Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon race report
This morning, Thanet Roadrunners headed to Tunbridge Wells for the 27th Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon.
Those who have previously ran this race will know first-hand that it’s hilly. Many of them made an effort to warn those of us who were running it for the first time just how hilly it is. To be clear: it’s hilly!
We started the day with heavy rain but, just in time, the rainclouds cleared and conditions were pretty favourable (apart from the puddles and potholes…). The course was undulating throughout, taking us on a tour of North Kent’s countryside. The biggest challenge came at mile 7 as we approached Spring Hill. The incline was unrelenting – steady and seemingly never-ending. A brilliantly organised race, the course was lined with supporters throughout – including a brass band and drumming group! As always, a huge thank you to everyone who came out in support as it makes a huge difference.
With Paddock Wood Half Marathon coming up in two weeks time, it was great to see so many blue vests out there today. The two courses are vastly different, with Paddock Wood noted as a PB course thanks to its flatness. However, today’s performances set personal records for a number of TRAC runners – a welcome surprise to all!
TRAC ladies were represented by Asmaa Hatim, Georgia Hughes, Jo Kemp, and Brittany Crombie. Georgia took the 1:40 pacer right at the finish line – see the brilliant photo courtesy of James Kemp!
The TRAC men’s team was made up of Chris Brenchley, Chris Pascoe, Jay Bailey, Jamie Jordan, Steve Suttle, and Mark Hadden.
RESULTS
|
NAME |
Overall Place |
Gender Place |
CHIP TIME |
|
Jay Bailey |
58 |
56 |
01:24:47 |
|
Christopher Brenchley |
74 |
70 |
01:26:09 |
|
Chris Pascoe |
107 |
102 |
01:28:30 |
|
Jamie Jordan |
127 |
121 |
01:30:04 |
|
Asmaa Hatim |
208 |
22 |
01:35:49 |
|
Brittany Crombie |
269 |
33 |
01:38:45 |
|
Stephen Suttle |
267 |
235 |
01:38:52 |
|
Georgia Hughes |
289 |
37 |
01:39:51 |
|
Joanne Kemp |
327 |
46 |
01:41:37 |
|
Mark Hadden |
899 |
701 |
02:03:29 |
We’ll see you next week at Blean Woods for the final Cross Country of the season. The following week, we’ll head to Paddock Wood for the second half marathon race of the 2024 KFL race calendar.
Thank you to Brittany Crombie and Jo Kemp for the race report. We will post the updated club champs scores in a couple of days.