Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge
Race report
The 13th running of the highly rated Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge near Tunbridge Wells in Kent was successfully staged last Sunday by the leading local club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers, and was graced by the presence of world record holder ultra-runner from Smarden, 'Marvellous' Mimi Anderson, who set the competitors off and handed out the prizes.
Over 400 runners took on the challenge to complete the single 10-mile lap of one of England's oldest deer parks. The route, largely unchanged from the previous two years, started near the private Eridge Park cricket ground and led the competitors across grazing pastures, down steep old Estate carriage-ways, past three sublime lakes, up to rocky outcrops with commanding views, through ancient woodland to a Saxon fort and its outstanding Victorian Tower Folly before heading back via some cruelly steep climbs - and all embellished by cross country runners' absolute requisite - Mud - sometimes glorious; often glorious enough to wrestle a poorly tied shoe into the depths!
Not satisfied with their wins last year, both victors from 2010 returned to tackle the course director's latest additions to what was always a severe test. Julian Rendall (Tonbridge AC) and the ever-present Tina Oldershaw (Paddock Wood AC) stamped their authority on the race from an early stage and were not to be seriously challenged. Rendall's time of 65mins 10secs was marginally outside his previous best, not helped by losing a shoe in the infamous Cheeky's Bog at 2.5 miles. Similarly Oldershaw's winning mark of 75mins 28secs took account of the slightly elongated distance, but this year her suspect ankle held out.
The runners up in the men's race were Stephen McGrory (Kent AC) 66.50 and in bronze medal position Mike Page (Crowborough Runners). In silver for the women - Alexie Shaw (Dulwich Runners) 77.07 and third Rona Loubser (Folkestone AC) 79.03. The veterans categories were won by Men V40 S.McGrory, V50 Tony Crossley (East Grinstead & District AC) 81.30, V60 regular winner Geoff Newton (Tadworth AC) 82.31 and V70 for the second year Eric Schofield (Tunbridge Wells Harriers) 1hr 41.21. Womens V35 T.Oldershaw, V45 Ann Fuller (Dartford Road Runners) 89.08 and V55 Claire Steward (Dulwich Runners) 99.23. The team prizes were won by the men of Tonbridge AC (20pts) and the women of Dulwich Runners (30pts).
Race Director Allan Cheek (president of Tunbridge Wells Harriers and proprietor of local running shop the Running Hub) said 'This year's event lived up to its reputation as one of the best races in the UK and has already received glowing praise from those who took part, for its organisation, scenery and friendly hospitality, with special tribute going to the marshals, mostly members of Tunbridge Wells Harriers, who add encouragement all the way round.' He also thanked the kind assistance afforded by the Nevill Estate and the patron of the Harriers, Marquess of Abergavenny, Christopher Nevill.
Next year's date is set at Sunday 9 September.