ANTHONY Glover is definitely leading by example on the evidence of the Hogweed Trot 10k this week.
The Westbury Harrier/Yate & District AC member started coaching only a year ago and while he is developing a nice group of around 15 runners Glover is clearly not neglecting his own fitness.
And who knows, having the likes of young tyros like Oli Beale, Freddie Cooper, Jack Derrick and Elliott Chard in the group may be pushing Glover to even higher levels of fitness than ever before!
The over 45 veteran was certainly too strong for his Westbury clubmate Will Massey, whom he also coaches, as he powered to victory in a time of 34mins 29secs with Massey 21 seconds behind in second and Team Bath’s Themis Bower third (34:57).
Victory also gave Glover the extra kudos of being crowned Avon champion as the championships were incorporated into the popular event that attracted 266 finishers.
“Three of the group were in the top ten at the Hogweed Trot including what must be one of the oldest winners of the Avon county 10k road title!” said a modest Glover.
The other member of Glover’s group in that top ten was Jack Derrick in eighth, a solid run after missing around six weeks due to a calf injury.
“Jack’s 36:23 was a really encouraging run,” added Glover.
Clevedon AC’s Steve Wood had a good run to finish fifth (34:15) and first M50 ahead of Bristol & West’s Phil Parry (35:50), who is steadily getting back into good shape.
Lucie Wilson of Thornbury Running Club races rarely according to the Power of Ten so she should be thrilled with her victory.
Wilson clocked 40mins 21secs to finished just eight seconds ahead of Emily Pitcher of Emersons Green Running Club, who smashed her three-year-old PB of 42:53 – set in the Newport 10k – with 40:29 so she should also be very happy with her evening’s work.
Clevedon AC’s Polly Atherton was third in 43:06 and was awarded the Avon title from Nicola Runkee (Emersons Green RC) and Hannah Hamilton (Thornbury RC).
Lisa McCrea-Steele of Hogweed Trotters was first veteran in sixth overall (43:45) while it was good to see Sian Davies back racing well in eighth place (44:06) and earning the W60 prize.