Ashford Striders

Happy New Year and welcome to the (slightly delayed) first report of the year.

Striders true to form, took advantage of the extra parkrun this week and started the year, in the only way that we know how and that’s with a 5km run. We were also blessed with a dry morning; someone having turned the tap off for once! There was no Ashford parkrun on New Year’s Day, so ‘tourism’ took place for many runners.

Canterbury parkrun was visited by Tamsin Ritchie who completed the hilly course in 39:55. Travelling down the motorway to Folkestone, saw the largest contingent. Justin Burden led the Striders home with a time of 23:05, followed by first lady home, Hazel Turner in 25:41. Then Siobahn Hagan (27:51), David Helme (28:20), Michelle Bryant (28:57), Peter Broom (32:49) and Martin Whittingham (33:55). Sharni Copham travelled to Hastings, completing in 31:07. Three Striders preferred the riverside course at Maidstone: Mandy Cooper finishing in 30:09, Kay Hunt 30:50 and Adam Thomas on her heels in 30:51. At the other side of Maidstone we had three Striders at Mote park, Stephen Cleaver leading the pack in 28:46, Rachel Tomsett in 37:28 & Lisa Fulcher completing the hilly course in 38 minutes exactly. Tilgate in Surrey was the course of choice for Nicola Crawley (30:27); Nadine Golding (33:46) and Justine Wearn (33:52). Back to the seaside at Walmer & Deal were Rachel Misson finishing in 29:58 and Lisa Gribbin in 30:10, and Whitstable saw two Striders complete the course – Isobel Phillips in 28:08 and George Phillips in 31:06.

Only one Strider raced on New Year’s Day, and that was Jason Kennedy who raced the aptly named Knacker Cracker, also known as Britain’s toughest 10Km race at Denbies Estate, which incorporates Box Hill. Jason completed in 1:12:08 and lived to tell the tale!

6th January was the first Saturday parkrun of the year, and again, we were blessed with dry, albeit chilly, weather.

Ashford saw the biggest contingent of Striders with Keith Haynes leading the pack in 19:52. Next home was Scott Hawkins in 26:37, followed by: Stephen Cleaver (26:46), Richard Randle (27:25), Andy Found (27:28), Christopher Wicks (27:33), David Helme (28:57), Josh Stephens (29:32), David Gadsby (29:34). Sharni Copham was the first lady home in 32:08. She was followed by Lee Standen (32:20), Catherine Wall (33:04), Justine Wearn (33:19), Dee Millen (33:24), Brian Forrester (34:11), Siobahn Hagan (34:12), Rachel Tomsett (34:17), Michelle Bryant (34:25), Rachel Oliver (34:56), Jennifer Watts (35:37), Dave Warner (36:18), Rachel Theobald (38:42), Kevin York (38:43), Holly Forest (39:41) and Hazel Forrester, (40:10)

There was also the usual parkrun tourism this week, so in alphabetical order, we’ll start with Barking where Justin Burden finished in 23:27 and Laura Clark bagged a PB of 35:35. Well-done Laura! Bedgebury, was the parkrun of choice for Mandy Cooper, competing the hilly off-road course in 30:54. Also visiting a trail parkrun (a bit further north) were George & Isobel Phillips who completed Belton House in 26:30 & 36:47 respectively. Canterbury was visited by Tamsin Ritchie who completed in 30:32. Dover Waterfront was visited by Lisa Gribbin who completed in 28:25 and Rachel Misson in 29:33. Along the coast at Folkestone saw Michael Davies finish in 22:30 and Emma Matthews in 38:18. Great Lines was visited by Nicola Crawley who finished in 28:30 and the mud fest of Harrow Lodge, was completed by Jamie Penfold in 26:37. Malling saw Don Dewar finish in 28:01, followed by Sara Dewar and Leigh Freeman both finishing in 34:40. And finally …. University Parks saw Lydia Huntley finish in 27:15.

