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Ashford parkrun
The funfair was in Victoria Park this weekend but thankfully it didn’t stop the parkrun going ahead. Mark Niles was the first club member to finish in 20:57, followed by Stephen Rumsey 26:07, Aimee Donohue 26:36, David Gadsby 28:37, Leigh Freeman with a new personal best of 29:16, Rachel Tomsett 29:22, Peter Broom 30:20, Kirsty Theobald 31:35, Brian Forrester 31:47, Rita Cooke 33:36, Rachel Theobald 34:04, Kevin York 34:05, Lisa Fulcher 34:13,Tamsin Ritchie 35:20 and Sara Dewar who was volunteering as a guide runner, finished in 40:03
Many thanks to the Strider volunteers this week: Don Dewar, Justine Wearn, Nicola Crawley, Rachel Tomsett and Simon Jackson

Parkrun tourism
Chloe Darling travelled the furthest this week, taking on the hilly course at Camperdown parkrun in Dundee to finish in 30:49
Also making a long trip was Martin Whittingham, who ran around Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun in Birmingham in a time of 27:56
Staying in Kent were Kevan Strand running Pegwell Bay parkrun in 29:49 and Justin Burden completing Great Lines parkrun in Gillingham in 23 minutes exactly.
Three Striders went Folkestone parkrun, a popular tourist destination for our club members. Jason Sanders finished in 25:56, followed by Kate Stroud 26:33 and Siobhan Hagan with a personal best for the course of 31:16

Folkestone Coastal 10k
Again, Folkestone was a popular destination for Ashford Striders! The fast, flat seafront course, and relatively cool conditions resulted in several 10k personal bests. The results were: Kevan Strand 0:44:27, Justin Burden 0:46:57, Karen Edwards 0:57:40, Amanda James 0:58:11, Mike Mason 1:01:26, Alison Newman 1:04:00, David Holland 1:04:43 and Danielle Moss 1:26:51
The aforementioned personal bests were achieved by Kevan, Justin and Alison – well done to you all!

Edinburgh Marathon
Last, but certainly not least, we have a massive achievement by Lisa Gribbin, who ran a new marathon personal best time up in Scotland, finishing in a terrific 5:02:34 Well done Lisa!

Report by Lisa Fulcher.

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

A huge shout out to a brilliant turnout of runners in red who this week got out there and did themselves proud.

Ashford parkrun
On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning 21 Striders arrived at Victoria Park to run the 5k route. Kevan Strand was the first Strider to cross the line with a time of 20:57. Mark Niles followed just 16 seconds later in 21:13. Adam Thomas was next with personal best of 24:03. Then Darren Laker came in with a 25:53, another PB. Stephen Rumsey ran a time of 26:06, followed by Richard Coles, who also achieved a PB of 26:38. Tamsin Ritchie finished in 26:54, then Kevin York, 27:22, Vicky Stevenson, 28:05 and Jamie Bartlett, 28:17. Amanda James came through next with a time of 28:33 followed by Martin Whittingham, 29:02. Lee Standen finished in 31:08 with Leanne Clark hard on his heels achieving a personal best of 31:12. Next was Rachel Oliver, 32:23, Sharni Copham, 32:26 and Victoria Shrubsole, 32:29. Then Rita Cooke finished on 34:34 followed by Siobhan Hagan with her daughter Paige in a time of 37:04 and Joanna Whitehead finishing with a PB of 38:17.
As ever, we are very grateful to the volunteers from Striders who helped make this event happen: Peter Broom, Jason Caldwell, Jayne Hattton with her daughter, Kayleigh, Katie Iggulden Exon and Hazel Turner.

Parkrun Tourism
East Grinstead
Justin Burden and Nicola Crawley travelled to West Sussex to run the three laps of East Court in East Grinstead. Justin ran in a time of 25:11 and Nicola, 27:54.
Bedgebury Pinetum
Justine and Jason Wearn ran together in the beautiful Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest in Goudhurst achieving a time of 30:05 and 30:06 respectively.
Plymouth
Brian Forrester was the most intrepid Strider, travelling to Central parkrun in Plymouth, achieving a time of 32:03.

