Home » Canterbury Harriers Start the Festive Week in Style!
Canterbury Harriers Start the Festive Week in Style!
Canterbury Harriers got the festive week off to a flying start with some fine performances this weekend.
Saturday 20th saw three Harriers make the trip across the county border into Surrey to compete in the South of the Thames Cross Country Championship at Farthing Down, Coulsdon. First to finish the undulating 8 mile route was Adam Stokes in 48th place, ably backed up by Andy Farrant and Neil Godden who finished close together in 253rd and 260th respectively.
Stokes was again to the fore the following day at the Kent Christmas Cracker 5 miler at Deal’s Fowlmead Country Park. The race, advertised as being flat and fast certainly didn’t disappoint as the Harriers walked away with a sackful of PBs and prizes. The win went to South Kent’s Mike Coleman in 25.01, who had Stokes snapping at his heels on the first of the two laps of the race. Despite seeing his challenge for the win falter on the second lap Stokes still had the strength to hold off Medway Tri’s Anthony Webb, to claim 2nd place in 25.30, Webb finishing in 25.40 to round off the podium.
Going from strength to strength in his debut season with Harriers was Steve Hobbs, whose time of 28.35 won him the Vet40 category and netted 6th place overall. With Mark Cooper finishing 11th in 30.34 Harriers added the team prize to their impressive haul. Also enjoying fine runs and placing well inside the top 50 were Paul O’Keefe, 28th in 33.40, and John Cooper, 42nd in 35.52.
Steve Hobbs on his way to an impressive 6th place and top vet 40
Adam jostling for the lead at the Kent Christmas Cracker 5 miler at Deal’s Fowlmead Country Park
Home » Alan Green Memorial and Veterans Cross Country
Alan Green Memorial and Veterans Cross Country
Melanie Georgiades
At the Alan Green Memorial 10m race, Yiannis Christodoulou was the first Canterbury Harrier to cross the finishing line as he stormed into ninth position in his debut and first ever 10m race in 1:05:14. He was closely followed by Barry Hopkins in an impressive 1:08:36, who also ran his debut. James Scanlon charged ahead shortly after in 1:08:48, which is a new PB for him. Also, the ladies fared well with Faye Roberts achieving first lady in 1:09:21 and Jennifer Lucas second lady 55-64 in 1:35:00.
At the Kent Veterans Cross Country Champs (V55 Females) there was an excellent joint effort from the ladies who came in first position, headed by Barbara Wenman in 23:54. Also, at the Kent Veterans Cross Country Champs (V60 Males) the Harriers senior males came zooming into third place, headed by Mark Wenman.
Canterbury Harriers producing an excellent result at the Alan Green Memorial 10m race
Home » Adam Stokes helps Royal Navy and Marines Defeat US Counterparts with Incredible Marathon Result
Adam Stokes helps Royal Navy and Marines Defeat US Counterparts with Incredible Marathon Result
Canterbury Harrier Adam Stokes was one of 8 athletes selected to represent the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in Washington DC’s Marine Corps Marathon on 26th October.
Every year the Navy runners are pitted against their counterparts from the United States Marine Corps to compete for the Challenge Cup- the mean time of the fastest 3 finishers from each side being used to determine the winners.
Royal Marine Stokes was third Navy man home in a personal best time of 2 hours 41 minutes and 24 seconds, just 6 seconds behind team mate Alex Lockett RN. The trio were completed by Finlay Walls further up the road in 2hrs36 to ensure that the Senior Service won back the trophy they had lost last year to the USMC by over 15 minutes.
The Washington course started and finished at the Arlington Cemetery and took runners on a tour of famous DC sights such as, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and US Capitol Building. On the day athletes faced not only 26.2 gruelling miles but also ever rising temperatures and a strong headwind coming into the final miles.
Speaking after the race Stokes said: ‘Conditions got pretty tough out there, especially in the last two miles. Running past the Pentagon the wind was so strong I thought I’d come to a standstill.’
