Thursday 8th September 2022. As members gathered for their usual Thursday night club run, the official announcement of HRH Queen Elizabeth’s II passing spread amongst us. Prior to our run we respectfully observed a minute’s silence, reflecting on an unwavering dutiful lady that served our great country for over 70 year of her 96 years. R.I.P. ma’am.
Ashford Parkrun
I was able to support you all this morning as ATC hosted a take over of the Parkrun; I witnessed some superb Strider running – as always. First Strider over the line (in from what I could make out was a group 1 showdown) Kevan Strand 21:07, next was Keith Haynes 21:23, Jason Caldwell 21:49 and Neil wood 22:21(PB). Hazel Turner gave an impressive performance 24:16, Darren Laker & Jack Farrent bagging themselves PBs 25:17 & 26:23 respectively. Kevin York (minus buggy) 26:25, Graham Troman 27:14(shiny PB), David Helme 27:50, Mandy Cooper 28:03, Steve Rumsey 28:16, David Gadsby 28:50, Siobhan Hagan 29:25(another Strider smashing a PB this week), another Strider smashing their PB and getting her long awaited sub 30 was Lisa Gribbin coming in at 29:26 Amanda James also coming in at sub 30 at 29:41. Peter Broom was next through in 31:23, Rachel Oliver 32:40, Martin Whittingham 32:16, Brian forrester and Hazel Forrester came next 33:43 and 34:33. Rachel Tomsett 41:33, Don Dewer 43:05 and Garath Huyton 54:36.
Parkrun tourism
Moors Valley
Tamsin Ritchie completed Moors Valley in an impressive 25:12.
Folkestone
Richard Randall nipped down the road to our neighbours and completed Folkestone in 36:28.
Guernsey
Sonette Schwartz travelled further afield to Guernsey and completed in 32:54.
Swanley
Justin Burden was on his travels yet again this time completing Swanley 25:12.
Larkfield 10k
Two striders made the trip to run Larkfield. Vicky Stevenson was pleased with her time of 56:29, and Danielle Moss 1:30:05. Well done to both of you.
Rye Ancient Trail 30k
30km of hills, trails, fields, stiles and more hills ! Yuk ! However, some crazy Ashford Striders Members decided this was the best way to spend their Sunday morning ! Richard Randle was first strider home in 3:57:16, closely followed by Justine Bushell in 3:59:25. Adam Thomas and David Helme earned themselves PBs on this hard run recording times of 4:14 and 4:15:38 respectively with Amanda Cooper was just one minute behind David coming over the line in 4:16:53. Kay Hunt & Chloe Darling also completed this crazy course and came across the line in 4:24:20 & 4:23:37. Absolutely brilliant running.
Great North Run
The GNR is the largest half marathon in the world with 60,000 runners. The route begins in the middle of Newcastle, crossing over the Tyne Bridge and finishing in South Shields. A few Striders made the pilgrimage up North.
Simon Jackson came in at 1:57:50, followed by Nicola Crawley 2:18:46. Jayne Hatton crossed the line in 2:29:30, Sharon Gardner 2:33:03 and Nadine Golding 2:36:34. Well done everyone.
So we end this emotional and historic week with some fantastic running achievements. Well done everyone. Have another great week of running.
Report by Justine Wearn.