Race 4 in the Burton and District Summer League series saw Tamworth AC’s men defend their Washlands Relays crown from 2016. On a warm Wednesday evening, TAC fielded four teams; each athlete running a two-mile lap in a race with an impressive turnout of 290 runners taking part in 83 teams.
Max Kent started out on the first leg for the Men’s A team completing the course with an impressive debut time of 11:47. Ben Evans then set out at a pace on the second leg, chasing down the leaders and opening up a lead with a time of 11:18, before handing over to Scott Hudspith who bolted round in 10:56 to extend the lead and take the first individual mens prize. It was left to Adam Smyth to put in a fine composed final leg of 11:41 and seal the win for a second consecutive year.
The A Team Max Kent, Ben Evans, Scott Hudspith and Adam Smyth
It was a great night too for the U17 ladies who also won their category. Eve Clawley got the race underway, coming home in 13:33. Emily Findlater took over making the second lap in 16:34 before Charlotte Bush finished the job with a time of 13:42.
Ladies U17 Team Eve Clawley, Emily Findlater and Charlotte Bush
The Men’s Vets team also did well, coming 4th in their category on the night. Howard Bush got things going with a strong first leg of 11:36, followed by club Chairman Dave Williams coming home in 12:36. Steve Deegan completed the third leg 13:33 before Mark Wapplington rounded things off in 15:29 despite a troubling hamstring.
The Veterans Team Howard Bush, Dave Williams, Steve Deegan and Mark Wapplington
In the Men’s B team, James Oakley made the first leg with a time of 12:00. Next was Derek Bolton in 13:41 followed by Nigel Fisher in 17:09. After a quick vest change, Howard Bush ran round again to finish things off with a time of 12:37.
The B Team James Oakley, Derek Bolton, Nigel Fisher and Howard Bush
The Gate Gallop at Anker Valley plays host to the next race in the BDSL series on Sunday 25th June.
Tamworth Athletic Club 