The Tonbridge Half Marathon organised by the Rotary and Lions went off in near perfect conditions on Sunday at 10am. Whilst slightly muggy and warm, compared to the summer it was good for running, and compared to last year, not as good for swimming (if you missed last years race - it rained - quite a bit).
The race gallery is now live and the link is below, profits from sales go to the race charities - and last year we raised almost £200, so help out with the fundraising by getting your photo or collection now !
We didn't cover the Pleshy Half (the Essex Champs) like last year this weekend, but it's good to see it's numbers grow 30% to almost 400 on the day and also to see Crispian Bloomfield from Billericay Striders win that in 1:12:01 on a very similar course type to Tonbridge.
At Tonbridge the Rotary and Lions put on another Gold standard BAR race, with road closures, marshalling, a smart HQ building in the form of the K College, and well done to Andy Blundell and his team of officials, volunteers and support who kept it all moving.
The Mens race: With the two previous winners of the mens race taking part this year it was going to be a good race at the front between the two Tonbridge athletes. Although they ran side by side for the early stages of the race, by 10 miles #1309 Julian Rendall was 30yrds ahead, but by the last corner into the home straight they were neck and neck. Here #1035 Tom Fewster kicked for home and managed to finish in First place some 7 seconds ahead of Julian in a time of 1:13:14.
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| Tom Fewster takes the win in 1:13:14 |
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| The reality of it all ! |
David Ives of Sevenoaks AC finished third in 1:16:40, putting almost two minutes between himself and fourth place.
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| Gentlemanly conduct afterwards ! |
The Womens Race: Whilst Tina Oldershaw started as favourite with the two previous race wins it was her clubmate from Paddock Wood #957 Maria Heslop who lead out the race all the way around to finish strongly in 1:20:43 as well as 6th place overall. Second place went to #1320 Claire Reeves from Bexley AC in 1:23:32, with Tina #1124 finishing third in 1:25:12.
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| Maria Heslop came in 6th overall and first woman in 1:20:43 - excellent age rating too |
There's some more photos down the page !
Due to popular demand (well a few of you on facebook asked for it!) the "Call for entries" is listed below - mainly for half marathon and marathon distances. I'll add races further out nearer to Christmas, but the bigger popular ones I'm putting up early or you'll miss them. We'll be at these races, so give us a smile and remember to look determined at the finish !
Next weekend is the big one with Ealing, Folkestone and Henley on sunday and if you just fancy a quick 10k then there is always the Echo Challenge on Saturday the 28th.
The Tonbridge Half in pictures
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| Possibly too enthusiastic only 3 miles in |
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| Good to see Epsom escaping to the countryside |
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| With the right skill you can get someone else to do your mo-bot for you ! |
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| Happy and smiling at 3 miles in the gently undulating countryside |
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| Eric - the oldest runner in the race ! |
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| Adam Thoroughgood raising money for the RNIB - took his pacer for a run and a half ! |
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| Now you see him ! awesome effort |
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| Great finish line support - all the way to the end ! |
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| Excellent running to raise money for charity |
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| excellent double thumbs up |
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| always good running with friends |
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| Bring me sunshine... |
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| Victory ahead |
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| Superwoman on her way round |
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| All going ok so far |
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| to me, to you, to me, to you |
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| Ray raised funds for Mind |
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| Demelza Karate fundraising stylee |
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| she didn't run backwards all the way round ! |
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| Tip: don't hide if you want to do your bolt or mobot |
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| Blowing our photographers a kiss ? Don't get his hopes up ! |
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| not having his best run I assume |
That's it for this week, keep fit, enjoy the dry spells for a run, and we look forwards to seeing you again at the weekend soon, possibly at Ealing !
until next time
Anthony
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