Race Reports - March 2026
Century City Athletics Club 15k
Race Report by Polly Dryden
Morning Coasties.
Hope all is well. It is nearly time for me to rejoin you all, which I look forward to doing very soon. I hope to be at Pegwell Park Run 2 weeks today!!
Meanwhile here in Cape Town, for the last 6 months I have been running with my club here - Century City Athletics Club. I have been doing regular 10k races and also going to different park runs too. Today though I was challenged / goaded to run a 15k race?! Yikes!!
All week I have been doing the calculations of what I needed to do, everyone said 'run slow to start with' BUT any of you who know me will recognise that I don't really 'do slow'. I did a 12k on Tuesday evening as part of my training, but had to bail out as it was pitch dark when we finished at 7pm and had been 35° at the start. So back to my calculations which had caused me two really bad nights sleep despite me telling myself it's only another 5k longer than normal, and don't be a woose!!
OK - this was the plan - 5k at 8 mins a K, 5k at 7mins 45 seconds a K and then try and push to do 5K at 7.15 a K. To get in at 1hr 55, surely I could do it in under 2hrs? What to eat, how to hydrate all these problems, just put one foot in front of the other. So I had my main meal yesterday lunchtime. Crisps and water in the evening and a cup of coffee with chocolate (something had to give!). Only 4 hours sleep despite telling myself 'just go to sleep’!
I was picked up at 5am by a fellow runner, this was a league race and important for the club. I did a warm up 1k run and suddenly the start time was approaching - 6.30am and still dark. The race was considered to be in a 'dodgy area' so they didn't use a starting pistol just a man shouting 'Start'!! Off we went slowly, slowly - watching the road, don't trip, 1k down, 1st water station at 5k, just keep running, keep it steady,10k done and few cheers to other club runners along the way. Suddenly, there was the finish line and the finish clock, 1hr 35 mins and not 1k in 7 mins or more, and average pace 6.21. It was all a bit of a blur. So pleased with this result helped by the early start and the cool temperatures at the beginning 16°. I even did a cool down run of 1k.
BUT I will never do a marathon (never say never!!!) See you all soon.
Lydd 20
Race Report by Emily Sayer
Managed to avoid the headwind until about mile 17…then it definitely turned up, but by that point it was just a case of getting the head down and seeing it through.
Really nice flat course out through the fields, loads of sheep and hardly any houses about. Nice and quiet route.
Happy enough with how it went, kept things steady and just stuck at it, especially once the wind picked up towards the end.
Big shout out to Poppy for completing her furthest distance today and well done to everyone who got PBs across all events today too - great running all round.
The Miners Trail Half Marathon
Race Report by Helen Bacon
New run for 2026, the Miners Trail half marathon (plus a bit extra). Aylesham to Betteshanger.
Loved it. Similar vibes to the Macknade half, quiet country lanes, woodland trails, paths through farmland. 1st few miles were hilly country lanes taking in part of the Wingham 10k route, the hilly bit. Then turned onto a wide trail through fields and farmland, flatter but still hilly, then the final miles were back to the quiet country lanes, again hilly! Really pretty countryside and the sun was shining, but with a nice breeze so not too hot.
The final stretch along the main road from Mongeham to Betteshanger which takes about 2 mins by car seemed to go on forever, but finally saw the finish line where a decent medal was waiting and snacks and drinks. A well marshaled run and the route was clearly marked. Only downside was the start and finish were miles apart, so had to arrange car sharing or lifts so had transport at each end. Last long run until Paris now.
Parke Parkrun
Race Report by Ben Cook
So, I'm hardly a Parkrun savant with today's run at Parke in Devon only being my fourth. I'm in the area visiting my little sister for the weekend. Parke is situated in the Wray Valley on the North Eastern Edge of Dartmoor, near Bovey Tracey (who was certainly conspicuous by her absence!)
I had a chat with the marshals prior to the run and they recommended trail shoes as the course was ninety percent off road. I had picked up club colours in the week (thanks Lorna) and donning the glorious tangerine tee, I really felt like a bonafide Coastie (albeit solo on tour). I had a chat with a few locals at the start line and they warned me of the first and most abrupt hill on the course advising not to set out too quickly as the incline, although diminutive compared to local Tors, was not to be underestimated.
