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 – 16th December 2019

Posted on by

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.

Race Report – 9th December 2019

Posted on by

A&D’s very own Becks Macey took to the field at Horspath Park Oxford, representing Kent in the South Eastern Athletics Association Inter Counties Senior Cross Country Championships, proudly wearing her blue Invicta vest. A tremendous achievement for Becks in only her second season in cross country. Cross country captain, Adrian Moody commented that: “Her rapid progression into the Kent squad is testament to her tenacity, consistency and the benefits of quality racing in the Kent cross country calendar”.

A strong run by Becks on a muddy 6.4k course, saw her cross the line in 51st place (with a time of 26:26), against the region’s elite runners, helping Kent to an impressive 4th place in the team competition. Hopefully she can maintain her brilliant form and remain in contention for county colours at the national inter-counties championship in March 2020, taking on England’s best.

Andrew Noble started his busy weekend at Horspath Park in the SEAA Masters Cross Country Championships. Nobby completed the course in 37:49 finishing in 34th place and a very impressive 13th in the V55 category. Andrew followed this up with the Reading 10k on Sunday posting a time of 39:31, giving him 34th place and 3rd in the V50 category. Impressive results from a runner consistently competing at the highest level.

Helen Weeden, Steve Hickman and Ed Rodger took a trip out to the Lanzarote Marathon. Ed led the team home with a time of 4;26. Steve with the added challenge of a cold battled through to a time of 4;55. Helen completed her 50th marathon in 4:58 and was 28th in her age category.

The start of the Christmas racing season is marked by the Dutton Turkey run. A&D’s Mark Attenborough took 28th overall with a time of 58:52.

Ashford park run on Saturday saw the return of Janusz Latala posting a time of 18:08 finishing in 4th place. A total of 16 A&D runners took part including Jon Wells, Paul Moses, Scott Lynch, Ian Grundy, Don Dewer, Rod Kessak, John Fidge, Terry Sellen, Sue Reader, Rachel Jenkins, Becky Hodgson, Lesley Moody, Emma Jenkins, Deborah Payne, and Julie Foster.

Race Report

Posted on by

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.
Despite a gruelling final mile, the Half Marathon course brought out the best in the A&D contingent. Marking a return to distance running, Scotty Lynch placed 5th overall and 1st V50 in 1.35.18. A&D’s ladies shone through over the half-marathon distance, with Linda-Jean Delport (1.42.43) and Essen Larsen (1.49.03)  finishing 1st and 3rd Lady, respectively. Placing 3rd in her age group, Aurelie Morris was next home for the club in 2.00.24. Keith Lynn was next in 2.09.25, followed by Sarah Taylor in 2.55.16.
Two laps of mud and two grueling battles with ‘Heartbreak Hill’ were no match for Rik Holden and Massah Cooper. Marathon man Holden placed 6th overall and 1st in his age category with a time of 3.40.03; Cooper finished 2nd in her age category and 4th lady,  with a time of 4.50.17.

Ashford Parkrun – Saturday 23rd November 2019


The weekly 5K around Ashford’s Victoria Park was teeming with A&D runners. Paul Ridley was 14th overall in 19.47, closely followed by Paul Moses in 20.01. Carl Ireland marked a Parkrun PB of 20.48, followed by Mark Attenborough n 21.03 and Elodie Paviot. Terry Sellen was next home for the club in 23.07, with Stuart Nunn (23.14) hot on his heels and John Fidge (26.20) finishing shortly after. Rachel Jenkins (28.20) finished 1st in her age category, followed by Ann Fidge (29.00). Susan Sutton achieved a PB by over 30s, with a time of 32.01. Lesley Moody (32.03) and Emma Jenkins (32.14) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Becky Hodgson was next home for the club in 35.31, followed by Julie Foster in 41.42.

Latest Club News…

Posted on by

A&D Take To The Trails

Off-road challenges were presented to A&D runners this weekend.

Setting the scene was Keith Lynn competing in the Maverick Inov-8 21K race in Blean Wood on Saturday. Keith finished in 173rd place with a time of 2:21:01.

On Sunday Linda-Jean Delport, in her first race in an A&D vest ran a superb race finishing 6th lady and 3rd in her age category at the Bedgebury half marathon completing the course in 1:46:27. Also running in this hilly and muddy half marathon was Ingvild Drake 2:02:10, 29th lady, closely followed by Claire Green 2:02:43, 31st lady home.

