A roundup of the last 2 weeks of running heroics:
23rd/24th April
Kicking things off at Ashford parkrun, it was the first of the A&D time trials for the Summer Relays. A decent effort from Will Whittington managing 27.57, after a night shift, Allen Edwards crossing in very respectable 23.10 and Jason King just ahead in 22.56. Christine Costiff ventured up to Norwich and ran 22.50, first in her age group. There is another opportunity this week, which may see some more members put down some fast times.
SVN events are proving popular with anyone wishing to test their endurance. At the St George’s Day Marathon event, Holly Forrest tackled the Half Marathon, consisting of four 3.2-mile, mixed terrain loops, finishing in 3.17.14. The going was typically rugged and elevated! – Luckily A&D supporters were on hand to cheer and administer some blister first aid when needed.
In similar fashion the Maverick Adidas Terrex event was run by Suzi Wicken. This was Suzi’s first go at this type of event and distance. The brutal hills (up as well as down) being tempered somewhat by the stunning views. She completed the 14 KM course in 1.59, with a well-earned sense of achievement.
Down south and to the west, marathon season was still on the go. Hugh Scarlin completed the distance in 3.48.55, a very respectable time, while Sarah Taylor managed the Half in a solid 2.43.
On the Sunday, SVN were at it again. This time at Cyclopark, with the Bitcoin Bimble. Becky Hodgson, a veteran of these events ran the deceptively undulating tarmac loops, for a Half Marathon, in 3.09.47
At the Chatham Maritime 10K, Trev Sparkes took it easy due to a minor injury and finished in 56.48. Lastly, Michael Stanley competed in the Howletts 5K, stampeding over line in a very handy 20.33.
30th Apr – 2nd May
Back to parkrun and this weekend both recorded results were standout performances. Christine Costiff ran 21.27 over at Hastings to set new age grade record of 89.20% – Aiden Gorham kept it local and under 17 minutes with a 16.49 at Ashford. Fantastic running.
A little later, a group of A&D’s finest went to the Doddington Place Gardens 5K and 10K event. This was set mostly outside the beautiful gardens in what was generally agreed upon to be “challenging conditions” (ed. expletives removed).
In the 5K, Julius Samson came 3rd overall in 21.25 and Michael Stanley close behind in 22.54. Very good results considering the hills and lack of any meaningful trail to run on. Not too far behind, Peter Buckley ended a valiant effort with 29.14.
Meanwhile, not satisfied with one treacherous lap, a group of athletes were gluttons for more punishment. John Fidge crossed the line in an impressive 1.03 and Ann Fidge saw off the competition in her age group and crossed in 1.05. Further up the field Helen Weeden hung on to finish in just over the hour, 1.00.56 and 4th in her age group. Captain Adrian Beresford showed his usual grit to get round in 46.54. Steve Hodges continues his assault on the age group contest coming in first V50 and 5th overall with 45.46 and son Kieran was 2nd overall and remarkably ran a PB of 42.19. I hear the trophies are in the post..
A small mention should also go to the trio of Newton Goddard, Sam Hill, and Louie Booth, who ran in the Canicross event and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Finally, to round off this bumper edition of run reporting, today there were 10Ks in London and Whitstable and a Half Marathon near Dorking.
Becky Hodgson was back for more scenic loops, this time in the grounds of Denbies Wine Estate. She completed the Phoenix Steam Punk run in a pleasing 3.27.34.
In central London Simon Jackson set a course PB (Simon’s course PB not Mo’s!) of 51.34 at the Vitality 10K. This event is well supported as you would expect, and the atmosphere helped a post Covid Daniel Head to an encouraging 43.17.
Over in Whitstable conditions appeared to be flat and cool, leading to some great performances at the Furley Page Whitstable 10K. Sarah Taylor finishing in 1.04.19, Hugh Scarlin, showing some post marathon form crossed the line in 43.57 and Paul Crisp, continuing to stake his claim as a genuine V40 contender with a super 37.42 and a personal best.
James Booth.
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