Runners get under way in the Kent Fitness League meeting at Blean

Paddock Wood AC are the 2011-12 Kent Fitness Cross Country League champions after a gruelling seven race series ended at Blean Woods, Canterbury on Sunday.

Defending champions, Larkfield AC, had their moments of glory before the turn of the year at Knole Park, Sevenoaks and Oxleas Woods, Eltham but Paddock Wood won four combined team races at Swanley Park; Avery Hill Park, New Eltham; Nurstead Court, Meopham and here at the series decider to regain the title from the determined holders.

The other team to shine in a season dominated by the West Kent rivals were Gravesend Road Runners, with overall victory at Minnis Bay, Margate and six consecutive race wins for their outstanding women’s team.

Another big field of 375 finished at Blean Woods, with guest athlete Allan Lee (Sevenoaks) first past the post in 29min5sec for the undulating five miles.

Lee was closely followed by the new league champion, Clayton Barrett (Medway and Maidstone), six seconds in arrears but eighteen seconds clear of Paul Hasler (M40, Paddock Wood), who got his team off to an excellent start.