New date for 10 mile race

Athletics

A date has been confirmed for the Pentland Homes Canterbury 10 Mile Road Race.

Postponed from its usual January date because of Covid-19, the race will now take place on Sunday, August 1.

The Canterbury 10 Mile Road Race is the largest in East Kent.

Normally the runners have to combat the cold but this year it could be hot conditions and the start time has been brought forward to 9am to help with this. Housebuilder Pentland Homes have continued with their title sponsorship of the race for which the organisers at Invicta East Kent AC are very grateful. The course, which is mainly run along undulating country lanes to the south of the city, will remain the same as in previous years. Theracehqwillalso continue to be based at Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre (Pilgrims Way, Canterbury CT1 1PH).

Invicta East Kent runner Abel Tsegay will hopefully be going for his seventh straight victory and will aim to improve on his personal best around the course of 51m 13sec.

Last year he won from Medway & Maidstone’s Mark Wilkins and Chris Biddle of Dartford Harriers. It is also hoped that the ladies winner, Helen Gaunt from Tonbridge AC will return to defend her crown.

The race, which is organised by Invicta East Kent Athletic Club, and was a sell out in 2020 is expecting to sell out once again so early entry is encouraged. Runners of all abilities are welcome to challenge themselves over the 10 mile distance, which is an ideal early test for those taking part in either the Brighton or London marathons that due to Covid19 have also been moved from spring to autumn. There will be a significant cash prize fund for the first three male and female runners and for the first man V40, V50, V60 and V70 and lady V35, V45, V55 and V65. There are also prizes for the winning male and female teams.

All runners will receive a quality bespoke medal and free photographic downloads. The race also supports local charity The Pilgrims Hospices who include the race as one of their officially supported events. They will have a team of sponsored runners.

Entries are available online at www.canterbury10.co.uk