North Downs Run – Sunday 30^th June 2019

Sunday’s North Downs Run promised “the finest scenery in Southern England”. The race represented a distance debut for some in the A&D contingent; for others, a case of unfinished business or simply a return to a much-loved course. Regardless of their motivation, the scorching conditions and unyielding hills were a test of resolve.

Andrew Noble was first home for the club in 2hr 20min 57sec, winning Silver at the British Masters Athletics Federation (BMAF) 30K Trail Running Championships. Jon Pearce finished in 2.23.36, followed by Mark Attenborough in 2.51.04. Aurelie Morris and Tracey Calnan crossed the finish line together in 3.21.21. Paul Brasington (3.27.35) was next home for the club, followed by Steve Hickman (3.42.47). Lucy Johnstone achieved an impressive PB of 3.58.30. Hugh Scarlin then completed the course in 4.31.48, followed by Sarah Taylor in 4.34.43.

Port Lympne 5K Challenge– Sunday 30^th June 2019

Also racing under the weekend’s fierce sun, Filiz Salih took on the Port Lympne 5K Challenge on Sunday. Finishing with a time of 29min 15sec, Salih won the First Lady prize.

Humber Bridge Half Marathon – Sunday 30^th June 2019

Two club runners travelled to Yorkshire for the 20^th Humber Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday. The course takes runners over the famous suspension bridge and features a section affectionately known as “Cardiac Hill”, a mile-long steep incline in the second half of the course. Eddie Rodger finished in 1hr 48min 45sec, followed by Helen Weeden in 2.27.38

East Kent Road Relays, Samphire Hoe – Tuesday 25^th June 2019

The penultimate race of East Kent Road Relay series took place at Samphire Hoe on Tuesday evening. With the end in their sights, A&D faced increasingly strong competition from astute contending clubs.

In the A League, inspired runs from Senior Men brought them to finish third on the night, well ahead of opposing South Kent Harriers; as a result, the team are now joint third in the standings. Despite fierce competition from Thanet, V40 Men won their category and maintained their position at second overall.  V50 Men staunchly defended their position at the top of the rankings.

A League Senior Ladies remain in fifth place, with Emma Jenkins running an exceptional leg. Elodie Paviot and Becks Macey also showed marked improvement on the course, with V35 Ladies winning their category on the night, remaining securely in fourth position overall and a mere two points away from Dover RR, in second place.  V45 Ladies put in impressive runs, with Christine Costiff significantly improving her course time; the team are now joint third in their category.

In the B League, Senior Men remain firmly in sixth place overall, with noteworthy run from Neil Woodham on the night. Stellar performances from V40 and V50 Men saw both win on the night; both sit securely at the top of their categories, five points clear of contending teams.

Also in poll position, B League Senior and V35 Ladies both remain at the top of their categories, with a remarkable run from Sue Reader. V45 Ladies are now second.

Bexhill 5K – Wednesday 26^th June 2019

Steve Hickman competed in Bexhill’s Seafront 5K on Wednesday evening, finishing the three-lap course in 26min 23sec.

A&D made the most of the extra daylight hours leading up to the Summer Solstice this week, competing in evening races in Kent, East Sussex and Iceland.

Robertsbridge Midsummer 10K – Friday 21^st June 2019

In East Sussex, Christine Costiff came out on top in the Robertsbridge Midsummer 10K, claiming the First Lady prize with a time of 46min 36sec. The hilly route featured both on- and off-road sections, with muddy conditions underfoot on the evening.

Midnight Sun Run Half Marathon – Thursday 20^th June 2019

A few degrees south of the Arctic Circle, three club members travelled to Reykjavik for the Midnight Sun Run. Setting off at nine o’clock in the evening, the trio ran 13.1 miles under the region’s famous ‘Midnight Sun’. The demanding course marked Jones’ and Kuske’s first half-marathon. Segust was first home in 2hr 2min 35sec, followed by Jones in 2.06.43 and Kuske 2.51.33.

Kent Golden Mile & 5K – Wednesday 19^th June 2019

A&D gave their all at the Kent Golden Mile on Wednesday evening, despite a headwind and the warmth of the evening. Dan Green finished in 5min 25sec, making him first in his age category and eighth overall. Stu Nunn was next home for the club and second in his age category, with a PB time of 6.14. Neil Woodham finished in 6.20, followed by Aaron Homewood in a PB time of 6.43. Claiming her first PB of the evening, Sarah Homewood (7.42) was second in her age category, followed by Lesley Moody (9.05) and Becky Hodgson (9.56).

In the 5K race, Dan Green was fifth overall and first Male V45, with a time of 18.53. Stu Nunn was second in his age category, in 22.31. Darren Fagg (22.42) was next home for the club, followed by Neil Woodham (23.16) and Aaron Homewood (23.43). Steve Hickman crossed the finish line in 25.33, whilst Sarah Homewood (26.16) achieved another PB and was first Female V40. Lucy Johnstone (28.42) was second Female V35.  Becky Hodgson finished in 33.55.

