Unfortunately this clashed with a marathon at Hastings in which several BVAC members took part. We struggled to get a team in what is usually a meeting in which we have a large turnout.
Race report - Rob Bright
Competing attractions kept the numbers down at Eltham on Sunday, but despite the early morning mist, the venue looked as spectacular as usual. The 5.5 mile course was softened up with recent heavy rain and with plunging descents and steep inclines (plus some standing water) presented a stiff challenge for the 260 competitors.
So who can stop the Larkfield juggernaut in its tracks this season? They maintained their 100% record in the Kent Fitness League on Sunday after the 4th race of the series at Eltham despite fielding a reduced strength ladies’ team but greatly assisted by their top three men Simon Hesketh (4th place), Steve Groom (11th) and Steve Throssell (15th). The club now stand 5 points clear of Paddock Wood with three races still to run.
Sittingbourne’s Sam Murphy led the field from start to finish and crossed the line with a margin of 1 minute over Sevenoaks runner Rob Murray. It was Murphy’s third individual win of the season and leaves him as hot favourite to win the championship.
Paddock Wood AC also had three runners in the top 20 – James Ridger (6th), Mickael Hegesippe (8th) and Pete Buckingham (17th), but their star performer was Laura Burton who registered her first official victory in the ladies’ competition.
Although outsprinted to the finish line by guest runner and former champion Elaine Murty, Burton took maximum points to help keep Paddock Wood in the hunt to retain the title they won last season. Cara Oliver did well to get round in second place following a gruelling run at Beckenham in the Kent Vets Championship the previous day.
Other notable efforts came from David Abery (Gravesend) who was the leading over 50 man in 26th place and Trevor Edgley (Invicta) who followed up a win in the Kent Veterans Championship the previous day with leading spot in the over 60 men.
The Canterbury Harriers ladies were out in force with Amy Hicks, Sarah Maguire and Jenni Van Deelen all finishing in the top 7 and taking the club to the top of the women's league. Barbara Wenman was the leading over 50 lady on the day in finishing 10th.
Many thanks to Plumstead Runners for their efforts in putting on another exciting and challenging contest – although there were a few DNFs, I hope there weren’t too many injuries.