The result is the third time this year that the Canterbury Harrier has broken the 2hr45 mark after the London Marathon and his Victory in May’s Kent Road Runner Marathon.
‘I’ve been struggling with a couple of injuries through the summer and I certainly wasn’t expecting a PB so I’m absolutely thrilled. Winning back the Challenge Cup is a particularly special and fitting way to help celebrate the Royal Marine’s 350th birthday too.’
Adam Stokes on his way to an incredible 2 hours 41 minutes and 24 seconds marathon time.
Home » TOM HOOLEY AT THE ROYAL PARKS ULTRA-MARATHON: A 50K RUN FOR CHARITY
TOM HOOLEY AT THE ROYAL PARKS ULTRA-MARATHON: A 50K RUN FOR CHARITY
Having come back to running and marathons five years ago after a 25 year break, Tom Hooley took part in the Royal Parks Ultra 50km on October 12th. He arranged a place via the neuroblastoma charity NCCA UK, which helped save the life of a little girl now at St Edmund’s School, where Tom teaches, and then set about raising money and putting in the training mileage. He prefers to run only 2-3 times a week, making the best of long back-to-back runs each weekend and then doing military fitness and resistance training midweek to keep core and body fit. Add, when possible, a more-serious-than-social Harriers’ Thursday run with the ‘geriatric fast group’. (Blame Craig for that description!) His longest back-to-backs in the last two months pre-race were 10+11 miles and 13+14 miles, with a short taper before tackling the route of the sadly discontinued Green Chain navigational marathon in SE London, with a friend for company over the 27-28 miles, and including a 30 minute pub stop on Plumstead Common. Here a very generous landlord and customers saw his NCCA charity vest and chipped in generously. The final month leading up to the ultra-race was spent first resting, then running medium-distance mileage, with the last quarter of some runs done at a faster pace for variety and interest.
On the day of the ultra Tom says he had to stay focused on keeping the pace right down to 9:30 min/mi in order to stay fresh and avoid hitting the wall in the later stages, when the pace would otherwise seriously start to falter. The route took in Hyde Park and finished in Bushy Park at Teddington. In between, a lot of the route followed the south bank of the Thames, with forays into three other royal parks. A funny moment was when a toddler picked up armfuls of autumn leaves and threw them at him with a gleeful cry!
Tom hates gels and so he relied on peanut butter sandwiches, crisps, and raisins for energy through the event. The last 50 minutes between full marathon and 50km finish were hard but Tom soon felt OK again, meeting his marathon running buddy Helen at the finish for the marquee meal laid on by Royal Parks and taking a good walk round Bushy Park to keep from seizing up before the drive home.
Any plans for another ultra? A bit early to tell… maybe Downslink 38 miles next October, where the snack stations have real party food!
With the help of generous donations the target funds for charity (£1,000) were easily reached – in fact exceeded by a £600 margin. Finish time for the race was 4:56:48 chip time, with a position of 122nd out of 334. A consistent pace for a first ultra, and within Tom’s target of five hours.
Home » Chilham Castle and Kent Fitness League
Chilham Castle and Kent Fitness League
Melanie Georgiades
At the Chilham Castle 5K, two course records were broken by the first and second runners. Yiannis Christodoulou obtained second place in an excellent time of 22:52 and was closely followed by Chris Isherwood in fourth place in 25:31.
Also, at the Chilham Castle 10k, Stephen Hobbs gained an outstanding time of 44:43, sprinting his way to second position. Although he found the course tough, he thoroughly enjoyed the race.
At the first Kent Fitness League race, the Harriers men came eighth overall, with Tom Purnell, Tom Millard and John Matthews coming within the top 20 positions. However, the Harriers women had an even more outstanding result coming third overall with thanks to Barbara Wenman coming within the top 10.
Yiannis and Steve at the Chilham 5K and 10K
Home » Ashford 10K and Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon
Ashford 10K and Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon
Tom Purnell of the Canterbury Harriers sped into third position in 34:45 at the Givaudan Ashford 10K, also leading him to win the Kent Grand Prix Championship 2014. Also gaining PBs included: David Waite (40:06), Colin Kent (40:17), Gemma Hiorns (49:36) and Lea Burnett (1:01:56).
