Severn Bridge Time Trial

28/03/2008 by Andy.

37 runners turned out for last night’s 5 mile time trial across the River Severn and back. Luckily someone thought to build a bridge, so we didn’t get wet feet!

The legendary Severn Bridge winds were present, though thankfully below gale force (though I for one certainly noticed the headwind in the last couple of miles).

Thanks go out to Gareth, Mark, Sue and Jeremy for waiting in the cold to take down times and places, plus to Dick for marking out the course (including the low branch - handily located in the darkest part of the course for added excitement). A big “boo hiss” to the people responsible for the Aust Services, who don’t maintain the footpath nor, evidently, the street lighting. 

 As for the results (remember, it was a time trial, not a race) - Rich Matthews recorded the fastest time, just missing out on the “magical” 30 minute barrier, followed home by Matthew Stott and Pete Ward who competed strongly to the end, with a spectacular sprint finish. Lou Summers was first Lady, in under 34 and a half minutes, with Jane Horler breaking 35 minutes and Marianne Gittoes not too far behind her.

We welcomed a new club member (Brenda Avery) and even the slowly-healing Dick Finch completed the course. It was good to see a large number of the Magor Marsh 10K training group turning out, with some determined performances from all - every finisher broke 9:30 minute miling, so well done!

This event was held, partly to signal the end of the winter road-running club nights, but also to give Vanessa an idea how to assign the time penalties for the first Handicap event - which will be held on Thursday 10th April. Next week we’ll be taking a run round the course as a practice for everyone, whether you’ve done it before or not. It’s good to know what’s round the next bend…

I wish I hadn’t tried so hard now, I’m bound to get hammered in the handicap rankings!

Here’s a link to the results: 5M Time Trial Results

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