December 2009

Mike Duggan

The Athlete of the Month for December is regular face at training over the last few years, as well as running in many local races. However, over the last few months he has come in to a rich vein of form with PBs at the Oldbury 10 (66:58), the Guy Fawkes 5 (32:18) and the Wyvern Christmas Cracker 10k (40:20), as well as strong runs at the Stroud half marathon and the Mendip Muddle.

Jacqui Perriman

This lady has worked hard at her training all year and raced at every opportunity. Each month she has improved her times through extra training and with great determination. In April she achieved a PB in the Weston Prom 5 mile race in a time of 38.55, she was the 1st Vet 45 in the Bitton 5k series and won 3rd prize in the Vet 45 category of the race of 8. She was also mentioned at the awards night for having entered the most races in 2009. Well done to Jacqui.

November 2009

Steve Stacey

As Vice Chairman of the club Steve has undertaken various tasks for the benefit of the club, however he has still managed to find time to challenge himself and improve his own running. He has been training very hard over the summer months and his reward was to achieve big PBs at the Oldbury 10 (70:54) and the Cardiff Half Marathon (1:33:01). He even found time to run very strongly at the Stroud Half Marathon and the Guy Fawkes 5!

Anita Westlake

November's Athlete of the Month goes to a lady who made a lot of us envious this year, by travelling the world, and competing in 5 half marathons on 5 different continents. She put in an enormous amount of hard training, overcame injuries & put up with Phil along the way. She obviously trained harder than Phil as her better stamina helped her to beat him in their last race in Auckland. She also raised a lot of money for charity.

October 2009

Mark Searle

The Athlete of the Month for October is an athlete who has been improving over the last 18 months and is a regular participant in team events. Over the last 6 months he has become more focussed in his training and has adopted a more aggressive approach to races.

This paid dividends in his runs at the Bristol Half Marathon and the Bridge Inn 5k in September where he achieved PBs. He continued this form in to October where he was the first Bitton runner home at the Marshfield Mudlark, but it was at the Stroud Half Marathon where he showed how well he is running by smashing his PB by finishing in 1:22:45.

Rachael Malthouse

October's Athlete of the Month goes to a lady who has been at Bitton for a couple of years. She has trained really well and is now running strongly. Having got married this year and her husband also running for the club, there have been some real battles in races of late. She has produced some strong performances, namely the Oldbury 10m, Cirencester 10k, Guy Fawkes 5 and the Monty Cute 10. Well done Rachael.

September 2009

Nick Kane

Nick is a very popular member of the club, who always has a cheery smile on his face and is willing to offer advice on injury and training matters. He started the year in very impressive form with some great times at Gloucester 10, Lliswerry 8 and Bourton 10k, resulting in a PB at the Bath Half Marathon.

However the runners curse struck and after an enforced lay off, he worked his way back to fitness by training hard, part of which was to run a mountain leg at the Welsh Castles. Indeed not just content with running, he also provided hotel facilities in Anglesey. The hard training continued with another good time at the Frampton 10k, but in September he managed his long term aim of breaking the magical three hour mark for the marathon when he ran 2:58:21 at the Berlin Marathon.

Emma Hoare

AOM for September is to someone who has recently made a come back to running and racing. She had a visit from the stork and took some time out. This lady has been back to training regularly and gone from strength to strength to get back to her former fitness. She recently raced in the Cirencester 10k with a time of 49.15. You can tell she puts an awful lot of effort in by the way she hurls over the line!!!! Well done Emma.

August 2009

Rob Kingdon

Off the back of some great runs at the Welsh Castles and the Cotswold Way Relays, this athlete further demonstrated that he was coming back towards his best form at the Frampton 10K, but he showed at the Seaview 17 how well he was running by coming second and improving his position from last year. Well done Rob.

Sue Hewitt

Athlete of the month for August, goes to a lady who could probably win club person of the year. year after year. Giving up masses of her time, to help those at the club who need it the most. On a Monday you will find her coaching Bitton's Juniors up at Yate. On a Thursday you will see her bright and early taking out the beginners, and on a Tuesday you will find her helping out whomever needs it to get round on a club run. She will always say well done and encourage you to come back, even if you have completely wrecked her run. She helps to make Bitton the club it continues to be, proving you don?t need to race every weekend to enjoy your running.

