Stratford AC's ladies take centre stage in Tempo Winter Series

STRATFORD AC runners were well represented in the first race of the Tempo Winter Series.

Seven of the top 20 finishers were Stratford runners, while four of the top six female finishers were from the club.

First home for Stratford, in fourth place, was Neil Wicks in a time of 39.15, closely followed in fifth by 18-year-old Sam Weaving in 40.02.

Just 17 seconds separated the next three Stratford runners.

In 13th place was Graham Taylor (42.13) followed by David Smyth (42.20) in 14th place and James Cusack (42.30) in 15th place.

Next was Malcolm Bowyer (42.58, 17th). Not only did Malcolm finish first in the M55 category, but he then proceeded to run home to Temple Grafton, in preparation for the New York Marathon on 6th November.

Next to finish for Stratford were Tim Tandy (43.30, 19th), Sam Nicholson (44.43, 23rd) and Pete Evans (45.24, 26th). Wayne Vickers (45.59), running with Emma Bexson, finished in 28th place, despite being heavily jet lagged, having just returned from China.

Bexson (46.00) was 29th and also first lady to finish. Third lady to finish, in 41st place, was Hannah Spriggs (47.59) followed by fifth and six lady finishers, Emma Vickers (49.16) and Emma Parkin (49.38).

Next home were husband and wife Richard (51.22, 71st) and Ceri Shephard (51.22, 72nd).

Lynne Hinson has had a torrid few months of injury but she showed herself to be almost back to her best, finishing in 74th place, in a time of 51.47.

Other Stratford finishers: Tim Owrid 53.31 85th, Suzi Graham 53.38 89th, Rebecca Pridham 53.59 94th, Alan Coldicott 54.59 101st, Alan Wright 56.07 114th, Maureen Birch 56.47 122nd, Kate Sergent 59.23 147th, Fern Hordern 1.00.34 159th, Ollie Spicer 1.01.44 167th, Nic Reynolds 1.02.27 174th, John Butler 1.03.38 179th, Clive Shepherd 1.03.56 180th, Martyn Sergent 1.05.50 190th.