Report by Guy Whitmarsh
After the Ali Ali Ali result at Leinthall, it was Jo Jo at Bromyard, as Jo Tilby lifted the ladies’ cup, with Jo Marriot a close Croft second. Not only was Eric the first male, but (I believe) he also broke the course record (in that heat!), with Sam J close behind, possibly also beating the previous best time. Fine Croft performances.
The course was 2 laps of approximately 2.5 miles, with a short uphill start, and downhill finish. The start/finish though was, for most (if you couldn’t access the narrow path), over a thick layer of cut grass with a hard uneven surface underneath. On a cool day the course would have been pleasant, but for me at least, the heat got to me and I slowed considerably over the second lap, the only highlight being able to overtake a few on the downhill sprint to the finish.
The four very fine trophies were presented by the mayoress in her finery, the two remaining cups going to the first local runner, and to the first junior. Proceeds went to the school (attended 65 years ago by one I.Price) and to the commoners association, to preserve the fine meadow which attracts so many butterflies and other insects. Maybe next year it will be a little cooler for the race!
Edit: Added Croft Results.
Such a shame there were no age group prizes! First in age groups for Steve, Jo M, Ian and Gary.
And Croft would definitely have had the team prize too – well done everyone!
| Croft Position | Race Position | Runner | Time | Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Eric Apperley | 32.31 | SM (1st) |
| 2 | 2 | Sam Juson | 32.59 | SM (2) |
| 3 | 10 | Steve Partridge | 39.07 | V40 (1st) |
| 4 | 16 | George Thomas | 40.55 | SM (14) |
| 5 | 22 | Dave Millichap | 43.07 | V50 (2nd) |
| 6 | 23 | Paul Parker | 43.21 | V50(3) |
| 7 | 27 First Lady | JoTilby | 45.1 | FV40 (1st) |
| 8 | 32 | Jo Marriott | 45.38 | FV55 (1st) |
| 9 | 40 | Ian Price | 47.59 | V70 (1st) |
| 10 | 45 | Thea Preece | 48.43 | SF (2nd) |
| 11 | 48 | Howard Verran | 49.09 | V45 (3) |
| 12 | 57 | Liza Austin | 50.21 | FV55 (4) |
| 13 | 61 | Sam Harper | 51.44 | FV45 (2) |
| 14 | 69 | Gary Gunner | 52.05 | V75 (1st) |
| 15 | 72 | Huw Williams | 52.59 | V60 (6) |
| 16 | 80 | Bronwyn Preece | 54.41 | SF (6) |
| 17 | 82 | Sonia George | 54.59 | FV45 (4) |
| 18 | 90 | Hayley Colebatch | 55.23 | FV35 (8) |
| 19 | 91 | Guy Whitmarsg | 55.24 | V75 (2) |
| 20 | 94 | Roland Preece | 56.27 | V55 (6) |
| 21 | 95 | Crispin Marriott | 56.57 | V55 (7) |
| 22 | 105 | Clare Preece | 59.3 | FV55 (6) |
| 23 | 106 | Tori Dickinson | 59.43 | FV55 (7) |
| 24 | 107 | Mike Hayward | 60.2 | V60 (8) |
| 25 | 125 | Claire Verran | 66.29 | V45 (8) |
| 26 | 128 | Frank Luscott | 68.44 | V65 (3) |
| 27 | 129 | Theresa Jones | 68.46 | FV50 (3) |
| 28 | 130 | Hayley Millichap | 69.44 | FV50 (4) |
