Sevenoaks AC achieved the difficult feat of promoting and winning the first Kent Fitness Cross-Country League race of the 2013-14 campaign, writes Alan Newman.

Despite providing all the course marshals and officials, the host club raced into an early lead from last winter’s champions, Canterbury Harriers, and the rapidly-improving Sittingbourne Striders.

Noel Sutton (M40 Thanet Road Runners) secured his first KFL victory on the hills of the 1,000 acre medieval deer park at the 15th Century Knole House.

Conditions were good despite recent heavy rain and Sutton swept all challengers aside to cover the six miles in 32min52sec. Guest runner Darrell Smith (Sevenoaks, 33.00) was eight seconds in arrears.

Defending champion Chris Wyles (New Eltham, 33.21) was third overall and second in the league ahead of Canterbury’s Peter Hogben (33.27).

Last winter’s overall runner-up, Maria Heslop (W45 Paddock Wood, 36.18), headed 135 women to lead her club to team success over Sevenoaks and Dartford Harriers. Clare Reeves (Dartford Harriers, 36.32) was 14 seconds short with Hazel Behagg (W35 Dartford Road Runners, 37.48) third.