On Friday evening Ashford Striders hosted its AGM and Christmas Party, and what a great night it was!
With the membership now up to 192 people we can all be extremely proud of all that has been achieved this year.
Among the prizes and awards being given out we were very happy to welcome Rick Newman as an honorary member of Striders. Rick has lost his sight in his right eye, and has approximately 15% field of vision in his left eye. Since being diagnosed with glaucoma in 2017, he has started running and has raised thousands of pounds for Kent Association for the Blind. We’re so happy to welcome you to Striders Rick – keep up the running and the great work you’re doing!
Ashford Parkrun
After the celebrations of the Christmas party I imagined that there would be a few sore heads on Saturday morning. Despite this, 32 Strider members made their way to Victoria Park for the weekly 5km run.
Keith Haynes continued his great form and was first male Strider to cross the line in 20:24. Next was Mark Niles, 21:21 and Jason Caldwell, 22:14.
Dave Winchester had a good run, coming in at 23:34 with Jason Wearn not far behind, finishing his 50th Parkrun at Ashford in 23:47. Terry Sellen ran a great time of 24:07, first in his age category.
Next was Richard Randle, 25:48, Adam Thomas, 26:41 and Darren Laker, 27:03.
Graham Troman was definitely one that may have had an excuse to stay tucked in bed, but he ran a stonking time of 27:04, a new PB. Well Done Graham! Cristina Adams was first Strider female to finish, also achieving a fantastic run, knocking a massive 43 seconds off her previous best, giving her a new PB time of 28:03.
Ian McCutcheon also finished in 28:03 closely followed by Dermot Carr, whose time of 28:12 was just one second outside the PB he set the week before.
Nicola Crawley came in with a time of 28:34, then David Gadsby, 28:49, Amanda James, 29:13, Jason Brice, 29:14, Amanda Cooper, 29:29 and Andy Found, 29:58.
Michelle Bryant finished in 30:34 with Dave Warner running hard on her heels crossing the line in 30:43, his best time so far this year.
Siobhan Hagan was next with 31:16, then Rita Cooke, bolstered by being voted one of the best newcomers and most improved runners at Striders this year, finished in 31:44, a shiny new PB, beating her previous best 3 years ago by 25 seconds. Congratulations Rita on a great weekend of achievements.
Reece Corner finished his 25thParkrun in 31:52, followed by Rachel Theobald, 32:14, Kevin York, 32:15 and Peter Broom, 32:16.
Sue Abbott achieved her best time of 2022 so far with 32:51, Jennifer Watts was next with 34:31, then Danielle Moss continued to improve her times with a 40:04, another best time for the year so far. Next was Tyree Spicer finishing in 40:05 and Rachel Tomsett with 44:15.
Well done to you all, and thanks to Simon Jackson for taking the time to volunteer at Parkrun this week, as you so often do.
Parkrun Tourism
Just two Strider members ventured further afield for their Saturday morning 5km run.
Justin Burden travelled to Folkestone, achieving a very good time of 23:24 and Lee Standen was in Oxford for the University Parks parkrun, finishing in a time of 28:24.
Well done guys!
There were no races attended on Sunday, but hats off to those who joined training runs to play in the puddles on what was a very soggy morning.
Great work as always Striders!
Report by Paul Dunning.