Saturday also saw the first ever Strider attendance at the Kent Cross Country Championships at Brands Hatch. Although almost at the end of the Cross-Country season, three

valiant Striders represented the club. Dave Winchester was the first male home for the club in 1:04:53, closely followed by Jack Farrant in 1:07:28 for the 12km male course. Elle Weeks represented the ladies and finished the 8.4km course in a cracking time of 49.11. Well done!

Happy New Year to you all!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be wondering how on earth you’re going to consume the remaining 4 billion calories in your house before the diet starts tomorrow…but then someone very wise once said to me that diets are better started in February anyway; January already comes with its challenges! 

Christmas Day parkrun

We start in Ashford, where 232 people, elves, reindeer and other Christmas themed characters, ran or walked the Victoria Park course!

Justin Burden was first Strider across the line with a time of 23:35, followed by Jack Farrant with a time of 23:37, and then with a shiny new PB, Simon Pharoah was third Strider, with a time of 23:39

They were followed by Terry Sellen 24:20, Jason Kennedy 25:03, Graham Troman 25:48, Scott Hawkins 25:49, Hazel Turner 26:47, Darren Laker 26:53, Richard Randle 27:56, David Gadsby 28:25, Jason Sanders 28:35, Nicola Crawley 28:37, Don Dewar 28:46, David Helme 28:53, Charlotte Housden 29:49, Josh Stephens 30:16, Andy Found 31:24, Elle Weekes 31:26, Claire Green 31:28, George Cromwell 31:31, Lucie Shrubsole 31:37, Catherine Wall 31:47, Justine Wearn 32:18, Siobhan Hagan 32:33, Katie Fox 32:44, Sharon Gardner 32:55, Victoria Shrubsole 34:56, Sharni Copham 34:57, Michelle Bryant 35:00, Rachel Tomsett 35:02, Martin Whittingham 35:16, Dee Millen 38:11, Julie Foster 41:10, and Sally Davidson-Daniel 42:23. Danielle Moss celebrated her milestone 100th Parkrun with a lovely 49:07 and finally Lisa Gribbin tail walked her way round in 57:14!

Christmas Volunteers included Justin Burden, Rita Cooke, Dermot Carr, Don Dewar, Lisa Gribbin, Siobhan Hagan, Peter Heckel, Mark Niles and Lee Standen – The Christmas runners were all extremely grateful for your time, thank you!

Parkrun Tourism

Paul Baker and Tamsin Ritchie both completed Albert parkrun in Middlesbrough, finishing in 26:51 and 27:33 respectively

Peter Broom was in Milton Keynes where 805 runners took part in their parkrun! Peter completed the run in 35:13.

Jamie Penfold completed the The Pastures parkrun in Alnwick in 27:50.

Cherith Wright returned home to Ireland recently and ran the Ecos Parkrun in Ballymena, completing the course in 23:11

Saltwood Boxing Day Run

We had six Striders representing the club at the very muddy course in Saltwood. This was a 5k trail race and the first Strider in was Dan Green in 22:10. Next in and both with PB’s were Jason Kennedy – 28:06 and Jason Sanders – 33:12. Kate Stroud followed shortly behind in 35:17 with Andy Found coming in at 46:23 and Nic Crawley in 47:45

Ashford Parkrun 30/12/2023

Record numbers attended this week’s parkrun at Victoria Park with a total of 332 people running and walking the course. That’s the highest attendance since 2020!

Adam Booth was first Strider in at 18:45, followed by Keith Haynes at 19:44 and then third was Jack Farrant at 22:13.

They were followed by Terry Sellen 24:44, Christopher Wicks 25:15, Graham Troman 25:16, Scott Hawkins 26:25, Hazel Turner 26:53, Don Dewar 27:17, Claire Green 27:35, Jamie Bartlett 28:16, David Gadsby 28:33, Darren Laker 28:43, Jo Mason 28:45, Stephen Cleaver 28:55, Isobel Phillips 29:19, Amanda James 29:22, Michelle Bryant with a lovely 30:00 exactly! Josh Stephens 30:26, Rachel Tomsett 30:34, George Phillips 31:02, Ash Robinson, with a fantastic new PB of 31:24! Amanda Cooper 31:52, Siobhan Hagan and Dermot Carr neck and neck with 31:55, Michelle Brice 32:36, Rita Cooke 32:55, Peter Broom 34:39, Martin Whittingham 35:01, Sara Dewar 36:44, Leigh Freeman 36:48, Lisa Fulcher 37:25, Tamsin Ritchie 38:28, Holly Forrest 40:51, Lynnette Whittingham 1:00:48 and then Rachel Misson and Lisa Gribbin both came in at 1:00:49.

