Cotswold Way Relay - The Real Thing!
30/06/2008 by Lou.
Thaks Dick for overseeing the whole thing, getting it all going, driving us to recces, knowing all the legs, everything else and all your enthusiasm.
Striguil Strikers - First Mixed Team!!!!!!!!
(Captain - Lou Summers!)
Congratulations and very well done to all the team. I am very proud of you all.
Stage 1 - 12 miles, 416m ascent, 7am start! - Steve Caldwell
When Steve was asked if he minded the early start he responded ‘just honoured to be part of the team’ - thanks Steve. Steve set off smiling in the early morning sunshine. He started near the front and maintained his position, in a fantastic run. He finished 8th in h 1.25, still smiling!! Setting the day off to a great start.
Stage 2 - 12 Miles, 553m Ascent - Nick Davis
Nick was up against stiff opposition on this leg, including Steve Vernon, international track, X country and fell runner ( finished 2nd ), so we were very pleased to see Nick flying down over the golf course in 6th position ( h 1.27 ). Another outstanding performance from Nick on a very challenging course.
Stage 3 - 8.5 Miles, 370m Ascent - Sam Mulligan
We watched Sam doing some pretend flying over the golf course as her warm up; she seemed very happy. Sam was probably not quite 100% after her illness and was smiling less by the reservoir, but she gave it her all and finished 2nd Lady in h 1.09. Well done, good job, Sam.
Stage 4 - 12.5 Miles, 372m Ascent - Calum Cheshire
After a 4.30am start Calum supported with us for the whole day. Nonetheless he had a fantastic run. At Birdlip he was in the lead group, coming up the very steep slopes to the view point. While some of the leaders were walking at this point, Calum was still running strongly. Calum finished 5th in h 1.33
Stage 5 - 12.5 Miles, 284m Ascent - Steve Harris
After getting his much wanted down hill leg, Steve had an injury that hurt on downhills! Steve still had a brilliant run, finishing 12th in h.1.22
Stage 6 - 9.3 Miles, 530m Ascent - Matt Stott
Matt looked very strong right to the finish, he got 5th position, just 4 mins. behind 1st place ( h 1.06 )
Stage 7 - 7 Miles, 275m Ascent - Marianne Gittoes
This stage is shorter but the climbs are brutal! Marianne started looking good for this leg after her stunning performance at Sorbook, and she bettered it; 1st Lady ( first stage winner ever for Chepstow! ), 12 position overall, in 58 mins. To plan - thanks.
Stage 8 - 12 Miles, 405m Ascent - Mark Harvey
Mark had a difficult day. Sorry Mark, we thought he should do a hard leg, ’cause ‘ es good. But it did mean that after being in work for 4.30am, he wouldn’t be sure if he could make it to the start of his leg in time - he did. I took his kit, later Marianne bought his trainers and despite getting lost 3 times he had a very good run. Perhaps it will be more enjoyable in retrospect Mark? Thanks for being a good sport about it, well done and…………WE WON.
Stage 9 - 9 Miles, 250m Ascent - Ivan Teed
Another Star. Ivan supported all day, going home to collect Sian, driving back to run a storming leg. Sadly I missed Ivan’s finish as I was re parking his car ( further from the centre of the road! ) after seeing Lorna’s start, but he finished 6th in h. 1.06. Fantastic.
Stage 10 - 10 Miles, 246m Ascent - Lorna Shaw
What can I say - ‘It should have been Me’……….but no Thanks Very Much to Lorna for standing in at late notice and doing such a brilliant job. Was jealous but very grateful. Lorna had an excellent run, finishing 4th Lady in h 1.17.
I had a great day, with an amazing ending, thanks for the drinks Mark, here’s to next year
Lou
Reports from other team captains to follow
