Reports for 2004

All reports by Alan Dolton unless otherwise credited.

South of Thames senior - Wimbledon Common - 18th December 2004
Surrey League XC - fixture 2 - women & men - 27th November 2004
Holland Sports track and field for 2004 season
East Surrey League - Lloyd Park - 30th October 2004
Amsterdam marathon - 17th October 2004
Surrey League XC - fixture 1 - men - 9th October 2004
Surrey League XC - fixture 1 - women - 9th October 2004
Wimbledon 10 - 3rd October 2004
Surrey Road Relays - 11th September 2004
Wimbledon 5K - 22nd August 2004
Elmbridge 10K - 25th July 2004
Elmore 7 - 17th July 2004
Vets track & field - Croydon - 5th July 2004
Dysart Dash - 27th June 2004
Dorking 10 - 6th June 2004
Richmond Half Marathon - 16th May 2004
Club Handicap 1 - 12th May 2004
Beckenham road relays - 5th May 2004
Sutton 10 K - 2nd May 2004
London Marathon - 18th April 2004
Ewell Ct road race - East Surrey League - 6th April 2004
Box Hill relays - East Surrey League - 20th March 2004
Harriers Invitational etc. - 28th February 2004
Surrey League XC - fixture 4  7th February 2004
Surrey League XC - fixture 3  10th January 2004
Surrey XC Championships  3rd January 2004

Jo cleans up at Wimbledon

Jo Corrigan produced another excellent run for Striders of Croydon in the annual South of the Thames Cross-Country championships, held at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. She finished eleventh of the 27 finishers in the women's race, covering the testing seven and a half mile course in 58 minutes 35 seconds. Club colleague Patricia Carr ran steadily for 24th in 69 minutes 43. Striders had eight finishers in the men's race, and placed tenth in the team event. Their first man home was club stalwart Nigel Davidson, who did well to finish 74th (49.54). Justin Macenhill, not at full fitness after treatment for a hip injury, ran steadily for 84th (51.25), while team manager Chris Morton started cautiously but moved through the field to place 97th (52.49). Alan Dolton finished 123rd (56.43) with Paul Weir 138th (61.25), Tom Littlewood 140th (61.47), David Denton 147th (69.04) and Kevin Burnett 152nd (81.42).

Leading debut for Corrigan

Striders of Croydon's women's team produced a very good performance in their Surrey Womens Cross-Country League Division 2 match at Richmond Park on Saturday. They finished third of the 25 teams in the match, and remain third in the overall table. However the promotion race remains extremely tight. Wimbledon Windmilers lead the division with 100 points, ahead of Walton (136), Striders (187) and Sutton Runners (191). These four clubs are well clear of the rest of the division, but with only three teams to be promoted, the remaining matches are likely to be extremely close. Striders' best performance at Richmond came from Jo Corrigan, making her league debut. She produced an excellent run to place 12th of the 91 runners in Division Two, covering the four-mile course in 30 minutes 12 seconds. Team captain Serena Stracey was not far behind in 15th place (30.36), and Striders' other three scorers packed very well with Faye Stammers placing 21st (31.19), Clare McFadzean 22nd (31.26) and Kerry Backshell 23rd (31.32). Striders' B team did well to finish 15th. They were led home by Patricia Carr who placed 47th (34.46), while Linda Daniel was 53rd (35.52) and Pat Edwards 58th (36.23). Striders had two competitors in the under-13 girls' race. Sophie Shaw placed 10th of the 36 finishers, covering the undulating two-mile course in 17 minutes 20 seconds. Club colleague Ciara Riordan was 28th (19.40).

Duncan Lancashire produced an outstanding run for Striders of Croydon in their Surrey League Division Three match at Lightwater last week. Making his league debut, he placed fourth of the 125 finishers, covering the undulating five-mile course in 29 minutes 30 seconds. The Macenhill brothers also both ran well, with Justin placing 13th (31.20) and Damian 27th (32.36). Ian Harrison achieved his best placing in the league with 28th (32.45), while two of Striders' veterans also produced very good performances, with Tony Sheppard 31st (33.08) and John Foster 32nd (33.13). Club secretary Chris Morton was not far behind in 40th place (33.26). Next home for the club was Paul Finch in 56th (34.50), while Mike Willans made his league debut and placed 66th (35.22). Striders' scoring team was completed by their oldest competitor, Peter Yarlett, who placed 86th in 36.50. Striders placed a close fourth in the match, and moved up to third in the Division Three table, maintaining their challenge for promotion. Epsom lead the division with 659 points, ahead of Woking (714), Striders (775) and Dorking (793).

