Severn Athletic Club’sGreg Leyshon(72), prominent in local distance running in all age groups since the 1970’s was thwarted in his ambition to reap further success when he entered the 70-74 age group by lockdown. Undeterred he maintained his training, running virtual races and socially distanced in good times.

In the Tewkesbury Half Marathon his patience was rewarded. He placed 250th of the 1529 starters in 1 hour 49 minutes 41 seconds winning the over 70 category. He broke the Severn AC 70-74 club record by 15 mins 19 secs, his fifth club age record and a seasons best time. His aim is to break further club records including the marathon. The secret for his continuous running longevity he says is, ” I was never a high mileage trainer, usually around 40 miles a week, now I do what is necessary, not possible and run every other day”.

Senior club coach Rob Cytlau, whose best half marathon is 64:44, entered by his daughter placed 571st and 4th V70 in 2:09:54.

Tewkesbury Half Marathon: 32 James Smith V40 1:25:20, 40 Carl Beard 1:27:13 PB, 43 John Chapman V50 1:27:30, 52 Andy Monro V50 1:29:28, 66 Rich Frape V40 1:31:18, 70 Andrew Bright 1:31:39, 171 Jon Scoffield 1:41:31, 208 Imran Hassanjee V40 1:44:04, 250 Matthew Leyshon V40 1:48:13, 274 Greg Leyshon 1/V70 1:49:41, 313 Tom Payne V40 1:53:23, 571 Rob Cytlau 4/V70 2:09:54 & 592 Meg Partridge 2:10:51. 966 finished. Winner Alastair Cambell (Stroud & District AC) 1:11:58.

At the GAAA Track & Field Championships Akinola Kehn-Alafun finished third in the 100 metres (13.3 secs) & second and first senior man in the 200 metre final (27.5 secs).