Club News

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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