The run started with a short stretch of tarmac towards a National Trust building onto the forest track. After a few hundred yards of a typical cliched race start, shoulder to shoulder, the course bottlenecked and the first rise was approached. The hill I was warned of earlier was akin to the chines in Ramsgate, a little more arduous, with mud and stone thrown in for good measure. After reaching the summit with hamstrings and achilles twinging in unison, there was a steady decline into the Wray Valley.
I'm glad I followed the marshals advice regarding appropriate footwear as the track flitted from roots and rocks to prime Devonshire clotted mud. The shoes were performing perfectly today, not so much on yesterday's run when they were nearly renamed 'Widow Makers' as I slipped several times on the Dartmoor granite, fortuitously without sustaining injury.
A PB effort was well out of the question with heavy legs and my fitness in recovery over the last few weeks. Yesterday's moorland soundscape of whimsical chirruping from Meadow Pipits and Stonechats was replaced with huffs and puffs from weary competitors, the odd woof, and the seemingly patronising stares from the many bovine spectators on the levels. A couple of shorter loops ensued at the rivers edge and I was grateful that the route up to Hamburger Hill wasn't to be repeated.
A run back up the tarmac completed a tough, but thoroughly enjoyable course. No sub 20 minute finishers today, certainly not from me just scraping under 26 minutes. I'd highly recommend the run if anyone ventures over this way, although I was informed that the Haldon Forest Parkrun not too far away is a more scenic affair. Maybe I'll take on that course for the next trip, for the big one, Parkrun number five!
The Miners Challenge
Race Report by Roger Silvester
What was there not to like. We had perfect weather as we met at the start of the very first Miners Challenge in Aylesham for Pilgrims Hospice, which is a charity very close to my heart .
This wasn’t a timed race, although we did receive a medal at the end and for a few of us it was the first time we had run a trail run. I think about 40% was through fields, woods and country paths. I was a bit unsure about this aspect, but thankfully it was very dry with hardly any puddles, but for me at least I think it might have been a different story if it had been wet .
The route was absolutely beautiful, hence the number of photos. It was so lovely to explore the countryside right on our doorstep .
Yes, it was pretty hilly (elevation gain of over 800 feet) and there was an extra kilometre to run as they could use their original route, but I think we all agreed it was a lovely run.
Maura finished in under 2 hours, myself and Stu had our 2nd fastest half times, but a big shout out goes to Ashley and Jack on their marvellous PB’s.
Well done everyone, a great morning 🧡💙
Eastbourne Half
Race Report by Paul Devitt
It was meant to be another marathon training long run Sunday, but when I saw the Eastbourne half was on, I knew I had to fit it into the schedule.
I went to Uni and met my wife in Eastbourne, as well as running my best marathon to date there last year, so I always enjoy a trip back. I figure, just like life, when training for a marathon you have to enjoy the journey, so I've tried to vary training a bit more this year.
The sunshine coast was a little more grey and misty today, but only a moderate wind, so compared to some events recently we were winning!
The field was about 1000 and the race consisted of 2 loops along the seafront towards beachy head, but not up it! Thankfully!
This was also a race without numb hands and exploding gels so again we were winning!
Came away with a PB of 1:32 which I'm pretty chuffed with. Shared a few miles with some good people too. Love that about running!
Well organised race, flat course, would recommend.
Smugglers 10k
Race Report by James Alexander
After what feels like forever that I have been plagued by one illness or another, which unfortunately led me to miss the Chelmsford half marathon. I was excited to get my first race of the year under my belt, and it did not disappoint.
Upon arrival, the weather was almost perfect, a slight cross wind which got stronger later in the morning, but didn't seem to hinder me too much. I met up with my fellow Coasties for a quick snap and got into our waves. I was in wave 2 and was hoping to have a speedy, but controlled start and I seemed to have done that as 4 1/2 miles in, I felt great.
My right foot lace came undone and as I was sorting that out I was a tiny bit sick. After that was sorted, I ploughed on, completing the course in a personal PB of 55 mins which of course I was delighted with. Unfortunately, it did cost me my headphones as I lost them at some point 🙁
All in all, a fantastic day. The Marshals were great, as were the fellow runners, topped of by pirates reenacting some old time fight scenes. Onto to the next, fellow Coasties!
