Gravesend Road Runners and Athletics Club

​​About Gravesend Road Runners and Athletics Club



Welcome to the Gravesend Road Runners and Athletics Club website.

 

We are a friendly running club based in Gravesend, Kent and we are proud to say that the club has been running since 1983.  We meet on Tuesday evenings at Cyclopark,  Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 7NP from October to April.  The exception to this is the 1st Tuesday of each month when we meet at the George P.H. at Singlewell on Hever Court Road DA12 5UQ.  During Summer months from April to September we meet at Meadow Room, The Street, Cobham DA12 3BZ.  We meet from 6.45pm to start running  promptly at 7pm.

New members are always welcome.

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We usually run in three different groups of runners on club runs to ensure that as a club we can support all club members over different paces and distances.

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These include a beginners 5k (3 miles) group, an intermediate 10k (6 miles) group and a faster 12-13k group.  Club runs are usually between 30 minutes to an hour.

All Gravesend Road Runners enjoy the benefits of weekly training runs, cross-country runs, road racing, trail racing and a social club.

 

We are affiliated with UK Athletics.

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Club Membership Form

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Please find below a copy of our club membership form that can be printed off and completed and should be returned to our club Membership Secretary Robin Heel.

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Our club membership prices are as follows for affiliated or non-affiliated club members:

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England Athletics affiliated members £40

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Non EA affiliated members £24

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Mob Match

Posted on 1 July 2022

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Well done to the small but quality GRR team that turned up for the annual mob bash match against Larkfield AC and Istead & Ifield.  As ever GRR won the bronze medal but great running from all.  Special mention to Katie Walker who came 1st in her (young) age category

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North Downs Run 30k 

Posted on 1 July 2022

 

The 38th running of the North Downs Run (NDR) took place on Sunday 26 June 2021.  The route was slightly changed/improved from last year without the need for a lap of the Cyclopark track at the end - thankfully! 

 

Unfortunately numbers were down considerably on last year with only 388 finishers.  But GRR had a dozen runners plus two former members (Will Relf and Phil Garrod).  Will and Phil were the quickest GRRs back finishing in  2:22 and 2:36 respectively.  All the current GRR member results are shown in the race results section.  Unfortunately, Julie Turk had to pull out as she was suffering with breathing diffculties.  But she had got to halfway point by then and had a long walk back for transport back to the Cyclopark.

 

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Summer Club Nights

Posted on 1 June 2022

The weather hasn't been that kind on Tuesdays recently

but that hasn't deterred GRRs from getting out for

Summer evening runs around the trails and lanes in

Cobham and surrounding villages.  A number of runners

continue the social activity in the Darnley Arms with

a couple of well earned drinks. 

 

All newcomers are welcome.

 

 

Harvel 5 and Kempton Park Marathon

Posted on 1 June 2022

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Massive congratulations to Annabelle Stearns who showed that the injury plagued 2021 has not affected her pace.  Finishing the Kempton Park Marathon as 2nd female in a great time of 3:03:18.

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The day before a good number of GRRs took part in the ever popular annual Harvel 5 Mile.  This is always more of an event than a race with beer provided at halfway as well as water.  Thank you to Richard Hart who gave up his place due to injury but still took the photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hackney and Saxon Shore Halves & Bedgebury 5 Miler

Posted on 23 May 2022

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Another very warm day for GRRs taking part in races on Sunday 22 May.  Eileen Hudson ran in the Bedgebury 5 Miler in the beautiful forestry surroundings.  Finishing in a very creditable 48:39 to finish 44th out of nearly 100 entrants.

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George Whittaker was another solo GRR entrant in the busy

Hackney half marathon with over 13,000 competitors.  The heat

rather beat George who finished in 1:54 outside his PB by some

margin.

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Whilst Eileen and George were running events as lone GRRs, a small

team took on the Saxon Shore Half Marathon.  A new start/finish

venue of Whitstable Castle hosted the race another one of Sporting

Events UK well run events.  Even with the early start time of 9.30am

the weather from the off was exceptionally warm.  GRR had 4 finishers Kevin Crockford 1:43, James Mullan 1:51, Zara Williamson 2:07 and John Crockford 2:11.  It was also good to join up (in the car on the way down) with former member, Carrie Boyle, who now runs with

Sittingbourne Striders having moved down that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darent Valley 10k & Gatwick Running Festival

Posted on 9 May 2022

 

A lovely sunny Sunday early morning for the Crockford brothers in the local Darent Valley 10k run over beautiful countryside.  Another great performance from Kevin Crockford in his first ever 10k race finishing in a time of 45:15.  Given that is  a very hilly course it's quite a PB to target in future.

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Also running at the weekend were Eileen and Richard Hudson who took part in the 5k at the Gatwick Running Festival where you could also had the option to run a 10k or half marathon.  The Hudsons highly recommend the event.  Thankfully the routes avoid the live runway!