At the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in Aid of the Brooke, Tracy Furminger gained an outstanding time of 1:37, racing past the singer Ellie Golding.
Tracy Furminger at the RPF Half Marathon
Canterbury Harriers performing admirably at the Ashford 10k
Home » Tom Millard Sprints to a Sub 3 Hour Position at the Bournemouth Marathon!
Tom Millard Sprints to a Sub 3 Hour Position at the Bournemouth Marathon!
Melanie Georgiades
Tom Millard of the Canterbury Harriers was on top form at the Bournemouth Marathon, achieving 14th position out of 1,968 runners! His outstanding time of 2:51:50 means that he now joins the elite runners. Tom explained how he trained for 12 weeks, going up to 50 miles a week at the peak. He aimed for a sub 3 hour result, as he stated that he had “never run more than 20 miles” and was “blown away by the result”. When asked what he would do differently next time, Tom was clear about “eating more carbs!”.
The terrain included roads, promenade and piers throughout.
Joyce Shamedje posted an excellent result in the same marathon. Her outstanding time of 3:14:53 was the fifth fastest posted by a lady, a phenomenal achievement. She did so well that she won a cash prize – go Joyce!
Joyce Shamedje races to 5th lady in the Bournemouth Marathon.
Home » Good Results All-round
Good Results All-round
Melanie Georgiades
The Berlin Marathon led to a record braking finish for Dennis Kimetto but also Nathan Bradley achieved a PB of 3:48:21. Nathan’s PB was an excellent 26 minutes quicker than his previous marathon time.
Mark Cooper gained a good result of 1:34:47 in the Ealing Marathon, followed by Paul Keen’s debut of 1:57:50.
At the 9th Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon, Jennie Gardner made her debut in 1:45:07 and a PB was gained for Alex Davis of 2:37:15.
Home » The Ladies Fair Well Against the Gentlemen
The Ladies Fair Well Against the Gentlemen
Melanie Georgiades
At the Wingham 10K, the Harriers sprinted towards exceptional results. Tom Millard gained an excellent third position and second male in 37:21. Sarah Maguire also gained an outstanding result of 42:48, gaining second lady and in Abigail Mackinnon-Austin’s debut, she achieved third lady in 45:11. Penny Birchall was the first Vet 50 in 48:35, whilst Joanna Brazier accomplished a PB in 55:39.
Harriers making an excellent start to the Wingham 10k
Tom Millard Racing into 3rd in the Wingham 10k
At the Podplus Ashford Summer 5K Series, Anna Fisk obtained first lady as she dashed her way to a top 20 position in 22:53.
The Track Athletics Canterbury 5000m resulted in an overall win for Tom Millard, achieving the title of ‘series champion’. Tom Purnell obtained a great result of second position in 16:26, achieving a PB. Simon Jones was not far behind in third position and obtaining a PB of 16:32.
Track Athletics 5K.
Race 2nd place Tom Purnell, Race 3rd place Simon Jones. Race Series Winner Tom Millard.
Home » A Week of Outstanding Results!
A Week of Outstanding Results!
Melanie Georgiades
At the Rye Summer Classic Series 5K, Canterbury Harriers’ Simon Jones gained an excellent second position in 16:54, achieving a PB.
The Charing 10K led to three PB’s from the Harriers ladies: Beth Burnett (48:51), Fiona Craig (56:50) and Lea Burnett (1:02:11).
At the Fosters Law Kent Coastal Marathon, Adam Cowper-Smith gained an outstanding bronze medal for the Kent Champs Vet 50 and a PB in an excellent time of 3:24:22.
Fiona Tester raced to 3rd Lady Vet 35 in her club debut for a half marathon for the Harriers at the Fosters Law Lent Coastal Half Marathon in 1:45:32.