Smugglers 10k
Race Report by Simon Notley
The 2026 Smugglers 10K was a race that tested both pacing strategy and mental resilience. From the start line, the conditions immediately made themselves known. Strong crosswinds faced us on the outbound section of the course, which had a clear impact on how the early miles unfolded.
For the first three miles, I ended up running positive splits. The wind heading out made it difficult to settle into a smooth rhythm, and maintaining pace required noticeably more effort than expected. Even though the splits were slower than planned, the key focus was staying controlled and not burning too much energy fighting the conditions too early in the race. When I reached the turnaround point, my legs felt like lead and I remember saying to myself, “Just a parkrun to go.”
The turnaround marked a shift in both the race dynamics and my approach. With the wind now slightly behind me in sections, the conditions became more favourable and I was able to gradually increase the pace. This resulted in negative splits from mile three through to the finish, where I pushed harder and started to make up time.
Mentally, this was the turning point. Instead of letting the early slower splits dictate the rest of the race, I focused on using the return leg to run stronger and more efficiently. The support along the route was second to none. The tailwind helped, but it still required effort to take advantage of it and maintain the faster pace.
In the final stages, my main objective was to keep pushing and finish strong. As I approached the finish, I could see Daz and Kate, which gave me the last push I needed to get the job done. The race ended up being a great example of adapting to the conditions on the day: accepting the challenge of the crosswind early on, staying patient, and then capitalizing on the return section.
Overall, the Smugglers 10K 2026 turned into a race of two halves. The outward miles were about managing the wind and conserving energy, while the return was about pushing through and making the most of the improved conditions. It was a reminder that pacing isn’t always perfect on paper, but responding to the course and the weather is just as important as the numbers on the watch.
I crossed the line with a new personal best of 44:57 on Strava and a chip time of 45:02, making it an even more special result. It was the perfect way to celebrate officially being one year into my running journey - a reminder of how far I’ve come and what consistency and perseverance can achieve.
Smugglers 10k
Race Report by Glenn Storey
I must say, I was slightly apprehensive about this one, especially hearing how brutal the wind was last year.
Anyway, I awoke to glorious sunshine this morning, my little weather app said increasing winds from 10-11am. Well, I went through my morning routine of a coffee and decided on a small bite to eat then set off.
After meeting up with fellow Coasties, it sounded like a few of us had times in mind we wanted to beat.I was starting in wave 3 along with the 5kers. So, I wished the others good luck and got in line. I had already decided if I could stick to a 12min mile, I would be happy.
Then we were off! I believe my 1st mile was slightly quicker than anticipated so I tried to slow it down, but I was feeling fairly comfortable. Mile 2 passed and I thought I may even get a 5k PB, but decided to not chase it. The wind at this point was more of a nuisance than a massive hindrance, but it made us work.
Just before the turnaround, I greeted fellow Coasties on their return journey, giving one another encouragement as we passed, this really helped to lift my spirits! Before I knew it I was reaching the 3 mile point and my furthest run, with out walking anyway. I nearly convinced myself I could walk as soon as I hit the return point, but as soon as I turned, the wind was more favourable so decided to try and keep going.
I plodded on using the chap in front as a pacer. Another 2 miles down and I was still just about to hold on to my pace which was actually nice and even. Every time I felt I was slowing I just dug a little to pick it up again. Then came the last mile...the guy in front was edging away, but I knew if I could keep going, I would likely get a new 10k PB. Before I knew it I could see the finish line and the other Coasties cheering me on, I dug deep and managed to find another gear.
Super pleased with my finish time and new 10k PB! 2 minutes, 20s quicker than previous and (drumroll please) no walking at all. Well done to everyone who ran today.
Runway Re-Run
Race Report by Peter Rossiter
It was an early check-in at Manston airport this morning. As a good number of Coasties assembled for a pre flight photo and briefing. Then we were off! A short taxi out to the Runway, then a brisk head wind all the way to the turn.