22 May Southern League Div 4S Kingston
E Parker
    400H         75.8          5000m     18.01.04          110H          27.6
    3000SC    11.56.3     TJ          8.46
J Maerhill
    800m         2.11.5          400m          59.0              1500          4.42.6
    3000SC     11.56.8     Javelin      4.60

Only 5 competed for Holland today although we covered all events bar the 4x4 relay – a good all round effort. Justin did well in his 4 track events wining the 800 and the B steeplechase and being 2nd in both the 400 and 1500. His exertions on the track obviously affected his javelin. Eric had a rare win in the 400 Hurdles as well as winning the 5000m and steeplechase where he and Justin came home almost together well clear of the opposition.
Holland did well to finish 2nd with only 5 competitors.
    Redhill /Surrey Beagles     140,
    Holland Sports         128,
    Haywards Heath         122,
    Kingston Poly B        46
I was disappointed to miss this fixture being on holiday, as it was the first time in 8 seasons I have missed a Holland Sports Southern League match.

26 June Southern League Div 4S Ashford
C Cotton
    800m         2.32.4          1500          5.16.8
G Pullen
    5000m     22.28.2
E Parker
    400H         75.2          5000          17.36.8
    110H         28.2          3000SC     11.37.0
    Long Jump     4.28          Pole Vault     2.20
    TJ         7.62
K Burnett
    100m         16.7          Discus     16.61
Although there were only 3 teams it was a good competition with all events covered by all three teams. Ashford is a modern track with good facilities all round. Four striders were taking part with Colin making his debut in the Southern League. He acquitted himself well in both 800 and 1500m and a leg in the 4x4 relay. Graham ran his specialty event 5000m as well as officiating. Eric as usual had a busy afternoon with 9 events including relays, winning the 5000m and 2nd in the steeplechase. Eric keen and enthusiastic as ever travels by public transport from Southampton for these fixtures, often with Aiden his son and complete with camping gear/ tent and then competes practically throughout the afternoon with little rest.
We finished 3rd on the day behind Serpentine B, Tunbridge Wells/Langton.

10th July Southern League Div 4S Tooting Bec
C Cotton         800m 2.38.2      1500m 5.31.2
N Davidson     5000m 18.38.0
D Lovell         400m 62.6
G Pullen         Javelin 5.42 Shot 5.27 Discus 12.47
Holland were well beaten in this three team fixture by two of the strongest clubs in this league. Two striders were making their first appearance for Holland, Dave ran the 400m and finished 3rd in 62.6 and Nigel was also 3rd in the 5000m in 18.38.0. Colin who also competed at Ashford in the previous fixture, ran both the 800m and 1500m . Graham didn’t run on the track but competed in 3 throws instead.
Holland were 3rd in all events they contested, except for the high jump (2nd) and the A discus where Terry Reid was 2nd.
Eastbourne 152.5, Herne Hill 148, Holland Sports 55.53

31 July Southern League Div 4S Deangate
E Parker
    400H         77.1          800m          2.24.6         5000m     18.18.6
    Long Jump     4.68          110H          29.4          1500m     5.08.03
    3000SC    12.29.7 .    HJ         1.20         TJ          8.89
K Burnett
    100m         16.3          200m          35.1         Hammer     13.78
    Javelin     21.57         Shot          5.48          Discus     16.76
G Pullen
    800m         3.13.7          5000m     24.31.9      400m         82.8
    HJ         1.05
We only had 4 competing at picturesque Deangate on a fine sunny day. Nevertheless we covered all events (the only team to do so) although the pole vault was cancelled prior to the meeting as gypsies had entered the arena and damaged the equipment.
We only had two event winners (Eric in the B 110 hurdles and Rob Hall in the B steeplechase) but competing in all events we were able to pip Tonbridge B for 3rd place. Graham competed with an injured leg to enable us to field a team in each relay.

Medway and Maidstone B     139,
Horsham Blue Star         125,
Holland Sports              103,
Tonbridge     B              99.



