My wife and I went to this very small race in Kent... I discovered this race in 2003 (first year of racing). I think I picked up an entry from from another race. They do not have a web site or email, and googling the name brings up nothing! But I liked it and kept coming back.
2003 - 45:07 - First age group (179 lbs)
2004 - 43:01 - First age group (171 lbs)
2005 - 42:45 - PR, 1st age group (175 lbs)
2006 - 43:37 - 4th overall (175 lbs)
2007 - 41:20 - PR, 4th overall (168 lbs)
Every year the race was getting smaller and smaller... To the point that I was getting an overall placement award! And every year Steve Godale ("the guy with the long hair") was winning.
I missed it in 2008 and it was not done in 2009 so I thought it was over. So I was surprised to get an entry form in the mail for 2010! I told my wife to come because it is a small race and they give 5 first place awards, so everyone gets something and most likely she can get an overall place award (certainly if there are 5 women or less!)
There were only 7 women this year and about 25 men (see picture above from the starting line, Steve is the 2nd guy from the right).
It was sunny and 70s. I ran as fast as I could. Mile splits: 6:40, 6:48, 6:44, 6:47, 6:53, 6:57. Early on, I got in 4th place, but in the last 1/2 mile I got passed by a guy, who had more left than me, so I finished 5th overall. My time was very close to my 2007 time, only 6 seconds slower:
2010 - 41:26 - 5th overall (163 lbs)
It is interesting that in 3 years I have lost a bit of weight but I have maintaining my speed (give or take) as I get older.
My wife's time (seen above at the finish) was 56:30 and finished 3rd overall (see picture below, her trophy is taller than mine!!)
Steve Godale finished second! (he has been winning since 1999).
While waiting for the awards, they raffled coupons from local establishments. Since the race is so small, everyone got at least 3 coupons. And everyone got an award in the end!
Driving back, we stopped at the coupon places and got an almost free pizza and subway sandwich. We had a blast! We plan to come back next year and keep this race alive!
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