Runners were in favour of the new course and Race HQ for the long-standing Canterbury 10-mile road race on Sunday, 25th January 2026. The move to the University of Kent Sports Centre and a flatter, faster route saw an increased entry with over 1,500 finishers in 2:26:00.

The revised course starts right outside the Race HQ in Sports Centre Road. An opening mile lap is completed within the University campus before a large loop towards Whitstable on the Kent coast, passing through the villages of Tyler Hill and Radfall before following the Crab and Winkle Way back to the University of Kent for the finish on Sport Centre Road.

The city of Canterbury has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, being the home of the shrine of the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket, and the end of the 138-mile Pilgrims Way historic route from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral.

The race is organised by Invicta East Kent AC. It is always well attended, despite usually being held the day after the South of England Cross Country Championships. In fact, some hardened racers gain extra kudos by completing both events over the weekend!

The new course helped defending champion Cole Gibbens (Tonbridge AC) lower his personal best to 50:17, nearly a minute faster than last year. Gibbens was pushed all the way by Dillon Hobbs (Tunbridge Wells Harriers, 50:20). Wegahta Zerom (Ashford AC, 53:14) was third as 26 athletes beat 60 minutes.

Rebecca Weston (Invicta East Kent, 56:48) also defended her title in a time that was 29 seconds better than in 2025. W45 Helen Gaunt (Tonbridge AC, 60:41) was the first master athlete and second overall. Amelie Karlsson (Tunbridge Wells Harriers, 62:35) completed the women's podium, as over 20 women were home inside 70 minutes.

Results and reports are available at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo from the 2022 race courtesy of Canterbury 10 on Facebook