Parkrun The warmest parkrun day of the year so far saw a good turnout of runners this week. At Ashford parkrun Kevan Strand was the first Strider to finish with a time of 21:23, followed by Jason Sanders 25:43, Darren Laker 26:20, Stephen Rumsey 27:33, Aimee Donohue 27:51, David Gadsby 28:25, Amanda James 29:18, Michelle Bryant 30:39, Siobhan Hagan 30:42, Richard Coles 30:43, Hazel Forrester 30:55, Brian Forrester 31:43 and Gwen Protheroe 32:53. Huge well done to Kevan, Darren, Aimee, Michelle and Siobhan who all recorded new course PBs!
A large group of Striders travelled to a slightly more chilly Whitstable parkrun, and some even had a dip in the sea afterwards! Justin Burden was first Strider home in 23:36, then Tamsin Ritchie 25:46, Nicola Crawley 26:11, Amanda Cooper 26:57, Peter Broom 29:06, Martin Whittingham 29:07 and Danielle Moss 42:32. More course PBs were achieved here from Justin, Tamsin and Nicola. Travelling all the way to Clacton Seafront parkrun in Essex were Rachel Theobald and Kevin York, who ran together finishing in 39:19 and 39:21 respectively.
Hastings Half Marathon Three Striders took on this challenging race through the historic town. Tamsin Ritchie completed it in 2:02:14, followed by Nicola Crawley in 2:10:44 and Peter Broom with a time of 2:25:00
Canterbury Riverside 10k This scenic race follows the Stour from Chartham to the outskirts of Canterbury and back. A flat course meant that Kevan Strand achieved his second PB of the weekend with a time of 45:31. Also completing the race were Kirsty Theobald in 1:05:34 and Angie Craffey in 1:16:03 Well done everyone!
Ashford’s Parkrun was looked after by Ashford Striders on Saturday to host the 246 runners at Victoria Park’s 5km timed event. Christopher Sardo volunteered as a pacer, and at a time of 23:57 was the first Strider to finish. Justin Burden finished his 125th parkrun in 24:26. Next was David Gadsby, 28:51. First female Strider to finish was Amanda Cooper with a time of 29:36 followed by Leigh Freeman, 31:37. Vicky Stevenson was the 32 minute pacer, finishing with a time of 31:50. Next was Lisa Gribbin, 32:24; Siobhan Hagan, 33:06; Danielle Mackenzie, 33:12; Jamie Bartlett, 33:28, Clare Maxlow, 40:46 and Gwen Protheroe, 53:44. Rebecca Somerford and Tamsin Ritchie volunteered as tail walkers crossing the finish in times of 55:23 and 55:24 respectively. Massive congratulations to the eleven members of Ashford Striders Couch to 5k group who completed their first Parkrun. Many thanks to the Strider volunteers, Aisha Booth, Peter Broom, Justin Burden, Jason Caldwell, Richard Coles, Angela Craffey, Nicola Crawley, Don Dewar, Paul Dunning, Brian Forrester, Hazel Forrester, Rachel Forrester, Lisa Fulcher, Jayne Hatton, David Helme, Simon Jackson, Darren Laker, Charlotte Malpass, Stephen Rumsey, Lee Standen, Kevan Strand, Julie Virani, Jason Wearn and Justine Wearn.
Reece Corner travelled to Town Moor parkrun in Newcastle Upon Tyne finishing in a time of 34:47. Paddock Wood Half Well done to Julie Virani, who completed the Paddock Wood Half Marathon on Sunday, achieving a brilliant personal best time of 2:08:41. Great running Striders! Report by Paul Dunning.
Yet again the Ashford Striders family were out in force this weekend. Park Run GIRLS RUN THE WORLD – Special mention to the Strider Girls, who ran Ashford Park Run for International Women’s Day with some impressive performances – smashed it ladies. Jason Wearn and Kevan Strand fought a very close battle for first Strider home this week with Jason just pipping Kevan (who incidentally recorded a nice new shiny PB ) to first place with great times of 22:20 and 22:23 respectively – well done boys. Next over the line at Ashford was Justin Burden 24:23, Tamsin Ritchie running her 150th park Run came in at 25:36, Amanda James 29:29, David Gadsby 30:15′ Hazel Forrester 31:23, Brian Forrester 31:26, Kirsty Theobald 31:58, Rachel Theobald 32:07, Kevin York 32:09 and finally thank you to our Strider volunteers, Peter Broom for scanning and Jayne Hatton who tail walked coming in at 53:21.