We thus finished 10th in the League table as follows

East Bourne Rovers        25    709.5
Horsham B            23     665.5
Herne Hill H B            22      685
Paddock Wood             20      686.5
Tunbridge Wells/Langton         20      647
Serpentine B             19      639.5
Medway Maidstone         19      611
Worthing Harriers B         18      585.5
Haywards Heath/Lewes         16.5      597
Holland Sports             16      513.5
Tonbridge B             16      462
Crawley B                  15      429.5
Redhill & Surrey Beagles         14.5      554.5
Kingston Poly B            10      203
Swale Combine             9     172
Darford B                 2     18


Appearances Points
        Appearances         Points
                    A     B
K Burnett        3         6    27
C Cotton        2         9    4
N Davidson    1        3     0
D Lovell        1         3    0
J Macenhill    1        13     7
E Parker        4         47    56.5
G Pullen        4         3    29



As Well as Striders who competed this season Rob Hall (who has a London Marathon time of 2.43) is the most prolific competitor (even more so than Eric), having competed in all the events over the season. In at least 2 fixtures he contested 15 events in one afternoon – generally all A string events (including Relays). Others who competed this season are Daryl Hillier, Simon Wing, Mark Gamble, Michael Sinclair, Nick Potter and 2 juniors.
Lastly Nigel Bongers – he competed twice this season before sustaining a foot injury at Farthing Downs. As some of us know Nigel does a lot of work on behalf of Holland Sports be it administrative, team manger, coaching as well as competing. We from Striders who competed are indebted to Nigel for giving us the opportunity for competing
on the track in the Southern League.

Thank you Nigel.

Striders of Croydon had a good turnout of club members in the East Surrey League cross-country race in Lloyd Park, providing 16 of the 114 finishers. Striders' A team placed sixth of the 25 teams in the match, while their B team were 14th and their C team were 16th. Striders' first man home was again Justin Macenhill, who finished in 16th place, covering the five-mile course in 31 minutes 45 seconds. His brother Damian was next home for the club in 27th place (32.53), while club secretary Chris Morton also ran well for 32nd (33.41). Striders' next five runners were all veterans. They were led home by Tony Sheppard, who ran steadily for 37th place (34.05), two places ahead of Bob Ewen (34.30). John Foster was next home for the club in 44th (35.15). He was followed by two of Striders' over-50 runners, with Peter Yarlett placing 53rd (36.04) and Colin Cotton 57th (36.24). Triathlete Mark Eardley made his cross-country debut for the club in 60th place (36.37).

Striders' first woman to finish was Kerry Backshell in 85th place (40.10), while club colleague Patricia Carr placed 105th (45.11). In the young athletes' race, held over two miles, Sophie Shaw recorded 15 minutes 18 seconds to place 32nd overall and third in the under-13 girls' category.

Gerry continues marathon effort in Amsterdam

Striders of Croydon had eleven finishers in the recent Amsterdam Marathon. Pride of place went to club stalwart Gerry Crispie, who just continued his long sequence of finishing marathons in under three hours by recording 2 hours 59 minutes 58 seconds for 302nd place. Tim Bett was next home for the club in 3 hours 19 minutes 22. He was just seven seconds ahead of Ian Campbell, who gained the reward for some hard training by improving his personal best by more than an hour. Club chairman John Gannon also ran well for 3 hours 27.42. Don Kayum made a fast start and lost ground in the closing stages, but battled on to finish in 3 hours 30.45. Next home were two of the club's longest-serving members, with Alan Purchase recording 3.33.37 and Elene Kayum running 3.42.22. Morgan Steele ran steadily for 3.46.55, and the Striders' contingent was completed by Nick Kyritsis (4.18.23), Mick George (4.22.23) and Dave Hoben (4.23.59).

Justin leads Striders to 4th place

Striders of Croydon's men's team faced strong opposition in the first Surrey Cross-Country League Division 3 match of the season, at Epsom last Saturday. Having been relegated from Division Two last year, Striders are hoping to gain promotion at the first attempt, and were slightly disappointed to finish fourth of the nine competing clubs. Their first man home was the consistent Justin Macenhill who finished tenth, covering the five-mile course in 31 minutes 33 seconds. Tom Thrower also ran well to place 16th (32.21). Striders' next three runners were all veterans, with Don Kayum placing 26th in 33.28, ahead of Nigel Davidson (20th, 34.16) and Tony Sheppard (32nd, 34.20). New signing Ian Harrison made an excellent debut for 41st place (34.36). Club secretary Chris Morton was 46th (34.59) with Paul Finch 55th (35/24). The scoring team was completed by two more veterans, with Ian Campbell 67th (35.59) and John Foster 74th (36.49). Home club Epsom & Ewell won the match with 310 points, ahead of Haslemere (334), Woking (391) and Striders (397). These four clubs were well clear of their opponents, with Sutton taking fifth place with 463 points.

