Sevenoaks AC fielded a strong team on Sunday in the Larkfield 10km road race over a new course which included large sections of rough track round the Leybourne Lakes. A predominately flat route helped the team produce some good times which could have been even faster but for the chilly easterly wind that always seemed to be against the runners!

The Larkfield 10k is a well organised and established race.This year it was included in the Kent road race GP series, a group of races attracting the majority of the leading athletic clubs in Kent.

The race was won by Tom Collins of Medway and Maidstone in 33mins and 30 secs.  David Ives, for Sevenoaks, flew the flag well to come home in 35.12 for 4^th place overall out of 333 runners. A fantastic performance, just proving once again what running talent he holds. Chris Desmond another of Sevenoaks elite runners was not too far back in 38.17 for 27^th place and 7^th man over 40 to cross the line. Chris has been plagued with Achilles injuries these past few months, so to complete a race in such a fast time confirms he is well on the mend. Welcome new club member Andrew Mead ran to recent form for 39.47 and 41^st place. Andrew’s performance bodes well for the club, to have a new runner with such potential.

John Denyer, just 60, 3 days before the race, ran his heart out for an amazing 52^nd place in 41.20 and was the second man over 60 to finish. With a fraction more hard training John will be taking all the Kent GP M60 prizes this year. Rob Carr, suffering from a cold, but still benefiting from his London marathon training, recorded a personal best time of 42.23 in 61^st place. Erik Folkesson was pleased to finish in 44.15 , for 86^th place, A little way back Geoff Vine  managed 111^th place with 45.43 for 5^th M60 place, just returning from injury that has kept him away from racing for 8 months.

Sally Shewell, the clubs most consistent and reliable lady runner was hot on Geoff’s heels in 46.03 for 3^rd Lady 45 and 114^th place.  Full results HERE.