Also on Sunday Kings Wood was the venue for the 10th running of the Ashford Triathlon Club 666 race. A challenging race, always popular with club members. The heavy and persistent recent rain contributed to the extremely muddy conditions. Paul Ridley showing his trail running experience was first home for the club in 9th place overall in 51:45. Next home was Paul Moses in 12th with 53:58. Becky Macey in tremendous cross-country form was 2nd lady in 55:49. This gave A&D first place team prize. Mark Attenborough was 18th with a time of 56:10, followed in by Adrian Moody in 19th in 56:59. Adrian Berseford enjoying his first time at the event was 33rd with 1:01:56. Aurelie Morris also taking part for the first time was 15th lady with 1:08:07.

On Saturday Jon Wells and Scotty Lynch both ran under 20 minutes at Ashford Park Run. Carl Ireland and Darren Fagg both ran personal best times with 20:50 and 21:50 respectively. Also running were Terry Sellen, Paul Moses, Don Dewer, Cris Francis, Rachel Jenkins, Helen Marshall, Emma Jenkins and Becky Hodgson.
Park Run could not function without the contribution of the volunteers and club members Julie Forster, John and Ann Fidge and Simon Jackson were on hand to direct and assist.

Race Report-11th November 2019

Posted on by
Kent Cross Country League, Fixture 3 – Saturday 9th November 2019
On Saturday 9 November, the ladies turned up to battle at Danson Park on a cold and grey day. The Women’s 3 to score team came 9th, which keeps them 9th in the overall table. In the 6 to score the team came 7th, which keeps them 7th in the overall table.
Mike Davies came 1st in the mens vet 70 by over 3 minutes which keeps him flying high in pole position in the overall Vet 70 table.
For the Women’s teams, the top 3 consisted of; Becks Macey, 21st in a time of 20:32. Essen Larsen 57th in 22:54 and Christine Costiff 63rd in 23:05. Finishing off the 6 to score came; Jill Crofton-Martin 85th in 24:02. Rhian Shrimplin 91st in 24:13 and Gill O’Connor 93rd place 24:15.
Following strongly were Claire Williams 101st in 24:34. Massah Cooper 102nd in 24:37. Ailis Goddard 113th in 25:17. Jaclyn Kay came 121st in 25:51. Sandi Mortimer came 123rd in 26:01 and Lucy Johnston 154th in 29:57.
Some stand out performers for the season so far along with Mike Davies in 1st are; Becks Macey who is 6th in the Masters league table and chasing a county vest.
Christine Costiff is 1st overall in the Masters 55 category, with Gill O’Connor now in 3rd after her performance at the weekend.
Once again a great turn out for our ladies team, well done all!
 
Remembrance Day Marathon – Sunday 10th November 2019
Steve Hickman completed the Remembrance Day Marathon in Walton-on-Thames on Sunday, marking his 162nd marathon to date. Running along the banks of the River Thames with muddy conditions underfoot, Hickman finished in 4.31.05.
 
Beyond New Forest Trail Half Marathon – Sunday 10th November 2019
In Hampshire, Adrian Beresford and John Beale ran the New Forest Trail Half Marathon. With plentiful mud and tough hills, the course provided a challenging first trail half marathon for Beresford, whilst Beale likely placed within the top 10 (official results pending).

Race Report – 4th November 2019

Posted on by

Deal Castle 5 Mile – Sunday 3rd November 2019

Sunday saw fifteen A&D runners head to the coast for the Deal Castle 5 Mile. The flat, sea front course promised a fast race; the club’s first four finishers all achieved PBs, with another four from the squad’s subsequent finishers.

 

 

Trevor Kay was 6th overall and 2nd in his age category, crossing the finish line in 28min 41sec (PB). Jon Wells (30.28, PB) and Julius Samson (30.32, PB) then finished 14th and 15th, respectively; Samson was 3rd Male V50 over the finish line. Paul Ridley was next home for the club 24th overall in 31.55 (PB), followed by Aaron Homewood (37.57) and Stu Nunn (39.06). Jaclyn Kay was on strong form in 41.20, followed by Hugh Scarlin in 42.39. Completing the course in PB times, Verity Dunbar (44.00) and Rachel Jenkins (46.53) were next. Lesley Moody (52.04), Sarah Taylor (52.18) and Susan Sutton (52.40, PB) then crossed the finish line in quick succession. Next home for the club, Emma Jenkins finished in 54.22 and Debbie Payne in 56.32 (PB).

