Athletes at the start of the Mid Kent 5 miler Picture: John Westhrop

By Alan Newman

The fourth Mid Kent 5 miler attracted 200 runners to Staplehurst Cricket and Tennis Club on Sunday, with Barnsley Harrier David Thompson leading the field in 26 minutes 46 seconds.

Thompson was put under pressure by Stuart Beaney (27.05) of Kent AC until the closing stages. Paddock Wood runners Paul Hasler (27.18) and Gareth Robb (27.26) fought it out for the final podium place.

The top dozen athletes broke 30 minutes, with David Abery (M50, 30.10) and Simon Parrin (30.23) of Istead & Ifield and James McNama (M40, 30.24) of Maidstone Harriers finishing just outside that threshold.

There were further impressive times recorded by Tonbridge junior Neil Woodfine (31.06); Andrew Fletcher (M50, 31.08) and Andrew Day (31.35) of Paddock Wood and Jay Browne (31.44) of Dartford Road Runners.

Kim Lo (32.06) of Haywards Heath Harriers was a minute clear of Sarah Anne Mooney (33.08) of Larkfield AC and Claire Day (33.39) of Paddock Wood in the women’s race.

Day had to battle for the bronze position with Caroline Terburgh (W35, 33.41) of Larkfield. Kim Howes (W45, 34.02) was not far away in sixth followed by Abi Johnson (W35, 34.40) of Larkfield and Sarah Shepheard (35.33) of Paddock Wood in a strong showing by the west Kent rival clubs.