitting in athletics between a busy end-of-season soccer schedule he started with two records in the javelin and shot at the Bath Open. Then in the Cheltenham Open he won the discus with a season's best of 40.74 metres, took second in the javelin then improved his club under-17 shot putt record with 13.45 metres.

In the county championships he improved his shot mark to 13.65 metres placing second, added 20cm to his club under-17 discus record winning gold with 41.67 and took another silver in the javelin.

Winter said: "I'm pleased, soccer is taking a bit out of me at present and I am using a new shot putt technique. My aim is to qualify for the National Schools championships."

Tim Dalton just failed to qualify for the final of the British universities 5,000M championships.

In a bunched sprint finish in his heat, he was sixth in 15 minutes, 11.6 seconds - one position off qualifying.

In the Tewkesbury Half Marathon Severn Athletic Club members were lead home by John Holland in 39th place in one hour 29 minutes 49 seconds, the fourth over-45 veteran to finish. "That's slower than my London Marathon pace but it was hot."

A couple of places behind Lucy Woodyatt was fifth lady to finish.

Severn AC road race placings

Civil Service 10km Championships: 17 Andy Hawkins 36.45.

Weston Five Mile: 1 M Johnson (Cardiff) 27.07; 34 Mark James 32.42; 118 John James (V55) 39.30. 163 ran.

Bristol Shortwood 5km: 1 Billy Sheppard (Clevedon) 16.03; 42 George Scully (V55) 20.47; 61 John James (V55) 24.00. 70 ran.

Bath Open, under-17 discus: 2 Gareth Winter 39.38. Javelin: 2 Gareth Winter 37.50.

Cheltenham Open, under-15 javelin: 1 Liam Downer 44.15 (record).

Midland League 5,000 metres: 6 Alex Hope (V40) 16:31.8; 11 Gary Hope 17:2.0.

Cheltenham Open, pole vault: 1 Nick Walker (V40) 3.20.

Under-17 javelin: 2 Gareth Winter 33.59. Shot: 1 Gareth Winter 13.45 (club record).

Under-15 javelin: 1 Liam Downer 41.09.

County Championships Cheltenham, senior, pole vault: 1 Nick Walker (V40) 2.40. 1,500m (V40) 1 Alex Hope 4:37.4; (V50) 1 Mike Anderton 6:52.6. 5,000m: 9 Andy Hawkins 17:27.7; 10 Alex Maton 17:53.7 (bronze medal U20 pb); 14 Mike Anderton (V50) 25:30.1 (third Vet O55).

Under-20, 110 H: 1 Joe Hylton 14.7 (club record). 100m: 5 Jason Gower 12.8. 200m: 3 Jason Gower 26.2 (pb); LJ: 3 Jason Gower 5.09 (pb).

Under-17, discus: 1 Gareth Winter 41.67 (club record). Shot: 2 Gareth Winter 13.65 (club record). Javelin: 2 Gareth Winter 36.49.

Stroud Minchinhampton Beer Race (7.4 miles): 23 Les Davis 49.10 (second Vet O60); 26 Andy Brown (V50) 49.48; 59 Joanne Davis (LV35) 57.09; 90 John James (V55) 62.09; 108 Sandra Brown (LV45) 67.19. 140 ran.

Offa's Dyke Multi-Terrain 15 Tintern: 50 Martin Cleverly 1:42.50. 110 ran.

TEWKESBURY HALF MARATHON: 40 John Holland (V45) 1:29.49, 44 Lucie Woodyatt 1:30.21 (4th lady), 111 Martin Cleverly 1:37.04 (PB), 149 Mark James 1:39.31, 275 Derek Cameron (V45) 1:45.04, 524 Paul Young (V40) 1:55.46, 787 Kasy White 2:06.47.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Stephens, Fletcher, Hawkins and Fortnam in good form.

Peter Stephens finished fourth in the Berkeley 10k road race in 34.23. The race was won by Garry Hughes in 32.11. Also coming back after injury was Jo Fletcher, who took the second lady prize and just beat the 40-minute barrier, and Lisa Newing (Bristol/West).

Andy Hawkins finished 10th in the Hereford 5k road race in a season's best time of 17.03

Simon Fortnam finished 29th in his first ever duathlon at Castle Combe. He completed the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run event in 49.51.

BERKELEY 10K: 4 Peter Stephens 34.23, 20 Johanna Fletcher 39.56 (2nd Lady), 24 Andy Brown (V50) 40.41, 45 Phil Reece (V40) 44.08, 107 Sandra Brown (LV45) 55.00.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

New Severn and Gloucester AC team win first Midland League match.

The eagerly anticpated Gloucester & Severn composite team finally became a reality when it competed in the new Midlands Athletics League Division Three match at Yate on Saturday (3rd May) and immediately gave signs of its potential as it stormed to victory in the opening fixture.

Administrators from both City clubs had worked hard in recent weeks to assemble their forces and their work was rewarded as the athletes merged into one solid unit.

The team got off to an excellent start as Wayne Powell and youngster Michael Tommey gained first places in the men's hammer 'A' and 'B' strings (the latter with a new personal best distance) and Nikita Morgan (also with a new personal best) and Marion Loveridge taking 1st and 2nd places respectively in the women's 'A' and 'B' competition.

