News

Kent Cross Country League Race 1 Report

Posted: 15th Oct 2018 by Lewis Smith

The first cross country race of the winter season commenced on Saturday 13^th October in Beech Grove, Nonnington. Typical cross-country weather was not to be seen, with warmer weather than the athletes are usually used to – it was 22 degrees with sun and wind! The turnout of athletes from Ashford AC was brilliant, with 23 athletes competing. The Club had one win, and two full teams in the senior races for the first time in a long time.

Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys 3km Races: 

Nadia Sadler-Reeves was the Club’s only female U13 athlete on the day, and unfortunately, Nadia hurt herself whilst running the first part of the race, as the terrain was hard and bumpy. We wish her a speedy recovery! 

Liam Woodham was the Club’s only male U13 athlete on the day and ran brilliantly for his first ever club cross country, finishing 70^th with a time of 14m27s.

Under 15 Girls and Under 15 Boys 4km Races: 

Grace Whittingham, Elisha Roger and Frankie Stannard made a brilliant team in the U15 girls’ race. Elisha finished in 12^th - her highest placing since she started cross country - in a time of 17m12s. Grace finished in 51^st with a time of 20m32s and Frankie finished 60^th in a time of 22m40s.

The boy’s team were brothers Louis and Jack Small, and what a double they were! Louis won the U15 race in a time of 13m25s, finishing 2 seconds in front of second place from Tonbridge AC. His brother, Jack, finished in a brilliant 10^th with a time of 14m41s. Both of these boys are new to the Club and have debuted in the best and most positive way.

Under 17 Girls and Under 17 Boys 5km Races: 

Ciara Mackey was the Club’s only U17 female athlete. Ciara is a very consistent cross-country runner, and she finished 31^st in a time of 27m21s.

Ashford AC had a strong U17 boys’ team out with Adam Wood, Charlie Ward, Louis Stival and Daniel Fitch - two of them being brand new to the Club and cross country. Adam finished a brilliant 6^th with a time of 17m44s, Daniel finished 36^th with a time of 21m22s, Charlie finished 43^rd with a time of 24m10s and Louis finished 45^th with a time of 25m14s.

Under 20 Women and Under 20 Men 5km Races: 

Gabi Stannard was the Club’s only U20 woman, with this race combined with the Senior Women's race. Gabi came 9^th for U20’s with a time of 26m44s.

The men’s U20 athletes were Harrison Tremain and Will Knight. Harrison finished 5^th with a time of 18m42s, and Will, in his debut performance in cross country, finished 10^th with a time of 19m13s.

Senior Men 10km and Women 5km: 

Cross Country Team Manager, Briony Walsh, was delighted to have two full teams out for the senior races. Gemma Carter Collins was the first lady home for Ashford AC, finishing in 16^th place with a time of 21m40s. Team Manager, Briony, finished in a time of 22m31s coming 28^th. Finally, Nikki Buckman debuted for the Club, coming 128^th in a time of 35m36s. 

The Senior Men’s team consisted of Marshall Smith (Under 20), who competed in the senior race instead of the U20’s, finishing 9^th in a time of 35m36s. Nick Collins ran his first cross country race, finishing in 41^st place with a time of 39m16s. Sahil Sood also debuted, completing the race in a time of 45m47s and coming 126^th. Also running his first cross country race, Andrew Huxley came 180^th with a time of 50m44s. Gordon Steadwood was 216^th with a time of 1hr03m24s. Brilliant performances by all.

Thanks to all that competed and roll on the next race on 27^th October!

Footscray Meadows Cross Country

Posted: 12th Nov 2017 by Lewis Smith

Saturday, 11th November and it was AAC's third cross country event of the season. The previous two fixtures were t-shirt weather but Saturday took a dramatic turn into hats, gloves, scarf and definitely multi-layer weather. In other words, real cross country weather with mud, mud, glorious mud.

The event was held in the beautiful parkland of Footscray Meadows in Sidcup. Unfortunately, you couldn’t park on site resulting in being directed to park in the town and walk. We were told it was a mere 600m to walk, but it felt more like a trek of more than a mile laden down with bags, boots, food and hot drinks.

Our last run of 2017 will be held at Danson Park on the 25th November. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Men's Report - Jane Smith:

After a little wait for the arrival of marshals’ at their designated spots, the U13 girls started their race. Next in line were the U13 boys where Jack Saxby made his debut with a fantastic time of 18m08s, coming in at 77th place. Well done to Jack on his first ever cross country run.

In the U15 boys, we had Ben Smith and Kristian Nash running. Unfortunately for Kristian, a sprinter, he injured himself by twisting his foot and was promptly brought back by Stella. Ben Smith came in at 28th with a fantastic time of 17m14s.

Next in line were the U17 men with our usual team of Oliver Prior, Adam Wood and Daniel Fitch. Unfortunately, Harrison Tremain couldn’t make it due to injury. Oliver came 5th in 14m27s, Adam came 26th in 15m29s, and Daniel came 39th in 16m18s.

Last but not least were Marshall Smith and Philip Heathfield; both competing in the senior men’s race. Marshall came 25th in 35m37s, and Phil came 196th in 46m17s.

Women's Report - Briony Walsh:

In the U13 girls race were Libby Turbutt and Frankie Standard. Libby came 24th and Frankie came 33rd, both a massive improvement from their last cross countries. Very good running from both of them.

In the U13 girls were Elyshia Roger, Anna Hinson, Sarris Teale, and Ella Saxby. Elyshia came 29th, Anna came 44th, sprinters Sarris and Ella came 48th and 49th respectively. A full team and really good results from all of the girls.