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Folkestone + Victoria Park + Chatham Maritme

Posted on 24 April 2022

 

Many congratulations to Annabelle Stearns who finished 1st in her age category at 38th running of Folkestone 10 Mile on Good Friday in warm and windy conditions.   Annabelle finished 44th overall out of a field of 560 in a time of 1:05:25.  Also running on that day was Kevin Crockford who managed to produce new PBs at 5k, 10k and 10 mile all in one race!

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Well done to Eileen & Richard Hudson who went up to London to run the Victoria Park 5k over the Easter weekend.  Also to James Mullan who ran the Chatham Maritime 10k within his target time of 48 mins.  Added congratulations to James as he has bagged the sought after club place in the London Marathon later this year.

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London Landmarks Half & Goodwood 20 Mile

Posted on 2 April

 

It has been nearly 3 years since Annabelle Stearns has been racing (due mainly to Covid pandemic but also due to injury) but she returned to complete 20 miles of the Goodwood racing circuit in a very creditable 2:19:59 to finish 4th overall and 1st female.

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In equally sunny but chilly conditions in London massive congratulations to Kevin Crockford who achieved another PB to complete the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 1:34:37.  To become the fastest GRR Crockford - easily surpassing John but almost nipping below Alexandra's half marathon PB!

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Final KFL fixture of 2021-22

Posted on 25 March 2022

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Having been postponed the previous month due to Storm Eunice the last KFL fixture of the season took place on Sunday 20 March 2022.  In what was described as near Spring like conditions with virtually no mud, a team of 7 GRRs ran.  A good turnout considering the total number of runners was quite low at 326.  Pictured are the motley crew.  Congratulations to Julie Turk on completing her first KFL cross country.  Julie had to pull out injured during the 1st race of the season.  So good to see her back.  Results are available in the race results section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parkrun milestones

Posted on 8 March 2022

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There was a double celebration at Shorne Woods parkrun last weekend.  James Mullan ran his 250th parkrun and Peter Granger ran his 100th parkrun (having volunteered many more times that that!)

 

 

Announcement on Club Fees for 2022/23

Posted on 16 February 2022

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Following tonight's AGM meeting here is the latest update regarding membership fees. From now on the memberships will be running from April to March in line with England Athletics. 

 

For those members who do not wish to be England Athletics affiliated the fee for the year is £24.  For those members who do wish to be affiliated to England Athletics the membership fee will be £40 (including £16 for EA).

 

Can all members please pay the fees before the end of March so prompt payment can be made to England Athletics.  Please pay into the club account as per details below:-

Account number 42031583

Sort code 60-09-10

 

 

Club AGM

Posted on 16 February 2022

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Last night at the club annual general meeting our club president, Peter Granger, confirmed that he was going to step aside from the role.  He was roundly thanked by all attendees for his 10 years of fabulous service.  A new committee was announced as below:-

 

John Crockford - President

Annabelle Stearns - Club Secretary

Francis Mahon - Treasurer

Robin Heel - Membership Secretary

Warsmith Gos - Club Captain

Kevin Crockford - Social Secretary

 

 

Vigo Tough Love

Posted on 16 February 2022

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On Sunday 13 February 2022 five members

(from left Robin Heel, Ben Thompson, James

Gostick, Kevin Crockford and Phil Garrod)

turned out for the aptly named Vigo Tough Love

10 Mile race. 

 

Heavy rain was forecast for the day but

fortunately this held off until after all runners

had completed the course.  Some very

creditable performances indeed with full

results available in the race results section.

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Kent Fitness League Fixture 5

Posted on 16 February 2022

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A small but quality team of 5 runners ventured

to Blean Woods, Canterbury for the penultimate

KFL fixtureof the season.  Great runs all round

with the race times in the results section.

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Kent Fitness League Fixture 4 - David's 100th

Posted on 16 February 2022

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Seven GRR members made the long trip to Minnis Bay for the latest KFL fixture.  Many congratulations to David Wright on running in his 100th KFL fixture.  It is always a fun fixture this one with running through muddy dykes.  As you can see below one of the team really embraces the experience!

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Staplehurst End of Year 10 Mile

Posted on 16 February 2022

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There were four runners who took part in this end of year race.  Congratulations to Graham Melrose who came 1st in his age category and to Kevin Crockford who has a new 10 mile PB.

Excellent performances too from Will Relf and Rachel Dellafera.

 

 

Kent Fitness League Fixtures 2 & 3

Posted on 16 February 2022

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The 2nd fixture of the KFL season was held at the popular Oxleas Wood course at the end of November 2021.  A very good turnout on a particularly cold day.  Special mention to Anna Dower in her 1st cross country race.  She ran splendidly well despite arriving only shortly before the start.