Debut Clare pips colleagues at Wimbledon Common

Striders of Croydon’s women’s team made a good start to their cross-country season by placing third of 14 clubs in the first Surrey Women’s Cross-Country League Division 2 match of the season, at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. They were led home by Serena Stracey, in her first race for eight months after a knee operation. She ran very well to finish sixth of the 83 finishers, covering the undulating six-kilometre course in 26 minutes 7 seconds. Striders’ next three runners had their own private battle, packing very well to finish within 13 seconds of each other. Clare McFadzean, making her league debut, ran strongly for 19th place (27.59) and was closely followed by Kerry Backshell (20th, 28.01) and Faye Stammers (21st, 28.12). Veteran Elene Kayum completed the scoring team in 28th place (28.55). Two of Striders’ newest members also ran as non-scorers, with Amalia Lima coming home ahead of Pat Edwards.

In the under-15 girls’ race, Daisy Collingridge ran steadily to finish 20th in a field of 37 finishers, covering the three-kilometre course in 13 minutes 26 seconds.

Striders of Croydon produced some good performances at Sunday's Wimbledon 10-mile road race, held on an undulating course, starting and finishing at Wimbledon Park. Their leading runner was again Justin Macenhill, who placed 11th in a field of 155 finishers, covering the course in 59 minutes 16 seconds. Veteran Don Kayum also did well, recording a personal best of 60 minutes 17 seconds for 14th place. Damian Macenhill was 18th in 62 minutes 10 seconds, one place and 16 seconds ahead of club colleague John Foster. Mike Willans ran a personal best of 65 minutes 30 seconds for 30th place, one place and five seconds ahead of new club secretary Chris Morton. Kerry Backshell had an excellent run to set a personal best 71 minutes 59 seconds. She was sixth woman to finish, and placed 53rd overall. Tom Littlewood was 77th (76.36), Paul Weir 84th (78.16) and James Mason 109th (83.25).

Lancashire shines for Striders

Striders of Croydon fielded four teams at the annual Surrey Road Relay Championships, held last Saturday at Wimbledon Park. Their best performance came from Duncan Lancashire, in only his second race for the club. Running the first leg, he did very well to place fifth in a high-quality field, covering the hilly 2.9 mile course in 15 minutes 15 seconds. Paul Finch faced strong opposition on the second leg and slipped to fourteenth (17.51), but Don Kayum regained four places on the third leg (16.47). Tom Thrower lifted Striders to ninth place (16.07), and both Justin Macenhill (16.01) and Damian Macenhill (18.34) held this position.
Striders' veterans finished seventh out of 17 teams in their event. Colin Cotton faced strong opposition on the first leg and placed 13th (18.28). Nigel Davidson lifted the team to 12th (17.56) while Alan Dolton moved up to ninth (18.45). Dave Batten produced an excellent run on the fourth and final leg, gaining a further two places with a time of 17 minutes 23. His son Matthew was Striders' youngest competitor and was the fastest runner for the club's B team, recording 19 minutes 50. Striders' women also did well to place ninth out of 15 teams. Both Kerry Backshell (20.25) and Faye Stammers (20.26) ran particularly well, while club stalwart Elene Kayum, the oldest member of their team, ran 21 minutes 15.

Striders ahead of local rivals at Wimbledon 5K

Striders of Croydon had another good turnout at last Sunday's Wimbledon five-kilometre road race, which was the final match of the Surrey Road League season. Striders' men placed seventh in the match, finishing the season in a very creditable sixth place of the 28 clubs in the league. Of the other local clubs, South London Harriers were eleventh while Croydon Harriers were sixteenth. Striders' women fielded a below-strength team because of holidays and placed tenth in the match, but finished the season in seventh place.

