Ashford and District took strong squads to the South East Athletics Association County Championships. The course did not disappoint and proved to be exceptionally challenging with muddy conditions calling for heroic performances from the runners.

The flags and banners of the clubs taking part in the event lining the side of Parliament Hill and the noisy support made for quite a spectacle and provided tremendous inspiration for the runners.

Ailis Goddard was disappointed not to finish but was injured while attempting to avoid a fallen runner, she will be back next year to finish the job.

Becky Macey’s first visit to this iconic cross country venue was rewarded with a creditable 180th place in 36:59. Chris Costiff battled through a back injury to be next home for the club in 358th with a time of 41:43. It was also Rhian Shrimplin’s first time at Parliament Hill and was 3rd home for the club with a time of 43:42 and 411th overall. Massah Cooper, having a great cross country season finished in 459th with 44:34. Gill O’Connor also nursing a back injury was 482nd with 45:23. Lucy Johnstone was 660th in 55:57. This gave the ladies team 51st place overall.

The men’s race followed took in over 3 laps and 12 kilometres of the quagmire prepared by the previous races. The clubs strongest cross country runners Jon Pearce and Jon Wells led the team home in 472nd with 1:00:28 and 566th with 1:04:31 respectively. Andrew Noble showing great form and experience finished in 627th and a time of 1:05:36. James Booth finished 801st with 1:09:55. Adrian Moody always well prepared for whatever the conditions present finished in 814th and 1:10:14. Tom Preece chose this event as a test for fitness on return from a long layoff due to injury coming in at 915th place in 1:13:29. Keith Haynes has shown tremendous determination throughout the cross country season and has been a stalwart for the club finished in 944th place with a time of 1:14:37.

The popular Canterbury 10 mile had a large turnout of Ashford and District runners. Trevor Kay was first home for the club in 26th place with a time of 1:02:19. Paul Ridley taking advantage of his marathon training posted a personal best time of 1:05:45 and looked strong for his 70th place. Club veterans Paul Moses and Scotty Lynch battled it out throughout the race with Moses coming off better this time with a time of 1:06:38 in 83rd place with Lynch 86th with a time of 1:06:49, placing 8th and 9th in the V50 category. Carl Ireland also ran a personal best for 10 miles in 1:11:12. On a good day for PB’s John Beale and Adrian Beresford were 264th and 286th in 1:14:22 and 1:15:04. Next home was Kevin Tutt in 286th with 1:15:20 then Stu Nunn in 414th and 1:19:45. Darren Fagg was 452nd in 1:21:12. Keith Lynn also with a PB finished in 1:29:56. Michael Teale was 677th and a time of 1:29:08. Hugh Scarlin proved the conditions were good for PB’s with 1:34:04 and 887th place.

A strong ladies representation were led home by Linda Jean Delport with a time of 1:13:23, followed by Essen Larsen in 1:16:37. Tracey Calnan ran a personal best time of 1:20:41. Aurelie Morris completed the course in 1:23:11. Showing the benefit of marathon trading Sandi Mortimer ran a PB time of 1:23:24. Jacklyn Kay completed the 10 miles in 1:30:43. Completing the days tally of PB’s was Karine Reid with a time of 1:48:11. Lucy Johnstone posted a time of 1:48:11, particularly impressive when considering Lucy competed in the cross-country on Saturday. Sarah Taylor finished in 1:53:57.

LDWA Tanners 20 – Sunday 19^th January 2020

A&D duo Christine Costiff and Gill O’Connor made the most of the crisp winter weather at the 42^nd Tanners 20 event, near Leatherhead.  Following frosty start just after 8am, the pair navigated their way between checkpoints in the Surrey countryside, running through mud and up hills, and climbing over styles. A perfect winter trail event, all round.

Parkrun – Saturday 18^th January 2020

On the south coast, Andrew Noble (19.30) finished 8^th overall at the Littlehampton Prom Parkrun.

A throng of A&D runners represented the club at the weekly 5K around Victoria Park. Trevor Kay, Carl Ireland, Linda-Jean Delport placed 4th, 11^th and 14^th, respectively. Rob Carpenter was 25^th, followed by Don Dewar (23.22), Paul Brasington (23.49) and Stu Nunn (24.48). Will Whittington (25.04) and Rod Kessack (25.08) crossed the finish line in quick succession, with John Fidge (26.25) and Terry Sellen (26.56) close behind. Next home for the club was Trevor Sparkes (28.09), with Mark Harrison (28.35) and Laura Segust (28.50) hot on his heels. Rachel Jenkins (29.49) and Emma Jenkins (33.43) were next, whilst tail walkers Ann Fidge (58.57) and Julie Foster (58.58) completed the course together.

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.