Race Report – Kent Grand Prix

Reports
5th June 2022

Harriers end Jubilee Weekend on a HIGH (and hills)!

What a great end to a 4-day Bank Holiday / Bunting / BBQ weekend, shame about the weather today, but ideal for a lovely run through the scenic Kent countryside, with a few hills, chucked in for good measure. Well, we were warned about not getting a PB today…18 deckchairs (11 men and 7 ladies) decided to take on the Pylon Hill challenge, and I will admit to walking it, plus the course seemed a bit different from when I last ran it, and that was a while ago.  But the misty rain didn’t put us off as we charged up the first hill remembering the words from the Race Director “There are 5 downhill sections to look forward to”. Yes, there were, but not sure they outweighed the uphill sections. Despite all this, the race was well organized and well marshaled across the course, with music playing and ladies singing, who could ask for more. I think the most memorable comment today was “when you get up to the 9K marker, it’s downhill from there”, I’ll let those that ran decide… 

In total 277 runners completed the undulating scenic course, which was won by Andy Bond (Dulwich Runners AC) in 36:33, and the first lady home was Tina Oldershaw (Tonbridge AC) in 44:04.

Harrier Results (Individual times listed below)

So, this was my first KGP race for probably 3yrs and nobody mentioned the report writing role until I finished. I did wonder why no more harriers decide not to overtake me .  If your Harrier finishing position matches the date of the race you write the report, so I hope you like this?  Keith Mitchel (9th) was the first Harrier home in 39:23, followed by David Weston (14th) in 40:24 and then James Sarre (18th) in 40:46. For our ladies Ali Farrall (61st) was first in 46:43, followed by Jillian Holford (89th) in 49:05, and then Nicola Morris (120th) in 52:23. Congratulation to all, there were some great achievements out there today, but I don’t believe any PBs, I will leave Bob to confirm on Wednesday.

So, with four races now complete, here’s where our teams currently stand in the KGP (give or take a few points)…

 Men (first six to score)

  1. Tunbridge Wells Harriers      1,530
  2. Ashford & District RC               1,257
  3. Medway & Maidstone AC         1,221
  4. Petts Wood Runners                1,204
  5. Orpington Road Runners         1.001

In the KGP Overall our top 3 men are currently 5th Dave Weston, 6th Keith Mitchell, and 8th Alex Holmes – Congratulations!

 Ladies (first four to score)

  1. Tunbridge Wells Harriers 506
  2. Tonbridge AC                          486
  3. Petts Wood Runners                472
  4. Medway & Maidstone AC         379
  5. Orpington Road Runners 305

In the KGP Overall our top 3 ladies are currently 3rd Jillian Holford, 6th Ali Farrall, and 10th Nicola Morris – Congratulations!

Thanks again to all those that ran, remember it is always great to have a minimum team of ten (six men and four ladies) to collect the maximum KGP points, which count towards the team scores.  But, as always the more harriers the merrier as you take points away from the competition.

What’s next and how can you sign-up?

Thanks for your support

Craig Chapman

Former TWHs Road Race Captain

Individual Harrier results, including KGP points earned

Position

Name

Chip Time

KGP pts

9

Keith Mitchell

39:23:00

94

14

David Weston

40:24:00

90

18

James Sarre

40:46:00

87

21

Alexander Holmes

42:22:00

84

36

Craig Chapman

44:15:00

72

54

Saul Harris

45:59:00

65

61

Ali Farrall

46:43:00

45

83

Geoff Turner

48:31:00

53

89

Jillian Holford

49:05:00

38

95

Robert Winter

50:02:00

49

120

Nicola Morris

52:23:00

27

140

Andrew Deighton

54:46:00

38

176

Ana-Maria Green

58:21:00

20

184

Amanda Smith

58:57:00

18

188

Gary Oreilly

59:15:00

28

219

Jonathan Rickards

01:03:00

23

221

Joy Croucher

01:03:20

11

259

Janet Bird

01:11:24

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