News

Jonathan Hobbs National Champion again

Posted: 26th Aug 2022 by Ashford AC News

On the weekend of 20th/21st August, Ashford Athletics Club long distance walker Jonathan Hobbs fulfilled a lifelong ambition by race walking 100 miles in less than 24 hours.

Nearly 20 years since joining Ashford AC and after 8 months targeted training he race walked the 100 miles in an astonishing 18 hours, 44 minutes to win the National Championships in Middlesbrough.

"I actually enjoyed the first 40 miles and at halfway I was less than 5 minutes off my ambitious plan. We were then hit by 2 hours of driving, depressing, dreadful rain which used up most of my energy reserves. After that, it was a long dark night and when dawn finally cracked I was just determined to get to the end. The finish was emotional and I had the chance to thank my Dad (his coach) for his support throughout the race."

His time was the second fastest time by a British walker this century and probably the fastest 100 miles in the world this year. No wonder so many experienced athletes officials and helpers who saw it offered him their warm congratulations. The conditions were truly dreadful and many of the 37 starters from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and elsewhere failed to finish or to reach 100 miles within the 24 hours cut off.

He finished more than an hour ahead of the second race walker and three hours ahead on the next English competitor and won a magnificent sword, the winner's trophy sponsored by Wilkinsons.

During the race Jonathan kept his energy up with sports drinks and gels plus a bowl of sausages and beans, a bowl of tuna and mashed potato, some soup and a big helping of will power and determination.

Jonathan Hobbs

Jonathan before the start and in the race

Many Ashford commuters may have spotted this University of Kent mathematics student race walking around the parks and roads of Ashford and local villages before breakfast and wondered what he was doing. Now they know!

Kent Champs Racewalkers 2021

Posted: 9th Jun 2021 by Kate Dickinson

Ashford Race Walkers took the short trip to Tonbridge and despite pressures of exams collected three silvers, a bronze and a gold in the Kent Championships more than any other club in the county.

Rachel Harding smashed her own personal best in the 3000m walk with a time of 18 minutes 4.05 seconds for a well earned bronze medal in the Under 20 women’s category. Millie Morris won silver in an exciting Under 20 women’s race with 15 minutes 32.9 seconds.

Jess Wilton won her first Kent medal with a silver in the Under 17 in a time of 18 minutes 42.27 seconds.

Jonathan Hobbs added silver to his growing collection in the senior men’s men’s race with 14 minutes 28.54 seconds.

Finally Jacqueline Benson deservedly won gold in the senior women’s championship with a time of 15 minutes 52.28 narrowly missing a personal best.

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