Verity Dunbar 
In a mixed weekend of events covering a total distance of over 194 miles there was plenty for A&D’s talents to celebrate. Beginning with Saturday’s Parkrunners, Christine Costiff extended her long run of impressive results by taking the Ladies V60 record in 21:58 at Ashford Parkrun. Congratulations Christine! Linda Delport travelled to Margate for her first parkrun there, finishing in 21:13. On the same day Trevor Sparkes entered the Harbour Wallbanger race on the sandy beaches of Broadstairs, covering 7k in 46:33.
Sunday was a busier day beginning with several club members travelling north for the sunny Manchester Marathon. Paul Ridley finished in 2:58:35 after his earlier wave start. Following a strict training regime worked well for Alice Cook who was next home in a well-earned time of 3:45:34. Hugh Scarlin finished under the four-hour mark with his time of 3:56:15. Enjoying his third entry at the race, Gary Mcintosh ran well and clocked 4:06:39 while Sarah Taylor rounded out the club’s presence with her time of 5:38:34. Well done to those marathoners.
In the 10k distance Cris Frances and Alison Waters competed at Silverstone racetrack. Alison pounded the asphalt to finish 17th out of 717 female entrants and 7th in the V40 category. An excellent result, Alison! Cris came closer to breaking the 40-minute barrier with 40:41 as his improved training plan and diet build his already-impressive fitness.
Also on Sunday, several racers competed over the half marathon distance. At the busy Royal Parks Half, Andy Dedman ran well to finish in 1:50:49. James Phillips tackled the hilly Tonbridge Half, finishing in a time of 1:45:49. Running his second race of the weekend, Trevor Sparks finished in 2:33:32.
