A disappointing performance in some ways, given that we just scraped together a mens team of 7 but could turn out only 2 ladies. This is usually a race in which we turn out a big team but there were other events to contend with this time.
KFL Race Report - Rob Bright
Despite the freezing temperatures and biting wind, over 330 turned out in Knole Park for the final race of the season – probably a league record for a final race. Frozen ground conditions made it uncomfortable for the runners, but (as far as I know) there were no serious casualties on the 5.6 mile undulating course. Sevenoaks AC should be applauded for their efforts in making this race possible – including holding off the snow blizzard until we had all got back indoors!
At the halfway point, Andy Green had a lead of about 50 metres over the rest and looked strong, but he started to lose ground in the second half. James Ridger and Stuart Nicholson were well placed and fighting out a personal battle for the individual championship.
However, out of the blue came the diminutive figure of Josh Elderfield, aged 16, in his first outing amongst senior opposition who outran all the regulars to finish 70 metres clear at the finish line. Anthony Jackson made a rare appearance in the league to take the runner-up spot, while Dave Hall was leading over 40 man in third place.
Ridger held off Nicholson in the closing stages, the two finished 6th and 8th so Ridger did enough to secure the individual title for the first time. The season’s winner in the over 40 category, Simon Hesketh finished 5tth while Andy Girling was relatively untroubled in the over 50 race with David Abery having pulled out at halfway.
In the ladies’ race, Annabelle Stearns was briefly challenged by Debbie Percival who had to pull out in the second half – then went on to another resounding victory finishing 22nd overall and 3 minutes clear of the next lady. Cara Oliver was runner up (finishing all 7 races this season in the top 3) while Liz Weeks and Laura Burton – two talented newcomers, filled the minor places.
Paddock Wood took the combined team win on the day, greatly assisted by the return of Alan Newman to fill the over 50 slot. This meant Larkfield’s celebrations were put on hold, but they turned out sufficient numbers to ensure that the team title went their way for the first time. Sittingbourne Striders also rounded off their best ever season by finishing 3rd, just ahead of Canterbury Harriers on countback.
Canterbury’s ladies suffered a minor glitch on Sunday, finishing back in 6th place, but they hung on to their substantial lead in the ladies’ team championship ahead of Larkfield, with Sevenoaks displacing Paddock Wood for third place on countback.