Badlesmere 10K – Sunday 1^st September 2019

Five runners represented A&D at the inaugural Badlesmere 10K on Sunday. Winding along sections of trail, open field and country lanes, the route featured six challenging climbs. The club’s Men’s Captain, Scotty Lynch, attested to the fact that the final 3K presented a particular test of runners’ stamina.  Showing their strength, two A&D runners finished within the top 10. Placing 5^th overall and cinching the 1^st V50 Male prize, Lynch was first of the club to cross the finish line in 42min 14sec. Paul Moses was hot on his heels, placing 8^th overall with a time of 43.44.  Adrian Moody was next in 46.08, followed by Anthony Brown in 51.46 and Rhian Shrimplin in 53.47.

Andover Trail Marathon – Sunday 1^st September 2019

In north Hampshire, Sunday saw seasoned marathon runner Steve Hickman take on the “thigh burning climbs” of the Andover Trail Marathon, finishing in 4.58.18.

Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge – Sunday 1^st September 2019

Closer to home, Lucy Johnstone competed in the Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge, near Tunbridge Wells. Running through bogs, woodland trails and fields, the hilly course ensured runners encountered a substantial amount of mud on their way round. Johnstone finished in 2.17.31.

SVN Black Hugin Challenge – 31^st August 2019

Marking her fourth half-marathon in August, Becky Hodgson covered 13.1 miles in Friday’s SVN Black Hugin Challenge. Runners completed 3-mile laps around Pegwell Bay Country Park, a circuit that included the area’s famous Viking ship, The Hugin. Hodgson completed the half marathon in 3.10.00.

Canterbury Half Marathon – Monday 26^th August 2019

Bank holiday Monday saw 450 runners assemble at the start line of the Canterbury Half Marathon, with four formidable A&D runners amongst them. The hilly route took runners along country lanes surrounding the city, with challenging inclines in the final miles. Despite fierce heat on the day almost reaching 30’C, A&D’s runners met the demands of the course, with two finishing within the first 40 runners and Christine Costiff winning her age category.

Keith Haynes was first home for the club in 1hr 44min 10sec, placing 34^th overall and 12^th Male V40.  Suffering under the intense sun at the 12-mile mark, Laurence Teeling got back up on his feet to finish in 1.45.34, 35^th overall. Christine Costiff was 1^st Female V55 with a time of 1.57.22. Helen Weeden was next home for the club in 2.30.04.

SVN Cyclopark Summer Series – 21^st August 2019 and Monday 26^th August 2019

Midweek, two club runners took part in the SVN Cyclopark Challenge in Gravesend. Part of a 10-day Challenge Series, the event saw competitors run three-mile loops of undulating trails and tracks around the Cyclopark. Becky Hodgson covered half-marathon distance in 3.17.47. Lucy Johnstone achieved a PB time over Ultra distance (29.5 miles), finishing 7^th overall and 3^rd Lady in 6.44.34. Hodgson returned for the 10^th event in the series on Bank Holiday Monday, completing her second half marathon in 3.32.00.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 25^th August 2019

Marking the start of a hot bank holiday weekend of running, A&D was well-represented at the weekly 5K around Victoria Park. James Booth was first home for the club and 14^th overall in 21.09. Crossing the finish line just seconds later, Dan Green (21.12) and Mark Attenborough (21.15) placed 16^th and 17^th overall. Darren Fagg (22.48) and Stu Nunn (22.57) also completed the course in quick succession, followed by Paul Moses in 24.01, Don Dewar in 24.08, Rob Carpenter in 24.11 and Rod Kessack in 24.27. John Fidge crossed the finish line in 26.54, with Trevor Kay (27.53) and Ann Fidge (29.33) next home for the club. Hugh Scarlin and Sarah Taylor both finished in 33.30, followed by Lucy Johnstone (39.15) and Becky Hodgson (39.56).

Mount Ephraim 10K – Sunday 18^th August 2019

Sunday saw A&D runners take on the notorious hills of the Mount Ephraim 10K, with two club members winning age category prizes. Starting and finishing within the grounds of Mount Ephraim Gardens, near Faversham, the circular course then took runners along surrounding country lanes, with tough inclines and picturesque scenery.

In his debut run for the club, Laurence Teeling was the first of the A&D contingent to cross the finish line in 39min 01sec. Jonny Wells then won the V40 prize with a time of 40.50. Taking two minutes off his previous best time on the course, Keith Haynes finished in 42.25. Winning the V55 prize, Adrian Moody completed the course in 45.27. Carl Ireland finished third in his age category, with a time of 48.00. Philip Bridges (49.51) and Adrian Beresford (49.57) then crossed the finish line in quick succession, followed by Karine Reid in 55.27 and Ailis Goddard in 57.50. Lucy Johnstone was next home for the club in 1.05.05.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 17^th August 2019

This week’s 5K around Victoria Park was momentous for three A&D runners: Keith Haynes (24.04), John Fidge (26.42) and Ann Fidge (29.42) each ran their 100^th Parkruns.

Dan Green was third overall with a time of 19.09, followed by Scotty Lynch in 19.54. James Booth finished in 24.36, followed by Sandi Mortimer in 25.02, Will Whittington in 25.39 and Terry Sellen in 25.48. Julie Foster was next home for the club in 43.44. Tail-walker Emma Jenkins then crossed the finish line in 1.07.22.