Beckley 10k – Sunday 3rd November 2019

In East Sussex, A&D duo Keith Haynes and Christine Costiff took on the hilly Beckley 10K. Both ran the challenging course with aplomb: Haynes (41.11) finished 10th overall and 2nd  V40; Costiff (47.06), fresh from representing England at the Age Group Masters, finished 3rd Lady and 1st V55.


SVN Halloween Challenge – Thursday 31st October 2019

Becky Hodgson covered a total of 16.4 miles in 4.15.28 during Thursday’s SVN Halloween Challenge at Samphire Hoe.

Parkrun- Satruday 2nd November 2019

A wet, windy Saturday morning saw John Fidge (26.08) and Ann Fidge (28.01) run the Birkenhead Parkrun in Merseyside, whilst Gill O’Connor (25.05) and Christine Costiff (25.06) had mud to contend with at the Riddlesdown Parkrun, Croydon.

In Ashford’s Parkrun, Dan Green was 2nd overall in 18.27. Cris Francis was next in 22.41, placing 1st in his age group. Terry Sellen finished in 24.00, whilst Claire Williams (24.01) smashed her PB by over a minute. Rod Kessack was next in 24.53, followed by Sandi Mortimer in 25.13, Hugh Scarlin in 26.14, Rachel Jenkins in 29.04 and Sarah Taylor in 34.00. Julie Foster and Becky Hodgson completed the course together in 45.17.

Race Report – 28th October 2019

Posted on by

A&D Runners take on challenging conditions

A wide variety of challenges were presented to the runners of A&D over the weekend.

Aurelie Morris completed the Dubai half marathon in 2:05:53 in temperatures of 31C and 90% humidity.

In a stark contrast the Beachey Head Marathon presented blinding sunshine, high winds, mud and uncompromising hills. The conditions did not prevent this from being a well liked event. Mark Attenborough was first home for the club in a time of 4:18:27, reaping the benefit of the hard miles  run in preparation for this event. Next home for the club was Ed Roger in 4:55:39. Tracey Calnan finished in 5:42:47, a superb time on such a brutal course. Club president Steve Hickman on his 161st marathon finished in 5:57:04.

Marathon specialist Rik Holden ran the Ghost of Cyclopark marathon in a time of 3:33:01.

Kent Cross Country League fixture 2

Somerhill is always a challenging venue, but always keenly anticipated in the cross country calendar. The weather was an added complication with high winds and frequent showers. Indeed a perfect day, and venue, for cross country.

A total of 26 A&D runners travelled to Tonbridge, a tremendous turnout for the light-blues.

Ashford ladies showed strong performances throughout with some very encouraging debuts to cross-country.

Becky Macey was first home for the club in 24th place and 4th in the league in her category. Next in was Christine Costiff in 58th, maintaining a perfect start to the season with 1st place in the W55 category. Essen Larsen in 11th gave A&D 11th on the day and 9th in the 3 to score league. Jill Crofton-Martin 84th, Claire Green 92nd, Gill O’Connor 97th, Claire Williams 100th, Massah Cooper 104th, Jaclyn Kay 111th, Allis Goddard 112th and Lucy Johnstone 133rd all contributed to an excellent team performance to give 7th place on the day and 8th in the 6 to score league.

Michael Davies dominates the V70 competition winning again despite a persistent calf injury and leading the competition with a 100% record.

The rain and previous races prepared the course when the 15 men took to the field. In his second cross country race Lawrence Teeling started well but pulled out early due to injury. Refreshed from    Holidays Trevor Kay 98th and Dan Green 99th led the men home. Andrew Noble 106th and Scott Lynch 148th gave A&D 15th place on the day and 13th in the 4 to score league. Paul Moses 158th was closely followed in by James Booth 164th and Keith Haynes 167th. Cross country captain Adrain Moody 203rd, led the charge with Mark Harrison 209th, Neil Woodham 221st, Carl Ireland 222nd, Adrian Beresford 224th, Darren Fagg 228th, and RIcky Hickman 259th providing valuable points in the 10 to score competition giving 10th place on the day and 8th overall.

Race Report – 21st October 2019

Posted on by
LATEST CLUB NEWS…

England Age Group Masters, York – Sunday 20th October 2019

Having finished within the top five runners in their age category at the Brighton Marathon earlier this year, Christine Costiff and Gill O’Connor were invited to join the prestigious England Age Group Masters team in Sunday’s Yorkshire Marathon.

