Ashford duo age group joint winners

Athletics

Christine Costiff and Gill O’Connor both qualified for next year’s London Marathon after running under four hours in the Chelmsford Marathon on Sunday.

The Ashford & District Road Running Club pair crossed the line together, after running steady races, including a quicker second half, coming home in 3hr 45min 4sec to be joint winners in their age category.

Ashford Tri Club member Stan Gruncell claimed a personal best in winning the latest parkrun on Saturday.

He finished in 16.46, ahead of runner-up Marshall Smith (17.13), of Ashford AC, who also achieved a PB.

Ben Hebblethwaite (18.35) was fourth in another personal best time, with two other Ashford AC runners, Andrew Robertson (18-58, PB) and Matthew Hogben (19.06) fifth and sixth.

Paul Moses was first Ashford & District runner home, finishing seventh and first in his age category (male vet 50-54) in 19.16.

Julius Sampson ninth (19.31), Keith Haynes 19th and fourth in his age category (20.23), Pat Butler 23rd and 1st in his age category (20.47), Shane Dragwidge (21,21 PB), Rob Carpenter (21.53), Dave Hunt (22.58), Mark Attenborough (23.39), William Whittington (24.36 PB), Simon Jackson (25.59), Andrew Smith (26.00 PB), Dean Bracken (27.08), Terry Sellen (27.51) Steve Hickman (28.39), Julie Foster (29.16) Ann Fidge (29.21 2nd in her age category).

Gill O’Connor, left, and Christine Costiff who raced in the Chelmsford Marathon on Sunday