Hardelot 10k  – Saturday 01^st September 2018

33 Ashford & District RRC members travelled to Hardelot in Northern France on Saturday afternoon to compete in the annual 10k set in the picturesque coastal town.

Robert Latala finished within the top 10 and took the 1^st international male title with a time of 35m:39s (10^th). Trevor Kay finished just behind Latala in a personal best time of 35m:54s with Tom Latala next up in 37m:55s (25^th).

Men’s club captain Scott Lynch crossed the line in 39m:25s (47^th), whilst Rob Barton set a new personal best of 39m:38s. Julius Samson was next up in 39m:52s, Jon Wells followed in 41m:11s, Richard Baker in 42m:05s, Chris Boyce in 42m:36s, whilst Becky Macey claimed the 1^st international female prize with a personal best time of 43m:59s.

Mark Carlton set a new personal best of 44m:49s, Stu Nunn followed in 46m:10s with Carl Ireland in 46m:48s. Dean Bracken and Aaron Homewood finished in 49m:19s and 49m:21s respectively whilst Sandi Mortimer set a new personal best of 49m:59s. Steve Hickman completed the course in 50m:39s, Mark Cleworth finished in 51m:09s, Jaclyn Kay in 52m:22s, John Fidge and Sophie Edmonds in 53m:54s and 53m:55s respectively.

Laura Segust finished in 55m:30s, Keith Lynn in 55m:34s, Lisa Jones 55m:41s, Lucy Johnstone with a PB of 56m:36s, Helen Weeden 56m:40s, Sarah Homewood 58m:13s, Will Whittington 58m:48s, Anne Healy 1hr:04m:31s, Shelley Blake 1hr:06m:45s, Ann Fidge 1hr:06m:56s, Debbie Payne 1hr:11m:41s and Emma Jenkins in 1hr:17m:50s.

Kent Coastal Half Marathon – Sunday 2^nd September 2018

Christine Costiff ran the Kent Coastal Half Marathon on Sunday finishing in a time of 1hr:48m:50s to take 1^st in category on an undulating course. Meanwhile Becky Hodgson ran the Saxons, Vikings and Normans Black Hugin Challenge held at Pegwell Bay. Hodgson ran 16.4 miles in a time of 3hrs:49m:32.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 01^st September 2018

Paul Moses came 12^th at the towns parkrun on Saturday. Moses completed the course in 19m:58s followed by Keith Haynes in 20m:18s (14^th) and Mark Harrison in a new personal best of 20m:36s (16^th).

Mark Attenborough finished in 20m:58s (19^th), Adrian Beresford in a personal best of 22m:45s (34^th),  Elodie Paviot and Don Dewar finished in 23m:44s (47^th & 48^th), Mark Boorer in 26m:49s,  Sarah Taylor 33m:07s, Lesley Moody 33m:36s and Rod Kessack in 42m:29s.

Meanwhile, Dan Green finished 2^nd place at the Samphire Hoe 5k summer series in a time of 18m:13s.

By Mark Carlton

The Podplus Ashford Summer Series 5 & 10k – Friday 17^th August 2018

The Podplus Ashford Summer Series drew to a close on Friday night with A&D RRC well represented across both race categories.

Carl Jones finished 2^nd in the 10k race in a time of 35m:29s, followed by Trevor Kay in 36m:36s (3^rd). Ryan Edwards crossed the line in 40m:47s (6^th), Keith Haynes was up next in 42m:20s (9^th) with Gill O’Connor coming home 1^st in age category in 46m:39s (17^th), Jaclyn Kay completed the line up in 53m:32s (27^th).

The 5k race was dominated by A&D as 8 out of the top 10 finishing positions were claimed by club members.

Dan Green won the race in 17m:48s, he was followed by Rob Barton in 18m:44s (2^nd),

Scott Lynch in 19m:30s (3^rd), Mark Attenborough 19m:58s (4^th), Becky Macey was 1^st lady home in 21m:02s (6^th), Stuart Nunn in 21m:45s (7^th), Aaron Homewood 23m:03s (9^th) and Shaun Snowwolf-Harris in 24m:20s (10^th).

Mark Cleworth crossed the line next in 24m:20s (11^th), Sandi Mortimer finished 1^st in age category in 24m:22s (12^th), Sarah Homewood in 27m:12s (17^th) and Lucy Johnstone in 28m:18s (20^th).

Aylesham 10k – Sunday 19^th August 2018

Scott Lynch and Adrian Moody took on the Aylesham 10k on Sunday. The hilly course was made more difficult on the day by a stiff wind but Lynch managed to complete the course in 42m:13s finishing 4^th. Meanwhile Moody crossed the line in 45m:45s in 11^th place.

The Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon & 10k – Sunday 19^th August 2018

Rhian Shrimplin and Anthony Brown travelled to Bath for the Two Tunnels Half Marathon and 10k respectively. The race takes in some of Bath’s beautiful attractions as well as boasting the longest underground section of any running race in the UK. The disused railway tunnels have now been converted into a shared space for cyclists, runners and walkers.

Rhian Shrimplin completed the half marathon in 1hr:56m:28s and Anthony Brown finished the 10k in 45m:28s.

Ashford Parkrun  -Saturday 18^th August 2018

Dean Bracken made a return to parkrun and finished 11^th for the club on Saturday in a time of 20m:31s. He was followed by Tom Green in a new personal best of 20m:39s (13^th), Dan Green in 20m:40s (14^th), Mark Harrison in a personal best of 20m:42s (15^th), Paul Moses in 20m:43s (16^th) and Mark Attenborough in 20m:57s (18^th).

Mark Carlton finished in 22m:35s (31^st) with Don Dewar in 23m:07s (37^th), Neil Woodham in 23m:26s (41^st), Scott Lynch in 23m:41s (48^th), Filiz Salih 23m:42s (49^th), Jon Wells 23m:50s, John Fidge 25m:36s, Keith Lynn 26m:41s, Chloe Green 26m:57s, Becky Hodgson 31m:13s, Ann Fidge 32m:19s and Rod Kessack 55m:01s.

Meanwhile, around the country, Anthony Brown completed the Poole parkrun in 26m:08s, Rachel Jenkins ran the Weymouth event in 30m:54s, Terry Sellen travelled to Bognor Regis and ran 23m:48s, Shelly Blake ran the Lancaster event in 32m:53s, Andrew Noble finished 6^th in Foots Cray in 19m:44s and Sarah Taylor ran the Malling parkrun in 34m:20s . Closer to home, Jon Pearce came 1^st in the Folkestone parkrun in a time of 17m:09s followed by Rob Barton in 19m:15s (9^th), Shaun Snowwolf-Harris 25m:38s, Deborah Payne 34m:37s and Emma Jenkins in 36m:07s.

By Mark Carlton

Thames Meander Marathon – Saturday 11^th August 2018

Ashford & District’s Rik Holden took on the flat, scenic Thames Meander trail marathon on Saturday. As the race titles suggests, this marathon meanders along the Thames path, starting and finishing in Kingston-upon-Thames. Holden completed the course in 3hrs:41m:57s.

Brett Owler Half Marathon – Sunday 12^th August 2018

The summer version of the Brett Owler Half Marathon took place on Sunday. The multi-terrain race which starts and finishes at the Julie Rose Stadium was ran by A&D’s Filiz Salih, who finished in 2hrs:02m:25s and Keith Lynn, who ran 2hrs:11m:46s.

Mount Ephraim 10k – Sunday 12^th August 2018

Ashford & District RRC were well represented at the Mount Ephraim 10k on Sunday with 6 club members taking part. Chris Boyce was 1^st home for the club in 44m:43s (19^th), followed by Adrian Moody in 46m:33s (29^th). Anthony Brown was next up in 48m:26s (45^th) and Rhian Shrimplin in 50m:10s. Hugh Scarlin crossed the line in 1hr:08m:13s with Sarah Taylor in 1hr:11m:47s.

Ashford Parkrun  -Saturday 11^th August 2018

This week’s parkrun was organised by Ashford & District RRC with the club supplying pacemakers for various times from sub 19 minutes up to and including 33 minutes. The club also provided the marshals and plenty of cake. The event produced 61 personal best times from 259 runners.

Dan Green finished in 19m:44s in 8^th position for the club with Chris Boyce and Pauls Moses  following in 20m:59s (18^th) and 21m:02s (19^th) respectively. Paul Brasington and Jon Wells were up next in 22m:05s (30^th) and 22m:06s (31^st).

Mark Attenborough crossed the line in 22m:59s, Terry Sellen in 23m:10s and Adrian Beresford, completing his 1^st parkrun in 23m:28s.

Will Whittington finished in 23m:56s, Dean Bracken in 24m:08s, Keith Haynes 24m:47s, Shaun Snowwolf 25m:11s, Keith Lynn 26m:24s, Rob Barton 28m:11s, Don Dewar 29m:04s, Aaron Howewood 31m:00s, Becky Hodgson 31m:40s, Sarah Homewood 33m:13s, Sarah Taylor 35m:37s and Rachel Jenkins in 55m:11s.

