Welcome to Ashford & District RRC! Established since 1988 and based at Sandyacres Sports & Social Club in Ashford, we take part in road running, cross country and long-distance walking. Why not join us on a Tuesday or Thursday night from 7pm?

Tuesday night sessions have now reverted to 7pm but please don't arrive before 6:45pm as the gates will not be open. If arriving early please don't block the gate.

Race Report – Monday 9th September 2019

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

LATEST CLUB NEWS…

A busy week of racing on road and trail saw A&D members claim Age Category, Team and Gender prizes at home and abroad.

Police Sport UK 10 Mile Championships – Wednesday 4th September 2019

The string of success kicked off midweek, when Scotty Lynch marked his first national-level V50 win at the Police Sport UK 10 Mile Championships. Windy conditions on the day made the fast course around Lyneham airfield, Wiltshire, a spirited race. Claiming the 1st V50 prize, Lynch finished in 1.06.46.

Boucles d’Hardelot 10K – Saturday 7th September 2019

Thirty A&D members then took to the continent on Saturday for the club’s annual trip to Neufchâtel Hardelot for the Boucles d’Hardelot 10K. Following an early start in Ashford, a coach load of eager runners headed to the French coast for a late-afternoon race start. With much local support and a fast finish, many achieved PB times. The race culminated with the club winning the Team Prize, as well as International Male and Female prizes.

Julius Samson claimed the 1st International Male prize, finishing 32nd overall with a time of 38min 20sec. Paul Ridley was next in 39.42, followed by James Booth in 39.44 and Tom Preece in 41.54. Becks Macey won 1st International Female with a PB time of 42.22. Elodie Paviot was next home for the club in 43.50, followed by Rob Carpenter in 45.23. Liam Edmonds (45.37), Edward Rodger (45.48), Tracey Calnan (45.57) and Philip Bridges (45.58) crossed the finish line in quick succession, with Bridges marking an impressive PB. Mark Carlton then crossed the finish line in 47.43, followed by Rhian Shrimplin in 47.50, Aurelie Morris in 48.45, Ricky Hickman in 49.47, Massah Cooper in 50.37, Will Whittington in 50.57, Anna-Lisa Stiffell in 51.21 and Nicola Moffat in 51.26. Ailis Goddard (52.11) and Karine Reid (52.15) crossed the finish line in PB times, followed by Sophie Edmonds in 52.17. John Fidge was next home for the club in 52.58, with Helen Weeden (53.32) and Steve Hickman (54.28) finishing shortly after. Verity Dunbar (56.46, PB) and Lucy Johnstone (56.47) crossed the finish line together, followed by Emma Konstantinou (57.14). Ann Fidge achieved a PB of 57.24, whilst Emma Jenkins marked a course PB with a time of 1.07.36

Rye Ancient Trails 15k and 30K – Sunday 8th September 2019

Four A&D runners took to the woodlands and farmlands of East Sussex for Sunday’s Rye Ancient Trails race. The hilly route for both the 15k and 30k race started and finished in Rye and offered stunning views of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ingvild Drake finished the 15K race in 1hr 30min 17sec. In the 30K race, Dan Green was 8th overall and second in his age category, with a time of 2.28.56. Mark Attenborough then achieved a PB by six minutes, finishing second in his age category in 2.39.15. Christine Costiff was sixth lady home and claimed the 1st Female V55 Prize, with a time of 2.51.47.

Wingham 10K – Sunday 8th September 2019

Sunday saw over 350 runners take on the 32nd Wingham 10k. The undulating route wound around country lanes, proving a challenge for those after a PB. Finishing 10th overall and winning his third 1st V50 prize in eight days, Scotty Lynch continued his strong for with a course PB of 40.01. Adrian Moody was next home for the club in 43.55, placing him fourth in his age category. In their second 10K race of the weekend, Becks Macey (44.39) and Elodie Paviot (46.24) placed fourth and sixth lady home, respectively.

Great North Run – Sunday 8th September 2019

Mike Davis, Keith Lynn and David Chappell travelled to Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Sunday for the Great North Run. The 13.1 mile course took runners through the city centre and across the Tyne Bridge, followed by a stunning sea view at South Shields before the finish line. Mike Davis finished 1st V70 in 1.42.18. Chappell completed the course in 1.59.52, followed by Lynn in 2.06.35.

