There are good days to support running events...and great days! Sunday 11 May 2025 was one of the best days for runABC correspondent Alan Newman and his wife, Sue James, who live right on the course of the Maidstone Riverside 10K and 10 miles by Running and Riding Events. Here is Alan's account of an event that could not be more local...

It was already warm, but with a cooling breeze, as we headed down the Maidstone River Park – a 10.5K cycle and footpath from Barming, through Maidstone town centre, to Aylesford – which is conveniently accessed from our home overlooking the tranquil River Medway.

We arrived in time to get ahead of the combined 10K and 10-mile races so we could cheer on friends and club colleagues and give the whole pack a shout. Running 10K or 10 miles on a warm day was going to be challenging for everyone, even though the towpath route is predominantly flat.

After seeing everyone safely through the opening kilometre, we joined in at the back until we could leave the completely traffic-free route via a bridge beside the home of the mighty Maidstone United FC (pictured) to visit a local supermarket (name rhymes with 'middle') that excels in the bakery department!

Soon we were laden with chocolate croissants and pastel de natas (small Portuguese egg custard tarts) and jogging home on the opposite side of the river for our elevenses, still with a cross-river view of the race unfolding.

Next, it was onto the river terrace at home for a brew and a late pastry-based breakfast as the 10-mile competitors came toiling past us twice on their out-and-back extension to the 10K route. We received many positive comments from the runners, thanking us for our support and sharing the simple pleasures of running in such beautiful surroundings on a lovely day.

We were impressed by the high level of determination of the tailenders and felt a sense of satisfaction that we had helped them just a little in their quest that day.

For the record, the 10K winners were Eduardo Montoya Montero (unattached, 36:48) and Petra Dlugosova (Rebel Runners Medway, 45:07). The 10 mile champions were Isaac Andrews (Hedge End Runners, 64:08) and Emily Hale (Medway & Maidstone AC, 68:14). All four set new course records for this relatively new event.

For more information, visit the Maidstone Riverside 10K and 10 miles website here.

Results are at the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy of Maidstone River Park on Facebook