Kent Christmas Cracker 2014

A mixture of serious athletes and fun runners donned assorted festive outfits for the annual Christmas Cracker, which this year saw a record field of over 200 taking part.  The light was challenging, as it always seems to be for this race.

Kent Christmas Cracker 2014 (440 pics)

Folkestone Rotary Santa Fun Run 2014

A sea of red hit the sunny Leas for the annual charity Santa run.



Folkestone Santa Run 2014 (269 pics)

Alan Green 10 Miler 2014

A dull and frequently damp day with strong winds greeted the runners (and snappers) in Margate as 230 or so hardy souls took in the popular Alan Green Memorial 10 Mile race.

Alan Green 10 Miler 2014 (465 pics)

Ashford 666 2014

My first time covering this event.  Heavy rain the previous day meant the course was extremely muddy indeed.  The light was pretty poor, especially with so many wooded areas, and the standard of the snaps reflects this.  But it was good fun to photograph, and the loonies running about in the muck seemed to be enjoying themselves no end too ;)

Ashford 666 2014 (389 pics)

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Poppy Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon 2014, Bexhill

It was a very windy!  There was so much foam whipped up by the wind along the promenade that it looked like it had been snowing.  But it was also mild and the sun shone much of the time, as around 1200 people took to the somewhat eccentric Bexhill course in aid of a wide variety of charities.

Poppy Half Marathon 2014, Bexhill (1370 pics)

Deal 5 Miler 2014

Windy and very grey day, but the rain pretty much held off.  170 runners completed the race, which was won by Phil Hurst in the extremely fast time of 24min 26sec.



Deal 5 Miler 2014 (339 pics)

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Canterbury Half Marathon 2014

It rained.  A lot.  Light was awful.  But the runners seemed to enjoy the challenge the difficult course and conditions offered.

Canterbury Half Marathon 2014 (306 pics)

The Poppy Run 2014, Dymchurch + RBL ice bucket challenge

Dymchurch staged Kent's only Poppy Run race.  81 runners completed the 5K out and back course, which was followed by a charity ice bucket challenge.

The Poppy Run 2014, Dymchurch (211 pics)

Kent Fitness League 2014/15 - Rd1 - Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Large turnout of runners for the first round the annual KFL winter cross country series.  Dartford Harriers took the honours on this occasion.

Kent Fitness League 2014/15 - Knole Park (720 pics)
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Herne Bay Race for Life 2014

Glorious sunny day greeted the large throng of pink ladies for the annual Herne Bay Race for Life event.

Herne Bay Race for Life 2014 (338 pics)

Givaudan Ashford 10K 2014

800-odd runners took to the streets of Ashford for this race, considered one of the best 10Ks in the south of England.

Givaudan Ashford 10K 2014 (961 pics)

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Sittingbourne Striders Chas Ryman Memorial 10 Mile Race 2014

The first time I've covered this race, which has possibly the longest title of any UK event ;)  Lovely sunny day with a cool breeze made for ideal conditions.

Chas Ryman Memorial 10 Miler 2014 (394 pics)

Wingham 10K 2014

Yet another lovely sunny day greeted the runners for this popular race around the picturesque village of Wingham.

Wingham 10K 2014 (382 pics)

Dirty Dozen Races 18K & 6K, London South, September 2014

More muddy mayhem from the second day of the Dirty Dozen Races weekend.
Dirty Dozen Races 18K & 6K, London South (999 pics)

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Dirty Dozen Races 12K, London South, September 2014

Assorted action from day 1 of the Dirty Dozen OCR weekend at Paddock Wood.


Dirty Dozen Races 12K, London South (905 pics)

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Faversham 10K 2014

The popular Faversham 10K...



Faversham 10K 2014 (626 pics)

Charing 10K 2014

Around 100 runners took part in the 2014 10K around and through the pleasant village of Charing.

Charing 10K (221 pics)

Kent Coastal Marathon & Half Marathon 2014

First time I've been able to cover this race.  It normally clashes with another event I do.  Glad I made it this time, it was a cracker.  The warm sunshine made it a pretty arduous race at times, particularly for the half marathoners - those doing the full 26 miles had the luxury of a bit of cloud cover later on.

The course is pretty much perfect from a snapping point of view.  You can cover the start, then the runners loop back the same way about 15 minutes later.  Jaunt up to North Foreland to get some shots of them struggling up that steep hill, then back to Palm Bay in time for the first of the half marathoners to start arriving back.  Just as those towards the back of the pack finished arriving, the first of the full distance guys began to return.

Hence a somewhat larger than usual haul of pics...

Kent Coastal Marathon/Half Marathon (1120 pics)

Folkestone Race For Life 2014

2500 ladies, girls and boys bedecked in pink took to The Leas once more for the annual Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research.  £135,000 was raised and the day proved to be one of great fun, though as ever tinged with a certain sadness.