Tom Millard gained a top ten position at the Cheshire 20 Miler in 2:09:00, bringing him in good stead for his marathon training.
Finally, at the Great North Run, Adam Stokes achieved a PB in 1:18:31 and Nathan Bradley achieved another PB for his yearly collection, running in at 1:43:10.
Home » The Monday Marathon
The Monday Marathon
Melanie Georgiades
At the 5K Track Athletics Canterbury, Peter Hogben came back after time-out from an injury in second place with an excellent time of 16:44, also achieving a PB. Joe Thomsett followed in fifth position in 17:39 (a PB) and Jacob Hussey in 18:50 for his debut on a track event.
Only one Canterbury Harrier entered the Mel Batty 10K, however they were well presented with Barry Hopkins achieving a top ten position and PB of 39:23.
Finally, the Canterbury Half Marathon, completed on a rainy Bank Holiday Monday, led to excellent results for the Harriers. Simon Jones sprinted to third place in 1:17:54, followed by Thomas Purnell in fifth place in 1:19:28. The first female Harrier to cross the finishing line was Sarah Maguire, in a great time of 1:33:32.
Home » Flying Home!
Flying Home!
Melanie Georgiades
The Harriers flew home with the team prize at the Rye Summer Classic Series 10K, with thanks to Simon Jones in third position (35:11), Joe Thomsett in seventh (38:29) and Barry Hopkins in ninth (40:28). Alex Davis also produced a PB of 1:13:51.
At the Road Athletics Aylesham & East Kent 10K, despite the wet and windy conditions, Thomas Purnell came in second position (also achieving a PB) with a time of 36:49. The Harriers also had three further members in the top ten: Neil Armitage (44:25), Nathan Bradley (45:54) and Fiona Tester (46:50). Fiona also picked up the 1st Lady, closely followed by Bethany Burnett who was the 3rd Lady in 49:00.
The tough weather conditions also didn’t stop Philip Wyard (33:15) and John Cooper (37:08) at the Mid Kent 5 Miler.
Canterbury Harriers at the Road Athletics Aylesham 10k
Home » First Prize Wednesday for Two Harriers!
First Prize Wednesday for Two Harriers!
By Melanie Georgiades
What a great week for the Canterbury Harriers – two first place positions for athletes that are shining through. At the Samphire Hoe 5K Summer Series on Wednesday evening, Simon Jones picked up first place in an excellent 17:15. On the same night, Tom Millard leaped his way to first position in the final lap, in an outstanding 16:57 (a new PB), at the Track Athletics Canterbury 5000m. Great results all-round!
Home » First Position and Team Prize for the Harriers!
First Position and Team Prize for the Harriers!
Melanie Georgiades
The Canterbury Harriers Jets had a blinding result at the Saxon Shore Relay last week finishing in first position in 5:14:00! The relay was a 47 mile multi-terrain, which in the hot weather conditions, was no easy run.
At the Dinosaur 10K in Deal, Tom Millard set the pace as the first Harrier in 36:40. James Taplin gained a PB of 44:22, as did Nathan Bradley in 45:02 and David Taplin in 48:25. The Harriers also picked up the team prize as Tom Millard was closely followed by Thomas Purnell, Adam Stokes and Jacob Hussey.
Home » Excellent PBs in the Summer Heat!
Excellent PBs in the Summer Heat!
Melanie Georgiades
At the Track Athletics Canterbury 5000m, Tom Millard gained an excellent second position and PB of 16.59, closely followed by his team member Joe Thomsett in fourth position at 17:40, an outstanding time for his debut on the track. Philip Wyard also gained a great result of 19:17, giving him a PB.
There were four excellent debuts in this distance from the Harriers at the North Downs Run 30K, all dipping under the 3 hour mark: Tom Purnell (2:14:33), Adam Cowper-Smith (2:40:05), Neil Armitage (2:51:28) and Mark Cooper (2:53:53).
At the Sandwich 10K, Fiona Tester also obtained a PB of 46:11 in hot weather conditions.
