Severn AC 5km

James Head reports from his visit to Gloucester...

On Wednesday evening, 3 Tewkesbury runners arrived for The Pilot 5K hosted by Severn AC starting from the bridge over the canal in Quedgeley, Gloucester.

Whilst the early arrivers started their warm ups, it became apparent that there may be an issue with the race. Unfortunate for the organisers, on the morning of the race, roadworks with temporary traffic lights had been erected just yards from the proposed start / finish line!

A hastily re-measured course was sited further up the road meaning that the fast and flat out and back course would now incorporate a short 45ft climb to Elmore Court just before the turnaround point! Undeterred, the 3 Tewkesbury runners lined up for the race and all produced very decent times.

James Head came home 1st from the club and ran his fastest 5K time in 18 months with a 17.32 clocking, just missing out on a battle for a top 10 position to place 11th.

Simon Meadows had contested the previous Pilot in race in July with a 18.32 time and was looking to get close to 18 minutes this time. After a steady start Simon attacked the hill with an unaccustomed relish and ran a faster return half to come home in a very pleasing Personal Best time of 18.00 for 15th place.

Andrew Hawkins looked to get his 5K time back under 19 minutes. Andrew was left isolated in front of his group for the last part of his race and ran 18.46 in 16th place.