Folkestone Race For Life 2014 (230 pics)

Larkfield AC 10K 2014, East Malling

The first time I've covered this particular race.  Turned out to be a good one - weather was pretty decent from a running point of view.  Somewhat less so if you were snapping.

Good atmosphere, with friendly marshals and runners who were clearly enjoying themselves.



Larkfield AC 10K 2014 (264 pics)

Folkestone 10 Miler 2014

Traditional Good Friday event.  Large turnout and a bit of sunshine here and there.  Highlight of the race was the sight of 'Tall Paul' Williams of Sittingbourne Striders running with an ice cream ;)  Not sure if he managed to eat it all...

Folkestone 10 Miler 2014 (275 pics)

Beat The Bog spring 2014, Preston Court nr Canterbury

After the February event had to be cancelled owing to severe flooding following the ceaseless rain of winter, the bog once again paid host to a motley crew of muddy obstacle fans.  As before, I was unable to get round many of the obstacles, largely due to the layout of course - you just can't cut across from one side to the other because of dykes and waterways.

But still enjoyed what I did see nonetheless, especially the zap trap (it probably has an official name - that bit where people are electrocuted hahahahaha).  Got a bit too close to the action and when one poor sod got zapped, down he went and splattered mud all over me, much to the amusement of the nearby spectators ;)

The light was much better this time, after the abysmal virtual darkness of the previous BTB in November - but I still didn't manage anywhere near the kind of standard I hope for from my snaps.  Maybe it'll be third time lucky.  Meanwhile, here are some mainly mediocre pics.

Beat The Bog spring 2014 (507 pics)

Hartfield 10K & 5K 2014

London Marathon day.  But no one in their right mind would be up there in the midst of all that madness.  The more sensible among us were in the beautiful village of Hartfield for their annual races.

There was no sign of Mo Farah, or any Kenyan Olympians looking for a crack at a world record.  But there were some people basking in the glorious East Sussex sunshine and reflecting that size is indeed not everything.

The ride out on the old fossil was fabulous.  It's a very long time since I've been to Hartfield, made famous by its association with AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh.  But there are few places more scenic.

The day was pretty much the exact opposite of the London Marathon.  No worldwide press coverage.  No household names taking part.  A starting field just a little under the 36,000 mark.  No hype.  No heaving crowds.  No smog.  No road blocks.  But a nice fun day in the glorious April sunshine as a group of hardy runners took on the very tough route with a willing smile.



Hartfield 10K & 5K 2014 (171 pics)

Deal Tri Air Ambulance charity fancy dress fun ride

This event was due to happen around Christmas time but was postponed due to the weather...hence the somewhat bizarre spectacle of Santa rubbing shoulders with the Easter Bunny in the middle of April ;)

The ride took place to raise funds for the Kent Air Ambulance, and as a memorial to Deal Tri member Dan Squire who was tragically killed in September last year.

I rarely snap cyclists.  My attempts at slow shutter speed shots were...I think 'awful' is putting it mildly ;)  But it was a fun event which I enjoyed.

Deal Tri Air Ambulance charity ride (132 pics)

London South Dirty Dash 6K OCR, Paddock Wood, April 2014

As if I hadn't had quite enough muddy joy for one weekend, the Dirty Dash followed on the Sunday.  No sign of the sun this time but it's somehow more fitting for a mud race to take place in damp conditions ;)  Smaller field, as expected, but still a very good turnout.  This time I found several of the obstacles I'd missed the previous day.  Another crowd of good natured loonies took to the course with great gusto.  Absolutely loved it myself.  Am looking forward to the next mud race within travelling distance ;)

Dirty Dash 6K OCR 2014, Paddock Wood (624 pics)

London South Dirty Dozen 12K OCR, Paddock Wood, April 2014

Was nice to do another mud race.  Unlike Beat the Bog, there was actually a bit of half decent light this time ;)  Several hundred complete maniacs/brave souls took to the mud and endured/enjoyed 12km of slippery obstacle course madness.  Absolutely loved it myself - though I wouldn't fancy having a go as a competitor ;)  Not easy getting half decent shots from the cheap seats.  But it was just fun to run about snapping assorted filthy runners and they battled round the course.

Dirty Dozen 12K 2014, Paddock Wood (617 pics)

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2014

This race (or at least, my coverage of it) can be summed up in two words...oh dear.  New camera, difficult conditions, poor light etc.  Never been to any race where so many people will just walk through shots without giving a toss.

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2014 (378 pics)

Hastings Half Marathon 2014

Very large race.  Crowds everywhere.  IMHO, very poor course organisation.  Cones everywhere, traffic everywhere, hi-viz jackets everywhere - do the people who put these races on have no thoughts for snappers and the hideous backgrounds they'll get?  Clearly not ;)

Not sure I took a single shot without some kind of distraction in the background.  Sun was also constantly in and out, and then as the slower runners were coming in, a massive hail shower put the tin hat on everything.