Home » No Heat on our Harriers!
No Heat on our Harriers!
Melanie Georgiades
Despite the warm weather conditions we have been experiencing, the Harriers are still pushing themselves at running events. Four PBs were gained at the Les Golding Memorial 10K for Alex Horsley (38:52), Fiona Tester (44:11), Andy Philips (47:18) and Shirley Pullen (58:06). Bob Pullen also gained an excellent result 0f 50:19, just missing the less than 50 minutes mark.
We had some lone racers last week too, with Thomas Hooley running the 15th Bewl 15 Mile Race in 2:01:13 and Mark Cooper the Rye Summer Classic Series 10K in an excellent 41:19. At the Dartford Half Marathon, Nathan Bradley gained an excellent time of 1:48:42, where the course consisted of three main hills with the 10% gradient coming in at the tenth mile.
Home » Staplehurst PB for Harriers
Staplehurst PB for Harriers
Melanie Georgiades
The Canterbury Harriers achieved excellent results at the Staplehurst 10K, resulting in them picking up the team prize. Simon Jones completed the course in 35:00, achieving a PB. PBs were also achieved by Tom Millard of 35:57, Yiannis Christodoulou in 38:43, Craig Thomas in 41:15 and Nathan Bradley in 46:33. Yiannis managed to shed a minute from his time from three weeks ago, an outstanding result. Philip Wyard and Mark Cooper also achieved good results, just dipping under the 41 minute mark.
Results:
Simon Jones – 2nd, Tom Millard – 4th, Yiannis Christodolou – 14th, Phil Wyard – 34th, Mark Cooper – 40th, Craig Thomas – 45th, Nathan Bradley – 87th.
Total Runners – 258.
Well done every one!
Canterbury Harriers win the team prize at the Staplehurst 10K
Simon Jones takes second place at the Staplehurst 10K
Home » Jones Races to Victory at the Podplus Ashford 5K
Jones Races to Victory at the Podplus Ashford 5K
Melanie Georgiades
The Canterbury Harriers’ own Simon Jones raced to victory at the Podplus Ashford Summer 5K Series, gaining first position in an excellent time of 17:08.
At the Harvel 5 five-miler, despite very hot weather conditions and a muddy terrain, three Harriers’ debuts gained respectable results: Thomas Purnell (9th – 29:38), Barry Hopkins (49th – 33:27) and Neil Armitage (52nd – 33:37).
At the new course of the Ramsgate Rotary Club 10K, Jonathan Thirlwell made the top twenty with a result of 45:57.
Excellent results were seen at the Southend Half Marathon 2014 in very hot weather conditions by Mark Cooper (104th – 1:32:06), Philip Wyard (112th – 1:32:37) and Craig Thomas (136th – 1:34:12).
3 excellent performances by Canterbury Harriers at the Harvel 5 Mi
Home » Adam Sets New Marathon Course Record
Adam Sets New Marathon Course Record
Melanie Georgiades
The Canterbury Harriers gained an excellent result at the Kent Roadrunner Marathon, where Adam Stokes came in first position with an outstanding 2:42:13, which not only resulted in a PB, but also a course record. This has led to Adam achieving three marathon PBs in a row.
Adam Stokes finishing the Kent Roadrunner marathon in a course record – well done Adam!
Adam Stokes after his marathon course record taking a well deserved break!
At the Harbour Wallbanger 2014 across Broadstairs’ beach (approx. 7km), Wendy Smith completed the track in 36:33, resulting in her gaining 3rd lady and 1st lady Vet 55.
Tom Millard came in third position in his debut at the Track Athletics Canterbury 5000m, with 17:16 which was also a PB. Philip Wyard also gained a great result of 19:29 in seventh position for his debut.
Tom Millard and Phil Wyard at the Track Athletics 5000m
At the Samphire Hoe 5K Summer Series, Simon Jones came in first place with an excellent result of 17:30. He was shortly joined by his team member Yiannis Christodoulou in ninth place, at 18:59.
