After three races in the Kent Fitness Cross-Country League 2012-13 there is a clear leader in the team standings.

Canterbury Harriers have been unbeatable in the races held at Sevenoaks, Swanley and Deal so far and take a lead of three points over Dartford Road Runners and the improving Larkfield AC into this Sunday’s race at Oxleas Woods, Eltham.

Conditions at Fowlmead Country Park, Sholden, near Deal, were superb for the latest event on Sunday. Brilliant sunshine bathed the shorter than usual course, resulting in some fast times.

For the third time this season the overall winner was an M40 master as Mark Whittaker (Deal Tri) added to his victory at Swanley and second place behind fellow M40 Paul Hasler (Paddock Wood) at Sevenoaks.

Whittaker was followed inside 27 minutes by Andrew Pickett (Dartford Harriers) and M40 Noel Sutton (Thanet Road Runners) as he led the host club to third place on the day behind Canterbury and Dartford Road Runners.

Mark Ford (Canterbury) was only a handful of seconds behind with support from Peter Hogben, who finished sixth.

Liz Weeks (Sittingbourne Striders) became the third different winner of a women’s race this winter, with an impressive margin of 48 seconds over W40 Annabelle Stearns (Gravesend Road Runners). Faye Roberts (3rd) and Nicola Kirby (4th) started the Canterbury charge and Victoria Kenny (6th) and Jenny Benson (7th) ensured victory for the Harriers.

The remaining matches are at Eltham on Sunday; Nursted Court on December 23; Minnis Bay on January 6 and Blean Woods, Canterbury, on February 17.