As expected, the throwing events reaped ample rewards for the City unit as further wins were recorded by another promising youngster, Gareth Winter in the shot putt 'B' event with his first ever throw over 10 metres, Justin Sysum in the discus 'B' event and Leigh Pritchard in the javelin 'B' event. Their victories were backed up by further second places from Loveridge in the women's shot putt and Beverley Jones in the women's discus.

On the track, Albert Gardiner showed that he is on the road to recovery from illness and injury when he held on for victory in the men's 200m, before cruising to an emphatic 400m win. Steve Millward was a comfortable winner in the steeplechase with a personal best, as were Lloyd Andrews in the 400m hurdles, Brendan Goss in the 110m hurdles and Richard de Camps in the 800m.

Team manager Jeremy Mower was delighted with the result and the ease with which the athletes settled into their new team, saying "The sport in the City has been crying out for this merge for several years and the athletes all worked well together. There are several athletes still to come into the team and competition for places will be keen as everyone wants to be part of this." Mower added "I thought our ladies did very well today. They were depleted by non-availabilities, but they all rallied round and gained very useful points."

For more photos check out the gallery page.

Results:
Match - Gloucester & Severn 382 pts; Kettering 364; Yate 355; Dudley & Stourbridge 292; Tipton 258; Corby 173.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Birmingham Cross Country League dates set.

The venues and dates have been arranged for Severn Athletic Club's cross-county team in the 2008-9 Birmingham Cross County League Division One. They are: October 25, Birmingham; December 6, Northampton; January 17, Coventry; February 14, Gloucester.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Stephens and Hawkins in 10k action

Peter Stephens finished third in the Frenchay 10K multi-terrain race in Bristol on 20th April, clocking 36.08.

"I was on course for 34.30secs at halfway, then there were three steep hills which slowed me," he said.

On Wednesday 23rd April Andy Hawkins finished 18th in the Civil Service 10k championships in Battersea Park in 36.45. The race was won by Phil Parry (Bristol & MOD) in 32.21.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Tim Dalton selected for BUSA championships

Tim Dalton has won selection to represent Loughborough University in the British University Athletic Championships at the weekend. The 20 year-old performed with distinction in the Loughborough trials. In a tactical 800 metres, he was fifth in one minute, 57.6 seconds. Two hours later, he took over 20 seconds off his 3000 metres best when second in 8:33.5.

They were his first track races of the summer season and followed a triumphant winter when he won the second individual award in the Birmingham Cross Country Division One League.

He runs the 5000 metres in the championships and hopes to improve massively on his best of 15mins 38secs.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Hope leads way in London for Severn

Severn Athletic Club members met with mixed fortunes in the London Marathon. Achieving the best placing ever by a Severn Athletic Club runner was Gary Hope, 107th, in two hours 35 minutes 38 seconds, a personal best by two minutes.

"I went through half way in 75 minutes 12 seconds but couldn't sustain the pace for a sub two hours 30 minutes," he said.

Brother Alex, the club captain, in his fourth marathon was 270th (44th in the Vets 40-44 age group).

The former junior 800 metres champion was five minutes outside his best, and said: "I never really got going and was running very slowly at certain stages. Perhaps marathon is not for me."

Veteran over 45 John Holland produced an excellent display of even paced running.

He sliced a massive seven minutes off his best breaking the three hours barrier.

He was 1,020th in two hours 59 minutes 13 seconds and placed 111th in the 45-49 age group. Holland was running his 14th marathon and his run caps a winter series of best performances at cross-country.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Lloyds TSB Fitness Run Series

LLOYDS TSB will again be sponsoring the Severn Athletic Club summer series of Four Mile Fitness Runs from the Pilot Inn, Hardwicke.

The runs will be on May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, starting at 7.30pm.

Runners capable of running faster then 24 minutes for four miles or its equivalent at other related distances are barred.

Mark Robinson of Lloyds TSB said: "Last year we were delighted with the record turn-outs. The runs are intended to give those who use running as part of their fitness regime to have a gauge for their progress."

Entry is on the night and all runners receive a time certificate.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Blackbridge available for training only.

Following discussions between UK Athletics and Gloucester City Council it has been decided that Blackbridge will be available for use by Severn AC athletes for training purposes only.

There are problems with lane 6 and the long jump pit so these must not be used.

Club training will continue from Monday 7th April at 6.30pm as usual.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn qualify for National 12 stage road relays.

Severn's mens team put in a good performance in the Midlands 12 stage road relays finishing 13th in 4.16.18. We have now qualified for the National 12 stage relays on Saturday 26th April in Sutton Park. Well done to everyone that took part. For more details check out the results section.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn team win first National Title!

Severn AC won their first National title in the National Masters Cross Country Championships at Banbury on Saturday. The team of Gary Hope, Alex Hope and Simon Fortnam were victorious in the 35 - 39 age group, beating last years Champions, North Belfast by over four minutes.

Gary finished third, Alex fourth and Simon ninth in the race.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Summer Training at Blackbridge

Severn AC Training, Spring/Summer 2008

Outdoor training at Black Bridge re-commences on Monday 31st March.

Severn AC club nights shall be each Monday (except Bank Holidays) and Wednesday (6:30 - 8:00 pm) through to mid-September. Training is free to all fully paid-up club members, so please make sure you have paid your subs to qualify for this privilege!

Because of the new arrangement with Gloucester AC where we shall be fielding a composite team in track & field competitions this year, you are able to use the track on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but will be expected to pay for entry.

For details, ring Richard Blackwell on 07817 974630 or 01452 371707.

Remember: 6:30 is the time to start your training, not the time you should be thinking of leaving your house to go to the track, or start looking for your kit etc. Please do your best to be on time - out of courtesy to those people leading the sessions and to your training partners. Continued lateness is plain bad manners!

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Free bio-mechanical assessments available

Oxford Brookes University Osteopathy Teaching Clinics are now open for SPORTS INJURIES. To introduce this service to the community, we are offering an introductory FREE BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT on Mondays.

Appointments are available throughout the day on Monday at both our Oxford Clinic on Windmill Road, Headington and our Swindon Clinic on Ferndale Road.

The Assessment consists of screening for muscle imbalances, such as weakness or shortening, which may lead to fatigue, strains or underperformance. We also assess mobility in spinal and peripheral joints as required for particular sports; for example,
focusing on hips, trunks and shoulders in a golfer and primary joints responsible for shock absorption in a runner.

Following the assessment you will be provided with a summary of the main points from your assessments and advise on any stretching, strengthening or mobility exercises, which may be useful to help prevent injuries or improve performance.
There is NO obligation to take up a treatment programme and no specific injury is needed in order to qualify for the assessment. However, if you are carrying an injury, we would be able to offer advice on appropriate course of action following the consultation.

To book your FREE BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT please contact:

Mill Court OXFORD 01865 484158 or, Ferndale SWINDON 01793 437444

shsc.brookes.ac.uk/osteoclinic

Please mention you are a member of Severn AC

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Midlands track & field league fixtures

The 4 fixtures for the Midlands league joint men's and women's team for 2008 have been announced.

Saturday 3rd May at Yate
Saturday 7th June at Kettering
Saturday 5th July at Corby
Sunday 3rd August at Dudley

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Membership Subscriptions now due

Please note that Terry Haines is acting Club Membership Secretary until such time as a replacement volunteers their services.

The deadline for subscriptions has been extended to 8th March 2008. After this date there shall be a 25% surcharge.

Cheques (payable to Severn AC) can either be handed to Terry or sent to his home address.

Rates are as follows:
Full senior £30
OAP/UB40/students aged 15 and above £13
Children 14 and under £10
Life Membership £105 (Existing Life Members are required to pay £3 annual registration fee)

Family Membership and Life Family Membership details are negotiable with Membership Secretary and Club Treasurer.

Many thanks - and please consider volunteering as Membership Secretary.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

Severn and Gloucester AC combine forces

Severn AC and Gloucester AC will compete as a composite team in the Midlands athletics league Division three this summer. Delighted Severn Vice Chairman Richard Blackwell said afterwards "I'm very pleased as it will give our track athletes something to aim for this year, as well as enabling the clubs to combine their competitive, coaching and officiating resources."

Gloucester's track team manager Jeremy Mower added: "Both clubs' strengths complement each other and to see them working together in this way is great news for track and field athletics in the city.

"We hope it will encourage the development of local facilities which, as people know, are pretty poor."

Updated by Simon Fortnam

ROBINSON BREAKS COURSE RECORD

Dan Robinson blitzed the field in the Winter Five-Mile road race from the White Horse, Sandhurst. Already the holder of the course record (23 minutes, 50 seconds) from 2004, Robinson took 10 seconds off that time.
With the London Marathon and Olympic Marathon as 2008 targets, he is delighted to be in such good form.
Second man Phil Parry (Bristol) ran one of the best UK Vet 45 times of the year and was just ahead of Cheltenham's Jeremy Bradley, who was pleased his return from injury and is progressing well.

Wendy Nicholls, of Cirencester AC, sliced 44 seconds off her own course record with a personal best to finish fifth in 26:56.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

KINSEY HAILS TEAM AFTER MIDLAND BEST

Severn AC ladies captain Gwen Kinsey was delighted with her team's running in the Midland Counties Cross-County Championship at Leamington."We equalled our best placing of sixth. We would have been nearer the medals in the last few years but the standard was higher this year," she said.

Sian Lewis (17th) led the team home, improving after her usual cautious start which had her in 30th place after a quarter of the four-mile course.

Jo Fletcher (35th) ran her best ever cross-county race and might have been higher if she had not fallen into the brook crossing.

Kinsey (37th) overtook team-mate and Midland Five Mile Champion Lucy Woodyatt (39th) in the final half mile.

In the men's senior eight mile event, Severn took heart at the return to racing after set-backs of the Hope brothers.

Reversing recent results between them, the younger Gary just held off Alex's finishing charge in 72nd and 73rd places.

Updated by Simon Fortnam

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