Last Sunday 16 Traccies took on the 10k race starting and finishing in the beautiful Mount Ephraim gardens. It was a hot day but our runners did us proud.
Oli Regan was 1st overall – 37:48
Ruby Jones was 1st lady – 40:05
Matt Mccarthy was 4th overall and 1st vm45
Nikki Boyes 1st vw60
Congratulations to Maisie Kemp on her 1st 10k race.
Nikki: There was a good group of runners for today’s club champs 10k race at Mt Ephraim. It’s such a beautiful setting but the high temperatures and late start had us all a little worried. Also the hills! I for one had forgotten about the undulation of this course!
First home was Oli R who was the overall winner. Then Matt McCarthy who took 4th place and v45 winner. Ruby J came in next and took first place for the ladies. Everyone ran well considering the conditions and I was pleased to take the wv60 first place – first race for me for a while and first in this new age category. Sadly no age cat prizes were given out at this event, but we did get Jaffa cakes!
Matt: I enjoyed the scenic route, but it was challenging to race as felt like we were constantly running up or down a hill and very warm. I tried to pace myself based on how hard I was breathing and finished quite strong. It was great to see so many club members at the event and nice to have a walk around the gardens after with Steve.
Spencer: It’s my favourite 10k race hilly course but what goes up must come down and the last mile or so is downhill just what you want in very hot sunny 🌞 conditions with only some shade parts of the course. But when you think you finished there’s a small hill to the finish line. But overall, a fab 10k race.
Janet: It’s a lovely route along quiet lanes with views out across the countryside to Sheppey. VERY undulating!!.. but keeps it interesting! – I think Spencer said it’s his favourite 10K!!
I do like the route & there were areas of shade…but yesterday’s heat made it very challenging indeed!.. how- ever I would recommend & it’s great as relatively near to us.
Chris: This was the first time I have raced at Mount Ephraim, I have marshalled so know that the course is technically challenging. The route is beautiful, passing through orchards and tiny country villages. It was nice to see supporters out cheering the runners along on this very hot Sunday morning.
I really enjoyed the race, taking the hills nice and steady, making sure that when I reached the top I wasn’t out of breath and my heart beating out of my chest! This allowed me to focus on the downhills and flat areas. Like many runners I had no idea of my placement and was running solo or with one other person for much of the race, I was thrilled when I found out I had finished 13th and that my time was 43mins.
Janice: I loved the scenery, the pubs we passed looked great and I will be trying to find them again for a little beverage! I’d like to re-visit Mount Ephraim Garden’s again as it looked so lovely in the sunshine. I think this race was one of the hardest I’ve done due to those hills and the heat. Far too many hills for me it almost felt like 3/4 of the race was uphill!
Ruby: I did the race as a good training run to kick off the next phase of the marathon block. The course was pretty, and a lovely run throughout despite the hills! The girls thoroughly enjoyed the junior race. All in all a great event
Next club champs: Wingham 10k – 13th September. Please book early as generally sells out.