Much nicer on the way back to the other end of the Runway, the sun was shining. There was an amazing fueling and hydration station at the end of the lap. Great running from all the Coasties this morning and a new half marathon PB for myself.
Runway Re-Run
Race Report by Martin Tickner
Sorry, it’s a long read!
My runway adventure started a week early after quite the bingo night. I started feeling a sore throat coming on and by the day before the runway I couldn’t even manage a school visit at work (thanks for smashing that one Lauren!)
I woke up on the day with a fuzzy head, no voice and a cough…. I’m not sure going to see Dolly the night before was the best idea!
Oh well, Rice Krispies and a coffee then time to go.
I arrived at Manston just after 8am, there was a gentle breeze and the sun was hiding behind the clouds. I collected my race number which had another nod to bingo…“Carla it’s your number”. I went for a warm up, remembered how special it is to have the opportunity to run at Manston and how bleak it currently looks!
At this point I was torn between shorts or leggings. Deciding it was too cold for shorts I hid round the front of my car took my shorts off then as I got one leg in changed my mind again and put shorts back on. I went round to my boot and at that point realized the couple were sat in the car next door and just got front row seats to me in my pants… hardly magic Martin!
We gathered for our group photo and Simon gave the race briefing in full airplane safety briefing style. Off we went on lap one 6 and a bit miles a lap, 4 for the marathon. We rounded onto the runway and I looked across to see a train of people and looked forward to see 3 people in front of me… had I gone too quick? Pfft carry on. It was chilly heading up to the drag strip where we went left then left again to head down next to the 299. It began to warm up here, but turning 180 at the bottom and hitting the runway again, the breeze hit and I was regretting not wearing gloves. This leg felt like it went forever. It was a relief to get to the drag strip again where we hooked right 180 and back down.
I hadn’t seen anyone since Deano on the first corner and was feeling lonely at this point. I looked over to see others coming up the runway but couldn’t recognise anyone. I punched a gel in to see if it would help and headed for the end of the lap. Going back for lap two I met others finishing lap one. I was feeling better seeing others and sharing encouragement. By the drag strip I bumped into Carla, Sarah and the group (I won’t name you all incase I forget someone!) this gave me a huge boost and helped massively.
It remained chilly one way and warm the opposite. I headed round to close the lap and started coughing and feeling dizzy. My new trainers were beginning to feel tight too. I threw in a couple of paracetamol and some sweets and made a quick footwear swap. At this point Simon pointed out how well I was doing and offered a McFlurry for a PB. Lap 3 was hell. Absolute hell. My quads hurt, my legs were heavy and the first trip up the runway I couldn’t drop below an 11minute mile. Around the drag strip I realised that I had pushed a button on my watch and it was just after 11am.
By now the field had broken up and there were more people to cheer on, which helped, but no matter how many times I told myself after halfway is downhill I was struggling. The support of the Coasties was helpful as always and the overrun team were very supportive too.
By now the sun had burnt through and the warmth was lovely. I was desperately trying to work out my pace and what I needed to get 4 hours, but at this point I couldn’t remember my own name. As I turned for lap 4 I was offered the entire meal with McFlurry for beating my PB by half hour.
Lap 4 started with a gel and handful of sweets. I took great delight telling every land mark to “F*** off I won’t be seeing you again” as I pushed round. I hit the long run to the drag strip and caught the gang which was great respite. For a moment my legs were burning but coming back. The cheering of 69, what a number, then the laughter when I said I got lucky…. No I didn’t mean like that! It pushed me on to the last runway section. I pushed and saw my pace coming down. 1 mile left… half mile left…. 26.2! Thank god! I stopped my watch and all the energy I didn’t have for the last 3 hours came back. Sorry Sarah O, verbal diarrhoea kicked in!
I collected my medal and goodie bag and was asked about times…. 3:45:02 - 1hour 20 off my PB…. 3 course meal in spoons?!!
I went to find the other Coasties. Pete was heading off with a PB, both our Helens’ were flying, Sarah was pushing despite injury and Steph was begging to be kidnapped… think she meant rescued…. And save you from finishing your first marathon? Nah! I caught Carla, Debbie, Maggie and Rob as they closed the lap and wished them well for their final lap.
