Kentish Express Ashford & District
Runners going for it
The Ashford & District RRC 5 and 10 mile road races returned for their second year on Sunday.
Using The Towers School as the race HQ, the event – organised by Sporting Events UK – was a sell out again.
With a Halloween theme, many of those taking part chose to dress up in costume, but also with a fair share of runners racing it for the top spots too.
The route started in Sandyhurst Lane and headed along the lanes to the village of Westwell, with the 5 mile runners looping back at this point and the 10 mile runners continuing towards Charing turning off before and returning back to the start, using some of the Pilgrim’s Way.
Both races included a visit to the ruined church on the edge of the Eastwell estate where marshals dressed as the Grim Reaper and a scary clown greeted them and sent them back on their way to the finish.
The 10 mile event was won by Alan Wood from Dover Roadrunners AC in 1hr 00min 53sec. Second place went to Cole Gibbens (Invicta East Kent) in 1:01.27, who was also the youngest competitor in the race.
Third for the second year in a row was Kevin Hart from Dover Roadrunners in 1:02.47.
The ladies’ race was won by Linda-Jean Delport, of Ashford Striders, in 1:12.22.
Abigail Cardwell from Thanet Roadrunners took second place in 1:14.10, while Kerstin Sung (Larkfield AC) finished third in 1:16.22.
The 5 mile race had a multitude of different runners, with pumpkins, ghosts, ghouls and vampires taking part.
Michael Beckett from the City of Salisbury club was first overall in 28.06, visiting family in the area and capping a win to round off a good trip.
Martyn Millard, of New Eltham Joggers, was second in in 29.49, and in third place was Alex Milne, of Ashford Tri, in 30.17.
Chloe Sharp was first female over 5 miles in 30.38, followed by Victoria Steer (Asics Frontrunner) in 35.52, with third place going to the ever present veteran, Margaret Connolly, in 39.49.
Barry Hopkins, from organisers Sporting Events UK, said: “We had a great day, with amazing blue skies and sunshine joining us for the day.
“It was good to see so many runners coming out and supporting the event with the special glowing pumpkin medal their reward!
“The marshals from Ashford & District Running Club were brilliant too – many of them getting into the spirit with fancy dress and even decorating their marshal spots on the course.
“It was great to be able to work with such a great local club.
“We are very much looking forward to next year, where we will be able to increase the capacity and get more people involved.
“We are also eagerly anticipating the Ashford & District 10k on February 2, 2020, which uses some of the same route and will also be based at The Towers School.”