Despite a long-standing injury and illness threatening to hinder their performance, the pair were determined to compete to the highest standard when representing the England team. This resolve shone through in their times, with Costiff finishing in 3.49.58, followed by O’Connor in 3.59.05.

Great South Run – Sunday 20th October 2019

Helen Weeden headed to Portsmouth for the Great South Run on Sunday, completing the 10-mile course in a PB time of 1.31.30.

Amsterdam Half Marathon – Sunday 20th October 2019
Running through injury, Adrian Moody completed the Amsterdam Half Marathon in 1.39.01.

A&D 5 and 10 Mile Marshals’ Race – Sunday 20th October 2019

Several club runners met on Sunday morning to try out the routes of the club’s upcoming 10 and 5 mile race, taking place on 27th October. Ideal autumnal weather made for an enjoyable run, confirming the challenge and variety of the courses.

Runners trying out the 10 mile route particularly enjoyed tearing along a section of the Pilgrims Way: Scott Lynch (1.16.12), Becks Macey (1.12.28), Darren Fagg (1.19.46), Adrian Beresford (1.20.40) and Sandi Mortimer (1.34.48).  Amongst runners testing the 5 mile route were Claire Williams (43.06), Stu Nunn (43.18), John Fidge (44.57), Ann Fidge (47.28), Rachel Jenkins (50.11), Emma Jenkins (59.29), Lesley Moody (1.02.14) and Julie Foster (1.14.19).

The marshals look forward to spooking and cheering on participants in the event on Sunday 27th October.

A&D RRC Parkrun Takeover, Ashford Parkrun #307 – Saturday 19th October 2019 

Dodging the forecast downpours, Ashford & District RRC’s annual Parkrun Takeover took place this weekend.

Whilst the club’s team of eight pacers helped runners smash their goals, marshals could be heard shouting words of encouragement such as “You look too comfortable- run faster!” and “Catch them, catch everyone in front of you!”. It was fantastic to see the resolve in those determined to keep with pacers, and the enjoyment of others just keeping going towards their own goal.

Well ahead of the 21-min pacer, the first runners finished the 5K in just over 17 minutes. In total, the event saw 269 runners cross the finish line, including 22 first timers, 34 that smashed PBs, three celebrating their 50th Parkrun, Jax Tanner (150th) and A&D’s own Dan Green (200th) marking their own Parkrun milestones.  The return of four fantastic tail walkers then marked the end of the event. Runners were welcomed by a table groaning under the weight of post-run treats- a well-earned reward for all that took part.

 

Race Report – 14th October 2019

Posted on by

Masterly performances at first cross country of the season.

The cross country season kicked off at Swanley with a strong representation from Ashford and District.

Michael Davies provided the inspiration with first place in the V70 race. Michael dominated the race and was over 1 minute ahead of the next runner home.

The ladies team was led home by Becks Macey in 19th place and 3rd V35 lady, Chris Costiff finished 55th and 1st V55 lady, Tracey Calnan ran strongly to finish in 59th. This gave the ladies team 9th place in the 3 to score league. Jill Crofton-Martin came in 85th followed by Gill O’Connor  battling with back problems finished 97th and 3rd in the V55 category. Gill was followed home by Aurelie Morris 98th, Massah Cooper 99th and Claire Green 100th. With Karine Puech in 120th, Jacklyn Kay 125th and Lucy Johnstone 144th gave a very solid 8th place in the 6 to score league. A tremendous result with determined performances from a host of cross-country newcomers and experienced runners giving solid foundations to build on for the rest of the season.

 

Trevor Kay, returning to form, was the first finisher for A&D in the men’s race, in 71st place. A superb 80th place for Lawrence Teeling was an impressive introduction to the league and cross country running. With Jon Pearce in 83rd, Dan Green 101st, Andrew Noble 105th and 8th V50, and Scott Lynch 112th and 11th V50 the foundations were laid for 12th place in the 4 to score league. With Paul Moses 142nd, Tom Preece 151st, James Booth 157th, Keith Haynes 163rd, Paul Ridley 168th, Mark Harrison 175th, Mark Attenborough 177th, Adrian Moody 186th and Ricky Hickman 272nd, a gutsy team  performance was rewarded with 6th place in the 12 to score league.

 

A&D were well represented at the inaugural Tempel Ewell 10k. This multi-terrain and challenging course starting in the picturesque Kearney Abbey and suited the Ashford runners. Becks Macey followed up her cross country run with a fantastic 1st lady in a time of 47:00.  She was joined on the podium by Essen Larsen in 3rd place in a time of 50:57. Karine Peuch dug deep complementing her run on Saturday and was placed 26th lady with 57:30.

