by Alan Newman

John Gilbert of Kent AC will be hoping for a third consecutive senior men’s title in the Kent Cross-Country Championships at the County Showground, Detling on Saturday.

But he will have to overcome six times champion Michael Coleman of Medway and Maidstone AC, pictured.

The senior women’s race could see a successful defence by 2012 champion Grace Nicholls (Tonbridge AC) under pressure from Kent League
leader Nicole Taylor (Tonbridge) and top W45 masters Clare Elms (Dulwich Runners) and Paddock Wood’s Maria Heslop and Tina Oldershaw.

Tonbridge AC were the club to beat in the young athletes races last year and,
if anything, are even stronger now under the direction of Athletics Weekly
coach-of-the-year Mark Hookway.

Defending champions, sisters Bobby Clay (under-15) and Alex Clay (under-17) of Invicta East Kent have been selected to represent GB Juniors at the
Bupa Great Edinburgh International cross-country on the same day, along
with Tonbridge junior Henry Pearce.

The 10-race programme starts at 10.30am and the mainly-flat course is
perfect for spectators.