Matt Hardwick and Lucy Johnstone go above and beyond – Rye Ancient Trails
With the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday 8th September, many weekend events were postponed as the country embarked on an official mourning period. However, some races went ahead, and A&D runners represented the club in style.
A&D Runners Head North
Going the Extra Mile at Rye
Rye Ancient Trails is a multi-terrain race through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex.
Starting and finishing in the medieval town of Rye, two challenging circular routes – 30k and 15k options – wind their way through ancient woodland and farmland on trails, footpaths and quiet country lanes. Linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh, the undulating multi-terrain route includes 1,500ft of climb, with numerous gates and stiles to be negotiated.
Among those tacking the full 30k scenic route on a hot humid day were Matt Hardwick and Lucy Johnstone, who literally went the extra mile as someone had moved the marker tapes in the woods and caused many runners to temporarily lose their bearings.
Nevertheless, the intrepid runners finished the tough 30k course, Hardwick in 3:34:15 and Johnstone with a time of 4:24:09.
Taking on the 15k route were Vicky Bean (1:32:09) and Stephen Hickman (1:53:16). Keith Lynn made a strong return from injury with a finishing time of 1:42:28.
No Larking Around
There was a new route for this year’s Larkfield 10k race, a 2-lap course around the roads of East Malling and Ditton.
Fresh from his silver medal at Badlesmere the previous week, Paul Moses had another stunning run in a high-class field coming in 24th overall with a time of 0:38:33 and 6th V50.
Martin Moxham’s training is really paying off, securing an impressive time of 0:41:50. Not far behind were men’s captain Adrian Beresford in 0:43:11, and Alison Waters with 0:44:59.
This weekend also saw the Wingham Run (5k and 10k). Now in its 35th year, the route follows quiet country roads taking in some of the prettiest villages in Kent. Andrew Johnstone ran the 5k option in 0:34:31, and regular race-goer Emma Jenkins dug deep and completed the 10k in 1:27:00.
Parkrun Round Up
A&D runners have been tackling various Parkrun courses across the south and north east.
Christine Costiff’s tour of the nation’s Parkrun courses took her to Oughterard in Ireland where she achieved 1st lady and 2nd place overall, scoring an age category record and highest age category overall for that Parkrun course.
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