Country to Capital Ultra – Saturday 11^th January 2020

Saturday saw Edward Rodger step up to the start line of the first in a series of four Ultras to raise money for Scottish Huntington’s Association. Starting from Wendover (Buckinghamshire), runners made their way across muddy countryside towards London, following the Grand Union Canal tow path to the finish line in Little Venice. Despite feeling utterly drained and frozen at the 26-mile mark, Rodger persevered through the mud, hills and bitterly cold winds to complete the 43-mile course in 9hr 29min 32sec.

SVN Chocathon – Saturday 11^th January 2020

Also facing the biting winds, two club runners took on the SVN Chocathon at Betteshanger Country Park on Saturday. Becky Hodgson completed her first half marathon of 2020, finishing in 3.13.44. Less than two weeks in to January, Rik Holden marked his second marathon of 2020 by finishing 2^nd overall and 1^st in his age group, with a time of 3.39.39.

Parkrun- Saturday 11^th January 2020

Will Whittington (28.04) and Emma Jenkins (38.47) donned their trail shoes for some parkrun tourism at Kingdom, Penshurst. The three-lap circuit saw Jenkins achieve a course PB. Gill O’Connor (24.00) was fourth lady and 1^st in her age group at Tilgate Parkrun.

In Ashford, Trevor Kay (18.02) was 4^th overall in 18.02, followed by Dan (19.48) in 7^th and Julius Samson (19.56) in 10^th and Paul Ridley (20.00) in 11^th. James Booth (20.29) and Paul Moses (20.47) placed 15^th and 18^th respectively, whilst Christine Costiff was 1^st lady home in 22.19. Ian Grundy finished in 22.54, closely followed by Stu Nunn (22.58), Ian Cox (24.14). Rob Carpenter (25.07) and Pat Butler ( 25.08) also crossed the finish line in quick succession, followed by Terry Sellen (26.09), Rod Kessack (26.19), Keith Lynn (26.27) and Rachel Jenkins (28.51). Cris Francis finished in 31.03, with Trevor Sparkes (31.36) next home for the club and volunteer Julie Foster (53.29). Other A&D volunteers included James Booth, John and Ann Fidge and Alison Waters.

  Cross Country Captain and Mentor Adrian Moody stated he was “Humbled and proud watching Ashford and District’s cross country teams take on the might of Kent’s youth at Brands Hatch”. This was validated by the excellent results and indomitable spirit of the 19 athletes taking part.

The ladies team were led home by Becks Macey finishing 30th and 6th in the V35 category. Linda-Jean Delport’s family were able to cheer on as she finished 44th overall and 7th V45, a tremendous result in her first Kent championships. Jill Crofton-Martin with a spirited sprint finished in 75th place completed the trio in the 3 to score competition with A&D being placed 8th. Ladies captain Rhian Shrimplin ran a strong race for 89th place. Ailis Goddard 90th, Alison Waters 91st and Massah Cooper 94th were nip and tuck throughout the race and the battling, determined teamwork gave the A&D ladies 5th place in the 6 to score competition. A tribute to the strength in depth within the ladies team.

The men’s team required the full complement of runners to return a result to secure a place in the 12 to score competition. Club coach John Pearce can always be relied upon for an inspiring run and led the team with his 75th place. A strong run by Jon Wells was rewarded with 93rd place closely followed by an in from Julius Samson. Julius finished in 95th place and 6th V50. Scotty Lynch used his strength and experience and finished 111th and 10th V50. Paul Moses fought off challenges over the final lap to finish 124th and 4th V55. James Booth in 135th place gave A&D the 10th place in the 6 to score competition. Carl Ireland, improving with every race was pleased with his 142nd place and looked strong throughout. In 145th Keith Hayes suffering with cramp from lap 2 onwards dug deep to finish to ensure a score in the 12 to score competition. Mark Harrison in 151st, Cris Francis, enjoying his first run at Brands Hatch, in 161st, Adrian Beresford 174th and Stu Nunn 180th gave A&D’s men team 7th place in a competition where other clubs struggled to field the required number of runners.

Rik Holden started 2020 with the SVN New Years Day marathon. A good start to the year saw Rik post a time of 3:43:28 finishing 4th overall and 1st in his age category.

A number of club runners took to competing in 2 park runs on New Year’s Day including Keith Lynn taking on Canterbury and Whitstable, and Gill O’Connor at Ribblesdown and Squerrys Wedsterham.

Meanwhile Lesley Moody took a chance while back in Scotland to take part in the 2020 Shortbread Challenge.