Sandwich 10K – Sunday 23^rd June 2019

Over the weekend, A&D took on a variety of 10K races in the South East. A number headed to Sandwich for the 10K race around the town and surrounding villages. Adrian Moody was first home for the club in 45min 58sec, followed by Philip Bridges in 49.24. Claire Green finished in 52.00, with Ailis Goddard crossing the line shortly after in 55.41.

Weybridge 10K – Sunday 23^rd June 2019

Becks Macey was on fine form for the Weybridge 10K on Sunday, finishing in a season’s best time of 43min 25sec. The undulating course featured a section along the River Thames, with hot and humid conditions on the day.

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Race Report – Monday 10^th June 2019

In a weekend packed full of races A&D demonstrated outstanding teamwork alongside strong individual performances, with runners winning a range of prizes, achieving remarkable PBs and persevering through difficulties.

Charing 10K – Friday 7^th June 2019

Friday evening’s Charing 10K marked the beginning of a busy weekend of races. High winds and a notoriously tough hill before the halfway mark proved no match for A&D.

Jon Wells was first home for the club and 9^th overall, with a time of 41:27. Paul Moses won the 1^st  Male V55 prize in 42:52. Becks Macey cinched the 1^st Lady prize, crossing the finish line in 44:39. Tracey Calnan was third lady home in 48:35.  Aaron Homewood finished in 48:48, closely followed by Stu Nunn (49:41) and Philip Bridges (50:10). Aurelie Morris was second in her age category, with a time of 51:46, followed by Filiz Salih (52:01). Sarah Homewood (56:14) and Hugh Scarlin (57:39) both achieved PB times on the course. Lucy Johnstone crossed the finish line in 1:02:42, followed by Helen Weeden (1:04:25), Sarah Taylor (1:05:25) and Rachel Jenkins (1:10:05).

Tenterden 10K and 5K – Sunday 9^th June 2019

A&D’s teamwork came out on top at the Tenterden 10K. Running along the Weald’s country lanes, Elodie Paviot was first home for the club and 20^th overall, with a time of 46:37. Seconds later, Max Dallison crossed the finish line in 46:41, making him 21^st. James Phillips achieved another spectacular PB, finishing in 48:24 and placing 26^th. Together, the trio claimed the 1^st Team prize.

The Yew Tree Staplehurst 10k – Sunday 9^th June 2019

Elsewhere in the Weald, the club was well represented at the Staplehurst 10K. Andrew Noble won 1^st Male V55 and placed sixth overall, with a time of 38:25. Adrian Moody finished in 44:20, making him third in his age category.

Maidstone Riverside 10K and 10 mile – Sunday 9^th June 2019

On the River Medway, two club runners put in determined efforts to complete the Maidstone 10-mile race, running through sickness and severe stitches. Ailis Goddard finished in 1:36:16, followed by Emma Konstantinou in 1:39:03.

St. Albans Half Marathon – Sunday 9^th June 2019

Further afield, Mark Cleworth travelled to Hertfordshire for the St. Alban’s Half Marathon. The hilly route offered picturesque views along country lanes surrounding the city. Cleworth crossed the finish line in 1:58:30.

SVN D-Day Challenge – Thursday 6^th June 2019

Earlier in the week, Becky Hodgson and Rik Holden took on the SVN D-Day Challenge at Birchington, marking the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day landings. From Minnis Bay, the looping marathon course took runners along the sea wall and to Reculver Towers. Holden finished with a time of 3:43:00; Hodgson completed the course in 6:30:33.

East Kent Road Relays, Minnis Bay – Tuesday 28^th May 2019

The second inter-club relay race of the summer series took place in Minnis Bay on Tuesday evening, with 44 A&D runners competing. Despite strong competition and a coastal breeze on the night, the teams showed resolve to maintain their place in the standings.

In the A League, Senior Men are now fifth, with a standout performance from Julius Samson. Keith Haynes and Mark Harrison shaved vital seconds from their previous times on the course, whilst James Booth marked his relay debut; together with Rob Butler, the Vet 40 team placed second. The combined efforts of Andrew Noble, Scotty Lynch and Paul Moses brought the V50 Men to sit at the top of their category.

A League Senior Ladies placed fifth, with Elodie Paviot and Tracey Calnan showing great improvement. V35 ladies stand at fifth position in their rankings. V45 Ladies placed fourth, with both Gill O’Connor and Christine Costiff running outstanding legs.

In the B League, Senior Men are now sixth, with Neil Woodham putting in an impressive run. Showing admirable focus and determination, Stu Nunn, Darren Fagg, John Beale and Aaron Homewood brought V40 Men to the top of their category, winning over Thanet by 15 seconds. V50 Men returned to their winning ways, coming first on the night which has now placed them third overall. The V50 C team also put in a noteworthy performance, with course PBs from Will Whittington and Trevor Sparkes.