July 2009

Andy Thatcher

July 2009 Men's AOM goes to Andy Thatcher who is proving that he not only good at running but also on a bit of a speed merchant on two wheels. Two personal running bests in July of 41.24 at the Frampton 10K followed by 19.35 for the 5K at the Bridge along with a superb 28.03 miuntes in the 4 Mile at the Blaise Blazer saw Andy secure his Race of 8 position for 2009. Two duathon results, one in June and the other in August were Andy came 103rd in a time of 56 minutes on both occasions proves he a has got the speed on two wheels as well. Well done Andy and keep on running and biking!

Stephanie Evans

The award for the month of July goes to a very cheery person who is full of character and has such great enthusiasm for running. Having joined the club not too long ago her times are getting quicker as she gains confidence and experience through coaching and hard work. In July she ran in the Mob match and following an uproar of cheering from the Bitton Supporters, raced to the finish line overtaking a lady from another club. She also completed the Bitton 5k series and won 3rd Vet Lady. Well done Stephanie.

June 2009

Steve Bull

Most people would have given up and hung up their running shoes but not Steve Bull! Over two years ago Steve suffered a catastrophic injury in running terms when he fell off his bike and broke his ankle. All those who know Steve were very aware of the battle he had to first of all just walk, then start to jog and finally run again. All the effort, pain, hospital and physio visits have finally paid off. Steve completed the Bitton 5K in 23.45 and Towpath 10K in 49.58 in June, the times are immaterial as the main thing is Steve has made it back to the start line.

Nina Davies

This lady is now an established member of the club. She initially started coming on the odd occasion and can now be seen regularly each week. Having followed a couple of training plans, first for the Bath half marathon gaining an excellent time of 1.38:54, and more recently having followed the 5 and 10k schedule, she got a PB in the Towpath 10k of 44:46. She had a fab run in the Castles relay and was second lady on her leg of the Cotswold Way. She always has a smile on her face and is a pleasure to run alongside.

May 2009

Pete Hopes

Putting in the training is paying dividends for Pete Hopes, this month's Mens Athlete of the Month. Three pbs achieved, 19.16 at the Bitton 5K, 40.54 at the Bristol 10K and then 1.31.05 at the Wokingham Half Marathon tells us Pete has been putting in the homework at the track, gym and training runs. Further evidence of improved performances was on show with a 41.50 at Keynsham 10k and then the very next day with a 40.55 at the Hogweed Trot.

Christine Jenkins

Athlete of the Month for May goes to a lady who suffered the huge disappointment of having to pull out of the Berlin marathon, right at the last minute due to illness. Once recovered she started training all over again for the Edinburgh marathon in May, where all the hard work paid off and she produced an absolutely fantastic time of 3:11:19.

April 2009

Tony Walsh

A long standing member of Bitton Road Runners, Tony consistently achieves good race results, so much so that his last two times at the Bridge Inn where 18.48 and 18.49. Recent results have been a good run in the Bath Half Marathon at 1.26.28 and a 6th place in the Horton Bull Run. With Race of 8 results of Babcary 48.49, Lisweery 52.02 and the Christmas Cracker 39.28 Tony looks good for a MV45 category at the end of the competition.

Carol Williams

April AOM goes to a lady who has only recently discovered the joys of running and is now completely hooked. Since joining the Club she has gone from strength to strength and has put in a huge amount of effort to improve her times. Throughout the winter months she has trained at the track in all weathers. She ran in the Forest of Dean half in a time of 2hrs 7 mins and the Gloucester 20 in 3hrs 19 mins. The hard work paid off and she got a PB in London in a time of 4.50:52. Well done to Carol Williams you certainly deserve it.

March 2009

Gordon Lewis

March's Men's Athlete of the Month goes to Gordon Lewis for the exemplary way in which he has represented Bitton in 18 local races in the last 6 months. Even in a cold and wet January night Gordon was found competing at the Weston Prom, with full Bitton Tracksuit and a vest!

