by Hayley Robinson

The sun came out just in time for the start of the Sittingbourne Invicta 10k and fun run race.

A total of 243 runners registered for the event which set off from Westlands School playing field at 11am on Sunday.

The new mayor of Swale Cllr Pat Sandle got the runners underway.

The course took participants through Tunstall, Bredgar and Borden and ended back at the school in Westlands Avenue, Sittingbourne.

First through the finish gate was Timothy Forsyth, of Ashford AC, who completed the race in 37.30 minutes.

The first overall lady was Liz Weeks, of Invicta East Kent AC, who finished in 38.53 minutes.

The earlier 2k fun run attracted 38 runners, including Rotarian Phillip Coulson. Some runners as young as four also took part in the event with their parents. Everyone was rewarded with a ribboned medal, with special medals presented to the first three crossing the finishing line.

In the lead-up to the race, and after it, the playing field was awash with white tents and coloured bunting. There was a cake stall, and another selling burgers and bacon rolls as well as the KM Group’s very own promotional stand. Musical entertainment and race announcements were provided by the local community Sfm radio.

The race, which is in its second year, is one of the Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta’s charitable fundraisers. This year it raised £6,250. The money will be split between the MS Society, the Cambria Trust, Swale Youth Development Fund, and other Rotary charities.

London Marathon runner Louisa Phillips also handed over two cheques. One for £2,500 was presented to the club while the other for £1,250 was presented to St Christopher’s Hospice, in Beckenham. It was received by hospice representative Paul Fennelly.

Louisa ran the marathon, cheered on by her Rotarian father, Patrick Phillips, in four hours two minutes 30 seconds.

The Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta would like to thank the following sponsors: Kent Science Park; Invicta Financial Services; Denmaur Paper; Electroquip; Creative Kitchens; New Appointments Group; Wilkinson Glass plc; Laminating Service & Suppliers; W J Odds; Rapid Hire; Swale BC Members’ Community Grant; KCC Members’ Community Grant; Sittingbourne fm Radio, Terry Mahoney photographic services and the KM Group.

For full write up and pictures see tomorrow's Sittingbourne News Extra.