Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Return trip proves well worth it
Aylesham and East Kent 10 FRENCH HONOUR FOR HARRIER ROY AS HE CHALKS UP 25 YEARS
Jim Ashworth-beaumont returned to win the Aylesham & East Kent 10k, organised by Sporting Events UK, on Sunday.
The Serpentine athlete, who was third in this race two years ago when the when the event caught the tail of Hurricane Bertha, this time crossed the line first in 36min 44sec.
Ironically, he had been given bib No.1 to wear by organisers.
James Sadler (Peterborough) was second in 39.04 – having only decided to enter the week before – with Owen Mitchell third for Thanet Roadrunners in 39.33.
The first two women to complete the 10k are new mothers.
Leigh Privett (42.29) was three minutes ahead of Lucie Parker (45.23), with Fiona Tester, of Canterbury Harriers, the next female across the line in 46.53.
Alan Taylor ran his first 10k here a year ago and has since lost two stone.
He made it round in 51.19 while Marilyn Lawrie won the W60 prize in a time of 1:02.33.
She revealed afterwards that it was the first time she had won anything.
Simon Parrin (Istead & Ifield Harriers) won the 5k in 24.04, with Sarah Maguire (Canterbury Harriers) first woman and second overall in 26.18.
Her son Sean (31.16) was third man behind Patrick Wlodarczrk (27.56), with Candice Thomas (27.52) and Melanie Christodoulou (29.45) completing the women’s top-three.
Invicta East Kent took the 10k team prize thanks to the efforts of Martin Kelk, Dominic Woolford and Vicky Talbot-rosner. Full results are available at www.sportingeventsuk.com/raceresults/aylesham-east-kent-10k-5kresults-2016/
The next events promoted by Sporting Events UK are the Wingham 10k and 5k on Sunday, September 11 before the Marilyn Lawrie, of Jelly Legs, won the W60 prize Givaudan Ashford 10k celebrates its 30th anniversary on Sunday, October 9 at the Julie Rose Stadium.
For details about both these events go to www.sportingeventsuk.com.
The annual Mount Ephraim 10k takes place on Sunday, with the event starting in the grounds at 10.30am.
Race entry includes a family admission ticket to the gardens, which have stunning views over the Kent countryside. All proceeds go to the Porchlight charity which helps homeless people in Kent. More information can be found at www.nice-work.org.uk/events and entries are also available on the day although it advised to book before. Canterbury Harriers’ Roy Gooderson received an award after entering the Le Touquet 10k road race in France for the 25th year in a row.
Hi s achievement was recognised by organiser Michel Vandoren from Touquet Opale Athletisme who presented him with a glass trophy in front of almost 3,000 runners before the start of the race on Saturday night.
Joining Gooderson were Bob Davison and Joe Hicks, the trio being the only founder members of the club still racing.
Gooderson said: “Over the years I have met many runners at the race, including London Marathon winners Mike Gratton and Veronique Marot.
“With my fastest time of just over 38 minutes being a long way behind me, the biggest challenge is just getting to the start line injury free, especially in light of knee surgery last November.
“The day was made more special by having the company of Bob Davison and Joe Hicks.”
Elsewhere, Sarah Maguire achieved first lady at the Aylesham & East Kent 5k, finishing in 26min 18sec.
Melanie Christodoulou was third lady in 29.45 and Sean Maguire third man in 31.14.
In the 10k event, Jacob Hussey
‘The biggest challenge is just getting to the start line injury free’
recorded 40.42 while Fiona Tester was third lady and first vet 40 lady in 46.53.
Nicola Charlton was first lady at the Samphire Hoe 5k Summer Series, crossing the line in 21.12.