On a windy but mild day in February, there was a record entry for the Tenterden 5 Mile Race (previously called the Isle of Oxney Hot Soup 5 mile dash) A rolling rural, almost traffic free, route along the quiet lanes around the pretty Kent village of Wittersham, near Tenterden was well organised, friendly and the marshals and St John Ambulance were cheerful and supportive.
The race was enjoyed by runners of all standards and supported the Wittersham Sports Club. The fun opened with a short Children’s Race. Disappointingly for some, Hot Soup, previously a wholesome and welcome treat, was replaced this year with bacon sarnies, hot dogs and burgers. The winners overall were Ross Skelton from Brighton Phoenix and Chloe Sharp from Dartford Harriers. The Mens Team Prize was won by Ashford AC and Ladies Team Prize won by Rye Runners. Julius Samson and Mark Hinson, Ham Street Runners (photo), Chris Costiff, Ashford & District and Sam Murphy, Rye Runners all won age category prizes. Many local clubs participated in this particular event including Ham Street Runners and Tri Spirit Team. Martin Burke of Nice Work organises various events, some of which are local and some as far afield as the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Promenade Dashes. Races are also held at locations right across the country from Llandudno in Wales and Bridlington and Rochdale in the north of the country to a number of races in some of London’s famous Royal Parks. A future local event to look forward to is a 5 mile cross country race in and around the pretty village of Peasmarsh near Rye. The Memphis Fliers will be playing live in the pub garden at the 8th Rockabilly 5 Mile on the 28th May 2016 at The Oak, Rye Foreign, Peasmarsh.
“Cinque Ports” April 2016
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