Saturday 28th October saw the second event of this seasons Kent Cross Country League at Somerhill School Tonbridge. As new Team Manager for Seniors and Vets I am left with the challenging task to round up members to compete. For the first time this season and possibly many previous we were able to field both male and female teams!
The autumnal conditions were nigh on perfect and beautiful at the same time remaining warm throughout and dry underfoot.
Our ladies showed solidarity in the absence or recent departures and fielded a well balanced team despite the undulating course and lack of general health coated with antibiotics. Elise was our first lady back home in 32nd place (21:44). It wasn’t long before Emma made her mark in 53rd (22:56). The team was completed by the inspiring and sleep deprived Fiona Buckingham in 109th (26:06). Julie Harker put in a respectable effort and strong finish in 139th (28:37) taking a position from Vanessa Markham who’s marathon training didn’t stop her knocking out 14 miles that morning and still finishing respectfully in 140th (28:42) in a field of 171 runners with an overall team position of 14th.
The men were the icing on the cake, providing a team which I don’t think has ever been achieved until now. Clive Gigney made it his mission to tackle the course head on and it paid off with being our first male back in 100th place (42:20). Although disappointed himself the inspiring James Ridger put in a valiant effort finishing 117th (43:10). Martin Taylor’s injury showed signs of dispersing allowing him to push through and finish comfortably in 146th (44:13) closely followed by Pete Buckingham’s stronger 2nd half of the course completing the team scoring with 148th (44:22). David Sampson felt every incline on all 3 laps describing it a tough yet looking solid throughout with 150th place (44:27). Nicholas Smith was our remaining athlete putting his stamp on the course in 241st (55:39) in a field of 257 runners with an overall team position of 16th.
After 2 events Elise is sitting nicely in 24th place, Clive in 78th and David in 97th.
The next outing will be held on Saturday 11th November at Footscray Meadows, Sidcup (no Sen or Vets women races at this event) so all my focus will be on the males.
Happy running folks.
John Tilston.
