Message from the race Organisers

  We would like to report that Sundays annual event plus the additional 3.5k run was a huge success and with lots of very positive feedback from participants and spectators alike.  There were over 300 runners who finished one of the distances and the age range started at 2 and finished at over 80 so we can safely say that we catered for all ages and ability's.

Andrew Pickett from Dartford Harriers won both the 3.5k and the 5mile events so well done to him. 14 of the first 26 finishers in the 3.5k were from BETHS grammer school including 2nd, 3rd and 4th so a fantastic achievement from BETHS and thanks to Paul Hills for dragging them all along to compete.

Marc Clayton (27.39) from Beckenham Running Club and last years winner ran the very talented Andrew Pickett very close in the 5 mile race with Andrew winning in a new course record time of 27.18. In 3rd place was Kofi Agyei (28.03) from Herne Hill Harriers. The Ladies race was equally as tight with Sally Musson (33.00) Tonbridge AC edging out Clare Reeves (33.36) Bexley AC with Rosa Sampson-Geroski (36.00) in 3rd. Full results now available via the various links on this page.

Sundays event was not just about the fast boys and and girls at the front slugging it out but to encourage a whole new group of people into the great sport of distance running. Well judging by the post event comments we have gone a long way in achieving that and I'm looking forward to seeing some fresh faced young (or old) talent on the circuit whether it be via New Eltham or Bexley AC or Orpington Road Runners etc.

We have a partnership with the Greenwich and Bexley Hospice which is now in its 5th year.We donate £1.00 per runner from the 5 mile race to this excellent organisation. Well this year we are going to give a bit more than the original figures and I will post a notice once the final amount has been agreed.

Time for some appreciation. This year Peter Cane one of own managed to secure some sponsorship from his firm of Troup, Bywaters and Anders. We would like to thank the aforementioned and hope to continue the relationship into 2009.

SEnine magazine which is the best local glossy most people have ever seen also offered and gave great support to the event with advertising and also some sponsorship. liaising with SEnine's Editor Mark Wall they are already on board for next year. So a big thank you to Mark and his team.

The day was well supported by our friends from all the local running clubs. Particular mentions must go to Bexley AC, Beckenham Running Club, Orpington Road Runners and Cambridge Harriers. Its all about scratching backs and I know we will have a big turnout for Orpington at there 10k in a few weeks time. A special mention to Kevin Angell who apparently is big in Bexley. We have been known to have a good banter over the years, well he said some terrific things after the presentation and I thank him for those words.

Finally to the 70 plus NEJ's family and friends who helped out on the day THANKS NONE OF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOU.

Dave and janet-Race Organisers.