Home » The Bupa 10K – An Inspirational Event
The Bupa 10K – An Inspirational Event
Melanie Georgiades
PBs were gained by the Canterbury Harriers at the Bupa 10k on Sunday. Two of their runners, Tom Millard and Yiannis Christodoulou, gained positions in the top 600 with finishing times of 36:36 and 39:38 respectively. For Yiannis, this now places him in the elite under 40 minute category. The Harriers’ Press Officer, Melanie Georgiades, also completed her first 10K for Mesothelioma UK after months of training, meeting her target of under 1 hour at 57:35. She stated “the Bupa 10K is an excellent event if inspiration is what you need; around every corner there were bands playing and the streets were lined with crowds of people cheering you on. If this doesn’t make you go faster, nothing will!”.
The Rye 10 mile also resulted in great results from Philip Wyard and Mark Cooper of 1:09:34 and 1:10:37 respectively. The terrain was hilly with warm and sunny conditions.
The Folkstone Coastal 10K resulted in four PBs for the Harriers ladies: Jennie Gardner (45:50), Fiona Tester (46:20), Julie Bradford (49:21) and Shirley Pullen (58:35).
At the Littlestone Lifeboat 10K Promenade Dash, Jennifer Lucas gained 1st Vet 55 with an excellent time of 54:03.
Minnis Bay relays resulted in the Harriers’ male Vet 50 gaining 2nd position, leading to a current overall joint 1st with Deal TRI. As well as this, their male Vet 60 also gained second position, resulting in a current overall 1st position.
Tom Millard, Yiannis Christodoulou and Melanie Georgiades all PB at the Bupa 10K
- Tom Millard, Yiannis Christodoulou and Melanie Georgiades all PB at the Bupa 10K
Home » Folkestone Relays and Marathon Bonanza
Folkestone Relays and Marathon Bonanza
The Folkestone Relays last Tuesday led to excellent results for the Canterbury Harriers. In the Male Vet 50 the Harriers came in first position, with a total time of 51:02. They also gained first position in the Lady Vet 35 with a time of 57:11; a mere 2 second’s gap to Folkestone RC A in second place.
John Cooper from the Canterbury Harriers travelled to Milton Keynes for the Sketchers Milton Keynes Marathon, despite feeling unwell the previous evening. Even with the hot weather, John managed to complete the marathon in an impressive 4:14:59.
In the Bewl Water Half Marathon, Penny Birchall gained second Vet 55 at 1:49:47 and Wendy Smith gained third Vet 55 at 2:00:51, in spite of the wet and windy weather conditions.
In the Bewl Water Half Marathon, Penny Birchall gained second Vet 55 at 1:49:47.
Home » Harriers Set The Pace at Stelling Minnis
Harriers Set The Pace at Stelling Minnis
Melanie Georgiades
A scorching weekend led to scorching hot results for the Canterbury Harriers. The Stelling Minnis 10K resulted in the Harriers picking up the team prize, due to a striking second place for Peter Hogben at 35:56. Unfortunately he was unable to maintain his first place position from last year due to an impressive 34:36 from Nathan Chapman (unaffiliated). Alex Horsley (debut) of the Harriers came in eleventh place, shortly followed by Yiannis Christodoulou in thirteenth. Also, Jennifer Lucas was the first Vet 55 lady, with an excellent time of 56:30.
At the Sittingbourne Invicta 10K, Nathan Bradley gained a PB of 46:53 and Fiona Tester gained a club debut of 48:05.
Canterbury Harriers win the team prize with an excellent performance at the Stelling Minnis 10K.
Home » ‘Spring’ Into The Whitstable 10k!
‘Spring’ Into The Whitstable 10k!
Melanie Georgiades
The Whitstable 10K Road Race, organised by the Canterbury Harriers and sponsored by Bailey’s Nissan, had the perfect weather on the Bank Holiday Monday of bright and dry conditions, with a mild wind. The course started from the Tankerton Slopes and went out to the Hampton Pier at Herne Bay before finishing at the Waterfront Club.
