Oscar continues fine form to lead Stratford AC home in Big 10k race
OSCAR Barbour continued his fine form with a third-place finish in the ever-popular Stratford Big 10k race on Sunday.
Nearly 900 runners took part, with no less than 36 from Stratford AC, led by the brilliant Barbour in 35.57.
Second of Stratford AC’s young guns, Gus Allison, was 14th in 38.40, followed closely by Robin Kindersley (16th, 38.50), despite being three times the age of his two team-mates. Kindersley’s time saw him finish top of the MV55 category.
Jamie Chorley (20th, 39.27) and David Smyth (29th, 39.58) made it under the 40 min barrier, followed by Dan Wilkinson 40th, 40.44).
Malcolm Bowyer (46th, 41.21), Tim Tandy (49th, 41.42) and Anthony Howell (51st, 41.42) all arrived within sight of each other, with James Richards (67th, 42.58), Keith Beardsmore (103rd, 44.31) and James Deacon (129th, 45.27) next up. Sam Nicholson (161st, 47.07) started slowly and moved steadily through the field.
Paul Green (175th, 47.35) started well, but was feeling his injuries and slipping back down the field before fighting off a challenge from Phil Brennan (178th, 47.45) and holding his place.
Rhys Briscoe (182nd, 47.59), Suzi Graham (212th, 48.54), Thiago Pereira (236th, 49.46) and Neil Wilkinson (240th, 49.56) were all deservedly inside 50 minutes, with Dave Maundrell (251st, 50.13) and Cadie Hibberd (50.14) unlucky to be just outside.
Chris Whately (280th, 51.06) and Rebecca Pridham (287th, 51.28) were followed in by Ruth Calderbank (297th, 51.56, 2nd FV55).
The next group of arrivals at 52 minutes were Lynne Hinson (306th, 52.09), Charlotte Potgeiter (318th, 52.19) and the hardy perennial Alan Coldicott (323th, 52.34). Alan Wright (345th, 53.10) followed.
Beverley Brigden (419, 56.18) was suitably delighted at a new PB, finishing 20 seconds ahead of Clive Shepherd (430th, 56.38).
John Angus (527th, 59.42) was inside the magic one hour, with Nichola Reynolds (547th, 1.00.14) and Jean Hill (582nd, 1.00.54) agonisingly close.
John Butler (591st, 1.01.47) put more impressive miles in the bank, while Jane Fradgley (611th, 1.02.26) and Jonathan Kelleher (740th, 1.08.39) completed a fine showing by the Stratford team.
See this week's Herald for a picture special on the Big 10k race.