The first park run of the year at Ashford had a good turnout from A&D runners. This included Trevor Kay, Dan Green, Rob Carpenter, Don Dewar, Michael Hill, Keith Lynn, Patrick Butler, John Fidge, Laura Segust, Sue Reader, Terry Sellen, Emma Jenkins, Helen Marshall, Hugh Scarlin and Sarah Taylor.

Cambridge Harriers Cross Country Championship – Saturday 28th December 2019

There was no lull between Christmas and New Year as a formidable trio of A&D runners headed to Bexley for the Cambridge Harriers Championship on Saturday. The undulating 7.5 mile course saw Becks Macey storm home in 59min 24sec, claiming the prize for 2nd Lady. Cross Country stalwarts Adrian Moody and Adrian Beresford also put in superb performances on the course.

Alison Waters flew the A&D flag at Staplehurst’s End of Year 10 Mile Run. Despite a gruelling hill at the 6 mile mark, Waters completed the course in 1.26.56.

Saltwood Boxing Day Run – Thursday 26^th December 2019

A strong club contingent turned out for the 45^th Saltwood Boxing Day Run. The 3-mile, off-road route provided a suitable challenge for runners seeking to burn off their Christmas dinners. Julius Samson was first home for the club in 19.26, closely followed by James Booth in 21.54. Steve Hickman finished in 33.27, followed by Simon Jackson in 34.28. Gary Sage was next home for the club in 38.36, with Laura Segust hot on his heels in 38.52.

Chiangmai 10K – 22nd December 2019

In Thailand, Richard Baker completed the Chiangmai 10K in 48.04. Starting at 5am, 2500 international runners competed on the flat, fast course.

Christmas Day Parkrun – 25th December 2019

Christmas Day saw dedicated A&D Parkrunners assemble in Victoria Park for a special Ashford Parkrun.  Paul Moses (20.18) and Julius Samson (20.41) finished in 17th and 18th place, respectively. James Booth (20.49) placed 20th, followed by Ian Grundy (23.06), Aaron Homewood (24.57), Hazel Turner (25.23), Sandi Mortimer (25.26). Alison Waters (26.05), Cris Francis (26.06) and Keith Ly (26.19) crossed the finish line in quick succession, followed by Don Dewar (31.34), Debbie Payne (35.56) and Lucy Johnstone (37.42). Volunteers included Leonora Cinco, Becky Hodgson, Simon Jackson and Rachel Jenkins.

Parkrun – Saturday 28th December 2019

Cris Francis extended Saturday’s Ashford Parkrun in to a Parkrun Marathon in order to kick start his 2020 London Marathon training and fundraise for The Family Holiday Foundation. Francis was joined by teammates for a few of the 8+ laps of the event.

Janusz Latala covered the 5K course in 18.09, making him 4th overall. Scotty Lynch (20.04) finished in 18th place, followed by Stu Nunn (23.26), Terry Sellen (23.57), Rod Kessack (25.00), Will Whittington (25.25), James Booth (27.40), Alison Waters (29.31), Cris Francis (29.39), Don Dewar (31.08), Emma Jenkins (34.07), Becky Hodgson (37.13) and Debbie Payne (37.19). As ever, the event was made possible by volunteers, amongst whom this week were A&D’s Dan Green, Simon Jackson and Alison Waters. In Dumbartonshire, Lesley Moody ran the Levengrove Parkun in 33.31, whilst John Fidge (27.02) and Ann Fidge (volunteer) took part in Dunstable’s Houghton Hall Parkrun.

Attenborough smashes his 50k PB

Mark Attenborough took the SVN Usuals Suspects challenge in his stride on Saturday and finished the 2019 season with a 62 minute personal best over 50km with a time of 5:11:39 and first place. Just reward for the dedication and hard work throughout the year. Rick Holden chalked up yet another marathon in the shadow of the white cliffs of Samphire Hoe with a time of 3:58:15.

Becky Hodgson received recognition from the event organisers with her 12th SVN half marathon in 12 months. It was Becky’s 15th half in total over the last 12 months. Lucy Ellen Johnstone also competed and completed the windy, undulating course in 2:55:54.

Verity on Sunday took part in the SVN Festive Frolic. It was Verity’s first run back since summer of 2018 due to a foot injury and was very pleased to complete 9.84 miles in 1:50:02.

The 3rd round of the Kent cross country league took the senior men’s team over to the sticky parkland of Foots Cray Meadows. Julius Samson, in tremendous form, led the team home in his first league event finishing in 80th place. Cross country stalwarts Andrew Noble 87th, and Scotty Lynch 101st gave A&D 9th place in the 3 to score league. With one event to go this puts Andrew and Scotty in 7th and 9th respectively in the V50 competition. Next home was Paul Ridley in 117th, and Jon Pearce 120th. Paul Moses 126th, Adrian Moody 132nd, Keith Haynes 135th, James Booth 148th, Carl Ireland 150th, Mark Harrison 159th, Adrian Beresford 174th, and Neil Woodham 178th provided the essential team support to give 6th place in the 12 to score league. Consistent running has placed Moses and Moody in 16th and 20th in the V50 league. The V40 table sees James Booth in 23rd and Keith Haynes 24th. A great team spirit, as ever at cross country, with all runners applauded and cheered over the line by the A&D squad.

