There's just over a month before the 32nd Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 13th March. There are nearly 1,200 entries at the time of going to press, although that number is increasing rapidly, with the 2,500 race limit likely to be reached. This year sees a return to Kent's biggest half marathon's preferred position in the calendar as an ideal pipe-opener for the spring marathon season. 

Last year's race had to be shunted back to 5th September due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resulted in wins for Nick Dawson (Worthing, 1:07:51) and Izzy Coomber (Lewes, 1:21:28) on a baking hot day. Despite the oppressive conditions, 170 runners beat 90 minutes; 720 were inside two hours and there were 1,350 finishers in 3:44:21. 

When conditions are conducive this is a fast course, with classy records of 1:05:06 by Frank Tickner (Wells City Harriers, 2013) and 1:13:25 by Tish Jones (Belgrave Harriers, 2014). 

Lambert & Foster Estate Agents are the headline sponsors for another year and will again be present with the Lambert & Foster "Selfie Stand" for those all-important media posts. Thirsty competitors will be able to sample a refreshing, non-alcoholic craft beer post-race from the Athletic Brewing Company – so runABC readers can now drink ABC! 

The inaugural champions in 1989 were Derek Stevens (Hastings, 1:08:04) and Sue Martin-Clarke (Medway, 1:22:16) who went on to become the most successful athlete with five wins, since matched by Paddock Wood's Tina Oldershaw between 1998 and 2013. Medway AC's Barry Royden is the most prolific male winner, with three wins between 1998 and 2004.

This traditional road race is organised by the local Paddock Wood AC club and pacers will be provided for 1:40; 1:50; 2:00; 2:15 and 2:30 pace to help you to that all-important PB.  

Race details and entries (at £24/£26) are available at the event website here

Previous results and past event reports are available at runABC South's race listing here

Image courtesy James Ridger, Paddock Wood AC