Race Report: Canterbury 10

So here we are again, as is the custom, at the Canterbury 10, in January, for the Kent GP 2025 curtain raiser.

It was still dark and frosty when I set off with Colin and Colin at 6:40AM – far too early to be up on a Sunday! It was lucky we set off early though, because with the event being sold out, and everyone sheltering from the cold weather until the very last minute, the sports hall was heaving! With long queues for race number collection, a delayed start looked inevitable, which was a good excuse to stay in the warm sports hall a little longer. Eventually we plucked up the courage to do a brief “warm up” and the event team did a great job to get us going only 10 minutes late.

The slightly adjusted course for 2024 was in use again, and before long we were out in the open countryside. Although it was 4°, the wind chill made it feel even colder, and it was tough to get into a rhythm, but the race was on to finish before the rain arrived! It’s an undulating course, with a couple of notable hills, particularly at around 3 miles which got us nicely warmed up. Aside from a brief treacherous stretch on a muddy trail, and a few pot holes, the conditions were good, and the rain held off long enough for us all to begin the long drive home. As much as we grumbled, we all know we will be back again next year to do it all again!

A very competitive race was won by Cole Gibbens (Tonbridge AC) in 51:10 and Rebecca Weston (no relation) (Dover Roadrunners) in 57:17

Our ladies kept up their fine form finishing 2nd in the team prize – congratulations! Well done to Tara for finishing 2nd in the FV55 and to Josh for completing his first 10 mile race with a very impressive time.

Well done as well to all the 2024 Kent GP winners!

See you at the next one!

Dave Weston

Full results: http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=454&EId=1&dt=0