Fresh course a hit
Maidstone HalfMarathon
The Maidstone Half-Marathon returned on Sunday with a new course – but the challenging hills remained.
Organisers changed the route to take in Boughton Monchelsea and the valley towards Chart Sutton and Cross-at-Hand. It had its share of hills and twists and turns along the way through the outskirts of Maidstone and surrounding villages but proved a hit with runners.
Race director Barry Hopkins, from Sporting Events UK, said: “We decided to change the route for 2019, which was very wellreceived from the runners.
“It certainly was a much better route and kept the all-important hills which the event is known for.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the event and are planning to keep moving this forward.
“It’s always good when we get local people out on to the course to cheer on the runners – it really makes a big difference and certainly makes the whole thing better for those taking part.
“We are very much looking forward to making the event even better and are looking forward to the 2020 race.”
Dan Watt (Tunbridge Wells Harriers) won the men’s race in 1hr23min20sec, shaking off Chris Humphreys (Rebel Runners Medway, 1:23.47) with the podium completed by John Witton (Sevenoaks, 1:25.04). The women’s race was won by Maidstone Harriers runner Charlotte Bates (1:36.00), followed by Thurrock Harriers’ Louise Brass (1:36.55) and Rebecca Still (1:40.54) of Sittingbourne Striders.
The team prizes went to Tunbridge Wells Harriers, who were out in force.
Sporting Events UK managed the event in partnership with Maidstone Harriers.