Volunteers this week included Jason Caldwell, Sharni Copham, Don Dewar, Julie Foster, Peter Heckel, Simon Jackson, Terry Sellen, Kevan Strand – Thank you all!

Parkrun Tourism

Reigate Priory Parkrun – we had four members run this route, first in was Justin Burden 26:27, then Nicola Crawley 31:10, Justine Wearn 33:59, and Laura Clark 41:25.

Dartford Heath, Mark Niles completed this course in 27:24.

Jamie Penfold was at Lancing Beach Green and completed the course in 26:11.

Andrew Maund went to Mote Park and completed that course in 32:13.

Last but not least, Dover Waterfront Parkrun, Dee Millen was first Strider home completing the course in 32:59, Richard Randle ran with Rick Newman and they both came in at 46:56.

Staplehurst 10 mile

Finally, the last run of the year was a 10 Miler. Michael Davies completed the race in 1:15:22, also earning himself a trophy for best in age! Well Done Michael!

So there we have it, after numerous miles, countless races and many Parkruns, 2023, we are done! Happy New Year all!

Ashford parkrun

Plenty of Striders decided to take a break from Christmas preparations and take advantage of the dry and mild weather to go for a run in Victoria Park. 

Adam Booth was first Strider across the line with a new personal best time of 18:34 – well done Adam! Keith Haynes was next with a time of 19:31, and Dan Green was third Strider, with a time of 20:55.

They were followed by Jack Farrant with a PB of 21:57, then Justin Burden 23:59, Claire Green 24:37, Hazel Turner 25:22, Terry Sellen 25:34, Graham Troman 25:43, Katie Fox 28:08, David Gadsby 28:39, Jason Brice 28:45, Rachel Phillips 28:50, Jo Mason 29:05, Amanda Cooper 29:06, Aimee Donohue 29:07, Pauline Tallett 29:31, Amanda James 29:41, Rachel Tomsett 30:15, Don Dewar 30:26, Josh Stephens 30:32, Darren Laker 30:43, Scott Hawkins 30:45, Charlotte Housden 31:02, Catherine Wall 32:12, Rachel Forrester 32:29, Siobhan Hagan 32:31, Michelle Brice 32:50, Lisa Fulcher 32:55, Peter Broom 33:09, Rita Cooke 33:16, Michelle Bryant 33:22, Sharon Gardner 33:24, Victoria Shrubsole 33:34, Delia Millen 33:35, Sharni Copham 33:38, Brian Forrester 34:34, Leigh Freeman 36:15, Clare Maxlow 37:13, Rachel Oliver 37:40, Lee Standen 37:41, Julie Foster 38:41, Hazel Forrester 39:54 and Danielle Moss 56:11

Volunteering were: Justin Burden, Jason Caldwell, Don Dewar, Peter Heckel, Simon Jackson, Richard Randle and Terry Sellen

Parkrun Tourism

Plenty of Striders travelled a fair distance this weekend, some of whom were using the excuse of visiting family to take in some parkrun tourism.

Two Striders headed across the Irish Sea.  Dermot Carr visited the Republic of Ireland to complete a parkrun in the lovely St Anne’s Park in Dublin in 28:28. Cherith Wright went to Northern Ireland to Ecos parkrun in Ballymena and finished in 22:49

Several Striders went to Northern  England.  Nadine Golding completed her third run at picturesque Fountains Abbey parkrun in North Yorkshire, and gained a PB for the course of 31:54. Jamie Penfold went to Jesmond Dene parkrun in Newcastle upon Tyne, a hilly course which even includes steps! He finished in 25:45.  Paul Baker and Tamsin Ritchie travelled to Stockton-on-Tees to run Wynyard Woodland parkrun, an out-and-back run along the route of a former railway line. They finished in 27:13 and 28:08 respectively.

