An excellent turnout for a lovely muddy course and, of course, the watersplash.
KFL Race Report - Rob Bright
There was a triumph of youth over experience in the 3rd Kent Fitness League race held at Nurstead Court, Meopham on Sunday. First over the line of both the men’s and women’s races were just 17 years of age.
Conditions were always going to be tough as the 340 competitors set out over the 5 ½ miles of steeply undulating parkland and woodland tracks softened up by recent heavy rain. A knee-deep water splash had to be traversed twice. By the halfway point, a group of four were locked together at the head of the filed comprising Sam Murphy (Sittingbourne), James Ridger (Paddock Wood), Nick Wood (Dartford Harriers) and David Hall (Dartford Roadrunners). Half a mile from the finish, Wood was dropped leaving the three to battle it out – Ridger was hotly tipped to repeat his win in the previous race, but it was the youthful Sam Murphy who came through on the sprint to score an emphatic win. Hall finished third as the leading over 40 runner and Andy Girling (Invicta) took the honours for the first over 50 man in 31st place.
Larkfield AC were missing leading scorer Graeme Knott from their line up, but Steve Hesketh filled that role effectively with a great run to finish 8th. Sevenoaks AC were led in by Rob Murray (9th) and Chris Desmond (15th) and former champion Clayton Barrett (Medway) had his best run since injury to finish 13th overall.
The ladies’ race saw Amy Smith of Dartford Harriers take her third straight win. Barred from scoring in the competition by the eligibility criteria, Smith’s run placed her easily amongst the top 20 men. But the official result went to Annabelle Stearns (Gravesend) running on her “home” territory. Paddock Wood’s Laura Burton had her best run so far to beat Cara Oliver into second place. Maidstone Harriers had a trio of ladies amongst the top 20 – Sharon Hawkins (7th), Paula Stockton (10th) and Julie Stoppani (18th). The first in the over 45 category was Vicky Rosner (Invicta) in 14th place and Sue James (Paddock Wood) was the leading o55 lady in 36th place.
Despite missing two of their leading runners, Larkfield AC still pulled off a third straight team victory and increase their lead in the championship to 4 points. Paddock Wood AC and Canterbury Harriers are their main challengers. Maidstone Harriers were the winners in the ladies-only classification but Larkfield managed to increase their lead in this championship as well.
So another great challenging race in traditional cross country conditions, well organised by Gravesend Road Runners. Eric Pestell takes much of the credit for the preparation, not just over the weekend but also on the weeks leading up to the race.