This race report was sent in by Ray Johnson, race director:
‘FOLKESTONE COASTAL 10K RACE BRINGS IN THE CROWDS’
Forward comment from Race Director:
I am delighted to report once again we had a very successful sunny day with over 600 registrations which was a terrific result. Weather conditions were ideal and many spectators attended along the route, which generated a great atmosphere.
Congratulations to all those who participated, and in particular this year’s winner Adrian Mussett of Colchester Harriers who came in at a commendable 0:32:44 and was also the first veteran home. Similarly the ladies winner, Sarah Gruber of Sittingbourne Striders, also a veteran, achieved an outstanding 0:40:22.
The male team prize was awarded to South Kent Harriers and Sittingbourne Striders 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 the Gurkhas, Constantia, Help Tommys and Team Awesome.
This year’s children’s race enjoyed a good field of over 40 runners, up on last year and Tom Cullen was the first boy home, followed closely by his sister, the first girl Lucy Cullen.
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. We have had some reports from runners having already raised in excess of £1,000. Last year’s event raised £38,000 and we are set to beat this. This year’s event will provide vital support for various projects including the Gurkha Memorial Fund, Step Short, 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 Hire Station. 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 photographer was Grant Burton Photography and runners can visit his website to have a look at the race pictures which are available to purchase.
Next year’s race will be on Sunday 24th May 2015 and we have already received a few entries!!
Prize Winners for Folkestone Coastal 10K 2014
Open Male
1st Adrian Mussett 0:32:44 Colchester Harriers
2nd Michael Coleman 0:33:37 South Kent Harriers
3rd Richard Newson 0:34:41 South Kent HarriersOpen Female
1st Sarah Gruber 0:40:22 Sittingbourne Striders
2nd Sarah Anne Mooney 0:41:54 Larkfield AC
3rd Dee O’Brien 0:42:56Junior Male
1st Jack Hill 0:50:58Junior Female
Winning Team (Male) South Kent Harriers
Winning Team (Female) Sittingbourne Striders
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