Park Run Tourism Nicola Crawley once again got up nice and early and travelled up the motorway – this time to Charlton Park Run, recording an impressive time of 26:58. Also venturing further afield this week for some Park Run fun was Lisa Fulcher, who travelled to Bexley and recorded a time of 34:43.
Eastbourne Half Marathon Martin Whittingham was the lone Strider at Eastbourne Half Marathon today and shaved a massive 7 minutes 21 seconds off of his PB to come in across the line in 2:24:43.
Lydd Half Marathon and 20 miles Was it windy ? Was it cold ? Of course it was – Lydd Half and 20 miles in March wouldn’t be the same without brutal conditions, however this didn’t deter every single one of the Ashford Striders smashing their way around this flat but dull course.
Half Marathon First over the line was James Lynch coming in at 1:56:31, followed closely by Katie Stroud with a PB of 2:00:58.
20 mile First Strider home was Christopher Sardo with an impressive time of 2:43:56. Fabio Baiardo recorded a PB of 3:01:30, with Richard Randle also achieving a PB of 3:05:44. Justine Wearn and Jason Wearn came across the in 3:22:03 (PB) and 3:22:05 respectively. Another PB achieved by Chloe Darling after completing her first race as a Strider with a time of 3:29:23. David Helme came across the line with yet another PB 3:32:25, whilst Danielle Mckenzie, Peter Broom and Mike Mason rounded off a fabulous day of personal bests with times of 3:41:09, 3:50:00 and 3:53:11. Special thanks to the wonderful support crew today. It really did lift our spirits during what was some very tough moments.
And that concludes this weeks run report. This weekend of running has really proved that Ashford Striders are truly a wonderful, supportive inclusive club. Report by Justine Wearn.
A quiet weekend on the race front but plenty of Striders turned out for the Ashford Parkrun on Saturday 26th Feb. First over the line in red was Kevan Strand who got himself a fantastic new PB with a time of 22:32. Mark Niles was next home in 23:20 and then Justin Burden followed with a 23:36 finish time. Steve Rumsey recorded an impressive 25:02 time and was closely followed by Jason Sanders in 25:36. Darren Laker bagged a PB with his 26:57 and Tamsin Ritchie followed him in 27:11. David Gadsby, Daniel Forbes and Lee Standen were the next three Striders home with times of 29:51, 29:52 and 30:25 respectively. Angie Craffey finished her debut parkrun with a 31:31 time and then came Hazel Forrester in 31:44 and Brian Forrester in 32:10. Leigh Freeman and Sara Dewar came through the funnel in 33:50 and 33:51 and they were closely followed by Rachel Theobald in 34:18, Kevin York in 34:20 and Siobhan Hagan in 34:21.
Also on Saturday Christopher Sardo headed out with a hardy bunch of Striders for a 17 mile LSR followed by a well earned fry up at the Railway Club. Well Done Everyone !!
Strong winds made for difficult racing conditions on Sunday, a huge well done to all the Striders who braved the weather to race this weekend.
Parkrun Debris from Friday’s Storm Eunice forced the cancellation of Ashford and several other Kent Parkruns. Travelling to other Parkruns were Tamsin Ritchie, who ran Folkestone in 31:18, and Nicola Crawley who made her first visit to The Leas on the Isle of Sheppey, finishing in 25:18
Dymchurch 10k The conditions proved to be particularly challenging on this flat seafront course with runners having to battle a headwind for the second half of the race. Karen Edwards finished in a creditable 1:02:04
Deal Half Marathon Starting at Betteshanger Country Park, this race takes place on the quiet rural roads around nearby villages. Runners had to contend with strong wind and hills, and club members posted the following times: Neil Wood 1:54:23, Nicola Crawley 2:06:46, Gayle Bailey 2:15:47, Andy Found 2:15:55, Justine Wearn 2:19:01 and Jason Wearn 2:19:04
Ashford Parkrun Nine Striders ran at this week’s Victoria Park event. David Helme was the first male Strider to sprint over the line with a time of 27:23, followed by Jason Sanders finishing in 28:38. First female Strider was Lisa Fulcher 30:19. Next to finish was Peter Broom 30:36, Jason Brice 30:42, Rachel Forrester 31:13, Kevan Strand 31:30, Martin Whittingham 32:13 and Michelle Rowles 36:27. Huge thanks to Don Dewar, Brian Forrester, Hazel Forrester, Darren Laker and Shane Snowwolf for giving their time to volunteer.
