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Race Report: 7th Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon, 30th September 2012

This from the race director, Ray Johnson:

I am pleased to report we had a very successful day with over 550 registrations. Weather conditions were ideal and there was a terrific atmosphere at the event.

Congratulations to all those who participated.

South Kent Harrier Michael Coleman collected his third Folkestone Half Marathon title on Sunday with a narrow victory over Folkestone Running Club’s Sam Rigby. Coleman, whose last title was in 2009, led from the start and held off a determined challenge by Rigby to cross the line five seconds clear in 1 hour 15 minutes 25 seconds. Matt Britton from Ashford AC was third in 1.18.33.

In the ladies’ race Paddock Wood’s Tina Oldershaw collected her second Folkestone Half title repeating her 2010 success in a winning time of 1.23.01. Rona Loubser from Folkestone Running Club was second and Faye Roberts from Canterbury Harriers was third.

Coleman and Oldershaw both received a £100 winners prize courtesy of sponsors Independent Insurance Services. Both the men’s and ladies’ team prizes were scooped by Folkestone Running Club. This year we held our first children’s race and the winner was Jensen, who even managed to outrun our Race Director!

The race took place in ideal running temperatures but a stiff breeze along the Folkestone to Hythe promenade route slowed down the field on the outward leg. The race attracted just under 550 entries with runners flocking to the town from all over the south east and beyond.

This year’s race proceeds will benefit local and international charities through the good work of the Rotary Club of Folkestone, with the main beneficiary this year being the Kent Association for the Blind.

It’s been a wonderful day for the town. I’m proud of the event and the profile it affords the town. I’m also grateful for the support from a number of local organisations who help make sure this event remains one of the most popular half marathons in the south east.

A member of Folkestone Running Club has already entered for next year’s race!

It is a fantastic achievement to complete the course either as an elite runner or a new participant to a Half Marathon. The objectives of the race were to encourage participation, assist charities, visit our district and promote good health, as well as increasing the profile of Rotary.

It was particularly pleasing that there were so many spectators along the whole route which gave tremendous encouragement to the runners – it’s a great boost to the runners, and some even played music!

First indications are that the event has raised in excess of £25,000 and we are hopeful that we can beat last year’s record of £34,000. Since the race first started in 2006, over £175,000 has been raised for worthwhile causes. This year’s chosen charity is Kent Association for the Blind. In addition many runners were raising funds for various chosen causes, including The Gurkha Memorial Fund and Saga Charitable Trust who both had good teams of runners. Rotary also distributes funds to local and international good causes.

The event went extremely well and help was received with sincere thanks from members of the Folkestone Rotary Club, Hythe and Folkestone Channel Rotary Club, Folkestone Running Club, the Folkestone Interact Club, other running clubs and the local community also assisted. I would also like to thank Shepway District Council, Folkestone Police and St John’s Ambulance for their valuable support.

Once again we have received tremendous feedback from the runners congratulating us for such a great event, by way of organisation, goody bags and encouragement from marshals. They also thoroughly enjoyed the course and all of the facilities available.

Race Photos

Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon

Race Results

Prize Winners for Half Marathon 2012

Open Male

1st Michael Coleman 1:15.25 South Kent Harriers

2nd Sam Rigby 1:15.30 Folkestone Running Club

3rd Matthew Britton 1:18.33 Ashford AC

Open Female

1st Tina Oldershaw 1:23.01 Paddock Wood AC

2nd Rona Loubser 1:29.32 Folkestone Running Club

3rd Faye Roberts 1:33.33 Canterbury Harriers

Vet40 Male

1st Ashley Howes 1:21.49 Larkfield AC

Vet35 Female

1st Melanie Carley 1:41:56

Vet 50 male

1st Kevan James 1:24.21 Ashford & District

Vet45 Female

1st Tina Oldershaw 1:23.01 Paddock Wood AC

Vet60 Male

1st Kenneth Saffery 1:43.14

Vet55 Female

1st Liz Sims 2:05.02

Winning Team (Male) Folkestone Running Club

Winning Team (Female) Folkestone Running Club

Children’s Run:

Winning Boy

1st Jensen

Winning Girl

1st Katie

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