After a long summer break with very little in the way of road running, it was back to business for Istead and Ifield Harriers’ finest.

Last weekend, the challenging Pilgrims Way 7 took place along the country lanes around Vigo, using the local rugby club as the race headquarters. 6 Istead members were among the 184 runners who took part in this race, with Simon Parrin, once again, being the club’s first finisher.

On Saturday 4th September, the Charing 10k was held in Central Kent. Six Istead members took part and young Chloe Forsyth was the first home for the club, in 37th position, and also was the first Junior Lady finisher.

The Kent Marathon Championships were held on Sunday 5th September around the scenic Thanet coastline, and with a Half Marathon being held at the same time, a total of seven members took part in the two races. Ray Pearce ran extremely well to finish second in the marathon, winning the gold medal for first over 50 finisher, and helping the club to second place in the team competition. In the Half Marathon, Barbara Ockenden continued her comeback after illness to be club’s first finisher.

Results: Pilgrim’s Way 7:- Simon Parrin 5th 57:30; John Gillis 59th 71:30; Jon Gurney 65th 71:58; Jason Beaney 126th 85:57; Lesley Irvine 155th 95:42; Barbara Webling 174th 108:02

Charing 10k:- Chloe Forsyth 37th 45:13; Jenny Forsyth 46th 46:37; Barry Bell 69th 48:46; Lydia Forsyth 153rd 59:09; Phoebe Forsyth 173rd 62:20; Joseph Forsyth 176th 62:36

Kent Coastal Marathon (Kent Championships):- Ray Pearce 2nd 2:56:27; Simon Parrin 12th 3:09:42; Joe Cumberland 27th 3:22:36; Ken Rains 35th 3:26:40; Alan Cowan 106th 4:00:41; Verity Bradley 172nd 4:35:32; Mel Moore 175th 4:36:41

Kent Coastal Half Marathon:- Barbara Ockenden 159th 2:00:56; Margaret Mary Cowan 226th 2:16:28; Lesley Irvine 231st 2:17:21; Celia Poke 296th 2:59:03