Sittingbourne Striders

A dozen Striders took part in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, a 26.2 miles course starting from Preston Park and then following a course along the coast. Daniel Barnard (pictured) was first strider home in 3hrs52mins30secs and Sophie Byrne was the first lady strider home, on her first Marathon, at 4hrs38mins35secs

Lone striders also took part in the Brighton 50k bike ride (Darren Billing in 2hrsmins45secs), Goodwood Running Grand Prix half Marathon (Emma Penfold 2hrs7mins51secs) and the Paris Marathon (Pires Scott James Simpson 3hs24mins)

Brighton Marathon Full Results

A group of 34 Striders who took part in the Paddock Wood Half Marathon on Sunday, a fast and flat 13.1 mile course that serves as the 4th race in the Sittingbourne Striders Club Championship. Chris Lawley was the first over the line in 1hr 30mins 18secs, and bragging rights for first Lady Strider home went to Kelly Lywood in 1hr 44mins 43secs.

A smaller group took part in the Chatham Maritime 10k, led by Paul Williams who finished in 46mins 12secs and Gary Read was the sole strider taking part in the Charing Half Marathon, finishing in 1hrs 53mins 13secs.

Lydd 20 Mile Race

The Sittingbourne Striders braved the 50mph winds to take part in the Lydd 20 mile race on Sunday, a fast and flat course popular with those training for the Spring marathon season, and the third race in the Striders Club Championship.

Lee Simpson was the first Strider over the line in 2hrs21mins50secs, finishing 42nd overall. Bragging rights for the first lady Strider home went to Alison Davey, who finished in 3hrs18min45secs

Dartford Half Marathon

Scott Simpson headed a strong Sittingbourne Striders group at the Dartford Half Marathon on Sunday, braving the hills and the poor weather conditions, to complete the course in 21st place overall in a fantastic time of 1hr28mins39secs. Emma Penfold was the first lady strider to cross the line in 2hrs11min57secs

Other Runners:

Marriane inspires team mates with defiant effort
Marriane Seaward showed the big C what she is made of when she sped round the Sittingbourne Parkrun on Saturday, 20 October.

In February Marriane was diagnosed with breast cancer and has since undergone chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and is currently having radiotherapy. Despite this she put on her running shoes to storm round the multi-terrain 5km in 32mins 56secs, much to the delight of her supporters.

Great South run for five Strider ladies

London Duathlon - Richmond Park, London

In Richmond Park on Sunday the 16th September three Sittingbourne Striders competed in the world's largest duathlon. The three entered the 15th annual London Duathlon, completing a 10 km run, a 44 km bike race and a final 5 km run to the finish line, while dodging suicidal squirrels and six foot stags!

1423 Ian Gower 02:50:59
1450 Steve Shrimplin 02:54:57
2308 Andy Settle 03:27:30Shorne 5

Shorne 5

Preparations underway for the 10-mile road race

The Striders volunteers are in full swing ready to make this years Sittingbourne 10-mile road race the best yet. Taking place on Sunday, 7 October, the runners start from Highstead School before being taken on a beautiful undulating course around the countryside.

The event, which has been sponsored by Bennett Opie Limited, sees every entrant receiving a carefully packed goody bag and great high tech T-shirt.

Pretty Muddy 5km - 8 July

A team of Strider ladies took on the Pretty Muddy 5km run at Mote Park, Maidstone on Sunday, 8 July.

The fun event, run by Cancer Research, saw the ladies running 5km, taking on inflatable obstacles and getting down right muddy to raise money for the worthy cause.

Leeds Castle Triathlon
Striders were out in force at the Leeds Castle Triathlon either marshalling or competing in the event which was the next in the club championships. 21 members took part 8 of which it was their first triathlon. The competition was as hot as the weather as competitors swam in the moat, rode along the A20 and ran around the undulating grounds of what is hailed as 'The Loveliest Castle in the World'. Great results for the club details of which are as follows:

Roy Shears not only took the honours for the first Sittingbourne Strider home at the Saxon Shore Half Marathon, he also smashed his personal best time, completing the event in 1.42.33.

On Sunday, 17 June Roy joined 12 club mates at the event which took the runners on a loop of Herne Bay and Whitstable over the 13.1-miles.

Andrew Thomas finished some 7-minutes after Roy in a very respectable 1.49.57. Third home for the club was Clive Crisp who crossed the finish line in 1.53.48.