Not for Gordon the more exotic races around the world, his patch is the Bridge Inn on a Tuesday night, with the odd expedition to the Stroud Half Marathon, and a foray into multi terrain running at the Riverbank Rollick and the Hogweed Muggles. Well done Gordon, keep on up the great performances and see you at the next Bridge Inn and Weston Prom race series!

Shan Aguliar-Stone

The winner of the March Athlete of the Month has always been a good runner and club member, always willing to give advice and help people with their training. Since Christmas she has worked really hard on her London training and has produced some excellent results and broken club records. At the Gloucester 20 she was 1st Vet 50 and broke the club record and the following week was 2nd Vet 50 at The Forest of Dean half marathon again setting a new club record. Everyone who has trained with her these last few months knows she deserves a really good London time and hopefully another record will fall.

February 2009

Ian Nash

Ian was a new comer to the club last year, but now represents the club at many races. December saw Ian compete in the Xmas Cracker and Boxing Day 4. He then had a busy month in January competing at Hangover 10K, Lliswerry 8 and going multi terrain at the the Rough and Tumble. February saw Ian in Bitton colours again at the Hestercombe Humdinger, the Salisbury 10 and then south again to the Babcary 7.5.  Well done Ian, keep on running.

Helen Hinsley

February's AOM goes to someone who has been a member of the club for some time.  She had an injury, which led to an operation on her Achilles and saw her out of action for some time.  This person is extremely dedicated to training, which pays off every race.  In the Bridge 5k she was 1st vet 35 in the race for February and also won 1st Vet 35 for the series.  In the Bourton 10k she was 1st lady vet 40 in a time of 39.57.  Age usually slows us down, but Helen Hinsley having aged 5 years in one month between two races, it has not affected her at all!  Well done Helen.

January 2009

Matt Langdon

Matt Langdon has started 2009 on fire by producing a hat trick of excellent performances in January. Matt was also the first Bitton runner to finish in these races. He started the month with a 5th place in 36.59 Minutes at the Hangover 10K. Next at the Western Prom on a wet and windy night, Matt claimed 13th place in 29.11 Minutes. Matt finished the month by now showing he was also good at multi terrain by finishing 18th at the Slaugherford 9 in a time of 1.05.14. Well done Matt.

Alison Collier

January A-O-M goes to a lady who joined Bitton Road Runners about a year ago starting in the beginners group and progressing up to the main club. She quickly gained the confidence to run in races and now races on a regular basis, lowering her 10k time to under the hour. Well done Alison Collier.

December 2008

Martin Stalley

Martin has been consistently improving his 5k times in the Bridge Inn series for a number of months resulting in a PB time of 18:09 which proves he wasn't just turning up hoping to pick up the lucky dip prizes on offer. Martin also picked up 3rd MV40 at Burnham 5k and was first Bitton home in the 15.5 mile Hogweed Major Muggle. Although Martin can not race on many Sundays as he supports his son, he always tries to make himself available to represent Bitton and helped the team finish 48th in the 6 stage Midlands Relay and also ran well in the Gloucester Cross Country League races at Bourton and Gloucester. Thanks for your support Martin and well done.

Michelle Kerfoot

December AOM is given to someone who joined the Club 18 months ago, having heard about the Club from a friend. Straight away it was obvious that this female was an exceptional runner, especially in short distances, and would give the men a run for their money!

She has a weird fettish for speed running, which most of us shy away from! Having been persuaded that it wont hurt her to run greater distances, she has now increased her racing to 10 miles. After recently having an achiles injury, she trained hard as soon as she was able and came 1st lady, 1st FV40 and did a PB all in the same race at the Christmas Cracker. She has also managed to break the Club records in 5k and 10k distances. Well done to Michelle Kerfoot.

November 2008

Wayne Ellis

Wayne has, since rejoining the club in the Summer achieved Personnel Bests in both the Half Marathon and 10 Mile distances, twice. At the Oldbury 10 in late August, Wayne was first Bitton runner to finish in a time of 1.01.42, followed in September by a time of 1.22.47 at the Bristol Half Marathon, this time the 2nd Bitton runner to finish.

