Kentish Express Ashford & District
Half marathons provide challenges
South Kent Harriers were active in two half marathons last weekend, the Folkestone Rotary Club Half Marathon which aims to support local charities and the Four Castles Half Marathon.
In keeping with social distancing, the Folkestone race involved sending 12 runners off at a time at five-minute intervals. The largely seafront course had its half-distance turning point at the Green in Hythe and finished with a lap of the Leas. Conditions were very wet and cold.
Running in his first half marathon for the club was Liam Allan, Melanie Satchwell’s son, who not only ran a personal best time but was also the fastest Harrier of the day in 1hour 41min 23 sec. James Roberts had a good run after only entering on the day, finishing in 1:47.49. Paul Hannay ran a personal best time of 1:49.14. Elric Howe was bang on his target with 1:51.35 with Craig Hoveman and John Lennon both running 1:51.40. Royd Powell was another runner who achieved a personal best with his 1:54.32. Margaret Connolly showed an excellent return to form, running 1:56.53 to finish first over-60 lady and 16th lady overall.
Lance Boseley ran well to finish just 10 seconds outside two hours with Keith Punnett running a personal best time of 2:05.
Four Harriers decided to accept the tough challenge of the Four Castles Half Marathon which started at Deal Pier, going up to Sandown castle then past Deal and Walmer castles before finishing beneath the Great Keep at Dover castle. Conditions were favourable for the first half which was along the flat promenade but both the weather and the course became challenging with driving, cold rain and the course included significant elevation, a ploughed field to negotiate, as well as a section near the end which included several steps.
Martin Salmon, who the previous day had completed a Saxons,Vikings and Normans run in 1:52.22 was the fastest
Harrier, running a quick time of 1:41.40.
The consistent Gary Frake ran 1:56.05 whi!e Nick Hilditch made his debut at the distance, finishing this tough challenge in 2:36.09 with Rebecca Edwards happy to overcome the challenge in 2:57.48.
Two harriers, Lee Brewer, recovering from an Achilles tendon operation, and Stephen King, performed valuable service as marshals at the event.
A handful of hardy Ashford & District Road Running Club members braved the wind and rain over the weekend to take part in some tough half marathon challenges.
Closest to home was the Folkestone Half Marathon where, despite coastal headwinds, Hugh Scarlin crossed the line in an impressive personal best time of 1:54.49.
Next home were Sarah Taylor (2:30.37) and Lesley Moody (2:30.42), who both showed strong determination and finished with seconds between them, with Moody also posting a PB over the distance.
In Deal, the Four Castles Challenge saw Paul Brasington take on this hilly, wet and windy race, finishing strongly in a remarkable 1:50.51. Next home for the club was Sue Reader (2:27.00), followed closely by Trevor Sparkes with a PB of 2:31.57, Rachel Jenkins (2:32.02) and Lucy Johnstone (2:32.03).