Meanwhile 4 A&D members travelled to Weymouth parkrun. Christine Costiff finished in 22m:10s, Gill O’Connor in 22m:19s, Nigel Costiff 30m:47s and Steve O’Loughlin in 34m:47s.

By Mark Carlton

The Vanguard Way Marathon – Sunday 5th August 2018

Christine Costiff and Gill O’Connor both ran the Vanguard Way Marathon on Sunday. The Vanguard trail runs for 66 miles from East Croydon to Newhaven. The hilly marathon route and hot conditions took its toll as Costiff completed the course in 5hrs:33m:20s and O’Connor finished in 6hrs:20m:30s.

Ashford Parkrun -Saturday 4th August 2018

Robert Latala returned to 5k action finishing 2nd at the latest parkrun. Latala crossed the line in 17m:14s. He was followed by fellow A&D club mates Trevor Kay in 18m:41s (4th) and Rob Barton, who set a new personal best of 18m:49s (5th).

Mark Harrison continued his good form and set a new personal best of 21m:03s (16th) followed by Mark Attenborough in 21m:09s (18th), Tom and Dan Green were up next in 22m:00s (23rd) and 22m:05s (25th) respectively.

Don Dewar finished in 22m:54s (37th) and Paul Brasington in 22m:59s (38th) with Mark Carlton in 23m:17s (42nd). Rob Carpenter crossed the line in 23m:28s (44th) and Terry Sellen in 23m:40s (46th).

Claire Green was the 1st lady home for the club in 24m:27s followed by Will Whittington in 24m:28s, Sandi Mortimer in 24m:38s, Keith Lynn 26m:10s, Steve Hickman 26m:40s, Lisa Jones in a PB of 26m:50s with Stu Nunn crossing the line at the same time.

Jaclyn Kay finished in 27m:22s followed by Simon Jackson in 29m:27s, Sophie Edmonds 29m:49s, Becky Hodson 31m:54s, Ann Fidge 32m:47s, Shelly Blake 33m:29s, Deborah Payne 34m:02s, Emma Jenkins 38m:59s, Julie Foster 45m:06s and Rachel Jenkins 45m:45s.

Meanwhile, Andrew Noble finished 5th in the Maldon Prom parkrun in 19m:33s and further afield, Jon Wells ran the Carrickfergus parkrun finishing 2nd in a time of 19m:23s.

By Mark Carlton

Bedfordshire AAA 10k – Thursday 19^th July 2018 & Cornwood 10k – Saturday 28^th July 2018

Ashford & District’s Andrew Noble travelled to Bedfordshire to take on the county’s 10k road race. On a fast, flat course Noble ran a time of 38m:43s.

Chrstine Costiff travelled further afield and took part in the Cornwood 10k in Devon and finished 1^st in age category and 6^th lady overall in a time of 48m:09s.

Invicta East Kent AC Night of 5000m – Thursday 26^th July 2018

On the warmest night of the year with the mercury still showing 30 degrees, A&D’s men performed admirably in the conditions as they took on the Invicta East Kent 5000m. Jon Pearce was 1^st around the track for the club in a personal best of 16m:35s. Rob Barton and Andrew Noble were neck and neck finishing in 18m:48s and 18m:54s respectively with Scott Lynch not far behind them in 19m:04s.

Samphire Hoe 5k Series Race 3 – Friday 27^th July 2018

Following on from his impressive victory last week in Ashford, Dan Green finished in 2^nd place and 1^st in the Vet40 category at the Samphire Hoe 5k Series. In wet and blustery conditions as the heatwave ended, Green crossed the line in 18m:31s.

Ashford Parkrun  -Saturday 28^th July 2018

Parkrun made a welcome return to the town this week with over 200 runners taking to the start line, despite the summer holidays.

Trevor Kay went close to a personal best, just 9 seconds off his previous parkrun best finishing 1^st in 17m:41s. He was followed by Rob Barton who did set a personal best of 18m:50s to finish 3^rd overall. Scott Lynch completed the top 10 in 19m:58s.

Keith Haynes finished 14^th in 20m:37s with Carl Ireland in 20^th in a time of 21m:49s. Tom and Dan Green both ran 22m:03s (22^nd & 23^rd) respectively whilst Don Dewar crossed the line in 22m:33s (29^th).

Mark Carlton completed the course in 24m:32s with Filiz Salih and Sandi Mortimer finishing in 25m:00s and 25m:04s respectively. Keith Lynn was next up in 25m:50s followed by Jaclyn Kay in 26m:13s.