This was followed in October by a time of 1.22.20 at Stroud Half, 1st Bitton runner to finish, and then in November Wayne ran a time of 1.01.39 at the Wimbourne 10, again the first Bitton runner to finish. Added to this superb set of results he ran a time of 17.57 minutes as part of the Bitton A Men's Team at the Clevedon Relays. Well done Wayne.

Lisa Duggan

The award this month goes to a lady who, although is only able to make it to the club on the odd occasion is, however, regularly representing the club in races. She has during the year 2008 put in some hard training, which has paid off.

At every race her times are getting quicker and in the Wimbourne 10 mile in November she was three minutes quicker than her time at the Oldbury 10 in August. You can tell that when this lady has done well by the huge grin on her face at the end of a race. Well done to Lisa Duggan for the hard work and great results.

October 2008

David Waters

Since joining the club in the summer David has achieved some impressive results and has represented the club at the the Clevedon Relays (5k in 18.29 Minutes) and Gloucester X-Country league (51.50 minutes). He was the first Bitton runner home in the Cardiff Half Marathon in October in a time of 1.23.43 and ran an impressive 1.03 minutes at the Oldbury 10 in September. This was in spite of a injury received during one of the first events for the club, in which he had to retire in the Gloucester Half Marathon in August.

Lynette Porter

This woman needs to start coaching the rest of us or let us know what secrets she is hiding! Talk about Wonder Woman. You would think you would slow down with age but she certainly does not. Over the last few years she has achived PBs galore and gives the men a run for their money. When you think that she could get no faster along comes another PB and a Club Record. This award goes to Lynette Porter who this month ran in the Shepton Mallet 10k in 40.25 and was 1st lady, Mendip Muddle (13.1 miles) in 1.42.22 and was 1st FV40 and she then ran the Dublin Marathon in a time of 3.03.27, was 3rd FV40 and broke the Club F35 and F40 Records. Just wondering what Lynette will do next.

September 2008

Ira Rainey

Ira has made a supreme effort in September. Being the club webmaster, Ira has been quick off the mark to update various aspects of the club website including the new championship rules. Ira has at the same time pushed himself to new running highs including two personal bests, 1:32:59 at Chippenham Half Marathon and 41:39 at Cardiff 10k. Many thanks and well done Ira.

Chris Jenkins

This lady made the decision to run an Autumn marathon but was very apprehensive about all the training involved. However she worked extremely hard, sticking to her schedule, and doing most of it all on her own. To those of you who have done marathon training, to run several twenty milers by yourself is no mean feat! Training completed she flew to Berlin, only to come down with a severe throat infection the day before, and was advised by a doctor not to run. The disappointment, (or relief) must have been huge. Both Claire and Janet know she would have run really well.

August 2008

Chris Brown

This athlete has made continuous improvement throughout this year and worn the bitton vest on many occasions. Over the last month he has gained pb's at the Club Invitation Towpath 10k in a time of 44.46 and the Oldbury 10 in a time of 1.13.13. His 5k time is now down to 21 mins and he has also beaten his mum 3 times! He gained his level 2 coaching badge earlier in the year and has put it to good use in taking much valued quality sessions on club nights. Athlete of the Month for August is Chris Brown.

Fiona Cramp

Athlete of the month for August is someone who consistently represents the club in races and constantly trains to produce fantastic results. Most races she wins prizes, which she sincerely deserves. She also encourages others to join in. This lady won Senior Female in the GWR Towpath Series this month, 3rd lady overall in the Conkwell Killer and 2 Senior Female in the Vale of Laharne Chase. The prize goes to Fiona Cramp.

July 2008

Kevin Mowat

"In the dock of Tiger Bay
On the road to Mandalay
From Bombay to Santa Fé
O'er the hills and far away"

Well some artistic licence going on there but defintiely via Miami, Vienna, San Diego, Samoa and Cherrington?!! in the last few months! Well done to Kevin Mowat for spreading the good name of Bitton Road Runners all across the globe and putting in some good performances along the way too!

Annette Whitchurch

The July winner of the Athlete of the Month is awarded to a lady who trains well and represents the club at many events, not many races go by when she doesn't run. In July she ran in the Frampton 10K, the Sundayshill 10K and the Kymin Dash. In June she was a valued member of the Welsh Castles Relay team and put in an excellent run. Well done to Annette Whitchurch.

