Kent XC Champs 2020

The Kent Cross Country championships is not like marmite – I don’t know anyone that loves it. However, the exposed, windswept hilltop at Brandshatch (the hatch definitely doesn’t belong to Brand), was not nearly as muddy or miserable as previous years. East London was clearly visible in the distance and blueish skies and green fields were the backdrop to this year’s event.

First up was Dillon Hobbs in the combined U17/U20 race – a strange 6.1km distance – securing 13th position in the U17s off the back of not much training, with a time of 22:56 – that’s 6 minute miles in old money.

Unusually for Cross Country, but perfectly usual for the Kent Champs, the senior men were up next. Andy Howey, with permission from the officials, donned his father’s old Tunbridge Wells Runners’ vest in remembrance of Phil who passed away just before Christmas. On another wardrobe related note, Patrick pulled out his cross country spikes, which were whiter than white and had clearly never seen the outside of the box they were purchased in. The rest of us, except Hadders, who had to pull out due to it being too cold or something, put on our deckchairs and mud encrusted spikes or knobblies, and made our way to the start. One small lap and three large laps, with long steady inclines and declines, not too much mud and fairly firm underfoot. For a 7.5 mile course pacing is essential, so one mile in, I took to heart Ed’s supporting shout of, “Courageous start Simon!” and slowed down a touch. With a field of only 200 over this distance, it spreads out within the first couple of laps, and with no Harriers to compete against, I had to resort to racing a couple of the TAC guys we know. There was the usual excellent support from the ladies, from Bob and from Dave “got a twinge” Hadaway. I caught sight of Andy in his Tunbridge Wells Runners’ vest once on the course and a fine sight it was too. About half way through the final lap, the course loops back to near the finish, where Billy, Patrick and Andy were already standing and cheering us on.

Billy Hobbs secured an amazing 6th place, at 41:07 with just over 1 minute covering the top ten. Patrick Bareham continued his good form, finishing 47th in 46:08, followed closely by Andy Howey, 52nd in 46:32 (sorry no Vets prizes in this one, just competing with those 30 years younger!) The six to score made up by Tom Woolley, Simon Howden and Geoff Turner, 7th team out of 12. Andrew Joad followed closely, with a good battle behind between George Harris, Martin Hobbs, Chris Walmsley and Michael Russel, finishing in that order, with Tom Fox completing the 12 to score. Luke Edwardes-Evans, made his return to cross country, with Nick Pierce completing the team.

For a perspective on the ladies’ race Carol has this to say, “I remembered why I’ve turned up to the Kent Champs twice before and not run it, chickening out at the last moment. I have no need for equal rights when it comes to cross country – I like to race first, race short and get it over and done with!

“Nine ladies lined up at the start, including two XC newbies, Lizzie Fox and Sam Dranga. 8k for us (one small and two large laps). From where I am in the race (at the back) it’s quite lonely, but the support from the boys, Ed, Bob, Mick, Mark Taylor and Hadders was phenomenal. Even when I was too grumpy to smile, an archway of arms suddenly appeared for me to run under – you can’t help but smile – not sure the fast runners at the front had this. 😊

“Partner of the day goes to Mike Russell, who after his own race, also ran the second half of the ladies’ race with Sam, providing support and encouragement for every step. Big brownie points in the bank for this one.” 😉

Carol concluded, “I literally love XC – it’s my favourite time of year.”

A special mention goes to the Cross country captain, chief supporter, official photographer, driver and as it turns out the only baker (lovely Florentines)! Our vegan avocado cake, which didn’t pass the Quality Assurance test and had to be left at home, and the Australian rocky road, the quality of which has been tried and tested, also remained in Tunbridge Wells for reasons unknown. The day was seen out in the Five Bells in Eynsford, for some restorative ales prior to the Penshurst 5m the next day. Sam, after her first race for the club and one of the tougher races at that, agreed that beer always tastes better after cross country. All that is left is to prepare ourselves for Parliament Hill fields in three weeks, where the course will be longer, the hills will be hillier and the mud will be muddier. Full results for Kent Champs are below.