The fur was flying as Maidstone Harriers added a canicross category to their annual Ditton Turkey Run on Sunday 8 December 2024. Storm Darragh did not deter 354 solo runners and 53 pooch pilots from tackling the hilly, muddy, 7.5-mile course from the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, East Malling Research Centre in Kent.

The countryside is well known for runABC South news writer Alan Newman, a former Ditton resident and past winner – those were the days! Sadly, the race winner no longer receives the turkey that gave the event its name but there is still a generous prize list, including awards for the best fancy dress (male and female).

This was the 31st hosting of the Ditton Turkey Run for Maidstone Harriers, the friendly club of around 300 members that welcomes runners and triathletes of all abilities to join training runs from Maidstone Hockey Club on Wednesday evenings – click here for details.

This year's mud master was M40 Lee Cooper (Larkfield AC, 43:13) who had a healthy margin to spare over runners-up John O'Mahony (M40 Cambridge Harriers, 46:51) – the defending champion – and Mason Nugent (unattached, 48:47).

In the women's category, Laura Jackson (W35 unattached, 55:08) took the win followed by Maidstone Harriers' Emma Risby (56:39) and W45 Claire Stone (Larkfield AC, 57:31).

The canicross race saw fast winning times for Simon Apps (47:05) and Lesley Culver (52:56) – the fastest female time on the day.

Every finisher received a bespoke medal, T-shirt, and goodie bag while the rapid results are provided by NE Timing.

Full results are available at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy Maidstone Harriers Turkey Run Gallery