Last Sunday saw the 35th North Downs 30 Km Run. This very arduous race is multi-terrain with 90% of the race being off-road and numerous long climbs including Holly Hill. The high temperatures on the day only added to the difficulty level this year. This race is also part of the Kent Grand Prix Road Race Series and also the British Masters Trail Championships.
Medway & Maidstone AC had several runners competing achieving some excellent results. Tom Collins, winner in 2017, took silver on this occasion in a time of 1.57.50, Richard McDowell of Hercules Wimbledon AC winning the race in 1.52.40. Danny Kendall (Cambridge Harriers) was 3rd (2.00.53).
Following Collins, Chris Rampling was next in for the club in a very creditable 8th place (2.08.02), followed closely by Lee McMeekin (M45) in 10th (2.09.03). This result for McMeekin will further strengthen his grip as leader of the Kent Grand Prix Road Race Series.
For a reason, still to be ascertained, McMeekin went down on the results as unattached. This was unfortunate as the Medway & Maidstone AC should have clearly won the team prize (20 points) This was awarded to Kent AC (38 points).
Other club runners were Bob Fursey M55 (138th 2.49.23), Ivon Whitmore M65 (234th 3.09.03) and Glyn Pallister M50 (304th 3.20.25).
The ladies race was won for the 4th consecutive year by Amy Clements of Kent AC in 2.12.40