Wednesday 30 April 2014

Folkestone 10 Miler 2014

Traditional Good Friday event.  Large turnout and a bit of sunshine here and there.  Highlight of the race was the sight of 'Tall Paul' Williams of Sittingbourne Striders running with an ice cream ;)  Not sure if he managed to eat it all...

Folkestone 10 Miler 2014 (275 pics)


Monday 28 April 2014

Beat The Bog spring 2014, Preston Court nr Canterbury

After the February event had to be cancelled owing to severe flooding following the ceaseless rain of winter, the bog once again paid host to a motley crew of muddy obstacle fans.  As before, I was unable to get round many of the obstacles, largely due to the layout of course - you just can't cut across from one side to the other because of dykes and waterways.

But still enjoyed what I did see nonetheless, especially the zap trap (it probably has an official name - that bit where people are electrocuted hahahahaha).  Got a bit too close to the action and when one poor sod got zapped, down he went and splattered mud all over me, much to the amusement of the nearby spectators ;)

The light was much better this time, after the abysmal virtual darkness of the previous BTB in November - but I still didn't manage anywhere near the kind of standard I hope for from my snaps.  Maybe it'll be third time lucky.  Meanwhile, here are some mainly mediocre pics.

Beat The Bog spring 2014 (507 pics)

Monday 14 April 2014

Hartfield 10K & 5K 2014

London Marathon day.  But no one in their right mind would be up there in the midst of all that madness.  The more sensible among us were in the beautiful village of Hartfield for their annual races.

There was no sign of Mo Farah, or any Kenyan Olympians looking for a crack at a world record.  But there were some people basking in the glorious East Sussex sunshine and reflecting that size is indeed not everything.

The ride out on the old fossil was fabulous.  It's a very long time since I've been to Hartfield, made famous by its association with AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh.  But there are few places more scenic.

The day was pretty much the exact opposite of the London Marathon.  No worldwide press coverage.  No household names taking part.  A starting field just a little under the 36,000 mark.  No hype.  No heaving crowds.  No smog.  No road blocks.  But a nice fun day in the glorious April sunshine as a group of hardy runners took on the very tough route with a willing smile.



Hartfield 10K & 5K 2014 (171 pics)

Saturday 12 April 2014

Deal Tri Air Ambulance charity fancy dress fun ride

This event was due to happen around Christmas time but was postponed due to the weather...hence the somewhat bizarre spectacle of Santa rubbing shoulders with the Easter Bunny in the middle of April ;)

The ride took place to raise funds for the Kent Air Ambulance, and as a memorial to Deal Tri member Dan Squire who was tragically killed in September last year.

I rarely snap cyclists.  My attempts at slow shutter speed shots were...I think 'awful' is putting it mildly ;)  But it was a fun event which I enjoyed.

Deal Tri Air Ambulance charity ride (132 pics)

Tuesday 8 April 2014

London South Dirty Dash 6K OCR, Paddock Wood, April 2014

As if I hadn't had quite enough muddy joy for one weekend, the Dirty Dash followed on the Sunday.  No sign of the sun this time but it's somehow more fitting for a mud race to take place in damp conditions ;)  Smaller field, as expected, but still a very good turnout.  This time I found several of the obstacles I'd missed the previous day.  Another crowd of good natured loonies took to the course with great gusto.  Absolutely loved it myself.  Am looking forward to the next mud race within travelling distance ;)

Dirty Dash 6K OCR 2014, Paddock Wood (624 pics)

Monday 7 April 2014

London South Dirty Dozen 12K OCR, Paddock Wood, April 2014

Was nice to do another mud race.  Unlike Beat the Bog, there was actually a bit of half decent light this time ;)  Several hundred complete maniacs/brave souls took to the mud and endured/enjoyed 12km of slippery obstacle course madness.  Absolutely loved it myself - though I wouldn't fancy having a go as a competitor ;)  Not easy getting half decent shots from the cheap seats.  But it was just fun to run about snapping assorted filthy runners and they battled round the course.

Dirty Dozen 12K 2014, Paddock Wood (617 pics)

Friday 4 April 2014

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2014

This race (or at least, my coverage of it) can be summed up in two words...oh dear.  New camera, difficult conditions, poor light etc.  Never been to any race where so many people will just walk through shots without giving a toss.

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2014 (378 pics)