Race Report – Monday 2nd September 2019

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

Badlesmere 10K – Sunday 1^st September 2019

Five runners represented A&D at the inaugural Badlesmere 10K on Sunday. Winding along sections of trail, open field and country lanes, the route featured six challenging climbs. The club’s Men’s Captain, Scotty Lynch, attested to the fact that the final 3K presented a particular test of runners’ stamina. Showing their strength, two A&D runners finished within the top 10. Placing 5^th overall and cinching the 1^st V50 Male prize, Lynch was first of the club to cross the finish line in 42min 14sec. Paul Moses was hot on his heels, placing 8^th overall with a time of 43.44. Adrian Moody was next in 46.08, followed by Anthony Brown in 51.46 and Rhian Shrimplin in 53.47.

Andover Trail Marathon – Sunday 1^st September 2019

In north Hampshire, Sunday saw seasoned marathon runner Steve Hickman take on the “thigh burning climbs” of the Andover Trail Marathon, finishing in 4.58.18.

Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge – Sunday 1^st September 2019

Closer to home, Lucy Johnstone competed in the Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge, near Tunbridge Wells. Running through bogs, woodland trails and fields, the hilly course ensured runners encountered a substantial amount of mud on their way round. Johnstone finished in 2.17.31.

SVN Black Hugin Challenge – 31^st August 2019

Marking her fourth half-marathon in August, Becky Hodgson covered 13.1 miles in Friday’s SVN Black Hugin Challenge. Runners completed 3-mile laps around Pegwell Bay Country Park, a circuit that included the area’s famous Viking ship, The Hugin. Hodgson completed the half marathon in 3.10.00.

Race Report – 26th August 2019

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

Canterbury Half Marathon – Monday 26^th August 2019

Bank holiday Monday saw 450 runners assemble at the start line of the Canterbury Half Marathon, with four formidable A&D runners amongst them. The hilly route took runners along country lanes surrounding the city, with challenging inclines in the final miles. Despite fierce heat on the day almost reaching 30’C, A&D’s runners met the demands of the course, with two finishing within the first 40 runners and Christine Costiff winning her age category.

Keith Haynes was first home for the club in 1hr 44min 10sec, placing 34^th overall and 12^th Male V40. Suffering under the intense sun at the 12-mile mark, Laurence Teeling got back up on his feet to finish in 1.45.34, 35^th overall. Christine Costiff was 1^st Female V55 with a time of 1.57.22. Helen Weeden was next home for the club in 2.30.04.

SVN Cyclopark Summer Series – 21^st August 2019 and Monday 26^th August 2019

Midweek, two club runners took part in the SVN Cyclopark Challenge in Gravesend. Part of a 10-day Challenge Series, the event saw competitors run three-mile loops of undulating trails and tracks around the Cyclopark. Becky Hodgson covered half-marathon distance in 3.17.47. Lucy Johnstone achieved a PB time over Ultra distance (29.5 miles), finishing 7^th overall and 3^rd Lady in 6.44.34. Hodgson returned for the 10^th event in the series on Bank Holiday Monday, completing her second half marathon in 3.32.00.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 25^th August 2019

Marking the start of a hot bank holiday weekend of running, A&D was well-represented at the weekly 5K around Victoria Park. James Booth was first home for the club and 14^th overall in 21.09. Crossing the finish line just seconds later, Dan Green (21.12) and Mark Attenborough (21.15) placed 16^th and 17^th overall. Darren Fagg (22.48) and Stu Nunn (22.57) also completed the course in quick succession, followed by Paul Moses in 24.01, Don Dewar in 24.08, Rob Carpenter in 24.11 and Rod Kessack in 24.27. John Fidge crossed the finish line in 26.54, with Trevor Kay (27.53) and Ann Fidge (29.33) next home for the club. Hugh Scarlin and Sarah Taylor both finished in 33.30, followed by Lucy Johnstone (39.15) and Becky Hodgson (39.56).

Race Report – 19th August 2019

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

Mount Ephraim 10K – Sunday 18^th August 2019

Sunday saw A&D runners take on the notorious hills of the Mount Ephraim 10K, with two club members winning age category prizes. Starting and finishing within the grounds of Mount Ephraim Gardens, near Faversham, the circular course then took runners along surrounding country lanes, with tough inclines and picturesque scenery.

In his debut run for the club, Laurence Teeling was the first of the A&D contingent to cross the finish line in 39min 01sec. Jonny Wells then won the V40 prize with a time of 40.50. Taking two minutes off his previous best time on the course, Keith Haynes finished in 42.25. Winning the V55 prize, Adrian Moody completed the course in 45.27. Carl Ireland finished third in his age category, with a time of 48.00. Philip Bridges (49.51) and Adrian Beresford (49.57) then crossed the finish line in quick succession, followed by Karine Reid in 55.27 and Ailis Goddard in 57.50. Lucy Johnstone was next home for the club in 1.05.05.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 17^th August 2019

This week’s 5K around Victoria Park was momentous for three A&D runners: Keith Haynes (24.04), John Fidge (26.42) and Ann Fidge (29.42) each ran their 100^th Parkruns.