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Two weeks later it was the long trip down to Deal with six hardy souls making the effort.  A rather mild day and not as windy as it is typically at Betteshanger Park.

 

 

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Kent Fitness League - season opener + Lydd 10k

Posted on 16 November 2021

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Sunday 14 November marked the opening fixture of the Kent Fitness League at Swanley Park.  A healthy number of GRRs turned up and all ran well.  Unfortunately Julie Turk rolled her ankle and was unable to complete the race.   Below are the results for GRRs

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Big congratulations in order to Ben Thompson who had a fabulous running weekend.  He was 1st GRR finisher at Swanley and the day before he achieved a sub 40 min time at the Lydd 10k.  Finishing in a great time of 39:28.  Photos of the GRR runners at Swanley and Ben with his 10k medal below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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President's 10 Mile

Posted on 16 November 2021

 

Well what a wonderful morning we chose for the annual President's 10 mile race on Sunday 31 October 2021.  Torrential rain, strong winds and flooded roads.  But how great it was that everyone who said that they would take part turned up in the inclement conditions. 

The results are as follows:-

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1st Oliver Northern 1:40:52 (1:16:52)

2nd Ben Thompson 1:42:08 (1:13:08)

3rd Warsmith Gos 1:42:55 (1:31:55)

4th Phil Garrod 1:43:25 (1:13:25)

5th Alex Crockford 1:43:51 (1:21:51)

6th Kevin Crockford 1:43:52 (1:21:52)

7th Anna Dower 1:45:03 (1:45:03)

8th Zara Williamson 1:45:05 (1:45:05)

9th John Crockford 1:45:19 (1:36:19)

10th Julie Turk 1:46:52 (1:33:52)

11th Robin Heel 1:47:52 (1:34:52)

12th Paul Moss 1:53:26 (1:27:33)

13th George Whittaker 2:25 (2:05) (but ran further than everyone else)

 

Congratulations to Oliver Northern and Anna Dower on winning the trophies.

 

 

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Rock n Roll Liverpool Marathon

Posted on 29 October 2021

 

Many congratulations to Paul Moss on completing his

first marathon at the Rock n Roll Liverpool Marathon.

Paul finished his debut marathon in a time of 4:07:31

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On the way Paul found time to run through the famous

Kop in the Liverpool's football ground to see the 

Champions League trophy.  He then completed his LFC

weekend with a tour of the ground.

 

 

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Beachy Head and Oxford Halves

Posted on 18 October 2021

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Good performances from two old stagers at the

Oxford Half Marathon  on Sunday 17 October. 

 

David Wright and Robin Heel finished in 1:52:11

and 1:53:29 at the well attended Oxford Half

Marathon.   On the same day Gavin Terry tackled

the Seven Sisters at the Beachy Head Half

Marathon.  Gavin finishing in a creditable 2:54:02

in what is one of the most challenging

half marathon races.

 

 

 

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London Marathon 2021

Posted on 4 October 2021

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The long awaited (2.5 years) London Marathon finally took place on Sunday 3 October 2021.  GRRAC had 3 representatives running Zara Williamson, James Gostick (Gos) and

David Wright.  Finish times have been uploaded to the race results section but suffice

to say that they all did rather well.  A debut marathon for Gos who we somehow managed to miss on the course altogether.  But as you'll see from screenshots below Gos never misses a photo opportunity.  Did manage to catch Zara and David on two separate occasions. 

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Busy weekend of races

Posted on 7 September 2021

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Well after 18 months of very few races last weekend saw two local events well attended by GRRs.  Firstly, on the Saturday was the ever popular and unique Harvel 5.  Always a fun event hosted by Harvel Hash Harriers.  Then, on the Sunday it was the Paddock Wood Half Marathon which is always a precursor to London Marathon.  A number of GRRs ran in both events. 

 

Special mention should be given to Robin Heel who not only ran in both of these races but also did  parkrun on the Saturday morning before H5.  A further extra special mention goes to his son Daniel who is not actually a runner but has made a habit of doing these two races year on year.  Normally one is in March and other in June.  But this year they were on the same weekend so Daniel (who does no other running year round) made the supreme effort to complete both races.  

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Full results are on the website.

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Summer Club Runs from Cobham

Posted on 21 July 2021

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If a straw poll was taken amongst Gravesend Road Runners as to

whether they prefer running on roads or trails, there is little doubt

that trails would win out.  Here are a small selection of photos

from recent club runs on Tuesday evenings.  As you can see there

really is a lot of beautiful, scenic countryside to explore so close

to Gravesend.  Runs from Meadow Room, Cobham DA12 3BZ

start at 7pm on Tuesday evenings and will continue at least

until the end of August whilst there is still sufficient daylight. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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