An excellent turnout for a lovely muddy course and, of course, the watersplash.
KFL Race Report - Rob Bright
Another bumper crowd of over 400 “mudlarks” made the pilgrimage to Meopham for the second race of the season on Sunday. Heavy overnight rain had softened up the undulating course for the competitors and they were blown around by a stiff southerly breeze throughout the 5 ½ mile race.
The opening circuit went much the same way as at Swanley with Andrew Pickett leading the field along with Ben Louch and Josh Elderfield. Louch was making his second guest appearance, but has now been signed by Dartford Road Runners to appear in their colours in the future. On the second circuit, Louch showed he had the strength to pull away and, for once, Pickett was left to fight for second place, just holding off a late challenge by Elderfield and Invicta’s Mark Wilkins.
Reigning champion James Ridger found the course to his liking and came in 5th ahead of the rapidly improving Chris Wyles (New Eltham). Meanwhile, back-on-form Clayton Barret and newcomer Leon Iwanca helped secure three top ten placings for Medway and Maidstone AC.
Simon Hesketh remains the leader in the o40 contest and Ray Pearce was by far the best of the over 50’s in 20th position. Phil Wallace led in the over 60 men.
With Annabelle Stearns officiating at the finish funnel; when Nicola Groom pulled out with a knee injury shortly after the start, it was clear that Tina Oldershaw was unlikely to be much troubled in the ladies’ race. However, her usual margin of victory was reduced after great efforts from Lara Hawkins (New Eltham) and Amy Hicks (Canterbury) who took the minor placings. In fact the ladies’ team contest looks like being one of the closest for many years with New Eltham, Canterbury Harriers, Dartford Road Runners and Paddock Wood all staking an early claim to the title.
The Paddock Wood team, aided by the the heroic efforts of Ridger, Oldershaw and Gareth Robb beat off Larkfield AC in the Combined team race and the two clubs remain locked together at the top of the league table with Istead & Ifield now four points adrift in thirst place.
The Junior race at Nurstead attracted 15 competitors and Stewart Jeffery and Tanya Bailey came home the leaders. Also worthy of mention is 6 year old Joseph Blackmore who has now taken the lead in the under 13’s competition against older opposition.