Dan Green was third overall with a time of 19.09, followed by Scotty Lynch in 19.54. James Booth finished in 24.36, followed by Sandi Mortimer in 25.02, Will Whittington in 25.39 and Terry Sellen in 25.48. Julie Foster was next home for the club in 43.44. Tail-walker Emma Jenkins then crossed the finish line in 1.07.22.

Great Run Local – Sunday 18^th August 2019

Will Whittington (26.02), Emma Jenkins (36.58) and Becky Hodgson took part in the Great Run Local 5K around Kingsnorth on Sunday.

Race Report – 12th August 2019

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

LATEST CLUB NEWS…

Distance was the focus for A&D runners this weekend, with races ranging from half marathon, marathon and Ultra distances up to 100km. With severe weather warnings in place, the events were a true test of runners’ mettle.

Stour Valley Path 100 Ultra– Saturday 10^th August 2019

A&D duo Jon Pearce and Edward Rodger kicked off the weekend’s races on Saturday, embarking on the Stour Valley Path 100 Ultra. The 100km trail course followed the Stour Valley Path through Suffolk and Essex. After setting off at 7am from Newmarket, Suffolk, the pair negotiated stiles, rail and road crossings throughout the squalls.

Despite the high winds, both showed immense perseverance in running the full course. Pearce was first over the finish line at Manningtree, Essex, with a time of 13h 22min 41sec. Returning to SVP100 to cover the full distance within the strict event cut-off time, Edward Rodger put in a determined effort to finish in 15.05.16.

Twilight Chase – Saturday 10^th August 2019

As the pair were nearing the end of their 100km Ultra, closer to home five A&D runners began the Twilight Chase at Rye. Starting late-afternoon, competitors ran 4.4-mile laps through the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, covering a range of distances. The coastal course, coupled with headwinds in excess of 40mph, made the event all the more challenging.

Running half marathon distances, Lucy Johnstone (2.43.50) and Becky Hodgson (2.47.34) crossed the finish line after three laps. Christine Costiff completed four laps, totalling 17.6 miles, with a time of 2.35.44. Steve Hickman covered marathon distance in 5.12.39. Marking her Ultra debut, Sarah Homewood ran a total of 30.8 miles in 6.14.17, placing third overall.

Brett Owler Summer Marathon – Sunday 11^th August 2019

As the high winds subsided, two club runners completed the Brett Owler Summer Marathon on Sunday. The two-lap course started and finished at the Julie Rose Stadium and featured hilly sections in surrounding villages and Wye Nature Reserve. Marathon man Rik Holden finished in second place overall and first in his age category, with a time of 3.36.05. Cooper Massah then completed the course in 4.45.20.

Race Report – 5th August 2019

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

The EDF Energy Lydd 10K – Sunday 4^th August 2019

Five A&D runners competed in Sunday’s Lydd 10K, where the fast and flat course held promise of an exciting race. Despite humid conditions on the day threatening to slow the Club’s contingent, each showed strong form. Janusz Latala was first home for the club and 5^th overall in 35min 59sec. Chris Boyce then completed the course in 46.53. Winning 3^rd Female and finishing 1^st in her age category, Essen Larsen was next in 47.40. Philip Bridges crossed the finish line just seconds later in 47.46, followed by Don Dewar in 50.43.

Vanguard Way Marathon – Sunday 4^th August 2019

Christine Costiff headed to Croydon for the Vanguard Way Marathon on Sunday. Starting from Croydon’s Lloyd Park, runners navigated their way along a section of the scenic Way. The out-and-back route featured several of the steep inclines and descents characteristic of the North Downs. Despite taking a nasty fall at the 17-mile mark, Costiff finished in a remarkable time of 4hr 34min 20sec, making her 1^st Female V55 and 4^th lady.

Dunoon 10K – Saturday 3^rd August 2019

In Argyll, Verity Dunbar completed the Dunoon 10k in 58min 16sec. The out-and-back route took runners along the banks of the River Clyde.

Race Report – 29th July 2019

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

The 10^th Romney Marsh 10K – Sunday 28^th July 2019

Running along country lanes surrounding New Romney, A&D were well represented at the 10^th Romney Marsh 10K on Sunday. The event saw Mike Davis break the V70 course record by over three minutes.

