Brrrr, winter is definitely upon us! When you wake up to temperatures of -5 degrees, it’s so tempting to stay in bed, so well done those Striders who wrapped up well, got out there and ran this week.
Parkrun
With Ashford parkrun cancelled due to icy conditions, several Striders braved the elements and took the opportunity to visit other parkruns.
A group of made an early start and travelled to London to run the fast, flat course at Victoria Dock parkrun. First Strider to finish was Justin Burden in 24:41, closely followed by Hazel Turner in 24:45. Siobhan Hagan was making her second visit to this parkrun and beat her previous time with 26:51. Martin Whittingham finished in 30:10, then Rachel Tomsett 30:17, Sally Davidson-Daniel 31:35 and Lisa Gribbin 31:36.
Also in London was Amanda Cooper who visited Clapham Common parkrun. Amanda ran the mixed grass and path course in 28:29. Much close to home, Tamsin Ritchie ran Folkestone parkrun in 32:47, along with Paul Baker who crossed the line in 33:01
All the way over on the West of Ireland, Scott Hawkins ran the riverside course of Ballina parkrun in 29:59.
Maidstone Harriers Turkey Run
This is a perfect race for those who love running trails and dressing up! If you run this light hearted 7.5 mile (approximately) trail race, you look out of place if you DON’T wear something festive. The weather on Sunday at West Malling was freezing fog but that didn’t put off these hardy Striders. Richard Randle appeared to be running dressed as a turkey/fairy hybrid, finishing in 1:17:38. Nicola Crawley and Lorna Cheshire came in neck and neck with 1:17:41. Nadine Golding and Pippa Latter crossed the line together in 1:25:43 and Andrew Cornwell finished in 1:29:47.
Santas on the Seashore
Also dressing up on Sunday was Martin Whittingham. Martin ran this charity 5k event on the seafront in Margate organised by Pilgrims Hospices. Every participant gets a Santa suit to run in and Martin completed the event wearing his outfit in 32:51.
Honourable mentions also go out to all those Striders who went out for training runs on Saturday and Sunday in freezing weather.
Well done everyone and take care out there in the snow and ice next week.
Report by Lisa Fulcher
