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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