Here’s the report on the 2013 Folkestone Coastal 10K from race director, Ray Johnson:
I am pleased to report we had a very successful day with over 650 registrations which was a terrific result, with an increase on last year. Weather conditions were ideal and there was a superb atmosphere at the event with many spectators lining the route.
Congratulations to all those who participated. I was particularly pleased that the course record had been broken by Michael Coleman of South Kent Harriers, the winner at 0:32:09. The first female home was Maria Heslop, from the Paddock Wood Athletic Club, who achieved a commendable time of 0:36:49, beating the previous course record set by herself last year.
The male team prize went to Ashford & District RRC, while Paddock Wood AC took the ladies’ team prize. Many Kent clubs participated and runners came from London, Scotland and as far as the US. There was a good team turnout in addition to running clubs, including Folkestone Rugby Club, Saga Charitable Trust, Gurkhas and First Early Learners. This year we held our first children’s race and over 30 children enjoyed the event.
It is a fantastic achievement for the runners to complete the course either as an elite runner or a new participant to a 10 kilometre race. 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 sport and I am particularly delighted that there were many more runners and spectators than last year.
It was especially pleasing that there were so many spectators along the whole route which gave tremendous encouragement to the runners – there must have been hundreds providing support!
First indications are that the event has raised in excess of £20,000 which is a terrific start for many worthwhile causes. Last year’s event raised £42,000 and we are set to beat this. This year’s event will provide vital support for various projects including the Gurkha Memorial Fund, Home Farm Trust, Folkestone Youth Project and local Rotary Clubs for distribution to local causes.
The event went extremely well and help was received with sincere thanks from over 80 marshals and assistants including, Folkestone Running Club, Rotary Clubs, Folkestone Harbour and Gurkha Services Link Ltd, B J Scaffolding and the team from Shepway Glass. I would also like to thank Shepway District Council, Folkestone Police and St John 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.
This year’s event photographers were Sussex Sport Photography and runners can visit their website to have a look at the race pictures which are available to purchase.
Next year’s race will be on Sunday 25th May 2014.
Race Photos
Race Results
Prize Winners for Folkestone Coastal 10K 2013
Open Male
1st Michael Coleman 0:32:09 South Kent Harriers
2nd Julian Lings 0:33:45 Enfield Harriers
3rd Matthew Britton 0:34:57 Ashford AC
Open Female
1st Maria Heslop 0:36:49 Paddock Wood AC
2nd Tina Oldershaw 0:37:40 Paddock Wood AC
3rd Clare Reeves 0:40:02 Bexley
Junior Male
1st Robert Eveson 0:38:43
Junior Female
1st Georgina Ogborn 0:54:15
Vet40 Male
1st Daniel Green 0:37:00 Ashford & District RRC
Vet35 Female
1st Sarah Gruber 0:41:31 Sittingbourne Striders
Vet 50 male
1st David Child 0:36:37 Kent AC
Vet45 Female
1st Maria Heslop 0:36:49 Paddock Wood AC
Vet60 Male
1st Daniel Porte 0:45:47
Vet55 Female
1st Penny Birchall 0:46:00 Canterbury Harriers
Winning Team (Male) Ashford & District RRC
Winning Team (Female) Paddock Wood AC
Race Listing
Click here for more information about the 2013 Folkestone Coastal 10K
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