Ashford Striders

Ashford Parkrun
It was a hot one for the 5km event at Victoria Park on Saturday morning, but there was a brilliant turnout of Striders who did themselves proud.
First male Strider to cross the line with an impressive time of 20:54 was Kevan Strand. Keith Haynes wasn’t far behind with a time of 21:14, Jason Wearn finished in 22:58, Simon Jackson, 24:52 and Adam Thomas, 25:44. Nicola Crawley was first female Strider over the line with a time of 27:01 followed closely by Tamsin Ritchie, 27:05.
David Gadsby finished in 28:48, Jamie Bartlett, 29:01, followed by Amanda James, 30:06 and Vicky Stevenson, 30:08. Next was Justine Wearn, 31:50, Lisa Gribbin, 31:54 and Martin Whittingham, 31:58.
Michelle Bryant finished with a time of 32:05. Then Rachel Theobald and Kevin York crossed the line with times of 33:03 & 33:04. Siobhan Hagan was next with a time of 33:53 and Rita Cooke completed the run in 34:37.
Thanks, as always to the Strider volunteers: Jason Caldwell, Amanda Cooper, Simon Jackson, Mark Niles, Terry Sellen and Lee Standen.

Parkrun Tourism
Three runners travelled to other Parkruns. Danielle Moss took time out of her festival weekend to run at the Medina I.O.W. parkrun completing in a time of 42:47. Lisa Fulcher made the journey to Shorne Woods Parkrun and finished in 35:35 and Justin Burden went to Folkestone achieving a very respectable time of 22:44.

White Cliffs Triathlon
Finally, our intrepid chairman, Andy Found, competed in the Dover Sprint Triathlon . He completed the 400m swim in 14:13, then onto the bike for 14km with a time of 34:20 and the 5km run in 28:39. His total time with transitions of approx. 7 mins making his total (unofficial time) 1:24:12.

Well done and congratulations to all of you for getting out there and performing so well.

Report by Paul Dunning

After a relatively cool couple of weeks, the weekend was a warm one again. The sort of conditions that some would say were good for racing but others would say were far too hot! Plenty of Striders were out there as usual, completing parkruns at home or on holiday, and also racing.

Ashford parkrun
A good turn out at Victoria Park once again. Keith Haynes was first home for the club in 21:01, followed by Terry Sellen 24:24, Amanda James 28:45, David Gadsby 29:48, Michelle Bryant 30:04, Justine Wearn 30:14, Jason Wearn 30:16, Martin Whittingham 30:40, Kevan Strand 33:27, Victoria Shrubsole 33:28, Sharni Copham 33:28, Rita Cooke 33:40, Danielle Moss 42:31 and Clare Maxlow 42:41

Many thanks to the Strider volunteers at Ashford this week: Jason Caldwell, Sharon Gardner and Terry Sellen. Ashford parkrun struggled to get enough volunteers this week, and as it’s holiday season the following months will also be difficult. Please consider volunteering at parkrun, especially if you haven’t before it’s easy and a worthwhile experience!

Parkrun tourism
Plenty of Striders took to the roads (or rails) to visit other parkruns once again.
Attending the second running of Mote Park parkrun in Maidstone were Justin Burden, finishing in 24:52, and Lee Standen in 30:42
Also staying in Kent were Angela Craffey who ran Sittingbourne parkrun in 30:58, Tom Bullen who completed Walmer and Deal Seafront parkrun in 27:09 and Nicola Crawley who ran Squerryes Winery parkrun in Westerham in 26:51
Siobhan Hagan went over the border to Greater London to finish Catford parkrun in 33:47 Brian Marsh travelled to Devon to run the woodland course at Tamar Trails parkrun, finishing in 25:41
Travelling to the Lake District was Amanda Cooper, who ran the undulating Fell Foot parkrun by Lake Windermere in 29:31

Tenterden 5k
This undulating race on Sunday took place on the country lanes of St Michaels, Tenterden. Karen Edwards finished in 30:22 and Danielle Moss 41:44

Bedgebury 10k
Bedgebury Forest is a popular location for off road races and this Sunday’s race was no exception. Plenty of shade on a warm day but also plenty of hills! Kay Hunt was first Strider in 1:10:21 closely followed by Sharon Gardner 1:10:50, Caroline Miller 1:13:45. Vicky Shrubsole and Sharni Copham both finished in 1:16:29
Well done to all the parkrunners and racers this weekend!

