We're even climbing up the combined teams league. Thanks to all.

KFL Race Report - Rob Bright

The venue at Nurstead Court is used primarily by horseriders for cross country trials, and the near 6 mile route proved particularly challenging for two-legged athletes with a series of steep ups and downs made treacherous by overnight rain – together with the infamous water splash.  Over 360 runners turned out to do battle, equalling the record field for the competition and proving the continued popularity of this off-road contest amongst athletes of all abilities.

Medway and Maidstone AC extended their lead at the top of the Kent Fitness league table following another polished team performance on Sunday.  The combined effort of their top seven men and three women put them 24 points clear of their nearest rivals Invicta East Kent.

Significant contributions were made by Josh Nice (3^rd man) and Clayton Barrett (5^th).  Phil Wallace was the leading over 50 supervet in 16^th place.  Emma Harraden was 4^th lady home while a long awaited return to athletics saw 2003 ladies’ champion Cathy Harvey finishing 13^th.  With some of their leading women missing, Invicta slipped to second place on the day.  Larkfield AC also suffered absentees and finished 4^th team on the day but they retain 3^rd position in the league table just 5 points behind the leaders with four races remaining.

Dartford Harrier Andy Pickett (last season’s male champion) took the lead after the first kilometre and powered away to his second consecutive win in the competition.  The race for the minor placings was taken by Paddock Wood’s Gareth Robb making his season debut in the competition in runner up spot. 

Another good run by Robert Dennis took him into fourth place for Invicta, while Mike Baronwas displaced from his accustomed place at the head of the veterans’ race by both Dave Hall and Neil Ayrton.

The ladies’ race featured two non scoring guest entrants – Kent League stars Amy Smith of Dartford Harriers and Jenny Butler from Blackheath and BromleyHarriers who enjoyed a rare opportunity to run against the men – both finishing in the top 30.  There were a number of guest entrants who failed to record their finishing position – perhaps they could contact me to update the results list.

In the official race, Annabelle Stearns (Invicta EK AC) make it three wins out of three for this season coming home with more than a minute’s advantage on last season’s champion Elaine Murty.  Annabelle has now won all three races in which she has taken park on her home ground.  Nicola Susans (Larkfield AC) continued her consistent good form in cross country competition in finishing 3^rd lady.

Thanks to Gravesend Roadrunners for yet another first class race on a course that several people have suggested would make a great venue for a Kent Championship meeting.  In particular, Eric Pestellwas employed for over four hours setting up the course on the Saturday as well as all the daylight hours of the Sunday – just in case anyone is unaware of how much effort goes into preparing these events.

The next race in the series takes place at Knole Park, Sevenoaks on 17^th December.   Usual two lap course starting at 11am – no junior race.  Park at public car park off Suffolk Way close to town centre.  Race HQ is the Leisure Centre adjacent.  Please allow at least 15 minutes walk to get to the start along the footway and up the valley.