Racing Through Tricky Conditions at the Brett Lydd Marathon

Facing difficult weather conditions, runners at the 16th Brett sponsored event toughed it out for the 20 mile and Half Marathon.

Organised by Nice Work, the 2023 Brett Lydd 20 mile and Half Marathon saw around 700 runners taking on the flat country roads that surround Lydd and Romney Marsh.

The course saw some impressive performances across the board which included a number of personal bests and will remembered by many for the tough conditions faced by runners, with high winds making for a tricky run. Some participants described it as one of the toughest races they had ever completed, however despite the conditions the competitors’ spirits remained high.

Thomas Brooke of the Cambridge Harriers raced the distance for the first time this year and won the men’s 20-Mile with a time of 1:55:09, earning himself the well-deserved £100 first place prize. Following him were Aiden Gordam of Ashford and District Road Running Club in 2:00:36, and Anthony Bradley of the Lonely Goat Running Club in 2:02:37.

Standing strong in first for the women’s 20-mile was Maeve Kenny of the South London Harriers, completing the race in a final time of 2:16:58, followed by Ashley Pearson of the Blackheath & Bromley Fleet Feet in 2:20:15, and Camilla Witts in 2:25:58.

Maeve Kenny with her first place medal after finishing the tough race

Taking first place in the half marathon was Chris Edwards of the Dover Road Runners with a time of 1:20:12. Second and third place were claimed by Belgrave Harriers’ David Walsh, and Canterbury Harriers’ Paul Knight, with the respective times of 1:20:17 and 1:21:20.

For the women’s half marathon, Aislinn Darvell took the top spot with a time of 1:28:10, with runners up Hannah Green of the London City Runners taking second in 1:28:37, and Kate Woodbridge in third-place with a time of 1:34:59.

Nice Work’s Managing Director, Rachael Wood said: “Despite the challenging conditions the race was a great success, and we would like to thank our sponsor Brett for their continued support in bringing this important event to the community”.

If you are interested in taking part in next year's event, please visit the Nice Work website to register. Home | Nice Work Race Management (nice-work.org.uk)