Report by Lisa Fulcher.

On a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend, we all witnessed amazing celebrations across the country to honour HRH Queen Elizabeth II 70 years reign. It certainly made us all proud to be British (apart from maybe Rod Stewart’s rendition of Sweet Caroline – not so proud). Also making us all proud, as always, was another right royal weekend of running by the Ashford Striders family.
First out the blocks this week was Kay DH who ran the Bedgebury Summer Series 10k on 03/06. On what, I can only assume, was a hilly course (?) Kat came in with an impressive time of 1:00:14 – jolly well done Kay.

Ashford Park Run
Richard Randle 25:30, Darren Laker 25:37, and Sharon Gardner 30:28 all deserve a special mention for achieving personal bests at Ashford Park Run this week, well done fantastic job. First across the line, however was one of our new members Terry Sellen 24:11, Terry does a lot to keep Ashford Park Run the great event that it is each week and we are very pleased to have Terry join our wonderful club Following Richard and Darren, was Ian McCutchen coming in at 26:02, Richard Coles 27:43, David Gadsby 28:02 and Amanda James 28:20 all coming in under the 30 minute mark. Following Sharon was Brian Forrester (31:45) and Rita Cooke (33:52). Well done one and all.
Thanks as always to our Strider volunteers.

Eastbourne Park Run
Just one Ashford Strider, Jayne Hatton, made the seaside trip to Eastbourne coming across the line in 31:07, well done Jane.

Canterbury Park Run
Rachel Tomsett was another lone Ashford Strider venturing to Canterbury to complete the 5k Park Run course and record a time of 32:18, well done Rachel.

Pegwell Bay Park Run
For the 2nd week in a row Kevan Strand made the trip to Pegwell Bay park run to help his dad achieve a PB. he came in at 28:27, well done Kevan.

Mote Park Park Run
As you may or may not know there are one or two Park Run ‘nerds’ amongst us (myself NOT included !). So when the opportunity to run this brand new park Run, and its very 1st event, – apparently it was too good of an opportunity to miss !
Once again Justin Burden was first over the line of the undulating slash mountainous course, with an impressive time of 24:28 closely followed by Simon Jackson with another great time of 25:18. Tamsin Ritchie clocked 26:30, Hazel Turner 27:05 and Jason Sanders 28:02 came in under the 30 minutes. Next was Michelle Bryant 30:54 with Nicola Crawley, Justine Wearn and Jason Wearn (after shamefully being overtaken by a dinosaur) came across the line in 30:58, 31:13, and 31:13 respectively. Martin Whittingham 32:20 Peter Broom 32:35, Siobhan Hagan 34:01 and Tyree Spicer 39:36 completed the well organised, fun, friendly, beautiful but hilly, first park run for Mote Park

Medway 10k
Not satisfied with just running Mote Park Park Run yesterday, 3 of our members took on Medway 10k Tamsin Ritchie completed the distance in an impressive 53:59, Martin Whittingham continued his impressive form, bagging himself yet another PB of 1:03:17, and almost crossing the line at the same time was Peter Broom in 1:03:20. Well done people.

Cranbrook Sprint Triathlon
A few of our members also take to water and two wheels as well as running, to take part in Cranbrook Sprint Triathlon. Special mention to Richard Randle, who not only achieved a personal best of 1:25:44, he was rewarded by coming 1st in his age group. Super impressive Richard. Well done. Also competing in this event was Andrew Cornwell and Nicola Crawley coming in at 1:32:15 and 1:37:48 respectively. Brilliant.
So as this special Platinum Jubilee weekend draws to a close well done everyone for yet more super impressive performances. Have a great week Striders.

Report by Justine Wearn

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