With last weekend including the traditions of bonfire night, we felt we had to include a related race report this week so here is our review of the hastily revised Guy Fawkes 5 by Tewkesbury Running Club in Gloucestershire on Sunday 5 November.

Hastily revised...? That comment relates to the swift 'Plan B' action taken by officials to ensure the race could proceed after part of the course had been flooded overnight due to the heavy rain that accompanied Storm Ciaran. 

A club spokesperson posted: "Guy Fawkes 5 2023 is over for another year. Despite the course being flooded OVERNIGHT, we realigned and guided a record 426 runners over the finish line. Just a little tidying-up and admin to complete. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped, the sponsors, and the support teams that were impeccable."

Will Lo posted this note of appreciation on behalf of his local club: "Great last-minute organising by everyone to ensure we could still run. Appreciated by us all as it would have been so easy to just cancel but you all made our morning. Everyone who supported, marshalled, spectated, and cheered thank you from us all at Gloucester Running Club."

Not surprisingly, the excellent course records by Paul Martelletti (24:31, 2011) and Wendy Nicholls (27:35, 2008) remained intact as conditions were still a little challenging despite the rare appearance of the sun this autumn – well it was Sun-day after all!

With free parking nearby at Dobbies Garden Centre, refreshments by Orchard Catering, massages by Stephanie Duckworth, and running gear available from Gloucester Sports there was plenty going on at this small but perfectly formed event.

As for the racing the top three men were Steve Kenyon (Severn AC, 26:45), Joe Willgoss (CLC Striders, 26:59) and Cal Winwood (Bourton Roadrunners, 27:17). 

The leading ladies were W40 Nikki Juniper (Black Pear Joggers, 29:42) – the 19th and final runner under 30 minutes – followed by W50 Tracy Hinxman (Gloucester AC, 31:00) and W45 Kate Jacobs (31:19).     

Results are available via the runABC South race listing here

Photo courtesy Tewkesbury Running Club on Facebook