B League Senior Ladies claimed the top spot in their rankings, with Sarah Homewood beating her previous time by over a minute. Similarly, Emma Jenkins put in a remarkable performance and V35 Ladies are now in second place. V45 Ladies also sit at second place, with marked improvement from Sandi Mortimer and Lesley Moody.

SVN Spring Cakeathon – Monday 27^th May 2019

In North Kent, two club members completed the SVN Spring Cakeathon on Bank Holiday Monday. Fuelled by cake on each lap, the rolling course was based on trail and cycle paths. Becky Hodgson ran five laps, totalling 16.4 miles in 3:59:56. In her first SVN event, Lisa Jones covered six laps, totalling 19.6 miles in a PB time of 4:24:00.

Near as Dammit 10K – Thursday 30^th May 2019

Gill O’Connor travelled to the Farthing Downs midweek for the Near as Dammit 10K, a course featuring tough hills and uneven camber. Racing on a warm summer evening, O’Connor finished in 53:09.

Needles Half Marathon – Sunday 2^nd June 2019

On the Isle of Wight, “one of the toughest and most scenic half-marathons in the country” promised a cross-country challenge for Steve Hickman. Negotiating hills, narrow paths and gates whilst taking in the stunning views offered along the course, Hickman crossed the finish line in 2:13:10.

Folkestone Coastal 10K – Sunday 26^th May 2019

Ashford & District turned out in force for the Folkestone Coastal 10K on Sunday, with several claiming prizes and PBs. The race ran along the seafront promenade between Folkestone and Hythe, with runners contending with a strong headwind on the course out and beating sun on the return leg.

Julius Samson was first home for the club, and 15^th overall, with a time of 39:10. In 22^nd place, Jon Wells crossed the finish line in 40:46. James Booth was 5^th in his age category in 41:48. John Beale was next over the finish line in a PB time of 44:54. Adrian Beresford (45:51) and Adrian Moody (45:55) then crossed the line in quick succession. Ian Grundy (46:17) claimed the prize for 1st Male V60, followed by Darren Fagg (46:28). James Phillips (46:43) and Philip Bridges (47:50) both achieved PB times, with Stu Nunn (47:55) hot on their heels. Neil Woodham was next home for the club in 48:45, followed by Don Dewar (49:26), Will Whittington (50:26), Mark Cleworth with a PB of 51:08 and Keith Lynn (55:31).

Becks Macey was first lady home for the club, claiming 1^st Female V35 and 3^rd Lady prizes; Elodie Paviot (45:45) and Tracey Calnan (46:51) were both 2^nd in their respective age categories. Together, they were awarded the Ladies Team Prize.  Nicola Moffat completed the course in 48:17. Sandi Mortimer won 1^st Female V50 with a time of 49:40, closely followed by Aurelie Morris in 50:30. Ailis Goddard finished in a PB time of 53:12. Lucy Johnstone was next home for the club in 58:49, followed by Rachel Jenkins (1:01:32) and Lesley Moody (1:03:05). Emma Jenkins achieved a PB of 1:05:56.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon – Sunday 26^th May 2019

Filiz Salih travelled to Merseyside for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool marathon on Sunday. With live music to motivate runners along the hilly course, the event culminated in a ‘Finish Line Festival’. Salih finished with a PB time of 4:07:44.

The Rye 10 – Sunday 26^th May 2019

In the Sussex countryside, Sarah Taylor completed The Rye 10 in 1:51:31. The undulating course took runners along country lanes surrounding Rye.

East Kent Road Relays, Folkestone – Tuesday 21^st May 2019

The East Kent Road Relays got underway this week, with 49 A&D runners heading to Folkestone for the first race in the inter-club series. Forming the second largest team competing, the club’s cohesive effort put A&D in a strong position going forward.

In the A League, Senior Men placed 4^th, with Scotty Lynch putting in a stand-out performance. V40 Men and V50 Men shone, with Julius Samson, Mark Harrison and Carl Ireland showing improved performances and both teams placing 2^nd. Senior Ladies, V35 and V45 Ladies teams were all 4^th in their rankings, with improved individual times from Elodie Paviot, Christine Costiff and Gill O’Connor.

In the B League, Senior Men placed 5^th, with Neil Woodham putting in an outstanding run for the club. V40 Men placed 2^nd, with a remarkable performance from Keith Lynn, whilst V50 Men placed 4^th. Senior Ladies Laura Segust, Lisa Jones and Sarah Taylor showed tremendous effort and improvement, placing their team 1^st in the rankings. Sue Reader, Lesley Moody and Emma Jenkins ran impressive legs, with V35 and V45 Ladies teams both placing 2^nd.