June 2008

Ron Shannon

Ron Shannon for his Comrades marathon run. 54 miles in 8hrs 39minutes on the 'up run' at this year's South African classic.

"And to those who venture out, on this occasion for the very first time, whether fleet or heavy footed, are to discover that this, is not just a race or marathon, it is a journey. A journey of discovery, one in search of one's inner self, of ones self worth. A day, in your life that you can proudly say, that you have taken part in one of the most grueling challenges known to man.........The Ultimate Human Race." Well done Ron!

Maggie Bromley

Athlete of the month for June is someone who is a strong runner, determined, yet relaxed and always seems to run with a smile on her face. She is not seen at the club very often but regularly wears the club vest for many different races, including triathlons. She was given the most difficult leg of the Castles Relay, namely Drovers, and the Cotswold Relay leg 2 and achieved fantastic times for both. Well done to Maggie Bromley.

May 2008

Phil Westlake

For the past several months Phil has found a renewed enthusiasm in his training, working hard at both club and track sessions. His efforts were rewarded with a couple of exceptional races in May. 1st Vet 40 and 3rd overall at the Hogweed 10K in a time of 34:31, and 2nd MV45 at the testing Plymouth half-marathon in an eye-opening 1:18. Phil's presence on club nights and at the track has improved the overall quality of the sessions, and made it harder work to try and keep up! But hard work is what is required if we wish to improve and hopefully Phil will continue to lead the way with both personally rewarding race outings and in his overall contributions to the Bitton men's team.

Jan Issacs

This lady was an original member of Bitton Road Runners 25 years ago. She has run numerous races including the London Marathon and the Tough Guy. Whilst taking part in specialised training on a trampoline at Reading Festival last summer she fell and broke her leg. She has worked extremely hard to recover from this and is now back running regularly at the club, always encouraging her fellow runners with non-stop chat! Well Done Jan.

April 2008

Sean Lewton

Following on from a PB at the Gloucester 20 in March Sean got his marathon training just right by running a 3:41 PB at London. Clearly benefiting from a good training schedule through the winter and suffering from no post-marathon setbacks Sean went on to run a PB at the St Georges 10K just two weeks later. Well done Sean and hopefully you will continue to benefit from your marathon training and run strong through the summer.

Janet Brown

Janet joined the club about 3 and a half years ago, having only taken up running just prior to this. She has gone from strength to strength and worked really hard at speed and endurance to improve her fitness and over the last year has gained PB's in most distances. In March she did the Gloucester 20M in 2 hrs 37 mins and in April her well deserved achievement was the London Marathon in 3 hrs 28 mins. Well done Janet everyone is really pleased for you.

March 2008

Ian Hoare

Despite having the skinniest legs in the club and being a Derby County supporter, Ian has put in some excellent performances this year. He has stepped up the level of his quality runs and is up there with the fast group at track sessions. He produced outstanding runs at the Dursley Dozen (1st Bitton home in 1.28.07) and Gloucester 20 in 2.10.34. Never relinquishing his grip on his mobile phone in case he got the call while awaiting the birth of his first child Myeisha. Congratulations Ian & Emma.

Kim Pope

Kim joined the beginners group two years ago and has gone from strength to strength. After quickly moving through to running with the main club Kim has worked hard at training and succeeded in taking 11 minutes off her PB fpr a half marathon in just one year! After securing a charity place for the London Marathon she has trained extremely hard and she deserves to achieve the time she would like. Good Luck in London Kim!!

February 2008

Paul Sperrin

Paul recently celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Malta and whilst there participated in a half-marathon where he finished in a category winning 11th position. His time of 1:16:46 is a new club V50 record. This time would put him comfortably inside the top twenty V50 rankings countrywide for last year. It was a bit cooler on the following Tuesday at the Bridge where he equalled Bill Graham's current V50 5k record of 17:26. Well done Paul, congratulations on turning 50, this milestone has made your new age category a whole lot tougher for local runners! I hope that you continue to run well and produce nationally competitive times for the future.

Vanessa Hawkins

This lady when woken up in a race is a force to be up against! She is an extremely good runner and very modest. She was 1st L45 in the Bridge Inn with a time of 21.26, 2nd FV45 in the Dursley Dozen with 1.43 and completed the Terrminator in 1.44. Well done to Vanessa.

