THERE was double age group success at the Old Down 10k on Sunday.

The fields and undulating trails through the woods around Old Down Country Park are familiar to many of Thornbury’s runners and they used this local knowledge to great effect.

Matt Johnstone was the first Thornbury runner in fifth place overall and was first VM40 runner in 45:39mins.

The conditions were heating up on the second and final lap and even Moray Sloan’s trademark bandana was removed by the time he reached the finishing line in 51:17mins in 13th place overall and third VM40 runner.

Clare Watt paced herself around the tricky course well and was first VF50 and 36th overall in 56:58mins, a massive 13 minutes ahead of the next lady in her age group.

After finishing, Clare was called into further action and used her medical training to help another runner who was overcome by the exertions of her race.

Recent recruit Libby Pengelly was next over the line in 45th place in one hour 02:05mins, closely followed by Malcolm Carr in one hour 02:11mins in 47th place and second MV60. Rachel Terrett was 78th overall in 1:09:09, Pippa Maidment 79th in 1:10:11 and Alice Porter 84th in 1:11:48.

John Watt was running in the one lap 5k race and finished in 23rd place in 37:38.

Ros Rowland clearly has an affinity for Wales as she often finds herself competing there. This weekend was the Port Talbot Half Marathon and Ros finished 90th overall and 10th female in 1:44:39. She also scooped top honours in the VF50 age category.

Thornbury runners took part in 5 different parkruns on Saturday. Andrew Darton was furthest afield at the Trelissick parkrun in Cornwall and must have been in a relaxed mood as he ambled around in 23:45 in 29th place, many minutes below his usual times.

Kevin Wood sliced a further 18 seconds off his best time in Chipping Sodbury to record a new personal best of 22:25 in 44th place. Kevin Arnold was 64th at Pomphrey Hill in 23:44.

John Grimsey was assisting some beginner runners near his home in Weston and finished in 302nd position at Burnham and Highbridge parkrun in a time of 42:27. David Palmer was at Kingsway parkrun in Gloucester this week in 100th position in 27:15.