Kentish Express Ashford & District
Championships get green light to go ahead
The Kent County Athletic Association are holding their track and field 2021 Championships at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford this weekend.
Action on Saturday and Sunday will be taking place under tight Covid-restrictions, with Kent the only county in the country which has been given an EA Competition Licence to do so.
Organisers have worked hard to get the event on, working closely with England Athletics and the volunteers at the Track & Field Committee and others. Chairman of the Kent County Athletics Association David Ralph said: “Thanks to all Technical officials and other volunteers who enable these championships to take place by giving up their time, skills and effort.
“We also acknowledge the time and effort spent by JustTiming, Fire & Safety First Aid, Podplus and staff at the Julie Rose Stadium who make such a valuable contribution to the smooth running of these championships.”
President Claire Capon said: “2021 may not be the same Championships many of us have come to know and love, however, I sincerely hope you can appreciate the work this county and its members have tirelessly done for the sole benefit of the athletes having an opportunity to compete. Without these stricter guidelines, we would not have gained the competition permit to proceed.”
■ South Kent Harriers’ athletes took part in the Doddington Place Gardens 10k and fastest home was Martin Salmon.
The gardens themselves were beautiful but the course itself was rutted and the ground uneven making it a potential ankle turner. Martin finished 37th in a field of over 300 in 49mins 23secs.
Melanie Satchwell and Royd Powell were next in 67.37 and 67.38 respectively. Also finishing close together, Elizabeth Jenkins and Barbara Hunt were both conscious of the tricky underfoot conditions so both enjoyed a cautious run.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Margaret Connolly ran the Whitstable 10km Road Race and had yet another good run. In fact, despite being 63, she triumphed in the Women’s Over 55 female category. She said she really enjoyed the run despite the very windy conditions and was smiling as she crossed the finish line in a swift 50.55.