Event Review by
Martin Jones
“It feels harder work than road running, but is more fun and the camaraderie is second to none.”
KFL Runner: Martin Jones
Club:
Maidstone Harriers
Favourite course:
Minnis Bay
Footwear:
Trail shoes (spikes if soft underfoot)
Top tip:
Save your legs for the final mile
Martin joined the Harriers in 2021 and jumped into his first KFL season soon after. He hadn’t run cross country since school, yet discovered a series that is tougher than road, more social and huge fun.
My First KFL
What surprised you most?
Running on grass, mud and through woodland is a very different technical challenge. It feels harder work than road running, but is more fun and the camaraderie is second to none.
What made you come back?
The league is a brilliant series of races for runners of all abilities.
How did the team help?
Course tips, shoe advice and plenty of encouragement on the line.
Why did you sign up and did you enjoy it?
I joined the Harriers in 2021 and in my first Summer talked to a few Harriers who were excited at the Kent Fitness league coming back after COVID.
I hadn’t run Cross country since school – but from that first season I genuinely loved it. Taking place across Kent and only available for affiliated clubs and runners it is a brilliant series of races for runners of all abilities (unless you win it twice!!!)
How does cross-country feel compared to road?
Running on grass, mud, through woodland is a very different technical challenge. It feels harder work than road running, but is more fun and the camaraderie is second to none
Favourite course and why?
My favourite race is Minnis Bay, a truly unique out and back. Exposed to the elements, hundreds of runners make their way along the bay and back passing through a number of infamous muddy dykes. You can avoid getting muddy if you want, or go for it. Just be careful because that can go spectacularly wrong! I cannot wait for next year.
Top Tips for KFL
Tip #1
Lean into the off-road challenge
Running on grass, mud, through woodland is a very different technical challenge.
Tip #2
Expect it to feel tougher than road, then enjoy it
It feels harder work than road running, but is more fun!
Tip #3
Minnis Bay: choose your line, take care
You can avoid getting muddy if you want, or go for it. Just be careful because that can go spectacularly wrong!
Thank You, Martin!
Thanks to Martin Jones for sharing why he loves the Kent Fitness League. His enthusiasm for muddy miles at Minnis Bay and beyond is infectious.
Ready To Give It A Go?
Already a Harrier? Check out the club app to register.
Not yet a Harrier? Join Maidstone Harriers to race with us this winter.
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