Will have to find a better vantage point mid-course next time round.



Hastings Half Marathon 2014 (402 pics)

Brett Lydd Half Marathon 2014

Glorious day to be out and about.  Felt more like summer than early spring and the weather couldn't have been more different to this time last year, when the Lydd Half Marathon was run under iron grey skies, with a bitter wind blowing after a major downpour.

Decent turnout again, over 440 finishers.  The only real down side was the number of cars, cyclists and pedestrians using the road back into Lydd, but I guess life ain't perfect ;)

Lydd Half Marathon 2014 (414 pics)

Tonbridge Half Marathon 2013

Only about 6 months late... ;)

Tonbridge Half Marathon 2013 (347 pics)

Eastbourne Half Marathon 2014

A mixture of sunshine and dark cloud greeted the runners, along with a strong, persistent and very cold wind.  Turnout was high, and a large number of spectators lined the prom and Princes Park throughout the race.  Various charities were particularly well supported - always nice to see people out there doing their bit.
Eastbourne Half Marathon 2014 (560 pics)

Headcorn Half Marathon 2014

The first Headcorn Half Marathon turned out to be an interesting experience and probably the most difficult race I've ever snapped.  I couldn't work out which way the runners would start so couldn't get into the course little, like I normally do.  Snapping at or near the start/finish is never the easiest of tasks.

The big issue was getting clear shots of the runners.  There were obstructions everywhere.  Parked cars, moving cars, cyclists, pedestrians, spectators, dog walkers...for sale signs, gaudily painted kiddies climbing frames, bright yellow cones...and just to make things even more fun, the light changed constantly, from sunny and deeply overcast ;)

A strong head wind made the return to Headcorn difficult for the runners, and the pace was slower than expected for a relatively flat course.  There were various teething problems - the start with a lap of the green, the too-small race HQ and general confusion over the route of the course among them.  But enthusiasm was high, turnout was excellent and there were smiling faces everywhere, which is always a good sign.

With a little bit of tweaking, this race could become one of the best half marathons, set as it is in one of the most picturesque areas of Kent.

Headcorn Half Marathon 2014 (337 pics)

Deal Half Marathon 2014

After snow stopped play in 2012 and bitter cold blighted the 2013 race, this year's Deal Half Marathon saw plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures.  Anthony Jackson of Sittingbourne Striders came in more than five minutes ahead of the second placed runner.

Deal Half Marathon 2014 (305 pics)

Ashford & District 10K 2014

A very mild and mostly sunny day - pretty much the opposite of last year, when it was deeply grey and absolutely freezing.  Large turnout, as usual, and a decent race.

Ashford & District 10K 2014 (358 pics)

Barretts Canterbury 10 Miler 2014

Very wet race, with the heavy and persistent rain being driven by a gusty wind, making the event something of a challenge for the runners and those of us trying to get a few snaps ;)

Canterbury 10 Miler 2014 (378 pics)

Faversham 10K 2013

Good race.  Picked a better spot this year.  But the collapse near the finish of one runner caused some quite considerable concern - thankfully he turned out to fine after being attended to by the St Johns Ambulance people.



Faversham 10K 2013 (223 pics)

Thanet Mountain Bike Duathlon 2014

Thick mud, frozen puddles, deep dykes and bright sunshine - there was a bit of everything for this year's Thanet Duathlon.  As usual, plenty of thrills and spills.  The people who take part in this are clearly unhinged ;)  I think a few of the marshals aren't far behind either ;)

Thanet Mountain Bike Duathlon 2014 (393 pics)

Wingham 10K & 5K 2013

Sun was in and out like a fiddler's elbow for the annual 5 & 10K race through picturesque Wingham.

Wingham 10K & 5K 2013 (205 pics)

Kent Fitness League 2013/14, Minnis Bay

350+ complete lunatics decided that the best way to spend a nice sunny morning in January was waist deep in freezing water and ankle deep in mud.  My kind of people :D  Excellent race, as usual.  The considerable amount of recent rain had certainly left the course a bit of the damp side ;)

Kent Fitness League, Minnis Bay (319 pics)

Deal Tri Bra Run 2014

The 10th anniversary of this race, and apparently the final one.  Hope to see something similar return next year, maybe supporting a different charity or with a new organiser (Sally Scoggins is stepping aside after a decade's service).  Weather wasn't too bad at the start of the race.  Later a downpour arrived but I had left by that stage, vainly chasing another event which I consequently missed...  A smaller set that usual, and the general standard is poor.  Just wasn't on form at this race.

Deal Tri Bra Run 2014 (85 pics)