North Downs Run – Sunday 25th June
Sunday 25th June 2023 saw the 39th North Downs Run take place starting at Cyclopark in Gravesend. The race is a 30km trail race with over 500 metres elevation. The weather was forecast to be very hot and the forecast was accurate – it was 25 degrees before the start at 10.30am and got up to over 30 degrees by the time people were finishing. There was some tree cover on parts of the route but more of it was in open sun so it made for very challenging conditions for all participants. Representing Medway & Maidstone AC were Sean Rodwell, Karen Cudmore, Vanessa Vander and Emily Hale (meaning we had a ladies team!). First home for M&M was Emily Hale making her debut at this race in 2:38:34 which made her 2nd in her age category and 9th female finisher. Sean, like many of the athletes taking part, struggled in the heat and considered retiring but pushed through to complete the race in 3:13:59, running the home straight with team mate Vanessa who crossed the line in 3:14:03 and Karen followed shortly after in 3:15:26. The ladies team were 3rd overall which is a solid result considering the conditions. A big well done to everyone who took part in this challenging course.
Staplehurst 10k – Sunday 11th June
On Sunday 11th June, two athletes from Medway & Maidstone took part in the Staplehurst 10k which is run on the road around the village lanes of the local area. Due to the hot temperatures of the day, the race was brought forward by 30 minutes but despite the heat, both our athletes did exceptionally well with Alun Rodgers finishing as 1st M55, 4th male and 5th overall in 39:49. Chloe Hammond finished in 42:37 which got her 1st F35, 4th female and 15th overall. Congratulations to them both!