The Lydd 20-mile race is one of the traditional test events for those in the midst of marathon preparation. The conditions on Sunday were quite a contrast to those usually faced when the event is held earlier in the season. The heat built up through the morning and the cooling breeze at the start of the race became a challenging headwind for the finish.
Leading the A&D runners’ home was Nick Collins in 8th pace and 2nd vet 40 in a time of 2:02:47, a tremendous run on a day when the first 2 finishers took the course record. Andrew Noble showing an impressive return to form finished in 29th place and 2nd vet 55 with 2:22:48. Next home was James Booth in 2:29:17 and 43rd, closely followed by Julius Samson in 45th with 2:29:22. A great return to competition for Julius following a series of injuries.
Richard Boakes continues to impress and in his longest race to date finished in 67th place with 2:40:18.
First of the A&D ladies home was Linda-Jean Delport with 2:42:34 finishing 13th lady and 5th in her age category.
Mark Attenborough took a break from his usual trail events to face the crowds of Lydd and was in 91st place with 2:47:41. Club Captain Adrian Beresford showed no ill effects from his daughter’s wedding the day before and topped up his tan with run of 2:50:37 earning him 100th place and 5th in the vet 55’s.
Steve Hodges run was not without drama, the conditions on the day led to dehydration and a tough mental test to reach the finish. Steve was able to beat the three-hour mark with a time of 2:59:34 and a creditable 130th place. Hugh Scarlin placed 189th with 3:18:30. Stu Nunn suffered with a knee injury at the halfway point but was still able to complete the event in a time of 3:33:07.
It was Simon Jackson’s longest race to date and good training mileage was rewarded with a time of 3:36:02.
The A&D team were completed by Massah Cooper, 3:52:25, Lucy Johnstone 3:55:45 and Sarah Taylor 4:14:51.
A trio of runners took the half marathon option at Lydd.
Continuing her series of impressive results was Emma Hanna, 9th lady and 1st in age category with a time of 1:52:00. Paul Moses was placed 18th and 2nd vet 55 with a time of 1:30:24. Richard Baker was offering pacing duties on the day completed the course on 1:59:10.
Chris Costiff was 1st lady at the Tamar Trails 5k with a time of 22:33.
Ashford Park Run saw A&D runners Aiden Gorham and Trevor Kay battle out for 1st and 2nd place. Aiden taking the honours with an impressive fast finish and a time of 17:44, Trevor close behind at 17:49. The club was well represented with Dave Chappell, Ian Grundy, Hazel Turner, Will Whittington, Rachel Jenkins, Jacklyn Kay, Sandra Gooding, Lucy Johnstone, Emma Jenkins, and Julie Foster also running. It was also good to see a number of A&D runners supporting the event by assisting in marshalling duties.
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