Hastings 5 miler
On Sunday, Caroline Miller, Jayne Hatton and Danielle Moss travelled to Hastings to run this seafront race. Caroline came across the line in 48:28, followed by Jayne, 51:47 and Danielle, 1:06:53.

Sittingbourne Invicta 10k
Peter Broom went to Sittingbourne to through the delightful undulating Kent countryside, finishing with a new personal best for this distance of 1:00:35.

East Grinstead Sprint Triathlon
Lastly, Nicola Crawley successfully completed a 400m pool swim at Kings Leisure Centre, then cycled 26k on an undulating route through the villages of Forest Row and Hartfield, coming back to East Grinstead on a fast flat stretch, before running 5k around East Grinstead town to finish in a time of 1:47:09.

Report by Paul Dunning.

Smashing It Out Of The Park
As our red army grows ever bigger, members were out in force at parkruns far and wide.

Ashford parkrun was well supported this week. First across the line was Mark Niles with a time of 22:02, with a 20 second gap, Jason Wearn was close on his heels recording a time 22:22. Justin Burden came in at 22:59.
First strider lady home was Hazel Turner with an impressive 23:50. following on were Adam Thomas 25:14, Justine Wearn 27:38, Mike Mason 27:49, Martin Whittingham 27:56, Vicky Stevenson 28:05, Paul Dunning 28:26, and Rachel Thomsett 29:50 all came in under the 30 minute mark. Sharon Gardner was next over the line with a time of, 31.22, Siobhan Hagan 32:02, Kevan Strand (running with his nephew and father to complete 3 generations) 32:23, Sara Dewar 33:01, Leigh Freeman 33:03, Rachel Theobald 34:11, Kevin York (with child) 34:12, Lisa Fulcher 34:15, new member, Rita Cooke 34:52, Heather Fraser 35:34, and Danielle Moss 42:23.

Striders on Tour.
Nicola Crawley ventured to the shores of Whitstable and came across the parkrun line as 9th lady recording an impressive time of 25:14.
Meeting the Bacon Butty Brigade at Maidstone parkrun was Peter Broom with yet another impressive time of 28:46.
Further afield David Gadsby completed Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun in a time of 30:28.
That’s all folks.

Well done everyone, happy running next week.

Report by Justine Wearn

Members of Ashford Striders made the most of the three day bank holiday weekend by running at many different races and parkruns!

Ashford parkrun
It was a chilly start to the weekend on Saturday morning. Justin Burden was the first Strider to finish Ashford parkrun in 23:37 followed by Adam Thomas 24:30, Aimee Donohue 26:06, Tamsin Ritchie 27:30, Michael Mason 28:14, Vicky Stevenson 28:27, Sharni Copham 28:29, Peter Broom 28:45, Jason Brice 28:54, David Gadsby 29:43, Siobhan Hagan 30:16, Lee Standen 31:49, Sara Dewar 33:06, Leanne Howard 38:40 and Clare Maxlow 38:46
Adam, Aimee, Michael, Siobhan and Leanne all earned themselves course PBs today!

Parkrun tourism
Several Striders travelled far and wide to the following parkruns:
Eastville parkrun in Bristol – Kevan Strand 28:40
Hoblingwell parkrun in Orpington – Rachel Tomsett 31:51
Wallace parkrun, Lisburn in Northern Ireland – Amanda Cooper 30:02
Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun – Martin Whittingham 29:32

Doddington Place Gardens
Also on Saturday, three club members took part in this trail event around the grounds of Doddington Place near Faversham.
Completing the 10k race were Justine Wearn in 1:05:50 and Lisa Fulcher in 1:16:59
Racing the canicross 5k distance was Nicola Crawley and her dog Delilah in 29:18

Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon
On Sunday, Martin Whittingham ran this popular mass participation race, finishing in 2:27:19

Belfast Marathon
Also on Sunday, Amanda Cooper ran this race in a terrific personal best time of 4:37:56

Vitality London 10K
On the bank holiday Monday, Caroline Miller travelled to the capital for the popular event by the organisers of the London Marathon. She completed it in a time of 1:00:50

Whitstable 10k
Closer to home, three Striders ran this seafront race on Monday. Kay Hunt was first Strider in 0:58:28, Vicky Shrubsole and Sharni Copham finished together in 1:04:43 and 1:04:44 respectively.
Well done to everyone who ran or raced this weekend!

