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The Scenic Six
Peopleton, Worcestershire
Sunday 5th April 2009
A beautiful Spring day attracted a record field for the eighth running of the Scenic Six at Peopleton on Sunday. The bright weather of the previous week promised a drier and quicker course than last year and so it proved as after the two mile road section the paths and fields were largely mud free with potholes from cattle providing the main hazard.
Once again Tom Kenderdine of Halesowen AC led the field from start to finish hotly pursued by a B&R runners led initially by Tom Richardson with John Manley close behind and Tom's dad Phil a little further back with Pete Hawcroft, Ann Stuart, Melanie Hepke and Dagmar Prinzing and David Carney completing the club contingent.
After the two mile road section the race headed left into the countryside where John caught up with Tom and they then traded places for much of the remaining four miles over the gently undulating course. Finally the finish came into view and John Manley was first B&R finisher (despite prophecies of impending doom 'wrong shoes; no ankle strap...' What would he have done with right shoes?) in 18th place in a time of 40:13 with Tom Richardson just two places behind (40:20).
Phil Richardson's dislike of the road made him start cautiously trailing Pete Hawcroft for the first 2 road miles. He soon showed his preference for the fields by passing Pete at 3 miles and going on to finish 3rd V50 in 48th with 43.31. Pete was pleased to be so close to Phil at the end and was 54th in 43.45 taking 2nd in his age group being narrowly pipped for the V60 trophy. B&R’s David Carney competed in the M70 category and finished 276th overall in 63:18.
Ann Stuart (who had all the right kit) led the B&R women’s contingent home and completed a family double by winning the FV45 in 47.59 in 107th place. Mel and Dagmar had a close run event with Mel coming home 145th in 51.03 with Dagmar close behind after a great run in 51.46 for 156th.
Natasha Day (Evesham) who comes to Redditch on Tuesdays ran 49.07 for 123rd place.
A field of 317 was led home by Tom Kenderdine ( Halesowen) in 34.59 for his fifth victory in six outings at this event. First 'woman' was 15 yr old Beth Pudifoot (Bourton) in 42.17 for 33rd place. A name to watch for the future.
A special mention for club friend and physio (without whom John wouldn't be running) Dave Brearley running for Redditch Tri in the M60 category who finished an excellent 170th in 52:34.
Also thanks to the injured Ian Keyte who had cycled to the event to offer his support which was much appreciated by the runners and, even more so, by the ladies selling the cakes.
Report by John Manley & Pete Hawcroft.
Click for full results
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