In first place was Ben Nagy, who completed the course in 32:06, nearly reaching the current record of 31:48. There was a fairly large gap for second place, where Daniel Pyne for the Dartford Harriers came in at 35:33, another brilliant result. Daniel was closely followed by Tim Erskine, at 35:52.
The first woman runner to cross the finish line was Liz Weeks, at an amazing 36:14 for the Sittingbourne Striders. This was an improvement on her 2013 result of 36:28. Overall, with just over 600 participants, it is safe to say that the warm spring weather provided excellent conditions for an amazing race for all those who entered; well done!
For Full results, please click here.
Whitstable 10K 2014 Race Winner – Ben Nagy
Whitstable 10K First Lady – Liz Weeks
Home » 3rd Place For Yiannis
3rd Place For Yiannis
By Melanie Georgiades
The Goudhurst 5K was run by one Canterbury Harrier on Sunday, Yiannis Christodoulou, who achieved third place. Although he took a strong lead for the first 1 ½ K, Yiannis had to tail back slightly due to previous calf injuries. His time of 22:50 was above his previous best timing for a 5K, as he stated that the course was nearer to the 6k mark, including hills, tracks and cross country routes.
Also achieving a good run was Sally Osborne, who ran the Madrid Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in 4:24:44, whilst enduring hot weather conditions.
Home » PB Friday for the Harriers at the Folkestone 10!
PB Friday for the Harriers at the Folkestone 10!
The Folkstone 10 mile run led to PB Friday for the Canterbury Harriers, despite a strong head-wind. Peter Hogben came second with a PB of 56:07. Also in the top ten were Robbie Higgins in forth and Simon Jones in seventh, finishing in 58:09 and 59:29 respectively and who thus grabbed the team prize.
PBs were also achieved by Tom Millard of 1:04:07, Penny Birchall of 1:13:02 and Shirley Pullen of 1:39:29. Tom had previously completed the 10 miles in 1:28:42 in January 2013. His strategy to reduce his time has been to work on exercises such as squats and calf raises with low weights at the gym. He stated “this has strengthened my legs for the Harriers’ long Thursday night runs”.
Nathan Bradley, who has been achieving many PBs recently, gained a PB of 1:17:48. His strategy has been “to go all-out and hang on as long as possible”, which he hopes will be enough for his marathon in May.
The Harriers also had three of their runners (Craig Thomas, Philip Wyard and Mark Cooper) come in just under the 1:09 mark.
You can find details of all results here.
Home » The Harriers Make Short-Work of the London Marathon
The Harriers Make Short-Work of the London Marathon
By Melanie Georgiades
The London Marathon is exemplary of why so many individuals participate in running events across the year. Whether it is to reach a goal, in memory of loved ones or as a hobby, everyone has their own story to tell. A Canterbury Harrier with one of those stories is Adam Stokes, who signed-up due to his ambitious love for running. When interviewed, Adam stated that he just wanted to “be the best” that he could be. The fact that he ran the 26.2 miles in 2:44:37 for the Royal Navy, allowing him to now refer to himself as an elite marathoner, has started him on an excellent footing.
There were congratulations all-round for the Canterbury Harriers; Sally Osborne ran her second marathon for the week, achieving a brilliant result of 4:19:13. Sally’s story is one of family ties; when she was a child her father used to take her to London to see the marathon. They used to stand on a traffic island with the runners all around them. From that point, she knew that she wanted to run in this historical event. Since then, Sally’s love for running has led her to complete 35 marathons.
With 40,000 finishers, including elite runners, Canterbury Harriers’ own Barbara Wenman had an outstanding time of 3:23:33, making her the second Lady VET 55-59. As well as this, Colin Kent and Gary Hovery accomplished PB’s of 3:24:04 and 4:09:36 respectively. Also, a debut run by Anna Fisk resulted in a finish time of 4:13:03.