Report by Lisa Fulcher

Ashford Parkrun
Eleven Striders turned out for the 365th Ashford Parkrun on Saturday. Kevan Strand was the first Strider to cross the line with a time of 21:19. Hazel Turner with a time of 24:24 was next. Adam Thomas followed in 24:32, a new personal best. Next was Justin Burden, 25:12, Darren Laker, 26:21 and Martin Whittingham, 28:19. Michelle Bryant crossed the line with a new PB of 29:45. Lisa Fulcher was next with a time of 31:48, then Siobhan Hagan, 32:57, Vicky Stevenson, 37:51 and Clare Maxlow, 39:30.
Thanks to the Strider volunteers, Jason Caldwell, Jayne Hatton with daughter, Kayleigh, Amanda James, Rebecca James and Jason Sanders.

Parkrun Tourism
Peter Broom continued his good form, running his 75th Parkrun at Milton Keynes with a time of 29:22. Lisa Gribbin, travelled to Folkestone and completed the course in 36:48.

Howletts 5km
Five Striders ran at Howletts among some of the world’s finest wildlife. Amanda James was first Strider to finish in 29:18, Rebecca James was next with a time of 30:26. Then came Jayne Hatton, 32:50, Angie Craffey, 35:31 and Sarah George, 36:38.

Rathfinny Half
Finally, our Social Secretary, Danielle Mackenzie has been on the wine again! This weekend Danielle travelled to the Rathfinny Wine Estate, nestled in the Sussex countryside to partake in the Half Marathon. Running with Pete, her Stepdad, she finished in a time of 2:46:42.

Well done to you all!
Report by Paul Dunning

Yet another beautiful weekend and yet again Ashford Striders did themselves proud with some outstanding running. What a GOOD FRIDAY!

Folkestone 10 mile provided a flat, fast course on a sunny Good Friday morning and Ashford Striders rose to the occasion with some EGGScellant times recorded. Justin Burden was first to cross the line with a cracking time of 1:28:36. Next was Disco David Helme 1:33:43, Katie Stroud 1:36:03, Richard Coles 1:39:23, Darren Laker 1:40:38, Karen Edwards 1:41:43 Angie Craffey 1:50:05, Lisa Fulcher 1:51:00 and Siobhan Hagan 1:51:56.
Siobhan, Darren, David and Karen were EGGStatic with their new shiny PBs for this course and distance. Well done everyone.
Not wanting to put all their EGGS in one basket, some Striders clearly hadn’t had enough EGGSercise and wanted to run Friday and Saturday – they must have been EGGShausted. No bunny was EGGSpecting the beautiful Bank Holiday weather to continue – but we were HOPtimistic – and it didn’t let us down.

Park Run
Ashford Park Run saw many Striders EGGScape to the park and enjoy the sunshine
Hazel Turner came storming in first for Striders with an impressive time of 23:55, followed by Steve Rumsey 25:54, Darren Laker 26:49, Aimee Donohue 27:31 (PB)
Amanda James 29:13, Leigh Freeman 29:58 (PB) ), Carole Thomas 30:54, Daniel Forbes 30:24, Brian Forrester 30:32, Michelle Bryant 31:11, Hazel Forrester 31:46, Clare Maxlow 34:04, Rachel Theobald 35:09, and Kevin York 35:11. EGGStremly well done to everyone and also well done and thank you to the Strider volunteers.

