Tetbury Woolsack Races go the distance (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tetbury Woolsack Races go the distance

3:00pm Tuesday 26th May 2009

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A RECORD number of runners and fine weather ensured this year's Tetbury Woolsack Races was a resounding success.

A supportive crowed lined Gumstool Hill on Bank Holiday Monday to cheer on runners carrying a 30kg Woolsack on their backs to raise money for Tetbury-based cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow.

Stephen Hirst, Tetbury mayor and Woolsack Committee member, said he was delighted with the event.

"Everyone had a fantastic day," he said. "We had a record number of people running and a great turn-out of people watching. It was a great event for people in Tetbury."

BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell started off all the races with typical enthusiasm.

Reigning men's champion and world record holder Pete Roberts retained his title.

"I'm chuffed," he said. "I thought it would be a good to retire on a high. I'll say 'no' to running next year but we'll see."

Despite a record number of women entering the female category reigning champion Zoe Dixon also retained her crown and broke her own world record.

"The turn-out was brilliant," she said. "It's quite daunting out there, I still get really nervous and I've ran it a few times."

Zoe said she was also unsure if she would return next year.

"I did say this was my retiring year but never say never," she said. "If they give us a mixed team race next year I'll be back."

The George Vetinary Group held onto their title despite a strong challenge from The Underdogs in the team event.

Tetbury Army Cadets also broke their world record in the junior race and pupils from the town's St Mary's Primary School had a go at the course in special relay races.

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