I got in the car and the dark clouds gathered. By the time I got to Westwood the hail and rain had started. Felt a little guilty not heading back to cheer the now soaked runners in…. But that warm shower at home was perfect!
I’ve spent Sunday coughing like I’m on 40 a day and can’t do stairs. Would I do it again ABSOLUTELY.
Pegwell Bay Park run #600
Race Report by Brian Veaney
On a sunny day, Coasties turned up in force to help celebrate Pegwells Park Run #600 including TRAC's C25K Graduation. There was also a rumour of a surprise visitor .....
241 souls + the Legend that is Dame Kelly Holmes arrived and were greeted by Adrian for the briefing and after the numerous selfies and group photos we all set off.
The course was actually in good condition despite the recent bad weather and once everyone had negotiated the Bollards for the first time the field spread. A good few runners excitedly chatting about Kelly Holmes.
As usual, the excellent Marshalls smiled, chatted and encouraged runners as we went past. Wherever you looked the Orange Coasties tops were visible, giving us all further motivation.
I ran with a variety of partners for the second lap which helped me enormously, managing to finish 1st in my Age Group (old - very old!) and the encouragement of the fast Coasties, already at the finish funnel spurred me on for an Emily Sayer style flying finish!
A Sub 16 minute time was enjoyed by the winner with excellent showings and PBs by a number of Coasties dotted throughout the field, proving once again that our Club is an All abilities and inclusive running club.
Well done to every Coastie that was at Pegwell today and also those that couldn't make it due to an appointment with a certain Runway!! In weather conditions like today there can be no finer places to be at 9am on a Saturday morning than Pegwell Bay, truly a jewel in the Kent Park Run Crown.
Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Race Report by George Major
08/03/26 - 1:15:30 = new PB!
There's a rule of thumb for running the marathon, that for every second ahead of your goal pace you run in the first mile, you'll end up a whole minute behind your goal time by the last mile. While you can get away with being a bit more undisciplined in pacing the half-marathon, this race ended up being a good practical demonstration of that principle.
I deliberately planned a far riskier strategy than I'd usually be comfortable with for this race. I felt confident that I could get a PB, just because my previous best time was set on a hilly course, running solo. So I aimed high, accepting that I could fall a little short and still PB.
I knew that at Paddock Wood, there'd be a lot of fast runners, so my plan was to take advantage, to get pulled along by a fast-moving pack and hold on for as long as possible. This almost certainly would mean that I'd end up slowing down and that the second half of the race would be a struggle.
However, I'd had a few chats with Lee Hardie from TRAC in the weeks leading up (he beat me at Deal Half three weeks earlier) and we were aiming for very similar times here. So, we agreed that we'd run together and help each other out.
As planned, we set out fast. I had to keep telling myself that the pace was comfortable, and constantly had to silence the part of my brain that kept reminding me this pace was faster than my best at Pegwell Parkrun. We came through 5k in 17:32.
As I had hoped, there was a good size pack of runners just under 75 minute pace. But I felt like they were moving just a couple of seconds a KM faster than I wanted. So, I let a little gap open up, without falling too far behind. In hindsight, this was a very good move.
Lee was hanging on to the back of that faster pack, I counted five-seconds gap between us, then there was a long train of runners right on my heels.
Midway through, I decided to very, very gradually close the gap to Lee's group, hoping to bring the runners on my heels with me and form one big pack that we could ride all the way home.
But when I caught him, Lee was having to work hard to stay on the pace, and he eventually fell 20 seconds behind. Meanwhile, the slightly-too-quick pack were still going slightly-too-quickly.
We came through 10k in 35:20. My strategy was now just to hold on to the pace until 10 miles, knowing that at the very least I'd go home with a new 10 mile PB. We passed ten miles in 57:23.
As promised, the final third of the race was tough. I had a little lower-leg pain from the camber of the road, and my pace dropped as I fatigued, but somehow I only lost 30 seconds overall. I'd done a good amount of research on the course, so it helped to be able to tick-off landmarks along the way. I occasionally shook my arms out to trick my brain into thinking I was feeling relaxed. I reminded myself that the chance to run a PB is rare, and that I should kick hard and finish fast.