Park Run Tourism
Following on from the Folkestone 10 miler, some Ashford Striders hopped down the road to complete a bit of Park Run Tourism at Folkestone Park Run.
First Strider home was Jason Wearn in an impressive time of 22:32, followed by Justin Burden 24:35, Tamsin Ritchie 25:30, Andy Found 26:01 (PB), Nicola Crawley 26:24, Richard Randle 26:49, Justine Wearn 27:56′ Martin Whittingham 28:35 (PB), Peter Broom 29:50, Amanda Cooper 31:27 and Danielle Moss 42:59.
Martin Whittingham ran an EGGSceptional Park Run at sunny Folkestone recording an impressive new PB, knocking a huge 2 minutes & 5 seconds off of his previous best.

Rachel Tomsett took a trip to Bartley Park Run in Southampton, and completed the 5k distance in 37:58, whilst Lee Standen travelled to Eden Project coming in under the 30 minute mark with a time of 29:49.

I’m sure you will agree – but I’m no EGGSpert – this weekend has proved to be an EGGStremly, EGGSceptional weekend of running by the Ashford Striders family.

The Easter break certainly did put a Spring in our step.
Hope you have another puntastic week of running people.
Report by Justine Wearn

Ashford parkrun
A chilly but sunny day saw the following Striders running at the event in Victoria Park. Mark Niles was first Strider with a time of 21:17, followed by Carole Thomas who ran a personal best of 25:45, Stephen Rumsey 26:01, Rachel Tomsett 29:35, Brian Forrester 30:28, Catherine Wall 31:46, Lisa Fulcher 32:03, Rachel Forrester 32:38, Hazel Forrester 32:40, Joanna Whitehead with a PB of 39:09, Siobhan Hagan 39:33, Tamsin Ritchie 40:33 and Michelle Bryant 41:48
It was lovely to see lots of club members due to run Brighton Marathon the next day, who came along to cheer on the parkrunners.
Parkrun tourism
Justin Burden took advantage of his trip to Brighton to run Preston Park parkrun in a steady (for him) time of 33:23

Brighton Marathon and 10k
This is one of the major races in the Ashford Striders calendar with loads of club members running each distance and lots of new personal bests! The runners were fortunate to have good racing weather for this popular event by the sea. A special mention goes to Danielle Mackenzie for organising the coach to Brighton for many of the runners and supporters.
Marathon finishers:
Christopher Sardo was the first Strider home in 3:41:23, followed by Andy Found 4:23:04, Fabio Baiardo 4:31:24, Richard Randle 4:31:34, Tamsin Ritchie 4:37:07, Gayle Bailey 4:38:00, Chloe Darling 4:41:00, Vicky Stevenson 4:45:14, Justin Burden 4:45:37, Kelli Sullivan 4:49:07, Justine Wearn and Jason Wearn finished together with a time of 4:49:21, Jason Sanders 4:58:58, David Helme 5:03:22, Peter Broom 5:18:39, Lisa Gribbin 5:26:07, Danielle Mackenzie 5:27:43, Ian Watson 5:39:20, Mike Mason 5:40:31 and Martin Whittingham 6:02:44. Andy, Fabio, Gayle, Chloe, Kelli, David, Peter, Danielle, Mike and Martin all earned themselves shiny new marathon PBs!
10k finishers:
Nicola Crawley was lead Strider with 0:54:48 followed by Nadine Golding 1:02:00, Philippa Latter 1:12:24, Julie Moore 1:12:34 and Andrea Cox 1:12:40

Kent Spring Half Marathon
Closer to home, two Striders ran this undulating half marathon along the lanes between Ashford and Charing. Richard Coles ran a well deserved personal best of 2:09:38 and Rachel Tomsett completed the race in 2:27:14

Well done all you racers and parkrunners this weekend, some really good running all round!
I hope that I didn’t make any errors in the report, or left out anyone who sent through their time – please let me know if there are any corrections to be made. I’ll be amazed if no typos slipped in this week!

Report by Lisa Fulcher

It was a busy weekend for members of Ashford Striders who were running in red around Kent and in London.