Closer to home, Nicola Crawley and Justine Wearn opted for a seaside run this weekend, running at Eastbourne parkrun in 29:00 and 31:16 respectively.  John Latter was also by the sea at Folkestone parkrun, finishing in 31:41, and Isobel Phillips completed the Walmer and Deal Seafront parkrun in 31:18, along with George Phillips in 31:20.  Mark Niles went for a muddy run around Squerryes Winery parkrun near Westerham in 51:21.

No races this weekend, so it just remains for me to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A week before Christmas and the super Striders were out in force this weekend fully festively clothed.

The conditions for parkrun on Saturday were perfect with no rain and not too chilly.  A good number of Striders were there at Ashford with Ashley Robinson using the conditions to gain a PB of 33.16

Parkrun Tourism

Winning the award for the furthest travelled Strider was Adam Booth who took part in the Dunedin parkrun in New Zealand a full 13 hours before us finishing in 21.14.

Justin Burden was in North London to take part in the Finsbury parkrun and completed the course in 24.13

Staying in Kent, Tamsin Ritchie completed the Canterbury parkrun in 30 minutes exactly and Nicky Crawley travelled to Dover Waterfront finishing in 27.10. Richard Randle, Amanda Cooper and Dee Millen completed the Sittingbourne parkrun in 27.17, 28.33 and 34.11 respectively.

On Sunday there was the Kent Christmas Cracker 5 mile in Deal. Some lovely Christmas costumes were on display and some fabulous personal bests were achieved. Keith Haynes was first Strider to finish and also came first in his age group in 31.55 (PB), he was followed by Jack Farrant in 37.16 (PB).  George Cromwell achieved a personal best of 45.15. Mandy Cooper and Ian Watson were next through in 46.12 and 47.38 respectively. Rebecca James was next to finish in 52.36 followed by Vicky Shrubsole with 55.25, Lucie Shrubsole in 55.38, Sharni Copham in 58.20 and Dee Millen in 59.01 (PB). Richard Randle and Julie Foster completed the Strider representation in 1.00.54 a personal best.

With only 15 sleeps until the big day, festive races have been hotting up this week, with many a Strider dressing up in festive gear to complete races of varying distances.

Taking on a midweek run this week was Martin Whittingham, who took on Chase the Moon 5k at QE Olympic Park, completing it in 34:44.

On a very wet Saturday morning, Ashford Striders took charge of Ashford parkrun helping support our fabulous Introduction to Running graduates and covering all the volunteer positions. 32 striders completed the wet and soggy puddle ridden course. 50 parkrun milestones were completed by Andy Found and Dee Millen, Rick Newman completed his 10th parkrun being guided around by Leigh Freeman.  Our Introduction to Running graduates who completed their first ever parkrun were Josephine Levett 30:44, Luke Saunders 31:17, Sam Saunders 32:52, Cara Linin 35:48, Gary Linin 36:08, Amy Campbell 47:45 and continuing their parkrun journeys were Katie Gates 35:37 and Laura Clark 44:13. Fantastic running.

You can see the full parkrun results here https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashford/results/latestresults/

STRIDERS ON TOUR – PARKRUN TOURISM

East End parkrun, New Zealand

Travelling the furthest this week was Adam Booth who took part at East End – New Plymouth parkrun in New Zealand, finishing in an impressive 19:25, let’s see if he can improve on that next week Down Under at Dunedin!

Rheinpark parkrun, Germany

Mandy Cooper combined a festive trip to Koln with an essential bit of parkrun tourism and completed Rheinpark parkrun in 28:51

Oxford parkrun

Rachel Tomsett travelled to Oxford parkrun and finished in 39:53

Folkestone parkrun

Finally, closer to home, Hazel Turner and Siobhan Hagen ran Folkestone parkrun in 24:40 and 28:32 respectively.

