Top field for 10-mile race

The Canterbury 10-mile road race is back this weekend. It returns to its normal winter date on Sunday, starting at 9am, having last been held in August 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

Race organiser Glenn Mousley expects good numbers to be involved in the race. He said: “Entries are still open but we are looking at getting around 1,000 people taking part. “We are getting a lot of positivity on social media and a lot of people talking about it in the running community. “This time, our licence is for 1,200, so it looks like there will be some on-the-day entry available as well. “Looking at the weather, it should be really good conditions.”

There is expected to be some quality runners in the field too.

Mousley admitted: “The top male runner is Charlie Brisley who is the defending champion. Charlie is only 20 but he is a very good runner and he should be getting around the 50-minute mark. “But behind him there’s a lot of runners who performed well at the recent Kent Crosscountry Championships. “On the female side, Helen Gaunt is coming back to defend her title. But whereas I think Charlie will win, I have a feeling Helen might be up against it with several other good runners having entered. “But I suppose, to a certain extent, it’s about what happens on the day.”

In terms of Invicta East Kent’s own hopes, with the club having organised the event, Mousley suggested: “We have got a number of good runners in it so we have got a good chance of winning the men’s team prize.”

The race is also well supported by Petts Wood Runners Club, based in South-east London, as well as several Kent clubs. Online entries close today (Thursday) but entry is also expected to be available on the day, with those wanting to get involved needing to register between 7.30am and 8.30am.