Athletes at the start of the Larkfield 10k Picture: Martin Apps

By Alan Newman

There was little doubt who would win the Larkfield 10k on Sunday morning but the destination of the Kent Championship medals was far less certain.

University of Kent student Eric MacTaggert made light work of the cool, windy conditions to head the 450 runners in 33minutes 32seconds but he was not entered in the County Championships.

Deal Half-Marathon winner Gareth Robb (Paddock Wood) was looking for a second successive Kent Grand Prix victory and he shared the early pace with Larkfield’s Clayton Barrett and 2011 winner Tom Collins, of Medway & Maidstone.

After an intriguing battle it was Collins who overcame the fatigue of his endeavours in the Southern Men’s League the previous day to finish second overall and Kent champion in 33.59, ahead of Barrett (34.01) and Robb (34.14).

The higher age group champions were M50 Kevin Williams (36.36, Ashford) and M60 Trevor Edgely (40.13, Invicta). Larkfield AC enjoyed a home team win from Medway & Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Harriers.

Deirdre McDermot (36.45, Tonbridge) swept to the women’s title from top masters Tina Oldershaw (W45, 37.15) and last year’s winner, Maria Heslop (W40, 37.33) of Paddock Wood. McDermot trimmed Heslop’s 2011 course record by 10 seconds for good measure.

Alice Heather-Hayes (W35, 38.31) of Tunbridge Wells, Nicola Groom (39.25, Larkfield) and Janine Brown (39.56, Ashford) were next home, joining nearly 60 athletes who dipped under 40-minutes.

The age group Kent gold medals went to Heslop, Oldershaw and W55 Lesley Hall (45.27, Ashford). Paddock Wood took the women's team awards ahead of hosts Larkfield AC and Maidstone Harriers.