RACES

Maidstone Harriers Turkey Run

Travelling the short distance to Maidstone, we had a small selection of Striders taking on the 7.5 mile Turkey run, many dressed for the occasion. Richard Randle 1:09:44, Sharon Gardener 1:24:29, Nicola Crawley 1:26:06, Nadine Golding 1:26:06, David Holland 1:30:49, Andrew Cornwell 1:31:38. Pulling a PB out the bag were Charlotte Housden 1:21:22, Alison North 1:30:49 and Dee Millen 1:36:30. Well done to everyone, your outfits looked amazing.

Chatham Maritime Christmas Dash 5k

Taking on their first ever race were our Introduction to Running graduates Andrea Marsh and Bex Schweizer completing the 5k course in 36:06 supporting each other all the way and achieving Andrea a PB. Great running ladies.

Pilgrims Hospice Santa Run

In an event that sees everyone dress up as Santa, we had a selection of striders running 3 different distances along Herne Bay Seafront. Amanda James completed the 10k in 1:05:41. Andy Found, Vicky Stevenson and Martin Whittingham completed the 5k in 34:55, 35:22 and 39:00 respectively.

In her first ever event, Lynette Whittingham completed the 3k run, supported by fellow Striders in 32:36, gaining herself a PB. Well done all.

It’s been a great week to be a Strider. Well done to everyone who helped in our final parkrun takeover of 2023. Keep on running and don’t forget…..those who run together, have fun together! 🏃🏼‍♀️😂

Unfortunately the bad weather and ice put paid to a lot of running this weekend but on the bright side it makes my job tonight a lot easier. Every Cloud…..
Super Strider title this weekend goes to Elle Weeks. Elle smashed her 10K PB this weekend with a superb time of 55:27 at the Victoria Park 10K in London. It’s the first time Elle has got under the hour for a 10K so massive congratulations to her. She was joined at the race by Siobhan Hagan who ran 55:37 and Michelle Bryant who finished in 59:26. Well done ladies !!

Ashford Parkrun fell victim to the weather but a few hardy Striders still managed to get their weekly 5K fix elsewhere. Banstead Woods welcomed Justin Burden, Nicola Crawley and Justine Wearn. Justin was first over the line in 24:26 with Nicola finishing in 32:57 and Justine in 33:52.

Folkestone saw four Striders at the start line. George Phillips took pole position with 26:04 followed by Richard Randle with 26:19. Amanda Cooper went round in 28:36 and Dee Millen completed in 33:02.

Mark Niles tackled the Swanley Parkrun and managed a very respectable 22:09 whilst Lucie Shrubsole and George Cromwell went to Quakers Walk and finished in 29:07 and 29:08 respectively, Obviously a case of ‘Ladies First’ through the funnel, very gallant George !!

Well that’s all folks. I hope you all have a great week 😍

There has certainly been a chill in the air this weekend, with the sound of windscreens being scraped from all around prior to the main event – Parkrun! It was actually a lovely weekend for running, once the muscles and extremities had acclimatised to the frosty air. Ashford Parkrun saw a good Strider turnout and a couple of PB’s to boot!

Adam Booth was first for Striders in a time of 18:46 with Keith Haynes taking it easy today and coming in at 19:30! Jack Farrant continues his fine form with another PB – 22:08! (sub 22 next week Jack?) Next in and first lady Strider was Cherith Wright, passing through the funnel at 22:55. Daniel Schwartz came in next with another PB of 23:45 – well done Daniel! Terry Sellen came in at 24:33; Hazel Turner, 25:21; Scott Hawkins, 26:27; Stephen Cleaver, 26:31; Dave Helme, 26:44; Darren Laker, 26:45; Amanda James, 28:53 and George Cromwell with 28:57. David Gadsby finished the 5k in 29:05, with Don Dewar coming in at 29:18. Tamsin Ritchie and Siobhan Hagan finished a second apart at 29:37 and 29:38 respectively. Vicky Stevenson completed the course in 30:21, Cathie wall at 31:15; Rita Cooke, 31:37; Rachel Forrester at 32:00 exactly, Rachel Oliver, 32:37 and a second behind was Ian McCutcheon with 32:38. Vicky and Lucie Shrubsole finished a second apart at 32:54 and 32:55 respectively with Sharni just behind at 33:05. Dee Millen was next to finish in 33:30, Leigh Freeman, 34:07; Brian Forrester, 34:17; Jennifer Watts, 35:02 and rounding off for Striders at Victoria Park was the lovely Julie Foster coming in at 38:20.

