The 25th Sevenoaks 7 took place on Sunday in exceptionally hot and sunny conditions. All runners were advised to hydrate well before competing and extra water supplies were laid on at the registration, half-way point and the finishing line.
All the marshals carried emergency water supplies, but fortunately there were no emergencies. The 241 runners finished hot and tired, but most claimed to have enjoyed the event.
The race was won in a very fast time of 41.44 by Daniel Pink from Orpington, with Pink saying that he actually enjoys running in the heat. In second place was last year’s winner, Stephen Hodge, from Cambridge Harriers and in 3rd place local Sevenoaks AC athlete, James Mason, who won the race in 2015.
The women’s race was won by Becky Morrish of Paddock Wood in 50.31, closely followed by Sevenoaks AC athlete Heather Fitzmaurice in 51.02 and Susan McDonald of South London Harriers in 52.40.
Sevenoaks AC men’s team of James Mason, Andrew Milne, Lee Lintern and Andrew Hutchinson claimed the team prize ahead of Orpington Road Runners with the women’s team prize being won by Paddock Wood (Becky Morrish, Mandy Barker, and Alison Fullick)
In the junior competition, Sevenoaks athletes competed with distinction, with Freddie Naughton in second, Teddy Fitzmaurice in fourth,William Hurst in eighth and Maddie Fitzmaurice in 12th.
Competitors praised the event for its friendly atmosphere, efficient organisation and a chance to compete in the beautiful Knole Park.
The race was sponsored by Up & Running, Sevenoaks, and funds were raised for the Dame Kelly Holmes trust, to help disadvantaged youngsters in Kent to get their lives back on Track.
