Race Report: Staplehurst 5k & 10k by Lucille Joannes

Not sure quite how I ended up doing the race report, but as I failed to write one for the Seven Sisters Half I did a few weeks ago, it seems fair enough! (If I had actually written a report it would have been along the lines of “Hot, hilly and horribly slow.”)

In contrast to last week’s mammoth Harrier turnout at Marden we were a select band for today’s race.

Taking part in the 5K were Colin Timmins, hoping to repeat his first place of a few years ago, and Margaret Deighton.

10K entrants were Andrew Deighton, George Harris, Michael Russell and me (Lucille Joannes).

It was good to see Sam popping up with her camera in several places and we received encouragement from Mark Taylor as he cycled around doing his Race Adjudicator duties.

The Staplehurst races were similar to the Marden 10K, being a fairly low-key local event. Good facilities (i.e. short toilet queues) and refreshments in the nearby scout hut (though the coffee left a lot to be desired!). Would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice 5 or 10K next year.

The 5K and 10K races started together with a lap around the field before we set out for a pretty flat route on quiet country lanes. The course was well marshalled and while there weren’t many spectators there were a few enthusiastic souls to cheer us on. The promised sunny day didn’t materialise and there were a few spots of rain…just enough to provide a pleasant cooling effect, so ideal conditions.

Harrier Results (Chip times) were:

5K

Colin Timmins 19:32, fifth male and first M55

Margaret Deighton 30:10, just missing out on a first F65 by 10 seconds!

10K

George Harris 46:18, 8th M45, followed very closely by

Andrew Deighton 46:28, 4th M55

Michael Russell 50:21, 8th M55

Lucille Joannes 57:44, 1st F65 (of 1, but as they say ….“You’ve got to be in it to win it”!)

Winners:

5 K - First man: Simon Jones - 17:31 First Woman: Kitty Morgan - 21:24

10K - First man: Richard Boakes – 35:37 First Woman: Ivy Buckland – 41:29