CHRIS ILLMAN of Cirencester AC got the better of about 170 runners in the 2014 Humph's Hilly Half-Marathon, which took place in Bourton-on-the-Water on a warm and humid evening.

Bourton Roadrunners

Humph's Hilly Half-Marathon,

Chris finished in an outstanding 1:14.31, more than six minutes ahead of the second-placed runner, Garry Payne from Nuneaton Harriers (1:21.06).

The race, run annually in memory of much-loved club member Steve Humphries, forms part of the Gloucestershire Road Race Series and also incorporates the County Half-Marathon Championships.

Bourton's Ewen Smith finished third with a personal best time of 1:21.08.

The ladies' race was won for the fourth consecutive year by Shona Crombie-Smith in 1:26.36, well ahead of runner-up Dawn Clark from (Spa Striders) in 1:36.08). Sheila Barbour from Evesham Vale was third in 1:37.03.

There were further prize-winning performances from Bourton runners. Dennis Walmsley was 1st MV50 and sixth overall (1:22.22). Bourton won the Men's team prize and the ladies finished third.

There were gold county medals awarded to Ewen, Dennis, Shona and Tony Goodwill (1:32:30). Silvers went to Dave Turnbull (celebrating his 65th Birthday with a swift 1:54.47), Steph Holton (1:48.30) and Lynn Hudson (2:06.54) .

Andrew Evans finished in 1:44.01 and Maxine Emes in 1:54.19. Liz Hulcup was backmarker (i.e. making sure that no-one got left behind) and still secured valuable county points.

Westonbirt 10k -

A FEW days earlier, club members took part in the Westonbirt 10k – a popular midsummer evening race, held entirely in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum.

They recorded some outstanding performances on the night. Ewen Smith continued his superb progress, finishing fourth overall and 1st V40 in 36.49. Close behind was Dennis Walmsley (1st V50, 36.48) and Lucy Walmsley was third lady (40.00). Other Bourton finishers: Mike Hobbs (40.24), Darren Long (41.11), Andy Peaston (42.38), Neil Teague (45.26), John Gibson (45.23), Claire Harrison (45.58), Brian Hulcup (46.42), Steph Lane (47.34), Ali Lane (47.45 and 1st FV55), Susan Hunt (48.16), Graham Lane (48.43), David Turnbull (50.07), Chris Dry (50.44), Liz Hulcup (51.02), Lynn Hudson (57.21), Linda Edwards (PB of 58.11).