Kent Veterans' and Clubmen's/women's Cross Country Championships

Mike Jarvis, Peter Burns and John Hepner

In the Kent Veteran's Cross Country Championship meeting held at Beckenham Place Park, Peter Burns won individual silver in the M60 race at his first attempt in the age category.

The meeting was held in atrocious conditions with driving rain and bitterly cold temperatures, and hours of overnight rain had left large areas of the course heavily waterlogged. Peter attacked the field from the gun with a blistering start, and was only caught by the eventual winner Trevor Edgley of Invicta East Kent AC at the first steep hill on the course. He then consolidated his position, crossing the line 42 seconds behind the winner. Also taking part in the M60 race for the Harriers were 8th John Hepner, 15th Mike Jarvis, 18th John Fuller, 22nd John Johnson and 26th Bryon 'Spud' Taylor. In the three-to-score team competition, Peter was supported by John Hepner and Mike Jarvis to take team silver medals behind Invicta East Kent AC.

In the M40 race, Andy Howey was first Harrier home for the club in 9th position, with Daryl Palfrey in 18th place and Mike Russell in 33rd position. Unfortunately, there was no fourth scorer in the team competition, with new veteran Duncan Collins being delayed by traffic on the way to the event.

John Fuller and Mike Jarvis

Similarly, Allan Cheek missed the start of the M50 race, but stayed to support the lone Harrier in the race, Jon Rickards, who finished in 37th place.

By the time Terry Everest and Peter Nuttall arrived for the start of the Clubmen's race, Allan was still supporting the Harriers team and shaking uncontrollably - possibly from the cold, but more probably with laughter after a magnificently choreographed fall by Andy Howey at the first corner of the M40 race - so much for new spikes.

John Johnson and a very wet Allan Cheek

Daryl Palfrey and Andy Howey

Peter Burns runs to a silver medal

The Clubmen's race was cut from two laps to one lap of 5k due to the conditions, and Terry finished in 10th position behind winner Tom Collins of Medway & Maidstone AC, with Peter in 18th place.