Tonbridge Half Marathon

Athlete Kim Wall accepts cheque 

on behalf of The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust

Tonbridge Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Tonbridge have announced that the second TonbridgeHalf Marathon which took place in September raised over £10,500. When added to the amounts raised by individual competitors the money raised is in excess of £50,0000 shared by 40 different charities.

Rotary President Bryan Vernon (left) and Lions President Mike Stout

The presidents of the two clubs, Mike Stout and Bryan Vernon have presented cheques for £3000 to each of the three main beneficiaries – Demelza Hospices for Children, Kent Air Ambulance and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

Mike Stout and David Duncombe from Kent Air Ambulance

Karen Warner thanked the event organisers on behalf of Demelza Hospices. David Duncombe from Kent Air Ambulance spoke of how such donations were aiding local emergency medical services. The DKH Legacy Trust was represented by Kim Wall, a former GB 400m runner who conveyed the gratitude of Dame Kelly to the organisers and competitors. 

A further beneficiary of the event was Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource Ltd and Len Horwood was presented with a cheque for £1000.

Karen Warner from Demelza and Bryan Vernon

Jonny Cass, a K College student, showed a video that he had made of the event.  Race Director, Andy Blundell, reported that feedback from the race entrants was very positive and encouraging enough for the event to be run again next year.

TONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON

I've just returned from the start of the first ever Tonbridge Half Marathon, and a brilliant start it was.  The band was playing, the atmosphere was infectious, cameras were at the ready and even a balloon artist was entertaining the children. Under clear blue sunny skies the runners were raring to go and awaiting the start, which our own Dame Kelly Holmes had the honour of getting under way.  I am not a runner myself, and so know little about perfect weather conditions for these events, but I did hope that the warm temperatures at the starting grid wouldn't take their toll on the competitors as they travelled around the country lanes and highways surrounding Tonbridge.

Although Dame Kelly has a slight and petite frame she certainly did not have a voice to match as she wished all the competitors good luck, towering high above the runners on the roof of a car her mighty voice carried the length of Brook Street and beyond, and with one blow of the starting horn they were off.

A great day and a first for Tonbridge.

Dame Kelly Holmes

A pic for Twitter

On your marks - get set (check the time)

and GO