THE 18th running of the Ashford and District Roadrunners 10km race around the village of Westwell proved almost a Sunday stroll for the consistent John Creane who won by a clear 19 seconds.

Creane, now running for the Folkestone Running Club, claiming his second victory in the race having taken the title back in 2002.

Recent races have been dominated by the all-conquering Mike Coleman who did not enter this year, but Creane is just happy to be back running well again after battling against a foot injury in the last year.

The Dover teacher helped steer his new club to a convincing team victory after a superb run by Sam Rigby to take a splendid third place and Gavin Finch was 17th.

Creane, from Hythe, warmed up with a win in the Boxing Day run at Saltwood and clocked a useful 33:24 but was never headed from the start, steadily building up his lead over David Hall from Dartford Road Runners (33:43).

Creane was never pushed for a fast time but was not helped as he had to run without the time clock after the classic car, that usually carries the clock for this event, failed a late MoT test.

Rigby ran consistently to claim bronze in 34:13 but there was also success for the local clubs with the best junior runners being Ashford AC’s Lynton Lythgoe, who was a fine eighth overall with 35:29, Robert Carpenter from the host club (Ashford and District) ninth in 35:32 and Pat Butler held on to his Super Veterans trophy. He was 12th overall in 35:42.

The women’s race was a triumph for the newly formed Ashford Triathlon Club who have only been going a few months but swept to the women’s team title led by an excellent run from second placed Nicki Barron with 39:05.

She had good support from Christine Johnson 11th with 42:12 and Jayne Puckeridge, 13th with 42:35.

Ashford AC had another rising star in junior girls winner Sorrel Hunter who was a fine 12th over with 42:28 and it was a family affair for the Hunters with dad Steve and mum Sirol also in action in the race.

Ashford AC’s perennial star Lesley Hall, who has given up teaching to run her own massage business and who helped sponsor the 10km race, was in the trophies taking the veteran women’s crown in 41:34 after a tremendous eighth finish.

Best of the host club runners was Gill Senior in 15th with 43:28.

Ladies race honours went to London Heathside visitor Angela Howe who won in 37:09, while husband Jacob also shone in the men, finishing seventh with 35:19

Third was first-time visitor Lisa Webb from Shaftsbury Barnet with 39:35.

It was the start of a new era for the race with Allan Crawley taking over as race director and the popularity of the race is unquestioned, taking nearly 100 more than they usually keep the limit to and being fully subscribed weeks before the closing date for the race.

He was delighted that the race went well and paid tribute to the sponsors, particularly long-term supporters Park Mall Shopping Centre who again provided the glittering array of trophies for the event.

* The new Ashford Triathlon Club are holding a Triathlon Social Night on Friday, February 17 in which the team will be discussing what triathlon racing is all about, entering your first race, triathlon equipment and training and joining a triathlon club. For further information contact nickibarron@aol.com.

Results

1 John Creane (Folkestone RC) 33.24;

2 David James Hall (Dartford RC) 33.43;

3 Sam Rigby (Folkestone RC) 34.13;

4 Michael Marzetti 34.37;

5 Mike Mansfield (Southend AC) 34.47;

6 Tatsuo Yoshiwa (Invicta EK) 34.51;

7 Jacob Howe (L Heathside) 35.19;

8 Lynton Lythgoe (Ashford AC) 35.29;

9 Robert Carpenter (A&D RR) 35.32;

10 Chris Valdus (Faversham RR) 35.36;

Women: 1 Angela Howe (London Heathside) 37.09; 2 Nicki Barron (Ashford Tri Club) 39.05; 3 Lisa Webb (Shaftesbury Barnet) 39.35; 4 Justina Heslop 40.19; 5 Nicola Susans Larkfield AC) 40.50; 6 Catherine Hughes (Dartford RRC) 40.59; 7 Kim Howes (Larkfoeld AC) 41.05; 8 Lesley Hall (Ashford AC) 41.34; 9 Paula Stockton (Maidstone Harriers) 41.49; 10 Helen Hadjam (Herne Hill Harriers) 42.07; 11 Christine Johnson 42.12; 12 Sorrel Hunter 42.28; 13 Jayne Puckeridge 42.35; 14 Dilys Robertson 43.07; 15 Gill Senior 43.28; 16 Barbara Wenman 43.44; 17 Louise Fowler 43.45; 18 Kylara Hassai 43.46; 19 Annie McDonough 43.47; 20 Pat Halstead 43.59.