A great run from John Gilbert in which he moved up to another level produced Kent AC’s first winner of the Kent County Cross Country Champs since 1922.

Despite one of the best fields ever assembled for these champs he set off with the leading group straight from the gun and as early as 2 miles was pushing the pace with some concerted bursts that quickly reduced the lead group to just three runners. Soon after this mark last year’s winner, Dean Lacy, was forced to drop off the pace and it then was a head to head duel between John and seven times previous winner Mike Coleman of Medway.

Despite the wet conditions on a course with innumerate turns John’s bursts were telling as he kept opening up gaps before his rival clawed his way back each time. As they entered the wooded section for the third time John’s tactics finally paid off and he had pulled out a 10 second gap as they approached the 5 mile mark.

His rival never gave up and despite our supporters urging him to relax he crossed the finish line with a 16 second advantage to seal a fantastic win over no less than two top 10 National finishers in particular. His winning streak for the season was extended to 6 races as he continues to improve and our supporters can’t wait to see him in action in the Southern and National later this season!