There was an unexpected bonus for competitors in the East Peckham 10K on Sunday 28 July 2024 – the course was around 500m over distance due to extensive works near the usual start and finish area at East Peckham Playing Fields in Kent!

The race is organised on behalf of Paddock Wood & District Lions Club and the brunt of the rapid reorganisation fell to race organisation partners Nice Work Race Management, who posted this warning to runners on their website:

"We have had to make some updates to the course to accommodate urgent works that will be undertaken by Kent County Council in the coming days. Works will include felling trees and removing some old building structures on the adjacent school grounds. These works will entail the use of large machinery and equipment. Kent County Council have already fenced off the area and works are due to start imminently.

"To accommodate the works, our course experts have been working hard to craft an alternative route that will enable the race to go ahead. We will have marshals and signage on the course to guide you, however, it is important to note that the route will differ slightly from the GPX and course map included in the link below. The final distance will be closer to 10.5k and, unfortunately, the race will no longer carry a course accuracy certificate."

The race proceeded smoothly but with the extra distance involved and weather conditions described as: "Scorchio at East Peckham", on Nice Work's facebook page, there were few claims of any PBs.

The race winner was Ben Tyler (Medway & Maidstone AC, 33:58) more than two minutes slower than his 31:44 at Chichester this year. The runners-up were Tonbridge AC team mates Dan Bradley (35:15) and Matthew Dennis (36:04).

There was a big cheer for the leading ladies as the local Paddock Wood AC club members Becky Morrish (W35, 42:49) and Lisa Reid (43:04) battled for supremacy ahead of Emily Gamble (W45, 48:37). The women were typically three minutes below par due to the extra challenges on the day.

Full results and previous race reports at the runABC race listing here.

East Peckham 10K library photo from Nice Work