Kayum's lead Striders at Elmbridge

Striders of Croydon had another good turnout at the Elmbridge 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, with 20 of the 580 finishers. Their men's team placed eighth while their women's team was tenth. Their leading runner was again Justin Macenhill, who continued his return to form by taking 19th place in 35 minutes 24 seconds. Veteran Don Kayum was 50th (38.06), with Damian Macenhill 53rd (38.17). Striders' oldest competitor, Dave Batten, again ran well to record 39.28 for 78th place overall and ninth in the over-50 category. Mike Willans continued his improvement to run a personal best 39 minutes 30, placing 79th. Keith Brown was 95th (40.06), with Alan Dolton 105th (40.27) and Chris Morton 120th (40.52).
Striders' women were led home by club stalwart Elene Kayum who was the 39th woman to finish, recording 45 minutes 29 seconds. Kerry Backshell was 43rd (46.09) with Patricia Carr 85th (52.16) and Karen McDermott 110th (54.36).

Striders of Croydon were well represented at last week's Elmore 7-mile road race, with 16 of the 245 finishers. Their leading runner was again Justin Macenhill who placed eighth, covering the undulating course in an impressive time of 40 minutes 40 seconds. He was followed by his brother Damian, who placed 32nd (44.34). Striders' next three runners were all veterans. John Foster started steadily and worked his way through the field to place 37th (45.27). Mike Willans continued his recent improvement to place 42nd (46.08), just one place and five seconds ahead of club colleague Dave Batten. Team manager Chris Morton placed 60th (47.44), two places and 14 seconds ahead of fast-finishing Tim Bett. Striders' women were again led home by Kerry Backshell, who finished 103rd overall in 52 minutes 4 seconds. Stephanie Upton also ran well for 114th (53.08) with the improving Clare McFadzean 117th (53.40). Emma Haillay was below her usual form in the humid conditions, but still placed 151st (57.46).

Club records broken at Croydon Arena

Striders' track and field team produced their best performance of the season in their final Southern Veterans League match, held at Croydon Arena. They placed third of the eight competing clubs. Nigel Davidson ran well to win the steeplechase in a new club veterans' record of 11 minutes 34.4 seconds. Dave Batten also ran well to win the over-50 800 metres in 2 minutes 25.9 seconds, with club colleague Colin Cotton completing a double by winning the B race. Striders' women also had their best performance of the season, with club stalwart Michele Lawrence setting three new club records in the over-55 category.

Vets to the fore in the heat at Dysart

Striders of Croydon were well represented at Sunday's Dysart 10 kilometre road race, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. In unexpectedly hot conditions, they had 22 of the 426 finishers, with their men's team finishing in a respectable sixth place, and their women finishing eighth. Striders were again led home by Justin Macenhill, who celebrated his 32nd birthday by finishing 27th in 36 minutes 38 seconds. Striders' next two finishers were both veterans, with Don Kayum placing 31st in 36 minutes 53, just one place ahead of Bob Ewen (37.18). Damian Macenhill placed 57th

(38.59) and Dave Batten continued his recent good form with 68th place overall (39.39), placing fifth in the over-50 category. Alan Dolton was 83rd (40.30), closely followed by Mike Willans who ran a personal best 40.41, placing 90th. Striders' women were led home by Kerry Backshell, who ran 45.07 to finish 195th overall. Next home was Stephanie Upton who placed 230th in 47.06, just two places and six seconds ahead of club colleague Elene Kayum, who was fifth in the women's over-45 category. Emma Haillay was 250th (48.04), with Patricia Carr 328th (53.11) and Karen McDermott 342nd (54.08).

Striders ladies climb to second in Surrey Road League

Striders of Croydon's women produced a good team performance in the Dorking 10-mile road race, which incorporated the Surrey Championships and the Surrey Road League. They finished fifth in the team event, and climbed to equal second in the League. In warm conditions on an undulating course, they were led home by team captain Emma Haillay, who placed 25th in 78.49. Kerry Backshell was 35th (80.24) with Stephanie Upton 44th (82.08) and Patricia Carr 93rd (93.35). Striders' men placed tenth in the team event, and are now equal fifth in the Road League. They were led home by the Macenhill brothers, with Justin placing 34th (62.31) and Damian 46th (64.14). Striders' next five finishers were all veterans. Gerry Crispie made a welcome return to Striders colours and placed 69th (66.45), while new recruit John Foster made a good debut to finish 75th (67.22). Dave Batten placed 106th (70.15), with Tim Bett 123rd (71.58) and Ian Campbell 117th (72.11).

