The festive lights around town have begun to shine but no glow is as bright as some of the well-earned medals for Folkestone Running & Athletics Club members this week!
Here is everything that’s been going on:
Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K
First up this week is a wonderful circular trail run between Ivinghoe Beacon and Whiteleaf Hill which took in stunning views across the Chiltern Hills.
Taking on this 50k ultra marathon was of course, Phil Maull who in his words said: “was a perfect day”.
Here’s what he thought about the run that started early on in the day on Saturday 16 November.
“Running with low temperatures that were cloudy and dry, although not my fastest 50K at 6:16:42 – I really enjoyed the course!
“It had different running surfaces and hills, plus those views!
“Was the first time the event had been held and was fantastically organised by Runaway Racing.
“I think I looked at the map on my watch once on the whole way as the course marking was so good!”
That’s great to hear Phil! Massive well done!
Escape From Meriden
Now for something a little bit scarier…
Col Windsor, Jenny ‘Twiggy’ Heathfield, Ron Bell and Shaun Tunca took on an evening escape from the centre of England this past Saturday 16 November.
A run starting at the stroke of midnight, 100 ‘Shadows’ fled Meriden with nothing but a map. They had no support stations or guidance but had to try to get as far away as possible within 24 hours.
The group totalled 40 miles on foot before retiring at Towcester which achieved them the silver medal.
They recruited on-the-road support from their fellow Folkestone Running & Athletics Club member, Philip Heathfield.
Col, Twiggy and Ron kept going for over 13 hours! If you four ever need to make a break for it, we fancy your odds!
Marden Half Marathon & 10k
Not to be left out of the running feats were Amy Owen, Carrie Thomas and Karla Larnder who all competed in the running events on Sunday 17 November – gaining some PBs too!
Take it away Carrie:
“I was aiming for under 1 hour 50, as my last half was the Kent Spring this past 14 April in 01:54.55.
“You won’t believe this (I still can’t believe it)…but I finished in 01:43.57! A 10 minute PB!
“I had a stitch at the start but once I controlled my breathing, straightened up, and joined a group of kind chaps from Invicta East Kent Athletics Club, I started to relax and really enjoyed the route.
“The sun came out and we finished on a down hill which meant a speed finish!
“Thanks Marden, you were great!”
For the other two, Amy SMASHED 18 minutes off her half marathon time with a fantastic 01:54:42.
Karla came in at 48:26 for the 10k event which was 2nd in her age category for Vet 45 and also got her 11th female and 65th overall.
Round of applause for you all!
Coastbuster 10 Mile and 10k
“A breezy, revitalising seaside race at Ramsgate to ignite your racing soul” – this is what sold Ian and Helen Merrick as well as Anthony Scott on Sunday 17 November!
This coastal run in Thanet saw the Merricks knock out great 10k times with Ian at 40:44 (coming in 5th place!) and 01:17:09 for Helen.
Though he fought off a painful knee, Tony managed to finish the 10 mile race in 1:32:09, which he’s happy with – and so he should be!
Great effort you three.
The 666 Trail Run
Devilish good work from Paul Bartlett, Catherine O’Connor and Adam Ward this Sunday at Ashford Tri Club’s 666 trails event.
Racing through Kings Wood, the team experienced a lot of muddy hills but got lucky with absolutely perfect weather!
Times were Paul with 59:02, Adam at 01:05:23 and Catherine in 01:05:55.
Looking good guys!
Bellahouston Park
Last but not least was Pamela Moore’s trip up to Glasgow which not only involved seeing lovely Scotland, but also saw her complete at 10k race.
52:24 was her time and what a time it was!
parkrun outings!
Folkestone parkrun
Nassour HARLUN, 17:45 (1st place and 1st male)
Guy SLINGSBY, 18:48
Tristan BRUCE, 9:05
Jacob HENWOOD, 19:33
Ian MERRICK, 19:45
Derek MATCHAM, 19:55
Manda GURUNG, 20:13 (3rd female)
Stephen DEEMING, 20:17
David WEEKES, 20:29
Deborah JEFFERY, 20:33
Krzysztof KLIDZIA, 20:36
Nicholas BRYANT, 20:48
Jonathan ARANA-MORTON, 21:20
Vicky SCOTT, 21:24
Darren PHILIP, 21:40
James SPRINGETT, 21:51
Andrew FLETCHER, 21:53
Thomas ASPINALL, 21:55
Paul BARTLETT, 22:05
Ian VOUSDEN, 22:25
Jason KING, 22:46
Karla LARNDER, 22:59
Louisa EEDE, 23:00
Torben JESSEN, 23:50
Tim WARREN, 24:00
Miles GAWTHORP, 24:09
Catherine O’CONNOR, 24:13
Anthony SCOTT, 24:19
Joshua PINE, 24:34
Anna THOMSEN, 24:41
David BOTTING, 25:05
Rob HILL, 25:30
Trevor DEVOOGHT, 25:39
Ben HANCOX, 25:39
Richard PICKERING, 25:41
John O’HARA, 25:54
Christopher WOOLGAR, 27:04
Rosie SMISSEN, 27:05
Kirsty WILSON, 27:41
Deirdre COOMBS, 28:00
Amy OWEN, 28:26
Marie BRAZIER, 28:29
Jason CROCKFORD, 28:31
Simon BURVILL, 28:45
Julie GIBBS, 29:37
Amie HOWARD, 30:12
Rebekah NEWTON, 30:20
Malcolm GIBBS, 31:18
Roy ATKINS, 33:53
Helen MERRICK, 36:01
Kate LANCEFIELD, 45:14
Trudi CURD, 52:45
Henry AXON, 52:52
Ashford parkrun
Clive ALLON, 27:48
Worsley Woods parkrun
Julia HENWOOD, 32:31
Margate parkrun
Kate EVANS, 25:28
Pegwell Bay parkrun
Dave BOWERMAN, 19:43
Hove Promenade parkrun
Andrew NOBLE, 19:42
Lesley CLANCY, 24:14
Dartford Heath parkrun
Caroline CURTIS, 25:30 (2nd female)
Cliffe Castle parkrun
Neil ADAMS, 28:54
Watermeadows parkrun
Nikki GOODWIN, 21:22 (1st female)
Walmer and Deal Seafront parkrun
Martin SALMON, 22:00
Brooklands parkrun
Catherine-Anne CURTIS, 36:00