Maintaining his run of excellent results Laurence Teeling finished in 5th place in 41:20. Darren Flagg also had a great run finishing 49th with 50:18.

Phillip Bridges, putting together a string of first class races finished in 57th with a time of 51:12.

Another of the cross-country team, Paul Ridley, competed in the hilly Maidstone half marathon and completed the source with a very creditable 1:38:03.Keith Lynn took part in the Royal Parks half marathon.

On a busy weekend for the clubs half marathon runners, Lucy Johnstone travelled on from the cross country on Saturday to run the Oxford half marathon on Sunday finishing with a time of 2:18:36. Lucy was joined in Oxford by Sarah Taylor 2:29:53, and Hugh Scarlin in 2:07:16 giving him a personal best time by a margin of 9 minutes.

Latest Club News…

Posted on by
LATEST CLUB NEWS…
Givaudan Ashford 10K – Sunday 6th October 2019
Sunday saw 45 A&D runners head to the Julie Rose Stadium for the 33rd Givaudan Ashford 10K. Showing marked improved from previous years, many achieved course PBs and two claimed Age Category wins.
Trevor Kay was first home for the club, 1st Male V35 and 15th overall, with a time of 36min 35sec. Laurence Teeling was next with a brilliant PB of 37.37, making him 27th overall. Placing second in the V50 category, Julius Samson crossed the finish line in 38.44. Dan Green was 46th in 38.52. Scotty Lynch placed third in his age category and 55th overall, with a time of 39.30.
The next minute saw a string of A&D runners cross the finish line: James Booth (41.02), Mark Attenborough (41.11), Mark Harrison (41.16), Paul Ridley (41.44) and Keith Haynes (41.47). Elodie Paviot (43.27) supported club mate Becks Macey (43.30) throughout the race; the pair finished second and third V35. Carl Ireland was next home for the club in 44.42, followed Philip Bridges with a course PB of 46.05, Ian Grundy in 46.11, Neil Woodham in 46.25 and Darren Fagg in 46.48. Tracey Calnan finished in 47.03, followed by Adrian Moody (47.14), Adrian Beresford (47.18), Mick Claydon (47.54), Jill Crofton-Martin (48.01), Stu Nunn (49.39) and Aurelie Morris (49.45).
Mark Carlton crossed the finish line in 50.25, Rhian Shrimplin in 50.28, Massah Cooper in 51.26 and Sandi Mortimer in 51.55. In her club debut, Claire Williams completed the course in 51.56. Filiz Salih was next in 52.28, followed by Ailis Goddard (53.05), John Fidge (53.24), Simon Jackson (53.42), Jaclyn Kay (53.54) and Terry Sellen (53.57). Karine Reid marked a course PB of 54.31, followed by Emma Claydon in 55.51, Emma Konstantinou in 57.22 and Verity Dunbar in 57.56. Ann Fidge won her age category with a time of 58.39, followed by Lucy Johnstone in 58.47.
Leonora Cinco (1.03.39), Susan Sutton (1.06.28) and Sarah Taylor (1.09.41) were next over the finish line. Achieving a PB for the course, Emma Jenkins finished in 1.10.33, followed by Debbie Payne (1.13.47) and Julie Foster (1.26.39).
Loch Ness Marathon – Sunday 6th October 2019
Seven A&D runners were treated to some of the Highland’s finest scenery, and typical Scottish weather, during the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday. The hilly point-to-point course took runners along the south-eastern shore of the Loch, finishing in Inverness.
Edward Rodger was first of the squad to finish, with a time of 3.54.42. Next, Aaron Homewood completed the course in 4.18.29, followed by Brad Bunk in 4.27.03. Just a minute apart, Frances Hunt (4.45.20) and Helen Weeden (4.46.14) then crossed the finish line. Sarah Homewood continued on fine form with a time of 4.55.19. Sue Reader was next home for the club in 4.59.20.
Tonbridge Half Marathon – Sunday 6th October 2019
James Phillips completed the Tonbridge Half Marathon in 1.46.05, marking a course PB. In a field of 799 runners, Phillips placed 190th.
Isle of Wight Marathon – Sunday 6th October 2019
Steve Hickman was third V60 over the finish line of Sunday’s Isle of Wight Marathon, with a time of 4.28.28. The event was Hickman’s 160th marathon to date.