Moses swapped his cross country spikes for a Santa outfit on Sunday morning. The club were represented by Jon Wells, Paul Moses and Dan Green at the Gravesend Cyclopark Santa Dash 5k and 10k. Jon Wells finished in 2nd place with a time of 39:48. Moses, finished 3rd in 41:45. Dan Green competed in the 5k taking on pacing duties for the day, ensuring his daughter Chloe had a good race.

Brett Owler Winter Marathon, Half and 10K- Sunday 24th November 2019

A&D were well represented across the three distances at Sunday’s Owler Winter Marathon, Half and 10K. With long, muddy off-road sections sections, conditions underfoot were tough conditions. However, the club’s runners more than met the demands of each course.

Fresh from his team success at last weekend’s 666 trail run, the 10K race saw Paul Ridley (41.23)  finish 4th overall and 1st in his age category. Similarly, Gill O’Connor was 1st in her age group and 4th lady, with a time of 52.04.

Deal Castle 5 Mile – Sunday 3^rd November 2019

Sunday saw fifteen A&D runners head to the coast for the Deal Castle 5 Mile. The flat, sea front course promised a fast race; the club’s first four finishers all achieved PBs, with another four from the squad’s subsequent finishers.

Trevor Kay was 6^th overall and 2^nd in his age category, crossing the finish line in 28min 41sec (PB). Jon Wells (30.28, PB) and Julius Samson (30.32, PB) then finished 14^th and 15^th, respectively; Samson was 3^rd Male V50 over the finish line. Paul Ridley was next home for the club 24^th overall in 31.55 (PB), followed by Aaron Homewood (37.57) and Stu Nunn (39.06). Jaclyn Kay was on strong form in 41.20, followed by Hugh Scarlin in 42.39. Completing the course in PB times, Verity Dunbar (44.00) and Rachel Jenkins (46.53) were next. Lesley Moody (52.04), Sarah Taylor (52.18) and Susan Sutton (52.40, PB) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Next home for the club, Emma Jenkins finished in 54.22 and Debbie Payne in 56.32 (PB).

Beckley 10k – Sunday 3^rd November 2019

In East Sussex, A&D duo Keith Haynes and Christine Costiff took on the hilly Beckley 10K. Both ran the challenging course with aplomb: Haynes (41.11) finished 10^th overall and 2^nd  V40; Costiff (47.06), fresh from representing England at the Age Group Masters, finished 3^rd Lady and 1^st V55.

SVN Halloween Challenge – Thursday 31^st October 2019

Becky Hodgson covered a total of 16.4 miles in 4.15.28 during Thursday’s SVN Halloween Challenge at Samphire Hoe.

Parkrun- Satruday 2^nd November 2019

A wet, windy Saturday morning saw John Fidge (26.08) and Ann Fidge (28.01) run the Birkenhead Parkrun in Merseyside, whilst Gill O’Connor (25.05) and Christine Costiff (25.06) had mud to contend with at the Riddlesdown Parkrun, Croydon.

In Ashford’s Parkrun, Dan Green was 2^nd overall in 18.27. Cris Francis was next in 22.41, placing 1^st in his age group. Terry Sellen finished in 24.00, whilst Claire Williams (24.01) smashed her PB by over a minute. Rod Kessack was next in 24.53, followed by Sandi Mortimer in 25.13, Hugh Scarlin in 26.14, Rachel Jenkins in 29.04 and Sarah Taylor in 34.00. Julie Foster and Becky Hodgson completed the course together in 45.17.

A&D Runners take on challenging conditions

A wide variety of challenges were presented to the runners of A&D over the weekend.

Aurelie Morris completed the Dubai half marathon in 2:05:53 in temperatures of 31C and 90% humidity.

In a stark contrast the Beachey Head Marathon presented blinding sunshine, high winds, mud and uncompromising hills. The conditions did not prevent this from being a well liked event. Mark Attenborough was first home for the club in a time of 4:18:27, reaping the benefit of the hard miles  run in preparation for this event. Next home for the club was Ed Roger in 4:55:39. Tracey Calnan finished in 5:42:47, a superb time on such a brutal course. Club president Steve Hickman on his 161st marathon finished in 5:57:04.

Marathon specialist Rik Holden ran the Ghost of Cyclopark marathon in a time of 3:33:01.