Meanwhile, Striders' Sian Roberts made her marathon debut at Stockholm, finishing in a creditable 5 hours 30 minutes 33 seconds.

Striders finish third at Richmond Park

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to place third in the Richmond Half-Marathon, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. Host club Ranelagh Harriers gained a comfortable win, with Herne Hill second. Striders' leading runner was again Justin Macenhill, who placed 20th of the 468 finishers, recording a time of 83 minutes 53 seconds. Veteran Don Kayum also ran well for 35th (84.38), while Damian Macenhill showed improved form to complete the scoring team in 29th (85.25). Dave Batten ran well to placed fourth in the over-50 category and 59th overall (90.36), while Ian Campbell ran a personal best 94.01 for 85th place. Striders had a total of 14 finishers, with their other runners being Alan Dolton (96.17), Geoff Pennells (96.21), Matthew Batten (96.34), Tim Bett (98.13), Mike Willans (1.40.35), Bob Pullen (1.54.07), Don Smale (1.55.45), Paul Weir (1.58.48) and Liz Orange (2.42.46).

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent performance to place third in the Beckenham Running Club road relay. On the first leg Lee Morgan brought Striders home in a close second place, covering the 2.6 mile course in 14 minutes 19 seconds. Veteran Don Kayum took over and moved Striders into the lead with 14.41. On the final leg Justin Macenhill faced strong opposition from Aldershot and Kent AC, and despite running a very respectable 14.23, had to settle for third place, just ten seconds behind the Kent runner. Cambridge placed fourth with South London Harriers fifth.

Kevin climbs to handicap win

Striders had a good turnout of 35 runners in the first of their popular five-mile handicap races, on a hilly course in the Sandilands area. Veteran Kevin Bannister was the first runner to finish, with Patricia Carr also running well for second place. The fastest actual time was set by Justin Macenhill (29.12), with veteran Bob Ewen second (30.02). Kerry Backshell was the fastest woman (36.15).

Striders of Croydon had an impressive total of 24 finishers in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race, which was the first Surrey Road League match of the season. Striders' leading runner was Justin Macenhill, who placed 30th, covering the three-lap course in 37 minutes 39 seconds. Veteran Don Kayum was next home in 37th place (38.06), with Damian Macenhill 50th (39.10) and Alan Dolton 53rd (39.33). Dave Batten had an excellent run to finish third in the over-50 category, placing 58th overall (39.45). Mike Willans placed 74th (40.46) and Morgan Steele 87th (41.27). Striders' women were led home by Kerry Backshell, who finished 171st (47.33), ten places ahead of team-mate Emma Haillay (48.25). Patricia Carr completed the team, recording 53 minutes 32 for 238th.

Striders of Croydon had an impressive total of 20 finishers at Sunday's Flora London Marathon. Their leading runner was long-distance specialist Dave Shaw who covered the distance in 2 hours 56 minutes 26 seconds, finishing 845th overall. Next home was Tim Bett, who had completed the Two Oceans 35-mile marathon in Cape Town the previous week, and still had sufficient stamina to record 3 hours 28 minutes 27. Striders' next three finishers were all women. Elene Kayum ran 3 hours 33 minutes 21, and was followed by club colleagues Kate Custis (3.36.38) and Emma Haillay (3.41.56). Wayne Riches ran steadily to record 3.51.20 with Phil Mazur next home in 4.01.49. There were also particularly good runs from two of Striders' women who were tackling the event for the first time. Clare McFadzean ran 4 hours 17.29 while Karen McDermott ran 4.31.27. Striders also had two competitors in the under-13 girls' section of the 'mini-marathon', held along the final part of the marathon course. Ciara Riordan ran well to place 78th in 20 minutes 20, getting the better of club colleague Sophie Shaw who was 106th (21.15).

Lee takes Striders to runners-up spot

In the Under-13 race, held over the same course, Striders' Daisy Collingridge had an excellent run, recording an impressive 13.49 and beating all the other girls and all but two of the boys.

