TWO new names went on the Ashford and District RR 10km road race winner’s trophies this year with fine victories by David Wardle and Helena Simkova.

Wardle produced a stunning display of front running to just miss out on the nine-year-old men’s course record by a mere six seconds clocking 30:11.

He was on schedule for a sub 30 minute run right up to seven and half kilometres when he hit the only hill on the fast country course and that was just enough to stop his record bid.

The record time was well within the graphic designer’s capabilities having set a personal best 29:42 only recently.

But the fast time was enough to secure a clear victory for the London Irish runner finishing over a minute and a half ahead of nearest challenger, and another newcomer, Juerg Stadler who clocked 31:49.

Third in a top quality field was Billericay Strider Crispian Bloomfield with 32:04.

Last year’s winner John Creane, from Folkestone RC, and a former teammate of Wardle’s at the Irish, took over half a minute off his winning time to clock 32:45 but had to settle for fourth holding off the challenge of the impressive Ashford AC youngster Lynton Lythgoe who finished the fastest junior in 32:50.

In the ladies race, there was no catching the impressive Faversham teacher Helena Simkova at the top of the race winning with 36:17.

The Medway and Maidstone runner, who teaches in Canterbury, was just happy to get under the 37 minute mark in her first run in the Ashford event but has been looking good with a fifth place in the recent Kent cross country championships.

Talented Rona Loubser was an excellent second place with a personal best 37:56.

Third pace was claimed by the consistent Deal Tri Club veteran Jill Cliff who ran another good race for 38:57.

The race has a reputation for being well organised and for producing personal best times and there were a number of fast times again set with the biggest delay the runners facing being the slippery escape from the mud at the car park.

Sponsorship came from Park Mall Shopping Centre, Newline Sport Uk and Sweatshop.

FULL STORY IN THE SPORTS SECTION OF THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS