Verity Dunbar Once again A&D RRC have been donning their blues and hitting the roads in a plethora of races in and around Kent.
In the first instance we are jumping into our time machine and revisiting the not so distant past of 23/05/2021. Not deterred by rain, mud or mountainous undulations, Adrian Beresford, Adrian. Moody and Jill Croftin-Martin took on the trail Tough Runner event at Eridge Park. Bravely tackling the mud fest half marathon distance, the two Adrian’s gritted down with Moody crossing the line in 1.59.49 and Beresford joining him minutes later in 2.03.24. Jill Crofton-Martin zoomed round the equally tough 10km distance and impressed with a time of 1.00.27, which also awarded her a first in category finish.
Sticking with the undulatory theme of the day, another determined bunch ran the rollercoaster route that was the Rye 10 miler. Storming round in an impressive 1.11.08, first home for the club was Keith Haynes. Next to finish and bringing it home for the ladies and claiming first in age, was Christine Costiff in 1.16.07. Hugh Scarlin was next in 1.18.02, knocking 6 mins off his previous PB, closely followed by Linda Delport in 1.18.23. Sophie Edmonds, who also grabbed a first in age, cruised across the line in 1.23.46. Keeping the flow of blue shirts coming, there were more strong finishes from Mark Carlton (1.24.42), Stuart Nunn (1.25.34), Simon Jackson (1.29.40), Sarah Homewood (1.42.06), Rachel Jenkins (1.44.15) and Lesley Moody (1.50.27).
Kicking off June with a midweek trail run and bringing with them the promise of better weather, Bedgebury Summer Series 10k saw Christine Costiff once again impressing with a first in age finish in a time of 46.25. Hugh Scarlin was close behind in 50.48. Keith Lynn and Sarah Taylor followed in 56.43 and 1.10.01 respectively. Gill O’Connor sped round the 5k route in 25.01and claimed 2nd lady finisher overall and first in age.
Weekend sunshine on Sunday 6th June bought with it more A&D hot ‘n hilly running action.
First off and completing his 6th marathon since April was our very own marathon running legend, Rik Holden. Storming round the SVN D Day Marathon route at Betteshanger, Rik finished the 26.2 miles in an impressive 3.47.22 and was the first finisher overall for the distance.
Setting his sights on a challenging trail run, Stephen Hickman ran the hot and hilly High Elms 10k in a fantastic 1.03.32.
Rounding up the scorcher of a weekend, there was a flurry of A&D entrants at the local Tenterden 10k. The father and 2 son trio were the first 3 members home, with all three claiming a top 10 finish. Jack Hodges finished 7th in his first ever race in 43.57, with his brother, Kieran Hodges also debuting, close behind in 9th place (45.39). Steve Hodges came in 10th and first in age, completing the family round up in 46.09. Next across the line was A&D men’s captain, Adrian Beresford, who nabbed 11th place in 46.43. Weekly racing regular, Stu Nunn finished in a determined 50.40, with James Philips (51.04) hot on his heels. Simon Jackson followed in 53.38 and was swiftly chased down by Sue Reader, who led the ladies home in 56.30. Peter Buckley (59.32), Lucy Johnstone (1.07.54), Trevor Sparkes (1.13.07) and Emma Jenkins (1.22.08) all finished strong and completed the impressive A&D line up for the day.
All this hot and sweaty running action has definitely produced some amazing results.
Well done to an awesome team!