Great Run Local – Sunday 18^th August 2019

Will Whittington (26.02), Emma Jenkins (36.58) and Becky Hodgson took part in the Great Run Local 5K around Kingsnorth on Sunday.

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Distance was the focus for A&D runners this weekend, with races ranging from half marathon, marathon and Ultra distances up to 100km. With severe weather warnings in place, the events were a true test of runners’ mettle.

Stour Valley Path 100 Ultra– Saturday 10^th August 2019

A&D duo Jon Pearce and Edward Rodger kicked off the weekend’s races on Saturday, embarking on the Stour Valley Path 100 Ultra. The 100km trail course followed the Stour Valley Path through Suffolk and Essex. After setting off at 7am from Newmarket, Suffolk, the pair negotiated stiles, rail and road crossings throughout the squalls.

Despite the high winds, both showed immense perseverance in running the full course. Pearce was first over the finish line at Manningtree, Essex, with a time of 13h 22min 41sec. Returning to SVP100 to cover the full distance within the strict event cut-off time, Edward Rodger put in a determined effort to finish in 15.05.16.

Twilight Chase – Saturday 10^th August 2019

As the pair were nearing the end of their 100km Ultra, closer to home five A&D runners began the Twilight Chase at Rye. Starting late-afternoon, competitors ran 4.4-mile laps through the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, covering a range of distances. The coastal course, coupled with headwinds in excess of 40mph, made the event all the more challenging.

Running half marathon distances, Lucy Johnstone (2.43.50) and Becky Hodgson (2.47.34) crossed the finish line after three laps. Christine Costiff completed four laps, totalling 17.6 miles, with a time of 2.35.44. Steve Hickman covered marathon distance in 5.12.39. Marking her Ultra debut, Sarah Homewood ran a total of 30.8 miles in 6.14.17, placing third overall.

Brett Owler Summer Marathon – Sunday 11^th August 2019

As the high winds subsided, two club runners completed the Brett Owler Summer Marathon on Sunday. The two-lap course started and finished at the Julie Rose Stadium and featured hilly sections in surrounding villages and Wye Nature Reserve.  Marathon man Rik Holden finished in second place overall and first in his age category, with a time of 3.36.05. Cooper Massah then completed the course in 4.45.20.

The EDF Energy Lydd 10K – Sunday 4^th August 2019

Five A&D runners competed in Sunday’s Lydd 10K, where the fast and flat course held promise of an exciting race. Despite humid conditions on the day threatening to slow the Club’s contingent, each showed strong form. Janusz Latala was first home for the club and 5^th overall in 35min 59sec. Chris Boyce then completed the course in 46.53. Winning 3^rd Female and finishing 1^st in her age category, Essen Larsen was next in 47.40. Philip Bridges crossed the finish line just seconds later in 47.46, followed by Don Dewar in 50.43.

Vanguard Way Marathon – Sunday 4^th August 2019

Christine Costiff headed to Croydon for the Vanguard Way Marathon on Sunday. Starting from Croydon’s Lloyd Park, runners navigated their way along a section of the scenic Way. The out-and-back route featured several of the steep inclines and descents characteristic of the North Downs. Despite taking a nasty fall at the 17-mile mark, Costiff finished in a remarkable time of 4hr 34min 20sec, making her 1^st Female V55 and 4^th lady.

Dunoon 10K – Saturday 3^rd August 2019

In Argyll, Verity Dunbar completed the Dunoon 10k in 58min 16sec. The out-and-back route took runners along the banks of the River Clyde.

Invicta East Kent Athletics Club (IEKAC) Night of 5000m – Thursday 18^th July 2019

Thursday evening saw two A&D runners compete in the IEKAC ‘Night of 5000m’ event, held in Canterbury. In the sub-20-minute heat, Andrew Noble finished 10^th overall, with a time of 18min 37sec. In a track race debut just weeks after his first trail race, Keith Haynes finished second overall in the sub-25-minute heat, with a PB time of 20.07

Gusborne 5K and 10K – Sunday 21^st July 2019

A&D runners were treated to sophisticated refreshments during the Gusborne 5K and 10K races on Sunday. The event offered runners a scenic route around the Gusborne Vineyard estate, with wine-tasting opportunities along the course.

In the 5K event, Emma Konstantinou was first home for the club with a time of 31min 50sec. Rachel Jenkins (43.59) and Sarah Taylor in (44.01) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Debbie Payne was next home for the club in 45.50. In the 10K race, Philip Bridges was first home for the club and fifth in his age category, with a time of 50min 30sec.  Steve Hickman then finished 1hr 00min 50sec, followed by Karine Reid in 1.07.51, Helen Weeden in 1.17.41, Sue Reader in 1.17.44 and Filiz Salih in 1.30.40.

Phoenix Space Race Gold – Sunday 21^st July 2019

In Walton-on-Thames, Becky Hodgson took on the Phoenix Space Race Gold on Sunday. Running on busy tow paths, competitors completed laps of a three-mile, out-and-back loop alongside the River Thames. Hodgson covered 13.1 miles in 2hr 51min 34sec.

BBC Women’s Couch to 5K – Sunday 21^st July 2019

Ann Fidge travelled to Stratford for the BBC Women’s Couch to 5K race on Sunday, an event to celebrate women’s health and fitness as part of the Muller Anniversary Games.  Starting and finishing in the Olympic Stadium, the course took runners around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Fidge finished third in her age category in a PB time of 28min 03sec.

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.