Bedgebury Pinetum Parkrun Strider, Nicola Crawley kindly organised a Parkrun tourism trip to this scenic, hilly course near Goudhurst. Mark Niles was first Strider, finishing 14th overall in a time of 22:06. Nicola Crawley came next, finishing 27:52. Next was Justin Burden 27:54 followed by Tamsin Ritchie 28:06. Aimee Donohue chased Rebecca Somerford to the finish with times of 30:47 and 30:48 respectively. Justine Wearn was next with a time of 31:33, then Lisa Gribbin 33:32, Andy Found 33:35, Siobhan Hagan 34:32 with Tyree Spicer coming in at 35:19
Brrrillliantly Brutal Bedgebury (report by Lisa Fulcher)
We had a chilly start this morning for our 12 touring striders (plus 2 guests). Tamsin Ritchie arrived in true Tamsin style just in time for the start & then we were off. Highlight of this Parkrun is that you start & finish next to the Gruffalo OK, so there are a few hills too but underfoot it was dry & running through a pine forest is always good (unless you’re in a Norwegian crime drama, of course) We all made it back safely with big smiles on our faces. A big well done to everyone for getting up extra early & completing a challenging course I didn’t have time to stay for coffee but the coffee shop in the visitor centre offers park runners 10% off when they show their barcode & I heard that the cake was so light it floated off the plate into mouths very quickly. We will plan another tour, just need to find a date in between training & the big races coming up!
Girlings Solicitors Ashford & District 10k First to finish was Jason Caldwell 43:33, then Kevan Strand 48:01. Justine Bushell came in next at 57:16, followed by Karen Edwards with a time of 1:01:25, then Catherine Wall 1:04:15. Alison Newman ran a 1:04:53, Rachel Forrester 1:05:12 followed by David Holland 1:05:21. Hazel Forrester ran 1:05:32, a personal best for this distance. Not to be outdone, husband Brian also achieved a PB of 1:08:13. Sara Dewar finished with a time of 1:09:00. Headcorn Half Marathon There were a host of personal records for Striders runners at this rural course. Justin Burden was first over the line with 1:55:22. Nicola Crawley finished an impressive weekend with a 1:57:21. Kelli Sullivan smashed it with 1:58:21 personal best. Jason Sanders came in at 2:03:34. Gayle Bailey was next with a personal best of 2:04:34. David Helme ran a 2:06:12, another personal best. Mandy Cooper ran a 2:06:27, followed by Julie Virani, who ran a personal best of 2:09:24. Justine and Jason Wearn came in with 2:09:29 and 2:09:31 respectively. Danielle Mackenzie ran a fantastic personal best of 2:16:00 followed by Peter Broom with a time of 2:19:01, another personal best.
London Winter Run 10k Four Striders ventured to London to take in the landmarks. Kate Stroud was first out of the Striders contingent with a time of 55:52, Lauren Aldred and Ned Golding came across the line together in 1:02:31 and Charisse Whitbourn achieved a time of 1:20:17.
Wales A special mention to Richard Coles, who ran in red for the first time in the hills and horizontal rain in Bryngyn, Wales.
Last, but not in the slight bit least…
USA Jayne Hatton ran the Gridiron 4-mile race in the iconic Central Park, New York. Running in the snow Jayne achieved a time of 41:57.
Well done for a fabulous weekend of running everyone!
Report by Paul Dunning.
Ashford Parkrun A&D 10KHeadcorn HalfBedgeburyBedgeburyBedgeburyBedgeburyBedgeburyBedgebury Striders and friend (fiend?)London Winter RunLondon Winter RunBryngyn (Bryngwyn?) Wales/CymruNew York
It was a chilly one on Saturday morning but that didn’t stop our Striders!
16 Striders attended the Ashford Parkrun this Saturday. Mark Niles was the first Strider to cross the finish line in 20.50, followed by Justin Burden in 22.43, Jason Sanders in 27.42, Darren Laker in 27.48, Peter Broom in 29.40, Martin Whittingham in 30.57, Hazel Forrester in 31.40, Rachel Theobald in 32.08, Kevin York in 32.09, Brian Forrester in 32.43, Michelle Rowles in 33.32, Siobhan Hagan in 34.01, Danielle Mackenzie in 36.32, Danielle Moss in 44.44, Clare Maxlow in 44.49 and Don Dewar in 46.02.