The London Marathon is a grand illustration of how everyone has the ability to achieve personal goals within running. It provides the opportunity to bring individuals together no matter whether they are an athlete or an amateur runner. As Sally Osborne advises, “you are only racing against yourself to get a PB, so it is something you can enjoy irrespective of speed”. However, no matter how personal the London Marathon is to each individual, it requires disciplined training and knowing when to stop in order to be safe when running such a long distance.
All in all, the London Marathon 2014 did not let down expectations both for the viewers and the participants, with the British sunshine providing a wonderful day. As Adam Stokes quotes, “that was one incredible experience! A wall of sound for 26.2 miles; every runner should try to run that at least once in their running careers”.
Home » Whitstable 10K Entries now closed
Whitstable 10K Entries now closed
The Whitstable 10K has reached the capacity limit of 700 the quickest time ever in the race’s history.
Entries are now closed and there are strictly no entries on the day.
Race numbers will be sent out two weeks prior to the race. If you haven’t received your number by race day and your cheque has been cashed, please visit the race HQ for a replacement number.
Proof of receipt and acceptance of your entry will be your cashed Cheque.
Home » Half Marathon Sunday for the Harriers
Half Marathon Sunday for the Harriers
Several Harriers were in action at the weekend in a selection of Half Marathon races across the South of England. Adam Stokes set the pace with an excellent time of 1:18:50 in his debut for the club over the distance in the Bath Half Marathon.
Meanwhile further east along the M4 Tom Millard , Mark Cooper and Tony Savage had great runs in the Reading Half with Tom smashing his month old PB by 4 minutes in a time of 1:24:11 backed up by Mark in 1:34:41 and Tony in 1:46:22.
Colin Kent opted for the Silverstone Half Marathon motoring round the circuits in a time of 1:33:21 – no pit stops but apparently the bends were extremely challenging.
Nearer home Dave Waite and Penny Birchall ran the hilly Tunbridge Wells Half with Dave smashing his PB by over 5 minutes in a time of 1:32:14 and Penny finishing 2nd Vet 55 in 1-40:49
Home » Harriers Ladies Triumph Again in the KFL
Harriers Ladies Triumph Again in the KFL
After 6 of the 7 Kent Fitness League races Harries ladies team have a commanding lead in the league which means that they cannot now be caught in the female team standings. Many congratulations to them for winning the league once again!
The female scorers at the Blean event held on 2nd February were Victoria Kenny (4th), Jenny Benson (6th) and Barbara Wenman (13th) making them the first female team for the fourth time in the league this season. The other female team scorers this season are Sarah Maguire and Penny Birchall who finished 17th and 30th respectively on Sunday. Other excellent runs came from were Sarah Hugill (27th), and Hazel Dobson (29th)
In the mens scoring event there were also impressive performances all round, including Tom Purnell (6th), Joe Thomsett (27th), Tom Millard (32nd), Jason Paton-Smith (37th). In the overall combined team standings Harriers are currently 3rd and a good result in the last race at Nurstead Court, Meopham on 16th February could see a close end to the final league positions.
All Harriers are to be congratulated for making our home event so successful despite the tough muddy conditions and interesting water features along the route. And finally a big thank you to all those members and family supporters who helped on the day in setting up the course and marshalling as well as giving great encouragement to the runners
Home » Harriers Off To A Flying Start In 2014
Harriers Off To A Flying Start In 2014
The Harriers got off to a flying start in 2014 with a record 43 members taking part in the fifth event of the seven race Kent Fitness League Cross Country competition at Minnis Bay on Sunday. We won all three team competitions on the day(mens,ladies and combined) Our ladies continue to lead the team championship and we have moved up to third place in the mens and combined with two races to come at Canterbury and Meopham The tough six mile course starting on the beach and taking in a series of suitably muddy trails was run in unseasonably glorious weather. Well done to everyone who turned out on the day and we hope that you enjoyed in particular running through the renowned dykes. To see a fantastic collection of photos go to the link on our Facebook page and go to You Tube for a video of the action.
