Dutch & Belgium Open Race Walk Championships, Tilburg (NED) (Sun. 1st Oct.)
Unseasonably warm weather greeted race walkers Hannah Hopper and Luc Legon who travelled to the southern city of Tilburg in Holland for the Dutch and Belgium Race Walking Championships. The plan was for Hannah to make her debut over 20km, but a knee injury had hampered her training, so it was agreed the better option was to race over 10km, winning the women's race with a season's best of 53:44.
Luc's decision to race 20km was a brave one, given that he had lost a significant amount of training while he focussed on writing his PhD thesis. He started well, but the conditions started to take a toll and the onset of a sore hamstring forced him to retire just after 17km.
Tonbridge Half-Marathon (Sun. 1st Oct.)
James Macdonald took second place at the Run-Kent Tonbridge Half with a seasons best of 1:15:13. James' mum Maria also recorded a seasons best of 2:21:07.
Cardiff Half-Marathon (Sun. 1st Oct.)
The Cardiff Half is Wales’ largest mass participation event and marked its 20th anniversary this year. The front of both the men's and women's fields were dominated by athletes from East Africa. Two club members made the trip across the Severn Bridge. Alex Peet finished in 233rd overall with a time of 1:20:52. Clem Dixon crossed the line in 1:41:48 just shy of his seasons best.
Sittingbourne Striders 10 Miler (Sun. 1st Oct.)
The Sittingbourne Striders 10 miler returned to the fixture list after an absence. Now located at the Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne and on a new route, although some parts of the old route (well apparently Stockers Hill had to stay!!) have been retained, but lots of new parts too. It is a lovely countryside route that is well worth seeing and experiencing. Sisters Sue Dixon and Sally Carr raced with Sue finishing in 33rd place overall and second W50-59 in 1:14:34. Sally clocked 1:18:48 for 55th overall and 3rd W50-59.