Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for Darren Fagg
The past fortnight has provided a plethora of events for the members of A&D to prove their running prowess. Showcasing the results of training, and in some cases actual blood, sweat and tears, the continued dedication of A&D runners can be seen by this snapshot of recent results.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Any race with the word ‘challenge’ in it is going to be interesting. On 18th June Darren Fagg competed the Clifftop Challenge, a 36-mile ‘ultra’ from Appledore on the Royal Military Canal to Walmer Green. Over terrain that clocked up 2,552 feet of elevation on a rather hot day, Darren completed what turned out to be 38.28 miles in a time of 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds, cheered on by his family/support crew. After a run like that, most other people would give themselves the next weekend off. However, 7 days later Darren ran the North Downs Run, a challenging multi-terrain event over 30km (18.6 miles) on the undulating tracks and paths of the NDW. Starting and finishing at Gravesend Cyclopark, Darren completed the course in 2:50:57. Hot on his heels were Adrian Moody (2:51:00) and fellow ultra-veteran Mark Attenborough (2:56:59).
Don’t Chicken Out
Everyone runner has their own way of running a half marathon but doing so dressed as a chicken is rather niche. Enjoying the funnier side of endurance running, four A&D ladies completed 13.1 miles for the Runbelievable Challenges Stag and Hen Run at Betteshanger. However, being dressed as poultry did nothing to prevent Suzi Wicken from achieving a personal best time of 2:28:00, closely followed by Linda-Jean Delport (2:28:25) and Becky Hodgson (3:18:11). Holly Forrest completed the line up with her fifth half marathon in 5 months with a time of 3:31:00.
Perfect 10 for Stormin’ Gorman
Described by some as the Queen of racing distances the 10k race challenges both speed and endurance, and A&D was represented at a range of local 10k events. At Tenterden on 12th June, a hilly out and back course run on a hot day was no match for Aiden Gorman who continues to dominate the field, scoring first place overall with a scorching time of 36:25. Fraser Duncan achieved a very competitive time of 41:21, followed by Helen Weeden who finished 12th lady overall with a time of 56:33. Faye Wills achieved a personal best in 59:19, with Ann Fidge close behind (1:00:35). On the same hot and sunny day at Staplehurst the 10k course was conquered in style by Richard Boakes (40:47), Stuart Nunn (47:56) and Chris Field (52:51). Taking the shorter but sharper 5k option were men’s captain Adrian Beresford (21:50) and racing stalwart Peter Buckley (26:52). Down at the seaside, Holly Forrest and Imogen Flack both completed the hot and hilly Folkestone 10K Race for Life in one hour and 20 minutes, enjoying the amazing atmosphere along the sea front while raising money for charity. Among the trees at Bedgebury Allen Edwards completed the 10k course in 50:23, and at Dover Frazer Duncan ran the Midsummer run at the Castle 5k event in an impressive 20:23. Braving more heat at the Sandwich 10k on 26th June were Simon Jackson (51:01) Peter Buckley (54:38), Sandra Gooding (1:06:29) and Emma Jenkins (1:19:39).
A&D on Tour
Parkrun Round-Up:
At Victoria Park on 18th June, Richard Boakes scored his personal best over the 5k distance with a time of 19:45. Down the M20 at Mote Park, Emma Jenkins and Will Whittington outdid themselves with personal best times of 41:27 and 30:05. On 25th June, Ann Fidge ran the Birkenhead Parkrun and placed first in her age category with 29:48. Back in Ashford, Faye Wills scored a PB with 27:03. Kieran and Jack Hodges continue to lead the way placing second and third overall with personal best times of 18:21 and 18:39 respectively.
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