Thank you to the following volunteers: Jayne Hatton, Rebecca Somerford, Lee Standen and Rachel Tomsett.
We had quite a bit of tourism this Saturday:
Vicky Bean completed Hastings Parkrun in 23.28 Lisa Fulcher completed Orpington Parkrun in 35.04. We had 3 Striders attend Hoblingwell Parkrun – Nicola Crawley in 28.02, Justine Wearn in 30.36 and Andy Found in 32.19.
Unseasonably mild weather brought a good attendance at Ashford Parkrun this Saturday.
Justin Burden was the first Strider to finish in 23:06 followed by Brian Marsh 25:01, Darren Laker with a new personal best of 27:36, Rebecca Somerford 28:20, Jayne Hatton 30:48, Peter Broom 31:14, Martin Whittingham 31:43, Brian Forrester 32:38, Sara Dewar 32:39, Siobhan Hagan 32:40, Shane Snowwolf 32:40, Kirsty Theobald 32:48, Rachel Theobald 32:55, Kevin York 32:56, Hazel Forrester 34:30, Michelle Rowles 36:05, Danielle Moss 47:38, Clare Maxlow 47:40 and Mark Niles who was volunteering as the tail walker finished in 51:52
Justine Wearn and Jason Wearn ran the riverside course at Maidstone Parkrun, finishing in 29:23 and 29:24 respectively.
Further afield, Lee Standen completed Oxford Parkrun in 32:09 and Tamsin Ritchie ran Kesgrave Parkrun near Ipswich in 25:58.
Such a good week of running to report on this week with many Striders out and about painting the town red.
On Saturday fifteen Ashford Striders ran the 5k Ashford Parkrun. Mark Niles was the first Strider to finish in 21:00. Next was Frank Remigio with a brilliant new PB of 22:29. Justin Burden continues to improve after his knee operation with a time of 23:18. Next was Stephen Rumsey 24:23, Jason Sanders 26:07, Ian McCutcheon 27:16 and Reece Corner 29:25. First female Strider to finish was Sarah Meredith with a time of 30:13. Then followed Nicola Crawley 30:40, Rachel Forrester 30:49, Lisa Fulcher 31:12, Brian Forrester 31:43, Rachel Theobald 33:48, Kevin York 33:49, Katie Iggulden Exon 33:53 and Hazel Forrester 33:54.
A massive thanks to Strider members Don Dewar, Jayne Hatton and her daughter Kayleigh, Simon Jackson, Lee Standen, Vicky Stevenson and Justine Wearn who volunteered at Ashford Parkrun this week.
Siobhan Hagan travelled to Islington for the Highbury Fields Parkrun, achieving a PB of 31:25. Martin Whittingham collected a ‘C’ in his goal to run the Parkrun alphabet, with a time of 31:06 at Cannon Hill Parkrun in Birmingham. Tamsin Ritchie completed another Parkrun tourism trip, travelling to Pegwell Bay and was the 4th female over the line with a shiny new PB of 23:57.
A strong turnout of sixteen Striders travelled to the annual Canterbury 10 Mile Road Race. This race is run on quiet lanes to the south of Canterbury and is a challenging undulating course. First male to finish was Chris Sardo with a time of 1:15:23. Justin Burden completed a great weekend of racing, coming in at 1:22:10. First female to finish was Lauren Aldred with a PB of 1:22:33. Jason Wearn finished in 1:22:57 followed by Fabio Baiardo 1:25:58 and Rob Wood 1:30:39. Next came Kelli Sullivan 1:31:47, Jason Sanders 1:32:01, followed by David Helme with a PB of 1:34:22. Nicola Crawley finished in a time of 1:34:28 and Andy Found achieved a PB of 1:35:42. Next to finish was Gayle Bailey 1:35:49, then Hannah Lothian Rutland 1:39:02. Vicky Stevenson 1:43:35, Nadine Golding 1:43:36 and Justine Wearn 1:43:37 came in smiling, completing a fantastic day of Strider running.
Ashford Striders’ Couch to 5k course began this week, well done to all those runners that took part! Here’s what Run Leader Danielle had to say:
“The Striders 9-week couch to 5K kicked off on Monday 10th with 26 people joining up with the goal of a Parkrun graduation on the 12th March. Some have never run before and some are returning to running but the overriding opinion was they wanted to do it as part of a group. The first week gave everyone a chance to meet each other and they all did fabulously well. Meeting every Monday and Thursday you may see the group running around Finberry”.
