This report was sent to us by Cotswold Running:
12 January – Naunton, Gloucestershire
For the second year running, Cotswold Running’s Naunton Nearly 19 gave local runners a chance to blow away the post-holiday cobwebs and enjoy the beauty of a frosty day on the trails. At 9:40, 123 competitors set out along the frozen Wardens Way. From the outset, Worcester’s Adam Jackson and Richard Walsh pushed the early pace to open a gap with Stratford-upon-Avon’s Kate Wright following suit in the womens’ race.
The heavy rain of the holiday season made for some cold water crossings along the route, but the overnight temperatures before the race froze the wet trails to provide a solid running surface in most places. With firm footing at the front of the race, the leading pair challenged each other through the first half. Eventually, Jackson opened a significant gap on the rolling approach to the Guiting Wood aid station. With 10K remaining, he upped the pace to finish in a blistering course-record 2:05:28. Maintaining his own fast pace to beat his 2013 time by four minutes, Walsh crossed the line in 2:11:35 for second place, with Sebastiaan Verweij coming third a further 6 minutes behind.
In the women’s race, Wright continued to build a lead over Evesham’s Sheila Barbour, crossing the line in 2:19:15 to beat her own 2013 time by 12 minutes. Barbour pushed the pace to reduce the gap, taking second place in 2:32:31. Third placed Sally Howard of Whitney finished third in 2:45:48.
In the main field the runners enjoyed dry conditions until the afternoon, when the mist began to settle and the ground started to thaw. As ever, those away from the sharp end enjoyed the opportunity to test their fitness in the rolling green hills. Naunton’s village hall buzzed with stories of trial and achievement as runners returned to enjoy their well-earned hot drinks and cakes.
Race Director, Kurt Dusterhoff, summed up the day: “The combination of a great route, wonderful surroundings, amazing volunteers, and super-friendly runners makes this event a real highlight of my year.”
Results: Top 3
Men
1 Adam Jackson 2:05:28
2 Richard Walsh 2:11:35
3 Sebastiaan Verweij 2:17:08
Women
1 Kate Wright 2:19:15
2 Sheila Barbour 2:32:31
3 Sally Howard 2:45:48
Race Photo
Start of the Naunton Nearly 19. Photo courtesy of Roy Betts.
Race Details
Click here for more information about the 2014 Naunton Nearly 19.
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