Volunteers at Ashford included Jason Caldwell, Amanda Cooper, Don Dewar, Peter Heckel, Richard Randle, Terry Sellen, and Kevan Strand – Thank you so much, your efforts are appreciated by all!

Parkrun Tourists!

We’ll start with the furthest travelled and this week’s winner is Jamie Penfold who travelled to the homeland and braved the bitey North Sea wind at Whitley Bay, completing their Park Run in 23:55!

Rachel Tomsett ran at Dartford Heath and completed their run in 30:16.

Lisa Fulcher went to beautiful Bedgebury for their hilly 5k and completed it in 38:15.

Mark Niles was at Kingdom Parkrun and finished in 23:14

Last but by no means least, Justin Burden was in Woolwich for the Thames Path Parkrun and completed it in 23:13!

There were only two races that we had members competing in this weekend, first of those was the South Downs Trail Run, a Half Marathon starting at Goodwood Racecourse and going through the South Downs National Park. Both George and Isobel Phillips completed the race and finished together in 2:35:06.

Finally, we had a rowdy rabble out in Benidorm, wreaking havoc (probably), sampling the wines and devouring the carbs, oh and doing a bit of running (in matching kit!).

There was a 10k option and Sarah Martins completed this race, finishing in 1:10:33.

And then there was the Half Marathon! First to finish was Ned Golding in 2:22:20, with Nic Crawley seconds behind in at 2:22:28. Justine Wearn came in at 2:25:26 and Jason Wearn finished in 2:28:43 – well done to you all, it looked like you’ve all had a great weekend!

That’s it for the report this week, have a great week everyone 😊

Run in the Dark

We start the report this week on a Friday night as Simon Pharoah took part in the Run in the Dark 10K which started at Battersea Park. Simon completed the race in a time of 44.40 which was a personal best for him.

Ashford parkrun

On another soggy Saturday 180 runners, joggers and walkers met at Victoria Park to start their weekends the right way.

Adam Booth and Keith Haynes went head to head to be the first Strider to finish with Adam piping Keith to the post in 19.33 with Keith seconds behind in 19.35. Dan Green was just behind them in 22.06 with Cherith Wright being the first lady back celebrating a personal best of 22.23. Mr parkrun Terry Sellen was next in 24.22 with Brian Marsh hot on his heels in 24.33. Dermot Carr, (25.23) Claire Green (25.53), Jason Brice (28.41), Rachel Tomsett (29.10) and Simon Pharoah (29.34) all came through in under 30 minutes, Amanda James, David Gadsby and Catherine Wall were next in 30.03, 30.37 and 30.39 respectively. Michelle Brice (32.54), Tamsin Ritchie (33.03) Dee Millen (34.10), Leigh Freeman (36.31), Lisa Fulcher (37.02) and Laura Clark (38.12) complete the Strider line up.

Not forgetting the marshals that make it possible each week, so a big thank you to Don Dewar, Peter Heckel, Simon Jackson, Mark Niles, Terry Sellen and Kevan Strand.

Parkrun Tourism

Minehead parkrun

Taking a break from his weekend of discoing, Dave Helme was in Minehead and completed the parkrun in 28.02.

Norwich parkrun

Celebrating another personal best, Julie Foster completed the Norwich parkrun in 37.29.

Finsbury parkrun

A few Striders travelled to North London to take part in the Finsbury parkrun. Jamie Penfold finishing first in 24.44, followed by Hazel Turner in 27.04, Siobhan Hagan in 36.39 and Michelle Bryant in 36.45.

