Ashford Park Run
In the week that the Ashford Park Run record was broken with an eye watering time of 15:13, a hot and sweaty day greeted the Strider representatives.
Ok so it wasn’t a Strider that broke the record (not this week anyway ) but we had some equally impressive performances across the board. Kevan Strand was the first across the line in 20:45, with Adam Thomas coming in 2nd in 24:12. Chloe Darling smashed another great time of 26:33, followed by Charl Malpass, Aimee Donohue and Rachel Tomsett, in 27:58, 28:29 and 29:00. Close behind was Amanda James 29:08 and Lee Standen 29:40. Peter Broom came in at 30:09, Mark Niles 30:57, Angie Craffey 31:06, Brian Forrester 31:32, Sara Dewar 32:27 and Rita Cooke 34:02 completes team Striders at Ashford Park Run this week. Jolly well done all.
Park Run Tourism
Maidstone. Mandy Cooper was the lone Strider at Maidstone Park Run this week. If you haven’t Run Maidstone before go and try it. Its lovely, albeit can be a little congested at the beginning, along the river and back. Mandy achieved a sub 30 and came in at 29:28. Well done Mandy.
Walmer and Deal Seafront Park. Oh we do like to be beside the seaside and we certainly did. Nine Ashford Striders made the trip to sunny Deal and I have to say we had a blast. A brilliant performance by all members representing our club, with Justin Burden speeding his way to the finish line in 22:50, Tamsin Ritchie 24:12 and Nicola Crawley close behind in 24:55. Andy Found 26:57, Justine Wearn 27:18. (I couldn’t quite catch the chair, I must try harder).
Lisa Gribbin recorded her first sub 30 min 5k with a time of 28:36 (smashed it, well done Lisa) and Rebecca Somerford who ran with Lisa came in 1 second behind in 28:37.
A special mention must go to Siobhan Hagan, this was her Striders on Tour Park Run choice and she wanted this one to be her PB a sub 30 Run. With the help of Hazel Turner (29:13), who forfeited her Run and paced Siobhan, she only went and achieved her aim and smashed her PB with an impressive time of 29:14.
If you have never joined Striders on a bit of Park Run Tourism, do it ! As always it’s a great morning with the usual fantastic Strider camaraderie and support along the route – it’s great to represent the club a little further afield and there’s often cake or breakfast on offer, what’s not to like ? Have a look on Spond for June’s destination, I believe we have two next month.
Saxon Shore Half Marathon
David Helme and Angie Craffey were the Ashford Strider representatives in Whitstable on Sunday, running the Saxon Shore Half Marathon. David had a score to settle from last year and managed to knock a massive 10 minutes off of his time to come in at 2:23:22, whilst Angie also did the Striders proud with a time of 2:38:10, well done both of you.
2nd Inaugural Bacon Butty Brigade Half Marathon
The lone Strider at this relatively new (albeit unusually named) event was none other than Tamsin Richie. From the photos it looks as though she had a ball (nothing unusual there) and managed a time of 2:27:53. Well done Tamsin.
Hythe Bay Triathlon
And so last but not at all least, a special mention to our very own Chairman Andy Found not being satisfied with achieving a HUGE PB at Brighton Marathon in April, he decided to take on a different challenge for the first time and he completed a triathlon in Hythe. Of course he smashed it and with not a rubber ring or arm band in sight he came in with an impressive overall time of 1:23:18. Well done Chairman.
As always yet another sublime effort by everyone this sunny weekend. Well done one and all.
Report by Justine Wearn
