Elite Medway Mile race

Some of Medway's finest middle distance runners assembled on the start line to contest the inaugural elite Medway Mile.

A field of around 30 athletes who either compete for Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club or train in Medway were invited to take part in the race, which was a precursor to the mass Medway Mile.

Photo of the winners of the men's elite Medway Mile race, held to mark five years until the London 2012 Games

The form athletes going into the event included Ben Tyler, who is currently enjoying his best ever season on the track, and Michael Coleman, Kent Cross Country champion for the past four years.

Also on the start list was British Veterans Cross Country Champion Barry Roydon, Medway’s most honoured athlete with eight Kent cross country titles behind him and a string of international vests.

First to cross the line in a time of 4 minutes 28 seconds was Ben Tyler. He was closely followed by Michael Coleman.

Photo of the winners from the elite Medway Mile race

University of Kent at Medway logo

In the women's race, first home was Carly Bland, with Emma Harraden and Sarah Paynton taking second and third spot respectively.

The elite Medway Mile was organised by the Adrian Lowther of Medway and Maidstone AC and sponsored by the University of Kent at Medway.

Adrian said, "The elite race proved very successful and popular. The two winners put in great performances and Medway and Maidstone AC were delighted to be a part of the day. All the elite athletes are keen to come back next year and I hope we can grow the event to get even more people involved."

Full table of results

Position	Name	Club	Time
1	Ben Tyler	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:28.0
2	Michael Coleman	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:28.6
3	James Walsh	Leeds AC	4:30.4
4	Tom Collins	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:38.1
5	Adrian Lowther	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:39.5
6	Dan Evans	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:40.3
7	James Ridger	Paddock Wood AC	4:41.6
8	Pat Curran	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:43.3
9	Lynton Lythgoe	Ashford AC	4:45.5
10	Barry Royden	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:53.0
11	Rob Shaw	Paddock Wood AC	4:54.6
12	Clayton Barrett	Medway and Maidstone AC	4:55.0
13	Antony Pinol	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:03.5
14	Andrew Green	Dartford Road Runners	5:05.4
15	Josh Elderfield	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:10.4
16	Joe Green	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:11.8
17	Jim McNeil	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:13.5
18	Gareth Williams	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:16.1
19	Bob Fursey	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:20.0
20	Mark Cryer	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:20.4
21	Steve Kelly	Ashford AC	5:20.4
22	Ian Hough	City of Sheffield AC	5:21.6
23	Adrian Moody	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:22.1
1	Carly Bland	Dartford Road Runners	5:38.3
24	Paul Firmin	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:43.5
25	Andrew Horton	Dartford Road Runners	5:47.9
2	Emma Harraden	Medway and Maidstone AC	5:56.6
3	Sarah Kenyon	Medway and Maidstone AC	6:14.4
4	Kerri Lee	Medway and Maidstone AC	6:26.1

July 2007 news