Eastbourne parkrun

Daniel and Sonette Schwartz were in Eastbourne and finished in 25.13 and 29.23 respectively.

Dover Waterfront

An away parkrun proving popular with Striders and this week Lee Standen travelled to Dover to complete the parkrun in 32.05.

Footscray Meadows parkrun

Justin Burden was the sole Strider at the Footscray Meadows parkrun and he finished in 24.47.

Hastings parkrun

Rachel Misson braved the coastal elements and completed the Hastings parkrun in 30.22.

Beckenham Place parkrun

Nicki Crawley and Justine Wearn both completed the Beckenham Place parkrun together in 36.09.

Hartfield Honey Run half marathon

Adrian Green ran through the mud in Ashdown Forest to complete the half marathon in a fantastic time of 1.56.56

Marden half marathon

Mandy Cooper was the sole Strider taking part in the Marden half marathon and completed the course in 2.10.10

Coastbuster 10 mile and 10K

Travelling to Ramsgate on Sunday morning was Nicki Charles who completed the 10K in 1.07.59. Completing the 10 mile distance was Dermot Carr in 1.31.31, Hazel Turner in 1.33.19, Katie Fox in 1.40.42 (pb) Siobhan Hagan in 1.42.02, and Michelle Bryant in 1.50.14.

ATC 666 Trail Run

Not too far to travel for this race to Ashford Tri Club’s nice and muddy 666 Trail Run at Kings Wood. Completing the 6.66 miles was Jason Kennedy in 1.05.33 which was a personal best, Jack Farrent in 1.07, Chris Wicks in 1.13.10, a personal best and Hazel and Dave Winchester in 1.15.58.

With nobody admitting to having raced this weekend 😀, this week’s report is a round up of Saturday’s action across various parkruns.

The weather on Saturday was in stark contrast to the last two soggy weekends – dry and sunny and decidedly chilly, but good conditions for running.

Our local Ashford parkrun was back to its usual turnout with the improved weather. Keith Haynes was in his familiar position as fastest Strider, finishing in 19:50. The next two Striders both earned new PBs this week, both of them making huge improvements to their parkrun times in a relatively short period: Jamie Penfold with a time of 22:49 and Cherith Wright our first lady finisher with 23:26.

Three more of our speedier runners were next: Justin Burden 23:43, Terry Sellen – 24:03 and Jack Farrant – 24:43. Aimee Donohue also came in with a new PB of 25:33, followed by Simon Pharoah – 26:09 and Andy Found – 26:09

Katie Fox is on her 3rd parkrun but has improved her time with each run, she finished in 26:43. Richard Randle was next with 26:52, then Scott Hawkins – 28:25, Kevin York – 28:34, Darren Laker – 28:36, David Gadsby – 28:44, Don Dewar – 29:10, Amanda James – 29:39, Rachel Tomsett – 29:50, Catherine Wall – 30:51, Michelle Brice – 32:20, Lisa Fulcher – 32:57, Delia Millen – 33:34, Brian Forrester – 33:42, Lee Standen – 33:57, Jennifer Watts – 34:11, Hazel Forrester – 34:41, Sara Dewar – 35:34, Rachel Oliver – 37:07, Julie Nicholson – 37:13, Julie Foster – 37:32, Leigh Freeman – 41:23 and Danielle Moss – 55:07

Huge thanks as always to our members who volunteered at Ashford parkrun: Justin Burden, Jason Caldwell, Sharni Copham, Don Dewar, Sharon Gardner, Peter Heckel, Terry Sellen, Kevan Strand and Hazel Turner

Parkrun tourism
Two Striders took on Canterbury parkrun’s undulating course: Tamsin Ritchie finished in 29:45 and Laura Clark ran 38:15

Mark Niles went to Kent’s toughest parkrun at Lullingstone, finishing with an impressive 24:36 and 10th position overall.

