ATHLETES from Swanley and District and Istead and Ifield Harriers Athletic Clubs made the long trek down to Minnis Bay for the seventh and final Kent Fitness League fixture of the season.

The course made for a stern test of stamina as, at six miles, it was a little longer than usual.

There were also a variety of conditions underfoot including a section on the beach and a number of deep ditches to be jumped.

Istead's David Castle came home in fifth spot with Swanley's Mike Baron taking 11th.

Swanley's Chris Barber will take the trophy for the most improved runner in the league after a solid 82nd position.

The final event in the Kent Fitness League calendar is a relay race in New Barn Park, Swanley, on February 19.

Other Swanley results: M. Baron, 11th; M. Boddy, 71st; S. Robertson, 76th; C. Barber, 82nd; B. Tucker, 135th; B Pitkin, 136th; J. Blackmore, 143rd; G. Morris, 161st; G. Turner, 167th; D. Lamkin, 171st; P. Halstead, 196th; R. Halstead, 222nd; M. Morgan, 279th; E. Wakefield, 289th; G. Gunn, 298th; D. Richmond, 305th.

Istead and Ifield results: D. Castle, 5th; S. Parrin, 17th; D. Mcdonald, 27th; S. Lelliot, 34th; A. Francis, 35th; S. Cable, 39th; S. Yates, 41st; D. George, 44th; L. Archer, 51st; S. Barbutti, 55th; A. Thomas, 66th; S. Holland, 67th; V. Goodchild, 70th; J. Horne 71st; J. Gillis, 90th; J. Giles, 91st; P. Burton, 111th; M. Smith, 114th; A. Archer, 132nd; N. Clayden, 136th; A. Mayes, 158th; B. Bell, 184th; B. Carter, 188th; R. Manley, 189th.

Istead and Ifield Harrier Steve Cable took part in his first duathlon on January 14 at Minnis Bay.

It involves a run of 2.4 miles, then a bike ride over nine miles of appalling mud and then another run of 4.5 miles to finish off.

Being a runner, Steve was in eighth place at the end of the first run.

However, his lack of experience on the bike led to his falling back to 38th by the end of the riding section.

On the final run he made up 15 places to finish 23rd overall in 1hr 42mins 36secs.