The women were out in force for the fifth race in the Kent Fitness League – and didn’t they do well! A full men’s team also put in some good performances with Chris Marshall once again top in the 60+ category.
KFL - Avery Hill Race Report (Rob Bright)
Another polished run by Allan Lee brought him his second league victory of the season on Sunday around the gentle parkland of Avery Hill, New Eltham. The Sevenoaks runner shared the lead for the first half of the 5 mile race with another former league champion, Andy Pickett, but Lee gradually pulled away in the final 2 miles and his margin of victory was around half a minute at the end. Gareth Evans of Larkfield AC was lying third for the early part of the race, but was overhauled at the halfway point by top veterans Dave Hall, Mike Baron and Steve Roberts - Hall finishing in third ahead of guest Cambridge Harrier Mark Penny with Baron back in 5th.
16 year old Nick Wood of Dartford Harriers is now a veteran of 5 races in his first season and boasts three top 10 finishes to his name - he finished 9th on Sunday.
Andy Girling was the leading over 50 runner in what was another poor turnout for Invicta East Kent. Rivals Des White and Phil Wallace were within seconds of him at the finish. And in the senior age bracket, Bromley's Chris Marshall was victorious once again showing that life may just begin at 60 !
Tina Oldershaw, despite illness over the Christmas holiday, was well to the fore in the ladies' race and finished over 30 seconds clear of Elaine Murty. A great run from Heather Fitzmaurice earned her third place ahead of a below-par Nicola Susans. Canterbury Harriers continue to dominate in the ladies' team contest - the established trio of Sarah Maguire, Barbara Wenman and Emma Greatrix brought them victory by 9 points over Dartford Harriers on the day and Canterbury now lead the table by 7 points.
The Combined team race went to Paddock Wood - their 4th of the season, and they are now odds-on certainties to take the league championship with just two races remaining.
263 runners made it to New Eltham and enjoyed mild conditions and largely dry ground - a reasonable turnout given the proximity to Christmas and New Year. Organisation by New Eltham Joggers was excellent and the bacon rolls back at the clubhouse were a treat. Thanks to all those who took part and helped.