Jon Pearce was first home for the club, seventh overall and third in his age category, with a time of 35min 30sec. Andrew Noble (38.36) and Mark Attenborough (42.12) both finished second in their respective age categories. Mike Davis won his age category with a record-breaking time of 43.22, followed by Adrian Moody in 43.38. Philip Bridges completed the course in a PB time of 46.33, closely followed by Don Dewar (46.54). Finishing third in her age category, Essen Larsen was first lady home for the club in 47.11. Stu Nunn (47.30), Neil Woodham (48.15) and Darren Fagg (51.34) were next over the finish line. Persevering through injury, Adrian Beresford finished in 53.25. Lisa Jones achieved a PB of 54.44, with Ailis Goddard (54.52) hot on her heels. Karine Reid (55.21) and Trevor Sparkes (56.49) both finished in PB times, followed by Hugh Scarlin (57.57) and Sarah Taylor (1.08.40).

Cornwood 10K Challenge – Saturday 27^th July 2019

In South Devon, Christine Costiff took on the Cornwood 10K Challenge. Facing tough Dartmoor hills, Costiff won her age category and was the fourth lady over the finish line with a time of 48min 20sec.

Meet the Wee Minister Trail Marathon – Sunday 28^th July 2019

Further north, Lucy Johnstone travelled to the Scottish Highlands for her first trail marathon on Sunday. The route offered runners stunning views of Lochaber and Ben Nevis, as well as an encounter with the race’s namesake statue of a locally esteemed Free Church Minister. Running through bogs, bracken and streams, Johnstone finished in 6h 19min 08sec.

Race Report – 22nd July 2019

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

Invicta East Kent Athletics Club (IEKAC) Night of 5000m – Thursday 18^th July 2019

Thursday evening saw two A&D runners compete in the IEKAC ‘Night of 5000m’ event, held in Canterbury. In the sub-20-minute heat, Andrew Noble finished 10^th overall, with a time of 18min 37sec. In a track race debut just weeks after his first trail race, Keith Haynes finished second overall in the sub-25-minute heat, with a PB time of 20.07

Gusborne 5K and 10K – Sunday 21^st July 2019

A&D runners were treated to sophisticated refreshments during the Gusborne 5K and 10K races on Sunday. The event offered runners a scenic route around the Gusborne Vineyard estate, with wine-tasting opportunities along the course.

In the 5K event, Emma Konstantinou was first home for the club with a time of 31min 50sec. Rachel Jenkins (43.59) and Sarah Taylor in (44.01) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Debbie Payne was next home for the club in 45.50. In the 10K race, Philip Bridges was first home for the club and fifth in his age category, with a time of 50min 30sec. Steve Hickman then finished 1hr 00min 50sec, followed by Karine Reid in 1.07.51, Helen Weeden in 1.17.41, Sue Reader in 1.17.44 and Filiz Salih in 1.30.40.

Phoenix Space Race Gold – Sunday 21^st July 2019

In Walton-on-Thames, Becky Hodgson took on the Phoenix Space Race Gold on Sunday. Running on busy tow paths, competitors completed laps of a three-mile, out-and-back loop alongside the River Thames. Hodgson covered 13.1 miles in 2hr 51min 34sec.

BBC Women’s Couch to 5K – Sunday 21^st July 2019

Ann Fidge travelled to Stratford for the BBC Women’s Couch to 5K race on Sunday, an event to celebrate women’s health and fitness as part of the Muller Anniversary Games. Starting and finishing in the Olympic Stadium, the course took runners around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Fidge finished third in her age category in a PB time of 28min 03sec.

Race Report – 15th July 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

East Kent Road Relays, Canterbury – Tuesday 9^th July 2019

A&D’s relay teams headed to Canterbury for the finale of the East Kent Road Relays series on Tuesday. With a firm focus on runners’ combined efforts, the races exemplified the club’s solidarity and culminated in A&D taking home eight trophies.

Having faced fierce competition throughout, A League Senior Men ran determined final legs to clinch the 3^rd place trophy. Dan Green, Julius Samson, James Booth and Mark Harrison ran the final race for V40 Men, winning 1^st place. Having maintained poll position for much of the series, Paul Moses, Scotty Lynch and Andrew Noble retained the 1st V50 Men trophy, whilst V60 Men finished seventh.

A League Senior Ladies finished sixth overall, with Laura Segust, Nicola Moffat and Sarah Taylor running the final race on the evening. A cohesive team throughout the series, Becks Macey, Elodie Paviot and Tracey Calnan climbed from sixth to second place in the standings over the past three races of the series, ultimately claiming the 2^nd V35 Ladies trophy. Aurelie Morris, Gill Pragnell and Ann Fidge ran the final leg for V45 Ladies, placing the team fourth overall.

