Smith caught napping as Highworth race starts without him (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Smith caught napping as Highworth race starts without him

A SMALL contingent of Bourton Roadrunners headed off to Highworth, near Swindon, recently to compete in the town's annual five-mile event on a one-lap, undulating course but in conditions ideal for running.

But although he was the first member home for Bourton RR, Mike Smith was one of a number of competitors caught out at the start when the race began two minutes early.

Apart from having to start at the back of the field, Smith had also to jostle his way past over 400 runners on a narrow road before able to get into his stride.

Some three miles had elapsed before Smith finally managed to catch and overtake team-mate Dennis Walmsley.

Although finishing fifth in 27min 21sec to take an individual prize, Smith was disappointed as he knew he could have done so much better.

Walmsley, who was still recovering from a 100k race only two weeks previously, wasn't far behind to take sixth place and the first V40 prize in a time of 27.27.

Bourton's Lucy Townsend, who continues her return to fitness, finished as the third lady and 43rd overall in 31.59.

Even so, she still has a long way to go before recapturing her form of two years ago.

Brian Hulcup just missed on a top 100th place, finishing 102nd in 35.13. Pauline Teague, who has had a good start to the season, added another trophy to the collection as first vet 45, finishing 124th in 36.17.

Sarah Clemo, also returning from injury, was pleased with her run to end up in 132nd place and in not too bad a time of 36.40. But it was just enough to hold off Lyn Spedding who crossed the line in 36.40 for 139th spot.

Liz Hulcup ran a worthy time of 40.27 to finish 227th and Julia Kelly was 320th with a credible time of 44.45.

Athletics for club juniors is being every Tuesday evening from 6-7pm. From now on, the junior members of the club can take part in sports hall-based training for children aged eight to 15 years and under eights if accompanied by an adult.

Activities include warm-up exercise, games, drills, workouts, basic skills for throws and jumps including balance and co-ordination, running training, competition and cool down exercise.

Sessions, at a cost of just £1 each, will be held at the Astroturf pitch, Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water.

For further details, contact Dennis Walmsley on 01451 820972 or just turn up with adequate clothing and water to drink.