Christopher Boyce 
169 Not out for Hickman
Marathon man Steve Hickman completed his 169th marathon at the SVN Viking marathon in Thanet this weekend. He completed the 26.2 miles in a respectable, 4 hours, 49 minutes and 26 seconds.
Elsewhere Gill O’Connor and Christine Costiff both ran the South of England Athletic Association (SEAA) cross country event at Lloyd Park, Croydon. A 4 mile muddy and hilly course saw Costiff finish in a super 31:44 and O’Connor, despite the loss of her spikes, completing the race in 34:24. An excellent effort ladies.
Parkrun
There were a number of personal bests and a season best for Ashford & District RRC at the Ashford parkrun on Saturday 12th December.
Nick Collins ran the 5km in a time of 16:12, finishing first Vet 40, second overall and gaining himself a new PB in the process. Scott Lynch finished in 9th overall in a season’s best time of 18:57. Just behind in 11th was Paul Moses, 19:35. Paul Crisp in his first ever parkrun finished 13th, in an excellent 19:49. Alex Francis finished 15th, dipping just one second under 20 minute mark, a new PB. Trevor Kay, superbly hitting 20 minutes dead, paced Alex round the 2 lap course.
Cris Francis ran the Folkestone parkrun in 20:22, finishing 18th, Alison Waters continued to flourish, recording a PB in 21:25 finishing in 30th place overall. Will Whittington was next for A&D in 26:47, a PB time for the Folkestone event, with Emma Jenkins in 37:04.
Seasonal Festivities
In a seasonal twist to the weekend, Simon Jackson completed the Maidstone Harriers Turkey Run in the countryside of East Malling in fine festive costume. Despite the course being hilly and muddy, he finished the race in 1:15:15.
As a Club A&D held their annual Chair’s Charity Run on Sunday 12th December, offering members the chance to run either 4.5, 6 or 9.5 miles – Christmas fancy dress optional! Those who took part have raised over £150 which alongside the club’s other Christmas fundraising efforts, will be donated to the Pilgrim’s Hospice.
