Welcome to June, the sun finally has got his hat on and what a lovely weekend of running we’ve had.
Ashford parkrun
As always, let’s start local with Ashford parkrun, we had a barrage of Striders running the 5k around Vicky Park. First home with an hugely impressive time and tittering on the edge of sub 20 was Andrew Maund in a time of 20.08!
Dave Winchester got to the finishers tunnel in a time of 23.34, Jamie Penfold finished in 24.07 and chairman Andy Found achieved the first strider PB of the morning in a time of 25.58. Great running guys. First lady home in 27.45 was Tamsin Ritchie, brilliant. Dave Helme finished in 28.13, Gayle Bailey in 28.42 and Darren Laker got the last sub 30 of the morning finishing in 28.51. Well done all.
Our second PB of the morning was achieved by Rita Cooke who finished the 5k route in 30.02, just fabulous, sub 30 will be yours in no time. (Well in 29.99 to be precise haha). Justine Wearn finished in 30.24, Sonette Schwartz followed only 5 seconds later with 30.29, Amanda James achieved a time of 30.44 and Jayne Hayne was close behind in 30.48. Brilliant performances.
Next through the tunnel were Mark Niles, Leigh Freeman and Dee Millen in 32.10, 32.23 and 32.44 respectively. The ladies ruled the roost for a little bit afterwards by Rachel Oliver 34.03, Jennifer Watts 34.27, Lisa Fulcher 35.56, Clare Maxlow 36.00 and Rachel Theobald 36.15 but Kevin York broke the ladies in red up in a time of 36.17. Well done.
Finishing the morning’s fantastic running by everyone were Julie Foster who achieved a time of 42.34, Vicky Stevenson got a time of 48.27, Rachel Tomsett finished in 58.05 and last but not least Sharni Copham finished in 58.45.
Thank you to our volunteers, Jason Caldwell, Mandy Cooper, Sharni Copham, Don Dewar, Sara Dewar, Lisa Fulcher, Terry Sellen and Kevan Strand.
To view the photos of the morning’s achievements, check out the album on the members page, future events will now be placed into albums for ease of viewing for all.
parkrun Tourism
We had some great tourism Saturday, Striders always have fun trying out different routes, some even include a parkrun when they are on holidays!
Nicola Crawley completed the pretty Mote parkrun in a fab time of 26.49, Sally Davidson-Daniel run round the woodland route of Bedgebury in a time of 31.01, well done, Paul Baker travelled to Minister completing the 5k in a great time of 25.16 and also staying in Kent was a mob (well some may say they certainly are a mob) of Striders turning up in Sittingbourne. Justin Burden 24.25, Hazel Turner 24.35, Dermot Carr 26.19, Martin Whittingham 30.24, Siobhan Hagan 30.44, Sharon Gardener 31.34, Vicky Shrubsole 32.22, Lucie Shrubsole 32.22 and Michelle Bryant 33.00 all completed Sittingbourne’s parkrun in brilliant times.
Visiting the wonderful seaside town of Blackpool and running in a lightening quick sub 30 was Pauline Tallett 28.09. Hope you sampled some of the famous Blackpool rock whilst there. The furthest afield award goes to Lisa Gribbin who sampled Queens parkrun in Glasgow finishing in 32.09.
Races
A few races took place on Sunny Sunday and we had some solo representation at a couple.
Jamie Penfold earned his medal at the 10k Island Run completing the race in 50.50. Great time Jamie.
Keith Haynes achieved a marvellous 5mile PB at the Hastings 5mile Race getting a chip time of 32.07 and finishing 35th in over 400 runners. Just brilliant.
Steve Greatorex completed the tough Otterpool Gallop 10k race in under an hour 53.33, fantastic.
This coming Friday evening (9th) Ashford Striders are hosting our very first associated race, the Charing 10k. There are still spaces available and on the day participants are welcomed. Some yummy refreshment suppliers will be there alongside a children’s race. Spread the word and bring the family along for what’s to be a fantastic evening of entertainment and running. Sure to be one of the best events on this year’s racing calendar (well, we may be a little biased) Exciting!
Report by Kirsty Theobald.
