Robinson storms to race victory (From Gazette Series)

Robinson storms to race victory

OLYMPIC marathon runner Dan Robinson stormed to another course record on Monday evening in the BNG Berkeley 10K road race.

The Tipton Harriers runner, from Nailsworth, reduced his previous course record by five seconds in cold and wet conditions to cross the finish line in 30:17, almost three minutes ahead of second-placed Steve Millward, of Cardiff AC, who finished on 33:04.

Robinson was never headed, and clearly had the course record bonus in mind when he passed the halfway point in 15:13, increasing the pace to complete the second half in 15:04, despite the finishing mile containing a gradual rise. The first lady home was Bideford AC's Helen Purdy, who finished 15th overall in 36:02 with Melanie Ellis of Shaftsbury Barnet taking the second lady and 1st LV35 spot in 37:33.

Race hosts Dursley and District AC fielded 15 runners and indicated the ascendance of their youngsters at the club as they were led home by U20s star Kieran Leeson in 34:22 in an excellent seventh place, with Chris Gaze the next man home in 36:25 for 21st.

Dave Burton led the 'old guard' home in 32nd place at 37:45 while Kevin Jackson celebrated his 500th race, one place behind on 38:04. Chris Ashworth showed there is still some speed left in his MV50 legs by placing third in that category and 40th overall, with a season's best of 38:37, and this was after placing second veteran in the County 5K Track Championships the previous day. Among the other MV50s, Tim George took the first BNG employee prize in 44th on 38:51, followed by Trevor Lewis, 47th in 39:08, and Richard Bromley, in 56th and crucially staying under the 40-minute barrier on 39:45.

Other club positions were: Martyn Parry, MV40/88/43:04, Jeremy Everard, M/91/43:24, Andy Kilbey, MV40/97/43:52, John Delafield, MV40/101/44:05, Roly Hobbs, MV50/108/44:44, Mike Hanman, MV50/137/48:15, Kieth Hoyle, MV50/206/61:22. There were 215 starters.

L Dursley and District AC would like to thank the British Nuclear Group for the use of their facilities and for their kind donation towards the race finances. Proceeds will go to Dursley Open Door Club and Dursley and District AC.