Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Teenage athlete breaks 5k race record with blistering run
The Wingham 10k & 5k celebrated their 30th anniversary in style with records tumbling.
More than 400 runners from across the county took part – making it the biggest field in the event’s history – while the 5k (which is actually around 5.4k) course record was broken by teenager Charlie Brisley.
The 15-year-old Invicta East Kent member stopped the clock at 18minutes 34seconds, knocking 16 seconds off the 17- year record set by Dave Chapman-jones in 1999.
Chapman- Jones was there watching and said of the youngster’s achievement: “Looking at Charlie run and bearing in mind his age, I am sure he can come back in future years and knock more time off!”
Some of the original founders, The Wingham Trotters, also came down to watch or run the 10k or 5k distances, including John Willshaw, who originally came up with the idea when he was the village post office manager.
He said: “It’s changed so much. I can’t believe there are so many people taking part and with the music, commentary, catering and the event atmosphere, it’s brilliant. Who would have thought it would become the event it is today when we set it up 30 years ago?”
There were a hatful of PBS on the undulating course, with several people taking part in their first event.
One of the last people to enter before the event sold out was Andrew Fletcher, from Folkestone Running Club, who was grateful he just made the start list as he went on to win the 10k in 35.36.
The next two spots were filled by Dover Road Runners, Alan Wood (37.51) and Ian Mcgilloway (37.59).
The leading 12 finishers all came home inside 40 minutes with Invicta’s Tom Platts (39.24) seventh to be first home for his club.
For Canterbury Harriers, Ian Pearson was ninth in 39.35 with Andy Phillips third vet 50 in 42.37.
Krista Hennessey gained a new personal best – 54.55 – and in the 5k, Emily Thomson was third lady and 10th overall in 27.59.
Deal Tri’s Renata Mcdonnell ( 39.42) was first female and 10th overall in the 10k.
The race was saved four years ago by local events company Sporting Events UK and each finisher received a unique clay pig medal handmade by Canterbury Pottery.
Barry Hopkins, of Sporting events UK, said: “What a day. We were delighted with all the support.
“Lots of local people came and cheered on the runners at the start and finish and on the course as it went past their houses.
“What a way to celebrate 30 years of this event that nearly ended just a few years ago.
“We’re so grateful to all the people who came to run, to volunteer or just to cheer. Without these people, it simply wouldn’t be here.”