Ashford Striders

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. 

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!

Report by Lisa Fulcher

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

Report by Lisa Fulcher

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.

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.

Well done everyone!