I was impressed by the quality of organisation at this race, which had attracted a lot of runners from far-afield. It all came together with perfect conditions to help me exceed my expectations. With London Marathon only a few weeks away, this was exactly the tune-up race and confidence boost I needed.
The Original London Marathon 1908
Race Report by John Adams
Mel Adams, Sarah King and myself were lucky enough to be part of a select few to get to run on what was the original course for the London Marathon, held back in 1908 as part of the Olympic Games for that year.
After picking up our race numbers in the same building where Charles married Camilla (Carol Pettmans favourite Queen lol), we made out to the start of the race at Windsor Castle. We then ran through Windsor, past Eton, on to Uxbridge, Harrow and past Wembley Stadium. The race was held on a mixture of roads, fields, a dual carriageway (which was interesting) and through the suburbs finally finishing up at White City, just around the corner from Wormwood Scrubs Prison, where we was then presented with a gorgeous medal.
We ran the race at a consistent pace mixing walking and running at a comfortable 13-15 mile pace, rarely stopping unless it was for one of the three aid stations on the course. This method meant we was constantly on the go without any fatigue or injuries setting in. The term it’s a marathon not a sprint was the perfect catchphrase. And more importantly made it fun and enjoyable, especially getting to chat with the other runners.
A thoroughly enjoyable and pleasant marathon. The 27 miles was because some of the original route was too dangerous to run on, slight diversion had to be incorporated meaning the distance was slightly longer. Not a problem for the Coasties.
Centurion One Slam
Race Report by Simon Clayton
Once again, I have completed this great 10 week event which started on Christmas Day and ended today. The idea behind the event, is to build some endurance during the winter, so you are in good shape for the marathon season (or other race distances). Included is a series of webinars which give useful tips on nutrition, training, kit, etc.
There are different distances that you can cover over the 10 weeks: 50 miles, 100 miles, 200 miles, 300 miles, 400 miles, 500 miles, 600 miles and 1,000 miles. Distances under 1,000 miles get a medal on completion, and if you achieve the 1,000 miles then you get a buckle instead (as pictured in this post). As you can guess, I went for the 1,000 mile option, as usual! That’s 100 miles a week on average and over 14 miles a day on average.
Every day I ran between 10 to 14 miles, and topped up with a dog walk and/or walk with my daughter Ana. For this challenge, walking and/or running all count. Young children can also enter and use a scooter on the shorter distances. Running consecutive half marathons made that distance start to feel a bit more normal with the time starting to go quite fast, and after 10 weeks of it, it will seem strange to start running some days with only 5K! Burning around 1,500 calories a day, I’ll have to watch my cake intake as my mileage returns to normal!! During this period I also had a couple of marathons which helped boost my mileage, as I knew I would be running less miles during my 10 day business trip to Poland a week or so ago. I completed the challenge with 1,010.78 miles.
If you’ve never run long distances, please build up by no more than 10% a week. I only tackled the 1,000 mile variant as I’ve run a couple of 100 mile endurance runs in my time and 10 marathons in 10 days, and I have been running at least 5K every day for over 5 years. This was my third year of running this!!
Stelling Minnis 10k
Race Report by Roger Silvester
Well, that was a bit brutal!!
I started this year determined to try some different races in Kent instead of the normal ones - variety is the spice of life.
I was prepared for an ‘undulating’ route (353ft elevation) having read the run report, but it’s just a shame that the elements didn’t play ball. It was wet from the beginning which only got worse throughout the race, coupled with some strong winds on the exposed final section running over the heath.
It was a road race, but I can’t believe how you can drive along some of the narrow hedge lined ‘tracks’ that even Cornwall would be proud of. The downhills were covered in mud and very slippery and we had to run through ankle deep puddles in a couple of places (just assumed this must be just like Maura’s trail runs).
That said, I still enjoyed it and there was a great camaraderie between the runners all moaning about the conditions. I will do it again (I think).
I am pleased to finish in a time of 59.59 and was 68th out of 139 runners, so just finished in the top half. 5th out of 13 in the male 60 plus category.
Best thing of all, was the medal which I absolutely love. Apologies for displaying it on my hairy leg, but by the end I just wanted to sit in the car away from the elements.
