Tsegay stars again

Abel Tsegay was again the class act in the Pentland Homes Canterbury 10-mile road race which was run in cold but calm conditions on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, representing host club Invicta East Kent, was dominant from the start, running away from the field to triumph in an excellent time of 52 minutes 29 seconds.

Finishing a distant second but running strongly throughout was Mark Wilkins from Medway & Maidstone AC in 55min 51sec.

Third in 57.21 was Chris Biddle from Dartford Harriers AC who, in the later stages, moved ahead of Tunbridge Wells Harriers pair, Alexander Jeffreys and Patrick Bareham.

The ladies’ race was opened up by the late withdrawal of pre-race favourite Lucy Reid. This allowed her Tonbridge AC clubmate Helen Gaunt to claim victory in 63.06. She was too strong for Kat Owens, of Crawley AC, who put in a gutsy performance to finish second in 65.12, just ahead of race regular Hazel Behagg, of Dartford Road Runners (65.27).

For the fifth year in succession, record numbers of runners turned out to take part in this long standing event, which was sold out two weeks before race day. There were more than 1,500 entrants and 1,454 finishers, as the race confirmed its status as the largest event of its kind in East Kent.

Race HQ was again the Christ Church University sports centre, while new title race sponsorship was provided by local property developer, Pentland Homes. The event charity was once again Pilgrims Hospices.

Their strong ties with the event continued with a number of sponsored runners taking part.

This was to raise funds, in addition to a cheque for £ 1,500 donated by Invicta East Kent AC and collected by Pilgrims Hospices event organiser Lydia Todd. Helped by the calm weather conditions, the runners of all abilities performed to a creditable standard and many completed the course in personal best times. There was also a substantial number of spectators who lined the picturesque route. Age group winners were: men’s V40

Paul Jones (Istead & Ifield Harriers) 59.59; V50 Gavin Kitchingham (Orpington Road Runners) 64.14; V60 Ian Stokes (Canterbury Harriers) 67.14; V70 David Winch (Thanet Roadrunners) 76.14; Ladies’ V35 Nichola Evans (Tonbridge AC) 67.17; V45 Tina Oldershaw (Tonbridge AC) 67.22; V55 Kate Williams (Kent AC) 77.15; V65 Mickey Motley (Pilgrims Hospices) 93.19. Orpington Road Runners (Matthew Steere, Graeme Lugar, Tom Foster and Robert Jackson) were winners of the men’s team prize ahead of Dartford Harriers AC and Thanet Road Runners. Tonbridge AC (Helen Gaunt, Tina Oldershaw and Nichola Evans) were runaway winners of the ladies’ race, finishing well ahead of Canterbury Harriers in second and Beckenham Running Club. During the 2019 race there was a freak accident when Nikki Goodwin (Folkestone Running Club) badly broke her leg. She returned this year after a remarkable recovery and put her demons to rest with a strong run, finishing in 71.23.

Race director Glenn Mousley said: “The conditions were the best for several years, leading to many personal bests.

“It was great to see Abel Tsegay back to his best after a number of injuries in the last year.

“We were also pleased to welcome Helen Gaunt who achieved her first win in the race.

“The atmosphere was excellent and I would like to thank both the runners for supporting the event and to my organising team and volunteers who helped to make the race possible.”

FM27656750 Race winner Abel Tsegay whose victory was his sixth in as many years

FM7656744 The runners get into their stride during the early stages

FM27656742; FM27656747, right The runners set off at the start of Sunday’s race, and right, there was plenty of enthusiasm on display

FM27656762; FM27656755 Ladies’ race winner Helen Gaunt, of Tonbridge AC, and men’s runner-up Mark Wilkins, of Medway & Maidstone AC

FM27656680 Runners assemble at the start of the race

FM27656753 Abel Tsegay with his medal