2025 – The biggest year in Holland Sport’s history!
We kick-started the year with the third instalment of our highly valued Surrey League season. The race through the usually tranquil Oxshott Woods saw us dominate the standings as both the men’s and women’s teams moved into a position to earn promotion in the final race in February.
In February the success started to flow, Chichester 10km delivered 5 PB’s for all 5 athletes, performance of the day was delivered by Steve Gregory who went sub 40 with a time of 39:34. Ruby Masson finished as Kent’s 4th runner at Southeast Schools inter-county cross-country, continuing her outstanding cross-country form. Star-boy Jack Kavanagh dominated the 5k scene with strong runs in both Armagh and Battersea, the latter saw him win in 13:42. The Battersea Podium 5k saw further Stellar runs from Kieran, Christian and Harvey. The highlight of the month was both the Men and Women’s team winning promotion to the top division of Surrey cross-country; the success achieved throughout the team honours the rise of the club in the last 5 years. The achievement was honoured with an equally big celebration in the evening; the club spirit was special.
As cross-country dissipated until the autumn, marathon training reached the later stages and ultra running began to become a key part of Holland culture. Nick Morrison went sub 1:20 for the first time at the Brighton half marathon with an exceptional 1:18. Tom Thornley ran a cracking 1:18 at Bath half, proving to be great prep for his upcoming Manchester marathon (2.55). There was a big turnout from Holland at the Paddock Wood half, Chris Blackburn ran the time of the day with an outstanding 1:14. Jack and Christian represented Holland at the highly respected Leicester Podium festival.
We kick-started April with marathon debuts for Kirsty, Sophie and Amy in Brighton, the event which saw Paddy Murphy run an outstanding 2:55. Emma Proto gave us the impression she was superhuman as she ran both the Boston and London Marathon within the same week. London marathon was a special day in the sun for Holland as a pack of Holland Runners competed. Kieran Barnes ran a ridiculously good 2:31, setting a new club record. Paddy W, Nick M, Aziouz and Chris took on the gruelling South Down’s way 50 miler, while Jack set the club record (1.52) over a rare 800m. Christian Lee reached a new peak, running a ten second personal best (3:57) over 1500m in Watford. There was a special performance from Ben Hilson who ran 15:55 in Battersea, he was perfectly paced by Chris Blackburn (15:48) over his signature 5k.
May began with club legends Rob and Andy running 5k PB’s in Brighton. Christian Lee became Surrey county champion over 800 metres; he returned to the top of the podium for the first time since his teenage years. Ben Hall and Paddy Wightman stepped onto the picturesque North Downs way and then decided to dominate the event, both finished near the front. There was a trip up north for Nick, Amy, Paul and Angela who tackled the Edinburgh half. Chris Blackburn took home the win in the England vs Wales Masters; Stuart completed his first ultra and Marcus showed some grit when running the SDW 100km. We finished the month watching the Comeback 5000 in Battersea park, performance of day was from Christian who went sub 15 as his fine form continued.
Summer training was flowing in June, and it was the start of track season for some of the team who raced a baking hot 3000m in Wimbledon, the prodigy Ben Hilson ran a fantastic race finishing in a rapid 8:57, his race craft worked perfectly. An outing to the scenic Nonsuch Park saw the men’s A team win the relay. Matt Orbell dished up a class performance in Stockholm over the marathon distance. The Dorking ten-mile race saw the male team finish second as Phil Swinburn made his debut and the female squad finished in a highly respectable 5th place.
July welcomed the inaugural Holland Sport’s relays, the event was well with 70 athletes taking part and very well organised, celebrating the clubs incredible spirit. Phil Vowles completed the Alpe D’Huez triathlon at a staggering 2000 metres elevation. Jack Kavanagh set the 3000m national athletics league record, his 7:58 broke Phil Sesman’s record. Sam Long and Ciaran Lyas both ran their best 5k times of the year in Battersea. We spent a track session in front of the camera as Nick Bester filmed a YouTube video with his second claim team.
The highlight of August was Jack Kavanagh battling his way to second place in the UK Champs, finishing just behind Josh Kerr. As a result, the cameras were back at Mill Lane, this time was the turn of BBC News South East filming a special segment on Jack’s profound success. Elsewhere, Ant ran an excellent 5k in Colchester and Sophie ran a 52 second PB in Poole, her time of 20:35 was very much deserved considering her efforts in training.
September kicked off with 15 of the seniors spreading the Holland vest throughout Battersea Park (again), notable performances were from Sam Burgoyne (15:43) who clocked a 40 second PB and Ben Hilson who ran 15:41. Lucy completed her next major, as she represented Holland in Berlin. Aziouz set the V60 course record in at the centurion Chiltern Wonderland 50, his longevity and ease with mileage constantly impresses everyone involved with the club. Many exceptional times were run at the Vitality 10km, Andy Green running 31:35 through the streets of London was a very respectable performance.
The adored cross-country was back in October; the sun shined down on Mill Lane as Holland hosted their first event in division one. The team raised their standards as the club welcomed junior graduates Ben, Ewan, Lucas and Alice to the senior team. Neil Jones filmed the race; he got some excellent shots of the finish. The home event was organised wonderfully by the team. On the same weekend, athletes flew through the local Titsey Trail. In the Victoria half Nick Hickman broke 1:30 as Amy also ran an impressive PB. Ethan joined the sub 3 club in Amsterdam, Steve Aish showed his consistency by also running sub-3. Holland Sports invested in their human capital as Emma and Andy become club coaches. It was a tropical trip to Madeira for Chris Blackburn who continued his master’s season by finishing 6th at the European masters 5k. The masters team provided the club with a great team performance in the masters xc champs as results were consistently good across all age groups. There was marathon success for Nick Richards and Nick Hickman in Frankfurt and James Staton in the hilly Beachy Head marathon. The busy month was rounded out with the Thames Half, Phil Swinburn finished in second with an impressive 73:05.
The second instalment of Surrey league cross-country resulted in the sports racing in Beckenham, both teams performed very well. After making his Surrey league debut Andy Green continued his cross-country season at the Liverpool cross challenge, his exceptional performance shows the future is bright. Coach Neil said Jack was ‘in form’ before Podium 5k in Battersea Park, and he was right as Jack set a new course record, running 13:34. Battersea Park was also the home of the masters 5k champs, the women’s team aged 35-44 ran themselves to a medal, Hollands success in Battersea is starting to make the park feel like a second home. Emma completed her next major as she finished the New York marathon. The iconic gold Surrey vest was worn by Alice Martin, the call-up alone credits Alice’s quick rise since joining the club.
The fantastic year continued into December, Jack went 11th on the GB all-time 5-mile leaderboard as he won yet again in Battersea, how many times have you read that in this article? December was the month for parkrun milestones, James Saunders reached 400 and Mark Champagne ran is 250th. Ant Moore organised a Christmas day parkrun, as he starts his project of organizing some group Parkruns. On a frosty morning in Bromley, Alice Martin dug deep to go sub 20 for the first time. About 12 hours before midnight on new year’s eve, Andy set the final PB of the year, clocking 14:40.
2025 has been a very special year for Holland, momentum is building for a 2026 filled with even more success. This surface level report is evidence of just how much goes on at our small grassroots running club.
Here’s to a special 2026!