Rod Kessack made a welcome return to running the towns 5k course and finished in a time of 27m:35s whilst Simon Jackson finished in 27m:46s and Chloe Green crossed the line in 27m:51s. Deborah Payne ran a time of 33m:23s, Emma Jenkins in 34m:20s and Julie Foster finished in 42m:08s.

Meanwhile, Julius Samson  ran the Canterbury parkrun and finished 4^th in a time of 20m:51s, Sarah Taylor ran the Maidstone parkrun in 31m:52s and Rachel Jenkins completed the Whitstable parkrun in 45m:31s.

By Mark Carlton

East Kent Road Relays Race 5 Canterbury – Tuesday 10th July 2018

The East Kent Road Relay season drew to a close with the 5th and final race taking place in Canterbury on Tuesday evening with many prizes to be decided it was always going to be a tense night.

Ashford & District’s Mens Vet 40s put in a strong performance winning their race by a clear 30 seconds.  Meanwhile A&D’s Vet 50 A team finished 2nd in their category whilst the B team won their race by 50 seconds.

In the Women’s league, A&D Vet 35 A team won their race with over 2 minutes to spare whilst the B team finished 3rd. In the Women’s Vet45 category, the A&D A team came 3rd.

The final race results meant that A&D Mens Vet 40 and Vet 50 A teams won their titles whilst the A&D Women’s Vet35 A team scooped their title after that impressive performance in Canterbury. The Women’s Vet45  A team finished 3rd overall.

In the B leagues, A&D repeated the success they had in the A team leagues winning the Men’s Vet40 & Vet50 and Women’s Vet35 titles but also adding the Vet45 B league title as well.

In all, Ashford & District RRC won 7 of the 15 leagues in this seasons road relays and they will be hoping to build on this success next year.

Mid Kent 5 Miler  – Sunday 15th July 2018

A summer of sweltering running conditions continued on Sunday in Staplehurst for the Mid Kent 5 Miler with 350 runners sweating it out.

Andrew Noble finished 1st for Ashford & District RRC and in category with a time of 31m:11s (9th overall), Rob Barton followed in a personal best of 31m:58s (13th) with Jon Wells in 32m:07s (14th) and Paul Moses 32m:14s (15th) just behind, Richard Baker finished 25th in 33m:35s.

Becky Macey was A&D’s 1st lady home (2nd lady overall) in a personal best time of 35m:11s, a time shared by Rob Carpenter who finished in 36th position. Adrian Moody finished within the top 50 in a time of 36m:52s whilst Elodie Paviot crossed the line in a personal best time of 37m:07s (53rd).

Anthony Brown ran the course in 37m:35s followed by Hazel Turner in 38m:20s, Rhian Shrimplin in 38m:32s, Filiz Salih 39m:59s, Aaron Homewood 40m:18s PB, Mark Cleworth 42m:20s PB, Keith Lynn 43m:50s PB, William Whittington 44m:05s, Lucy Johnstone 50m:54s PB, Deborah Payne 58m:13s and Emma Jenkins in 1hr:08m:03s.

Romney Marsh 10k – Sunday 15th July 2018.

Trevor Kay finished agonisingly outside the podium positions in 4th at the Romney Marsh 10k, recording a time of 37m:03s. Ryan Edwards followed in 44m:32s (20th) whilst Claire Green ran a time of 50m:16s (41st).

Jaclyn Kay crossed the line in 54m:33s (61st) with Hugh Scarlin finishing in a personal best of 57m:59s (74th) and Sarah Taylor in 1hr:16m:25s (116th).

Ashford Parkrun  -Saturday 14th July 2018

It was an A&D 1,2,3 at the towns parkrun on Saturday with Dan Green finishing 1st in 18m:09s, Jon Pearce 2nd in 18m:27s and Scott Lynch 3rd in 19m:35s.

Mark Attenborough finished in 12th in a time of 20m:35s, Paul Brasington completed the 5k in 22m:28s (30th) with Rob Carpenter and Andrew Noble in 23m:32s (36th& 37th).

Terry Sellen crossed the line in 24m:32s, Filiz Salih in 24m:44s, John Fidge 25m:19s, Keith Lynn 26m:17s, Chloe Green 26m:50s and Mark Cleworth 38m:14s.

Meanwhile Lesley Moody 32m:25s, Shelly Blake 32m:40s and Deborah Payne 35m:16s ran the Whitstable Parkrun with Gill O’Connor completing the Riddlesdown parkrun in 23m:24s.

By Mark Carlton