Parkrun
Twelve Striders ran on a bright morning at Victoria Park for Ashford Parkrun. Mark Niles was first across the line with a spritely 22:15. Tamsin Ritchie was first female with an impressive time of 26:21. Ian McCutcheon achieved a season best of 26:50. Then followed Jason Sanders, 27:28, David Gadsby, 27:54 and Amanda Cooper who came across the line in 28:11 on her 125th Parkrun. Amanda James finished in 28:23, David Holland, 30:16 and Angie Craffey achieved a PB with a great time of 30:17. Brian Forrester was next with a time of 30:54, Vicky Shrubsole’s 25th Parkrun was completed in 33:10 and Sharni Copham finished with 33:13.
We are very grateful to the volunteers from Striders: Jayne Hatton with her daughter, Kayleigh. Clare Maxlow with daughter, Megan. Lee Standen and Ian Watson.

Parkrun Tourism
A good number of Striders made journeys to other Parkruns around the county.
Tyree Spicer and Lisa Gribbin travelled to Great Lines Parkrun in Medway both finishing with a time of 35:39.
Four Striders made a trip to the beautiful Kingdom Parkrun in Penshurst. Nicola Crawley came in first with a time of 27:59, Andy Found was next with 28:41, Justin Burden finished in 32:31 and Siobhan Hagan crossed the line in 34:39.
Martin Whittingham ventured to The Leas Parkrun in Minster and ran a very respectable time of 28:55.

LLHM
Six Striders performed in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday with some brilliant results. Lisa Gribbin was first Strider to finish with a PB of 2:13:48. Carole Thomas was next, achieving a PB of 2:15:10 and Lucie Shrubsole came across the line with a time of 2:19:50. Caroline Miller was next with 2:20:48 followed by Jayne Hatton who ran in 2:24:13, another PB. Rachel Oliver finished with a time of 2:26:44.

10 Mile
Lisa Fulcher ran the 10-mile Runnergise trail race in Canterbury finishing in a time of 2:18:19.

A brilliant effort from everyone. You did us proud!

Report by Paul Dunning

We were treated to yet another beautiful spring day for Park Run this week and once again Ashford Striders were represented well.
At Ashford, 11 Striders crossed the finish line with Kevan Strand recording an extremely impressive PB and first Strider home in an eye watering time of 20:44 followed by Justin Burden 23:50, Mark Niles 24:00, David Gadsby 27:55, Amanda James 28:15. Coming in just over the 30 minute mark was Sharni Copham 30:20, Leigh Freeman 31:19, Tamsin Ritchie 32:39, Lisa Fulcher 32:43, Siobhan Hagan 33:42, Michelle Bryant 33:46. Well done everyone.

Park Run Tourism
Dartford and Dartford Heath Park Runs.
Lee Standen and Clare Maxlow ventured to Dartford for their park Run, and finished with times of 37:24 and 37:59 respectively.
Just up the road (I assume ) Tyree Spicer and Lisa Gribbin tried out Dartford Heath Park Run and came across the line together (practically) in 34:35 and 34:36. Well done girls.

Sunday 27th March
Where did the sun go ? Normal service was resumed with chilly temperatures returning for our racing Ashford Striders today !

Smugglers 10k
Well Shiver Me Timbers A hardy crew took on the Smugglers 10k out and back route in Minnis Bay; Caroline Jane Miller was the first Strider home in 1:00:52, Kay Hunt 1:01:32, Hazel Forrester 1:04:58, Sharon Gardner 1:06:39, Brian Forrester 1:08:10, Riona Sparks 1:09:52 and Sharni Copham and Vicky Shrubsole completing the Strider contingent with times of 1:19:53 and 1:20:00 respectively. Well done Me Harties.

Whitstable 10k and Half Marathon
Just along the coast another group of lovely Ashford Striders took on Whitstable 10k and half marathon.
Darren Laker recorded an impressive time of 55:07 on the 10k course bagging himself a super shiny PB. Well done Darren
Opting for the half marathon, first Strider in was Charlotte Malpass with a PB of 2:02:53. Very close behind was Mandy Cooper with a time of 2:03:25 , Ian Watson 2:08:34, Alison Newman with a fabulous PB of 2:22:04, completing the Striders team in the event was David Hollland finishing in 2:22:07.
Well done to everyone who ran this weekend

Report by Justine Wearn.