Team do well at Invitational event

Striders of Croydon produced a good team performance in an inter-club cross-country match in Lloyd Park, promoted by their local rivals Croydon Harriers. Striders had 16 runners competing, and did well to win the six-to-score match, and place second of the six competing clubs in the four-to-score match, behind Medway, but ahead of Crawley, Croydon Harriers, Collingwood and Tadworth.

(41.12) and there were good runs from two of Striders' over-50s, Dave Batten placing 15th (43.30) and Peter Yarlett 18th (43.43). Team manager Chris Morton was 19th (44.20), with Dave Shaw 29th (46.25) and Matthew Batten 31st (46.38). The meeting also included an under-17 race, which incorporated the trials for the Croydon Borough team for the London Mini-Marathon. Striders' Sophie Shaw had an excellent run to win the under-13 girls' category, finishing ahead of all the under-15 girls and covering the two-mile course in 16 minutes 27 seconds. Her club colleague Ciara Riordan also ran well to place fourth in the under-13 girls' category (17.40). Both Sophie and Ciara can now look forward to representing the borough in the Mini-Marathon on April 18th.

Striders turn out in numbers at Lloyd Park

Striders of Croydon had an excellent turnout in the Surrey Cross-Country League matches last Saturday, with 39 club members competing. Their star performer was again Daisy Collingridge, who placed fourth in the under-13 girls' race, covering the muddy three-kilometre course in 13 minutes 10 seconds. Club colleague Sophie Shaw was 24th in 14 minutes 59 seconds, one place and three seconds ahead of the improving Ciara Riordan. Striders placed fifth in the team event, and finished the season in eleventh place from the 18 competing teams. Striders' women produced their best performance of the season to place fifth in their Division 2 match, lifting them to seventh place in the final Division 2 table. They were again led home by Serena Stracey who placed 15th, covering the six-kilometre course in 25 minutes 58 seconds. Club colleague Diane Ballard placed 19th (26.48), with team captain Emma Haillay running well for 27th (27.52). Kerry Backshell showed improved form to place 47th (29.25), while veteran Elene Kayum completed the A team in 55th place (30.04). Striders' B team also did well to place 16th of the 28 teams (and third B team). Stephanie Upton, returning after illness, placed 60th (30.20), with Linda Daniel 69th (31.16). Sian Roberts made a promising debut to place 75th (32.00), while Patricia Carr was 79th (32.35) and Yvonne Harrison 97th (34.22). Striders' men faced strong opposition in their Division 2 match. Justin Macenhill had an excellent run to place ninth, covering the five-mile course in 30 minutes 33 seconds. Striders' next three runners were all veterans. Long-distance specialist Dave Shaw ran well to place 33rd (32.20), with Bob Ewen 47th (32.59) and Gerry Crispie 66th (33.23). Striders showed good team spirit with 24 finishers, but with only four of these in the top 70, they had to settle for ninth place in the match, and are relegated to Division Three for next season.

Serena leads Striders at Petersham

Striders of Croydon's women competed at Petersham in Division 2 of the Surrey Women's Cross-Country League. They placed eighth in the match, and are now tenth in the division with one match remaining. Their first woman home was Serena Stracey who produced an excellent run to finish ninth, covering the four-mile course in 24 minutes 20 seconds. Diane Ballard also ran well for 18th place (24.58), while club stalwart Elene Kayum was 41st (26.44). Kerry Backshell placed 72nd (28.55) with Patricia Carr 95th (30.55) and Michele Lawrence 98th (31.10). This Saturday (24th) Striders' men and women are competing at Parliament Hill in the Southern Cross-country Championships.

Striders of Croydon produced an improved performance in the third Surrey Cross-Country League Division 2 match of the season, held on Saturday at Merrow. They had 24 finishers, and placed fifth of the nine competing teams. They were led home by Justin Macenhill who had an excellent run to place 15th, covering the five-mile course in 28 minutes 38 seconds. Striders' next two runners were both veterans, with Don Kayum placing 31st (30.07) and Bob Ewen 32nd (30.08). Simon Alexander placed 40th (30.24), while Tom Thrower, in his first appearance for the club, made a very promising debut with 48th place (30.38). Damian Macenhill was 69th (31.45) and the scoring team was completed by Gerry Crispie 74th (31.57), Chris Morton 83rd (32.34), Peter Yarlett 87th (32.57) and Colin Cotton 94th (33.22).