A group of Striders travelled to Dover Waterfront parkrun’s flat and fast (weather depending!) course. Daniel Schwartz was first home for the club with 24:25, then Sonette Schwartz – 29:23, Rachel Misson with a course PB of 30:20, Peter Broom – 32:02, Michelle Bryant also with a course PB of 32:04, Martin Whittingham – 33:16. Lynnette Whittingham, who continues to knock minutes off her parkrun times, earned a new overall PB of 55:30, backed up by Dermot Carr also with 55:30

Lastly we have perennial tourists Nicola Crawley and Justine Wearn notching up another new venue at South Norwood parkrun. These ladies took on the mixed trail and path course in South London, finishing in 31:44 and 32:59 respectively.

Well done to all our parkrunners this weekend!

Also on Saturday was the club’s AGM, which included the annual club awards, followed by the Christmas party. Well done to those who won awards this year and it was great to see a well attended meeting and enjoy the food and dancing afterwards! 🕺🎈🍾

Remember, remember, the 5th of November it’s bonfire weekend and wow did some striders put on some sparkler-ing displays of dedication this weekend. The weather was a game of two halves with the rain deciding to come down on Saturday with more force than the fountains and rockets being used to light up the sky that night.
Ashford parkrun
We had a handful of striders turning up to Victoria Park to run (or swim as the weather was more appropriate for) the 5k round the park.
Keith Haynes was our 1st strider lighting up the finish line in a time of 20.22. Jack Farrant followed in a time of 22.25 with Terry Sellen finishing the course in 24.49. Daniel Schwartz ran through the finishers tunnel in 25.43 with Christopher Wicks hot on his heels finishing in 25.56. Jason Brice got a time of 27.04, David Helme finished in 28.26 and Don Dewer ended the 5k route bang on 29.00. Amanda James was our 1st female of the morning, achieving a time of 30.06 followed by the girls, Rebecca James (32.33), Rachel Oliver (34.22) and Danielle Moss (48.21). I hope you all managed to dry off in a reasonable time after being out in those torrential downpours.
A big thanks to this weeks bright stars, Jason Caldwell, Lisa Fulcher, Nadine Golding, Sharon Gardener, Peter Heckel and Kevan Strand. I am not sure whether you are more crazy than the runners standing out in that, but huge appreciation goes for your time and support.
parkrun Tourism
If staying local to run in a Storm wasn’t mad enough, we had Strider representation at six other parklakes (I mean parkruns).
I’m not a 100% sure a coastal parkrun would have been the 1st choice for many but this bunch decided to give it a shot and tackle Dover parkrun. Dermott Carr crossed the line 1st in 26.33, Siobhan Hagan finished in 31.38, Lisa Gribbin was close behind in 31.51 with Rachel Misson finishing only 3 seconds later in 31.55. Rachel Thomsett (32.29), Richard Randle (35.51) and Dee Millen (35.32) also fought against the 40mph winds to finish.
Nicola Crawley and Justine Wearn were just as brave venturing to East Brighton parkrun, finishing the course in 30.05 and 33.02 respectively.
Elsewhere Adam Booth completed Milton parkrun in 21.00, Peter Lane finished West Park in 28.09 and Justin Burden went over to Charlton parkrun finishing the 5k in 24.07.
Well done each and everyone of you! You all definitely showed a lot of flare.
Movember
November brings Movember with many races and events taking place throughout the month to raise funds and awareness of men’s health including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. If you want to support or know more please visit:- https://uk.movember.com/about/foundation
Two striders travelled to Herne Bay on Saturday to complete in events being held by Mo-running.
Simon Pharoh took on the 10k option completing the race in a brilliant 48.46. Whilst Tara Louise completed the half marathon distance in an amazing PB sub 2hrs time of 1hr 56.53. Spectacular performances by both. Well done.
Races
Sunday is the normal race day this Sunday was a little quieter than the previous weeks for races however we did have one strider gaining a medal.
Pauline Tallett took part in the Bideford 10mile race completing the tough event in 1hr 42.08. Well done Pauline. Great run.
Report by Kirsty Theobald.