Kentish Express Ashford & District
Tyler’s out on his own in record win
Owler races
Winner David Tyler set a course record in the Brett Owler Marathon, storming away from the rest of the field to finish ahead of his nearest challenger by more than 15 minutes.
Tyler, of Folkestone Running Club, completed the course in a time of 2hr 55min 30sec, with Kevin Hart, of Dover Roadrunners AC, in second in 3:11.42, and Geoffrey Howell third in 3:18.59.
Hundreds of runners took on the marathon, half marathon and 10k races, enjoying near perfect conditions, with many athletes posting personal best times over the distances in an event was put on by Tri Spirit Events.
All the races started at the Julie Rose Stadium, before heading out around Conningbrook Lake and onto the quiet country roads around Brook.
First home for the ladies in the marathon was Kate Bennett in 3:40.01, with Mary Taylor (100 Marathon Club) second in 4:25.06, and Sara Gooding third in 4:47.52.
The half marathon was won by Fergus Catmur in 1:31.09, with Paul Mahony just behind in 1:31.23 in second spot, and Patrick Ainsworth (Greenwich Tritons) completing the podium places in 1:32.38.
Ashford & District RRC’s Linda-Jean Delport was first home in the women’s half marathon in 1:42.43, with Leona Franklin second in 1:47.14, and
A&D’s Essen Larsen third in a time of 1:49.03.
Martyn Millard, of NEJ Running Club, took the win in the 10k in 38.47, followed by Cambridge Harriers’ Mark Penny in second in 40.50, and local athlete Simon Parrin third in 41.11.
C a n t e r b u r y Ha r r i e r s ’ Samantha Follington won the ladies’ 10k in 48.37, with Helen Oakes (Hythe Aqua) in second in 51.08, and Tri Spirit’s Sarah Leeson third in 51.34.
Tri Spirit Team’s Jonathan Leeson, Sarah’s husband, also took on the 10k, finishing in 50.05.
Liz King, event director for Tri Spirit Events, said: “We were thrilled to see so many runners taking part on the weekend, and many told us they had achieved PBs which was great to hear.
“The conditions under foot in sections were challenging after so much rain during the previous weeks, but this didn’t seem to slow anyone down.”
She added: “As always, we can’t thank our marshals and supporters of the event enough, and Tri Spirit Team as always make a huge contribution – without them the event could not take place.”