Kent Cross Country League fixture 2

Somerhill is always a challenging venue, but always keenly anticipated in the cross country calendar. The weather was an added complication with high winds and frequent showers. Indeed a perfect day, and venue, for cross country.

A total of 26 A&D runners travelled to Tonbridge, a tremendous turnout for the light-blues.

Ashford ladies showed strong performances throughout with some very encouraging debuts to cross-country.

Becky Macey was first home for the club in 24th place and 4th in the league in her category. Next in was Christine Costiff in 58th, maintaining a perfect start to the season with 1st place in the W55 category. Essen Larsen in 11th gave A&D 11th on the day and 9th in the 3 to score league. Jill Crofton-Martin 84th, Claire Green 92nd, Gill O’Connor 97th, Claire Williams 100th, Massah Cooper 104th, Jaclyn Kay 111th, Allis Goddard 112th and Lucy Johnstone 133rd all contributed to an excellent team performance to give 7th place on the day and 8th in the 6 to score league.

Michael Davies dominates the V70 competition winning again despite a persistent calf injury and leading the competition with a 100% record.

The rain and previous races prepared the course when the 15 men took to the field. In his second cross country race Lawrence Teeling started well but pulled out early due to injury. Refreshed from    Holidays Trevor Kay 98th and Dan Green 99th led the men home. Andrew Noble 106th and Scott Lynch 148th gave A&D 15th place on the day and 13th in the 4 to score league. Paul Moses 158th was closely followed in by James Booth 164th and Keith Haynes 167th. Cross country captain Adrain Moody 203rd, led the charge with Mark Harrison 209th, Neil Woodham 221st, Carl Ireland 222nd, Adrian Beresford 224th, Darren Fagg 228th, and RIcky Hickman 259th providing valuable points in the 10 to score competition giving 10th place on the day and 8th overall.

Masterly performances at first cross country of the season.

The cross country season kicked off at Swanley with a strong representation from Ashford and District.

Michael Davies provided the inspiration with first place in the V70 race. Michael dominated the race and was over 1 minute ahead of the next runner home.

The ladies team was led home by Becks Macey in 19th place and 3rd V35 lady, Chris Costiff finished 55th and 1st V55 lady, Tracey Calnan ran strongly to finish in 59th. This gave the ladies team 9th place in the 3 to score league. Jill Crofton-Martin came in 85th followed by Gill O’Connor  battling with back problems finished 97th and 3rd in the V55 category. Gill was followed home by Aurelie Morris 98th, Massah Cooper 99th and Claire Green 100th. With Karine Puech in 120th, Jacklyn Kay 125th and Lucy Johnstone 144th gave a very solid 8th place in the 6 to score league. A tremendous result with determined performances from a host of cross-country newcomers and experienced runners giving solid foundations to build on for the rest of the season.

Trevor Kay, returning to form, was the first finisher for A&D in the men’s race, in 71st place. A superb 80th place for Lawrence Teeling was an impressive introduction to the league and cross country running. With Jon Pearce in 83rd, Dan Green 101st, Andrew Noble 105th and 8th V50, and Scott Lynch 112th and 11th V50 the foundations were laid for 12th place in the 4 to score league. With Paul Moses 142nd, Tom Preece 151st, James Booth 157th, Keith Haynes 163rd, Paul Ridley 168th, Mark Harrison 175th, Mark Attenborough 177th, Adrian Moody 186th and Ricky Hickman 272nd, a gutsy team  performance was rewarded with 6th place in the 12 to score league.

A&D were well represented at the inaugural Tempel Ewell 10k. This multi-terrain and challenging course starting in the picturesque Kearney Abbey and suited the Ashford runners. Becks Macey followed up her cross country run with a fantastic 1st lady in a time of 47:00.  She was joined on the podium by Essen Larsen in 3rd place in a time of 50:57. Karine Peuch dug deep complementing her run on Saturday and was placed 26th lady with 57:30.

Maintaining his run of excellent results Laurence Teeling finished in 5th place in 41:20. Darren Flagg also had a great run finishing 49th with 50:18.

Phillip Bridges, putting together a string of first class races finished in 57th with a time of 51:12.

Another of the cross-country team, Paul Ridley, competed in the hilly Maidstone half marathon and completed the source with a very creditable 1:38:03.Keith Lynn took part in the Royal Parks half marathon.

On a busy weekend for the clubs half marathon runners, Lucy Johnstone travelled on from the cross country on Saturday to run the Oxford half marathon on Sunday finishing with a time of 2:18:36. Lucy was joined in Oxford by Sarah Taylor 2:29:53, and Hugh Scarlin in 2:07:16 giving him a personal best time by a margin of 9 minutes.