Vitality Big Half 2020
The Vitality Big Half, Sunday 1st March 2020
Kent AC runners shine on the streets of London – some great runs and a host of PB’s.
There was another magnificent turn out of Kent AC runners in the Big Half on Sunday. Once again, the race featured our own half marathon championships and as in previous years there was a wide cross section of the club taking part. In addition, there was the usual enthusiastic vocal support from spectating friends and family.
Thankfully the rain held off and although the wind was a factor it wasn’t perhaps as bad as anticipated. There was even occasional sunshine.
At the sharp end in both the men’s and women’s race Kent AC were well represented. However, as the full results show, so many of our runners put in performances that they should be proud of. And make no mistake, although not of the order of the training required for a full marathon, for a half you have to put in a fair amount of running to get a decent result.
Owen Hind who has had an enormously encouraging winter was first home of the Kent AC contingent. Owen was 28th in a field that was stacked with high quality runners. Just by a fraction his time of 66:50 was a PB. There was so many vying for the run of the day and Anthony Johnston’s run certainly had to be a candidate. We’ve always known Anthony is good on the roads and this was further proof. Only ten places behind Owen in this high- quality field Anthony recorded 68:04 – a big PB. Then taking the third- place medal in our championships was Joe Hartley (69:56). From what I hear Joe has recently discovered his body had been low in iron, leading to fatigue and negatively impacting on his running. Seems the simple inclusion of iron tablets has had a transforming effect. He was also awarded with a big PB. Another who substantially revised their best time for the half was Ben Cook (71:46). Ben put out an email detailing the good performances of some of his fellow runners but made no mention of his own swift time – perhaps it was modesty.
A look at the results shows that Kent AC had an incredible number of men who ran under 1: 20 – something that surely bodes well for the forthcoming relays. Ben Cook noted the close tussle for bragging rights between the two Tom’s – Marshall and Sloan. They both recorded excellent times in their age group, with Tom Marshall coming out on top with an impressive 72:30. Apparently, he’s another reaping the benefits of upping the mileage.
There were several other runs that stood out for us in the men’s age group results. David Child (1:25:47) was actually the first V60 – a great result for someone who has had more than his fair share of injuries in recent years. Even quicker than David was Roger Beardsworth (1:22:23). He was third in the V55 category. Roger hits 60 later this year and if he stays fit it looks as though he is going to be right at the top of the rankings.
Whilst the men undoubtedly performed well our women were certainly not to be outdone. We had seven women running under 1: 30. In addition there were strong runs from many in their respective age groups – including Kate McCarthy coming third in her age category (W55) with an impressive 1:37:14. Sarah Hanley and Katie Rowland have had close races throughout the winter season. On this occasion it was Sarah (1:21:55) who came out on top – but not by much. In a high -quality field Sarah and Katie (1:22:18) were 42nd and 43rd. Then not too far behind Katie was Georgina Riley – another of our runners registering a PB (1:23:36). Also recording excellent times and both high up in their age group category were Jen Smith and Teresa Murphy. In between Jen and Teresa was Eliza Grant – another with a PB. And as is usually the case, Nicky Hayes was well up in her age category – she just missed out on third spot in her W55 age group.
Overall, it was another hugely successful day for the club – showing the quality and strength in depth we now possess.
Full results are on the Vitality Big Half Website. You can get all the Kent AC runners by putting us in the team box.
Our own championship results are listed below. Should there be any changes or amendments, there would be a follow up post.
Overall Women 1 Sarah Hanley 2 Katie Rowland 3 Georgina Riley | V35 Women Jennifer Smith Teresa Murphy Kersha Dwyer | V45 Women Andrea Barber Sarah Young Maeve Kelly | V55 Women Kate McCarthy Nicky Hayes Ronnie Haydon |
Overall Men 1 Owen Hind 2 Anthony Johnson 3 Joe Hartley | V40 Men Tom Marshall Tom Sloane Glyn Parry | V50 Men Roger Beardsworth Dan Hollas Julian Geevers | V60 Men David Child Gary Sullivan |