Sunday saw 2092 runners compete in the Bluewater 10km road race, with the roads round the shopping complex and surrounding area shut to traffic , writes Geoff Vine. The event was attended by a much bigger field than other similar running events, bolstered by the excellent organisation, sponsorship, and runners competing for the Kent Road Race GP and importantly the Kent County 10km road race championships.

Surprisingly, the course was quite hilly, especially a long drag between 4 and 5 km, causing most runners to lose the opportunity to gain a personal best time, even though the running conditions were nigh perfect. The race was won by Mugi Mahugu of the Run Fast club in 29mins 05 secs. A stunning performance justifying his club's unique name!

Sevenoaks AC was represented by 14 runners who produced some high standard results to win championship awards against tough competition. First over the line for Sevenoaks AC was young David Ives in 34.48 for 20th place. A performance to be proud of and one that probably placed him 10th out of all Kent runners. Not too far back were Steven Codman and Stuart Ede in 39.58 and 40.14 for 90th and 94th places, respectively.

Then along came Sevenoak's star veteran runner, John Denyer, in 41.40 for 134th place and as a 60+ year old he gained first M60 place in the Kent Championships for a winners Gold medal. Geoff Vine, running with an injured back, struggled all the way, but surprised all with 44.50 (248th) for second M60, taking the Kent Silver medal. Pauline Dalton, forever very competitive and nimble on her feet, also won a Kent Silver championship medal for second place lady over 45, in a time of 43.06, 178th overall. Sevenoaks newcomer Toby Galbraith ran a close race with Duncan Warwick-Champion to win out in 44.20 (217th) against Duncan's 44.34 for 233rd place.

Other Sevenoaks results were:-
352nd Rob Carr 46.26
414th Suzy Claridge 47.14
500th Sally Shewell 48.22
524th Megan Annetts 48.46
526th Rob Johnson 48.48
797th Clare Chapman 51.59
Full results HERE.