January 2008

Mike Gibbs

Mike has trained consistently through January hardly missing a track, hill or Sunday session. He Started the month as first Bitton home at the Rough N Tumble 10 in 1.32.39 and followed that up by putting a good performace at the Mayhill Massacre in 1.15.01. Then came the Slaughterford 10 in 1.10.39 followed 2 days later by the Bridge Inn 5k in 19.29.

Jo Webb

Ladies AotM for January is Jo Webb. Jo trains consistently hard and always produces good results for Bitton. She ran the Gloucester New Year Ten miler in 1:08:39, and finished 1st V45 at Lliswerry helping the Ladies to win the team prize.

December 2007

Luke Quilliam

An outright race win in a competitive event is to be applauded and after a number of months of consistent training, especially at Thursdays hill sessions, Luke was first home in the Bromham 10K which was raced in difficult conditions and won a nice big shiny trophy to boot!

Pat Harley

Pat started running a couple of years ago with the club and joined the beginners group. After the first 9 months she had to have time out with back trouble. She then came back to running with tremendous enthusiasm. Her aim was to quicken her pace enough to enable her to come along to the club nights and feel that she would not get left behind. Pat has run in the Bridge Inn 5K and each time has got quicker. She has also been going to the track on a Tuesday night and has put so much effort into improving, which has now paid off. Well done Pat.

November 2007

Terry Welch

Terry has been running consistently well over the last few months which has produced several outstanding performances including a 19.30 at the Bridge Inn 5K, a 1.29.49 at the Bristol Half and a PB of 1.28.10 at the Cardiff Half. From a V55 who was a heavy smoker not so long ago these performances are even more remarkable.

Dawn White

Although Dawn is not able to get to the club very often, she represents the club and wears the club vest in the cross country races, the Bridge Inn 5K and other events and is an experienced runner. She has won prizes in her category and age group throughout the year. This month she was the first vet 40 in the GCC Cross Country League in a time of 34.28 and ran the Bridge Inn 5k in a time of 20.20. We hope she continues with her fantastic efforts.

October 2007

Reg Morris

Reg has reached a level of cosistency that is quite outstanding, and hardly ever misses a track session or a club night. 2nd MV55 in Burnham, Cardiff and Stroud Half Marathons, all around 1:25.

Dawn Drake

Dawn has trained hard throughout the summer which resulted in a PB of 1:38:01 at the Cardiff half marathon taking 3mins 30 off her previous best time.

September 2007

Simon Laraway

First home for Bitton at the Bristol Half Marathon and a 10k PB at Mortimer capped a superb month for Simon. His times at these events has elevated him to be one of the clubs top runners and were just reward after consistent and committed training through the summer.

Sarah Coultart

For all her efforts in the Clarendon Way Marathon 5.00.13, Bridge Inn 5k 24.08, Robin Hood Half Marathon 1.54.27, Grizzly 20m 4.35 and Overton 5 in 41.03. She deserves a well earned rest after all those miles and a new pair of trainers!

August 2007

Keith Sawyer

After a vet 50 class victory at the Wellington Ten in July Keith continued his strong form through the month of August with another vet 50 category win at the Standish Woodland Chase. Keith then followed that up by being first Bitton runner home at the Frampton 10K.

Fiona Cramp

Fiona won two prizes one for 2nd Senior Female in the Easy Runner 5K Series and 2nd Female in the Standish Woodland Chase in a time of 1.12.36. She also had a PB at the Wellington Ten in 1.10.51 in July.

July 2007

Bryan Stadden

Along with Andy Creber won the Bowfell Class in the Saunders Mountain marathon. Also, even though it was in June, the South Wales Traverse should be mentioned as it was a tremendous achivement. After his injury ravaged 2006 Bryan has returned to form and proved he is the number one mountain man in the club.

Sharon was the first Vet 35 at Sundays Hill in 44.02, 2nd Female in the Self Transcendence 2m in 13.59 and in August did a PB at the Frampton 10k in 43.31 and was 1st Vet in the Easy Runner 5K series.