After such a long cold and wet spell of weather, we were fortunate to have a dry and mainly sunny day for the Run. Conditions were generally ideal for the 4th running of this event, which has become a popular and major event on the runners` circuit.

There were almost 700 entries, slightly less than last year, perhaps due to the clash with Mothering Sunday. This year we were using chip timing to record the precise results and times electronically. It was a great success and allowed us to hold the prizegiving an hour ahead of normal. Large numbers of spectators watched the race from the many vantage points in the Park.

Entries were received from as far afield as North Norfolk, Milton Keynes and Reading, a tribute to the Event reputation and marketing. British Military Fitness sent teams from Brighton, Reigate, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone. Thrift Green Trotters sent a large team from Essex and Beckenham R.C. again counted the Run as a points race in their Club Grand Prix series.

Robert Sackville West, Lord Sackville kindly came along with his family, who were running in the 2k Fun Run, to welcome spectators and competitors , before starting both the 10k and the 2k races.

Prizes were presented by John Carrie, the President of the Rotary Club of Sevenoaks.

First race to finish was the 2k Fun Run, won by 14 years old Mads Kjaersgaar, 2nd was 9 years old Oliver Chessel, and 3rd was 10 years old James Puxty, for the second year in succession. Excellent results were recorded from a field of over 60 runners, including many Mums and Dads who couldn`t quite keep up with the winning youngsters.

Winner of the 10k this year was Jim Addison by a large margin in 35 minutes 41 seconds, 2nd was Greg Cooper of the University of Kent AC in 38 minutes 23 seconds, 3rd was Jonathon Puleston–Jones in 38 minutes 59 seconds. In 4th place was Tom Morris of BMF Brighton in 39 minutes exactly.

First lady for the 2nd year in succession was Maria Heslop from Tonbridge, in an even faster time than last year of 40 minutes 19 seconds, Melanie Burdett of Beckenham RC was in 2nd place with a time of 42minutes 34 seconds and in 3rd place was Teresa Barford of BMF Tunbridge Wells in 44 minutes 58 seconds. In 4th place was Madeline Lee-Smith of Oxted Runners in 45 minutes 35 seconds.

The Mens` Team prizes were won by Sevenoaks Tri Club, represented by Andrew Jones, Stephen Searby and Mick Barstow and the Ladies` Team prizes were won by Oxted Runners, represented by Madeline Lee-Smith, Maggie Statham and Nicola Jupp. In both teams all 3 runners were highly placed overall.

The Marshalls around the Entry area and on the Course, who were mainly Sevenoaks Rotarians and friends and included 3 helpers from the Sevenoaks Volunteer Bureau and 4 Explorer Scouts and leaders from Kemsing, all did an efficient job . Race Chairman Brian Brauns and Race Director John Walker supported by a few stalwarts have devoted a massive amount of time and effort to make the event a great success. They were amply rewarded by the large turn out.

Principle beneficiaries of the event this year are Kent Air Ambulance and Rockdale Homes. It is hoped that the Run will show a surplus of approx. £6000, all for charity.

Main Sponsors were Knocker & Foskett, and Ibbett Moseley for the 4th successive year, as well as Davis Garage who provided field transport and manpower. Main prizes were donated by Sevenoaks Sight & Sound, Boots of Sevenoaks and Rotary members, with support facilities from Sencio at the Sevenoaks Leisure Centre. Healthy energy giving bananas were kindly provided by Dole Fresh UK of Dartford. There were none left at the end!

The essential Website www.sevenoaksrotary10k.co.uk and computer produced address labelling was provided and maintained by John Hubbard of Otford.net.

2010 Runners World Ratings and Feedback

Gets better every year! ,
Excellent scenery and very well organised ,
Really enjoyed it - great place to run, well organised with lots of friendly faces, and a challenging course without being too evil. Will be back.