In the B League, Senior Men finished seventh, with Max Dallison showing marked improvement over the entire series. Assured of victory on the evening, both V40 and V50 Men did not let up against the opposition, securing their respective 1^st place trophies.

B League Senior Ladies Lucy Johnstone, Emma Konstantinou and Sarah Homewood shared 1^st place with Ashford AC. V35 Ladies won their category, with Lisa Jones, Ailis Goddard and Massah Cooper running the final legs on the evening. Although unable to run the final race, V45 Ladies finished second.

Mid Kent 5 Miler – Sunday 14^th July 2019

Over twenty A&D runners descended on Staplehurst for Sunday’s Mid Kent 5 Miler, the majority of whom achieved impressive PBs on the course. Paul Moses was first home for the club, 20^th overall and 1^st Male V55, with a time of 31min 57sec. Mark Attenborough finished 27^th overall with a PB time of 33.23. Also finishing in a PB time, Becks Macey (33.58) was 2^nd Female home. Carl Ireland was next in 34.26, followed by Rob Carpenter in 34.49. A minute later, Stu Nunn crossed the finish line in 35.49. Adrian Beresford completed the course in a PB of 36.09, followed by James Phillips in 37.34. Aaron Homewood (37.44), Mark Carlton (39.08), Will Whittington (39.57) and Sophie Edmonds (40.22) all achieved PB times. Ailis Goddard finished in 41.27, closely followed by Lisa Jones with a PB of 41.39. Keith Lynn was next in 42.20, with Sarah Homewood (42.39) hot on his heels with another PB. Emma Konstantinou (43.31) was next across the finish line, followed by Lucy Johnstone (46.33) and Rachel Jenkins (47.06). The course marked a superb PB for Emma Jenkins, who beat her previous time by over 16 minutes, to finish in 52.18.

Sevenoaks 7 -Sunday 14^th July 2019

Sunday saw A&D’s Vice Captains heading to west Kent for the Sevenoaks 7. Running on a mixture of tracks and grassy paths, the hilly route took runners through Knole Park. Adrian Moody finished in 52min 10sec, followed by Elodie Paviot in 54.01.

Race Report – 8th July 2019

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Verity Dunbar

The 20^th Anniversary Bewl 15 – Sunday 7^th July 2019

On the Kent- Sussex border, several A&D runners competed in Sunday’s Bewl 15. Marking 20 years of the popular event, the 15-mile off-road course took runners around the reservoir, with challenging hills to contend with in the final few miles. Jon Wells was first home for the club in 1hr 58min 19sec. Hot on his heels, Keith Haynes marked his trail race debut with a PB of 1.58.36. Becks Macey finished in 1.58.59 (PB), making her second Female Vet 35. Ailis Goddard (2.39.16) and Sarah Homewood (2.39.21) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Lucy Johnstone (2.56.18) and Sarah Taylor (3.18.53) were next home for the club, with both achieving PB times.

North Downs Way Marathon – Sunday 7^th July 2019

In Surrey, Rik Holden completed the North Downs Way Marathon on Sunday. The course consisted on two very hilly out-and-back sections of the Downs between Reigate and Boxhill. The narrow chalk paths and rain on the day made conditions slippery underfoot. Holden finished in 4hr 44min 12sec.

The Wales Half Marathon – Sunday 7^th July 2019

Back on road, Christine Costiff travelled to Pembroke for The Wales Half Marathon on Sunday, later describing the event as one of the toughest now under her belt. With a midday start on the hilly course, runners endured intense heat throughout. Costiff finished first in her age category with a time of 1hr 50min 00sec.

Herne Bay 10K – Sunday 7^th July 2019

Closer to home, four club runners headed to the coast for the Herne Bay 10K on Sunday. The seafront route took runners between Herne Bay and Hampton. Mick Claydon was first home for the club in 46min 51sec. Stu Nunn was next in 47.36, followed by Don Dewar in 48.39 and Emma Claydon in 52.37.

July the Turd Half Marathon – Wednesday 3^rd July 2019 & Independence Day Run – Thursday 4^th July 2019

Midweek, seasoned distance runner Edward Rodger completed half-marathon and marathon races on consecutive days. The undulating courses both featured a mixture of terrain, taking runners along Shropshire’s Silkin Way and the Valley of Ironbridge. On Wednesday, Rodger finished the July the Turd Half Marathon in 2hr 12min 52sec; Thursday’s Independence Day Run then saw Rodger cover marathon distance with a time of 4.57.59.