We had a huge turnout at Oxleas Wood - thank you! Well done for some excellent performances too. We finished in 13th place overall, which is a massive achievement given our age range.
KFL Race Report - Rob Bright
A bright, warm, sunny morning brought the public (and their dogs) out in large numbers to the slopes of Shooters Hill, where they did battle with the 400 plus runners who turned up there. Conditions were dry and firm, greatly disappointing the cross country buffs who have yet to see any mud this season. Nevertheless, there was plenty to test the huge field over the tough 5 ½ mile course over two laps of steep woodland tracks and descents – with fallen leaves masking the hazards.
A group of three had broken clear of the field by the halfway stage made up of Noel Sutton (Thanet Roadrunners), Gareth Robb (Paddock Wood AC) and Clayton Barrett (Medway & Maidstone AC). About a mile from the finish, Barrett, who missed out narrowly on the individual championship last season, forged a lead and was never caught – celebrating his first win of the season with his trademark victory dive. Robb hung on for second place – his third top 5 placing of the series, while Sutton settled for third place and the first of the over 40 men.
In the team race, Larkfield managed to pack 7 men into the top 20 scorers, while Paddock Wood could only manage 3, although included in these was their vital over 50 man, Malcolm Martin, far and away the leading runner in his age group.
The ladies’ race saw the continued dominance of Gravesend Roadrunners as a leading force in Kent Athletics. Heading the field was Mel Frazier, recording her second straight win – second was Annabelle Stearns and Claire Gaskill finished fourth. The Gravesend “clean sweep” was thwarted by Larkfield’s Nicola Groom who took third place on the day.
So, overall Larkfield AC regained the advantage at the top of the Combined league table after edging ahead of Paddock Wood and the two clubs remain separated by a single point at the top with four races still to go. Dartford Roadrunners are still in the running and Gravesend Roadrunners are gaining ground fast.
Well done to the host club, Plumstead Runners, and Ray Marshall for his efforts on the day. There were a few casualties on the descents in the woods – Tina Doyle suffered a bruised ankle – but no serious injuries.