Latala breaks course record

Athletics MARTIN SECOND ON SENIOR DEBUT

Ashford-based Robert Latala, of SKF6X, took over two minutes off the existing course record to win the Headcorn Half Marathon on Sunday. He was one of a trio who set the pace, locked together for 10 miles, before he and runner-up Sam Humphrey (Victoria Park Harriers) broke away. Latala then upped the pace, surging away to win in one hour 12 minutes 05 seconds, finishing more than 30 seconds ahead of Humphrey (1:12.44), with Anthony Bradley third, 13 seconds behind. Robin Butler was first Ashford & District Road Running Club member home. He finished 35th in a field of more than 420 runners, on a morning of excellent performances for the club which helped Ashford & District win third place in the team prizes. Butler was back to his best, crossing the line in one hour, 27 minutes 59 seconds and seventh in his age category Mark Attenborough, running in preparation for the London race in April, showed the hard training miles are paying off – 47th in 1:30.52 (10th in age category). Richard Holden was 54th, 12th in age category as he came home in 1hr 32min 10sec, three places ahead of Jonny Wells (1:32.47). Keith Haynes, also training for his first marathon, and competing for the first time in three months after injury, was 98th (1:39.05). Stu Nunn dipped under the twohour barrier for the first time over the distance, finishing 246th setting a personal best time 1:55.48. Andrew Smith (2:22.11) and Kirsty Farrant a second behind, were two other finishers. Debbie Martin celebrated her England senior international debut with second place at the Hustopecske Skakani indoor high jump meeting in the Czech Republic.

The Ashford AC member jumped 1.70m.

Coach John Bancroft was the team’s lead official for the trip, with a 17-strong squad competing in the event.

Martin has had a successful season, winning the Senior London Indoor Games title and finishing second in the SEAA Senior Championship.

She next competes in the UK National Championships in Sheffield on February 27-28.

Debbie Martin in action