Kentish Express Ashford & District
Rik’s marathon return
A full-on weekend of racing saw the Ashford & District AC members proudly sporting their club colours and taking part in some local races.
Rik Holden and Linda-Jean Delport kicked the weekend off at the Kent Spring Marathon.
Holden set the bar as he blazed around the 26.2 mile undulating, mixed terrain, two-lap course in an amazing 3hrs 27.07min. This placed him 15th overall and second in age category - a fantastic result. Delport crossed the line in a respectable 3.46.11.
Completing the Kent Spring Half Marathon distance and first home for the club was Keith Haynes, who posted a speedy 1.36.46 in his first race back in 14 months.
Not far behind, and running a PB was Hugh Scarlin (1.45.54).
Alison Waters led it home for the ladies in a PB time of 1.48.07 and Emma Hanna showcased an amazing time of 1.50.14 in her first ever half marathon.
Keeping up the PB trend over the gruelling 13.1 miles, Ailis Goddard (1.55.24) and Sarah Taylor (2.21.23) were next to cross the line. Rachel Jenkins (2.23.27)followed with Lesley Moodyclose behind in a PB time of 2.23.34. An absolutely impressive A&D representation with amazing performances all round.
Down in Headcorn, Keith Lynn bravely tackled the half marathon, and stormed across the finish line with a PB time of 2.00.17.
■ Several South Kent Harriers completed marathon distances over the weekend.
Gary Frake, Illyan Tytel and Martin Salmon took part in the Saxons, Vikings and Normans half marathon distance at Betteshanger on Saturday.
Both Gary and Illyan repeated the challenge on Sunday.
On the same day, seven of the club’s runners competed in the Podplus Kent Spring Half Marathon in Ashford.
Pre-race the course was described as ‘undulating’ but runners tackled 700 feet of elevation!
First back for Harriers was the ever-consistent Martin Salmon who had already completed the SNV challenge the previous day in poor conditions. His time was 1 hour and 46 minutes and he was followed by Tony Prendergast who ran well to record 1.47.
In his competitive debut, Kevin Gregory timed a strong 1.49.
First South Kent lady Sarah Arana-Morton ran 1.52 and was followed by hard training Paul Hannay in 1.54. Completing a very successful morning for the Harriers were Mel Satchwell and Royd Powell who both ran home in 2.17.
At the St Clare 10 km race held in Hastingwood, just outside Harlow, Jane Wren finished in 50.02 which was good enough to win her age group. Alan Randall recorded 52.26.
The course was both hilly and windy so both members had very good runs.