When I arrived bright and early at Eynsford there were already loads of Swanley runners helping to get everything ready for the race . .

the car park was a pleasant stroll down the road from the car park, although as race time approached the need to get to Race HQ became more urgent . .

the marshals were at HQ in plenty of time for their briefing . .

 . . and to receive their bibs . .

to collect your race number you had to go onstage which would have been a new experience for some, and the Hall soon filled up but many people took advantage of the bright sunshine and gathered outside to stretch and warm up . .

and as the start time of 8.30 approached the runners began to collect behind the start line . .

and once our Race Director had got the final ok from the local police to go ahead, he gave the pre-race briefing . .

and for the 20th time the Darent Valley 10k was about to get under way . .