THE first road race of the year in Kent for Istead and Ifield Harriers was cold and windy and improved only by the bright sunshine, writes Bob Carter.
Part of the course was over farm roads which, while concrete, were frozen in areas of shade.
In total 862 runners braved the conditions and finished the race with 15 of them flying the flag for Istead and Ifield.
Placings: 28th, Steve Lelliot 1.02.01; 46th, Simon Parrin 1.05.15; 124th, Jon Gurney 1.09.15; 148th, John Gilles 1.10.51; 179th, Peter Burton 1.12.24 (third over-60 in Kent Champs); 211th, Alan Cowan 1.13.37; 271st, Ian Morrison 1.16.26; 338th, Stuart Champion 1.18.50; 472nd, Bob Carter 1.25.40; 664th, Vicki Goodchild 1.34.57; 743rd, Jeannette Giles 1.39.36; 760th, Sarah Manley 1.41.29; 765th, Leslie Irvine 1.42.21; 776th, Lisa Duce 1.43.06; 777th, Suiling Chan 1.43.07. The last finisher took 2.14.58.
The Benfleet Fifteen is a 15 miles off-road race at Canvey Island.
Two Istead runners were in the field of 465 finishers with Ray Pearce taking an impressive ninth place in 1.35.31 and Ian Drew finishing 23rd in 1.39.30.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article