Race reports

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Championships at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Their best performance came from Barry White who placed 89^th of the 154 male finishers, covering the undulating twelve-kilometre course in 49 minutes 03 seconds. Team manager Chris Morton was 120^th (52.16), with veteran Bob Ewen 137^th (54.56), Neil Furze 147^th (61.22) and Tom Littlewood 148^th (62.43).

Earlier that day, Striders had a total of 14 finishers in the various local parkruns. Their best performance came from Josephine Thompson who was the second woman to finish at the Riddlesdown parkrun, placing ninth overall in 22 minutes 32. Russell Harmsworth was sixth in the Bromley parkrun (18.56) while Alan Dolton was eighth at Lloyd Park (22.41), Steve Massey was 13^th at Crystal Palace (22.27) and Paul Cripps was 14^th at Roundshaw (22.14).

On Sunday, Krzysztof Klidzia placed 18^th out of 79 finishers at the Holly Run at Reigate, covering the undulating five and a half mile course in 34 minutes 29 seconds.

Two members of Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of England over-40 cross-country championship at Lloyd Park on Saturday afternoon. They were led by Krzysztof Klidzia who placed 31^st of the 53 finishers, covering the muddy 10-kilometre course in 39 minutes 08 seconds. Club secretary Chris Morton was 47^th in 43 minutes 03.

Earlier that day, when the Lloyd Park course was still covered by frost rather than mud, Striders had three of the first four finishers in the weekly parkrun there. Simon Ambrosi gained a comfortable win in 20 minutes 08 seconds, while Paul Finch was second (20.39) and Damian Macenhill fourth (21.25). Meanwhile Nigel Davidson was third in the Riddlesdown parkrun (19.25), while Barry White was 11^th in the Frimley Lodge parkrun (18.57) and Russell Harmsworth was 16^th in the Bromley parkrun (19.08). Striders had a total of 19 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Striders of Croydon’s women showed their strength in depth at the second Surrey Women's Cross-Country League match of the season, at Richmond Park on Saturday. Their A team placed seventh of the 20 Division Two clubs, while their B team were second in their category and 16th overall, ahead of six clubs’ A teams. Striders’ women are now fifth in the overall Division Two table.

Striders were led by the improving Alice Ewen, who showed the benefits of a week’s training in Lanzarote by placing 32nd of the 161 finishers, covering the 5.8 kilometre course in 25 minutes 44 seconds. Faye Stammers was not far behind her in 36th (25.56), with Steph Upton 40th (26.07), Josephine Thompson 42nd (26.11) and Hannah Musk 47th (26.41). Carmen Somerset led the B team in 48th place (26.42), with Andrea Jeffries 80th (28.52), Linda Daniel 86th (29.17), Sarah Hansbury 89th (29.30) and Louise Grech 108th (30.42).

Meanwhile Richard Lee-Smith won the Crystal Palace parkrun in 18 minutes 09 seconds, and showed good powers of recovery by placing 16th in the Pirie 10-mile cross-country race the following day (66.50). Krzysztof Klidzia led Striders home in eighth place (63.10) while Russell Harmsworth was 17th (67.07) and Rob Sharpe 20th (68.12).

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Association’s annual inter-club race at Nork Park, Banstead, on Saturday. Their best performance came from Krzysztof Klidzia who placed 51st of the 193 finishers, covering the 5.3 mile course in 33 minutes 49 seconds. Team manager Chris Morton was 109th (38.11) with veteran Bob Ewen 119th (38.58) and Neil Furze 168th (45.01). Without some of their leading runners, Striders had to settle for 23rd place out of the 28 complete teams. Striders’ leading woman was Josephine Thompson who placed 21st in the women’s race and 138th overall, recording 41 minutes 45.

Earlier that day, Richard Lee-Smith had placed third in the Crystal Palace parkrun (18.46), while Rob Sharpe was fifth in the Roundshaw parkrun (18.48). In the Bromley parkrun Simon Ambrosi was sixth (18.44) with Russell Harmsworth ninth (18.55). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Alan Dolton was 13th (21.41) while Serena Stracey was the third woman to finish, placing 19th overall (22.38). Striders had a total of 20 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Striders of Croydon had the first three women finishers in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. Serena Stracey led them home, finishing 11th overall in 22 minutes 22, while Debra Bourne was 17th (23.46) and Flora Kong 21st (24.50). Striders’ men were led by Lee Flanagan who finished second in 18 minutes 30. Teenager Kieron Connor was fifth in a personal best 21 minutes 16, while Alan Dolton was sixth (21.30), Sam Poole ninth (22.09) and Damian Macenhill tenth (22.13).

On Saturday afternoon Barry White placed 125th in the London Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields, recording 41 minutes 25.

On the following day Tyler O’Callaghan ran well to place 28th in the Luton Marathon, recording 3 hours 02 minutes 12. This placed him 24th in Striders’ all-time marathon rankings. In the Brighton 10 kilometre road race Damian Macenhill, in his second race of the weekend, was 114th in 37 minutes 43. Russell Harmsworth ran 39 minutes 35, while Serena Stracey was again Striders’ first woman, recording 41 minutes 09.

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the second Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, on their home course at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Their best performance came from Lee Flanagan, who ran a well-judged race to finish 33rd in a high-quality field, covering the undulating five and a quarter mile course in 31 minutes 35 seconds. Bill Makuwa was hampered by a calf injury but battled on to finish 42nd (32.01) while Steve Starvis was 49th (32.36), Krzysztof Klidzia 53rd (32.52), Damian Macenhill 59th (33.10) and Rob Sharpe 68th (33.40). John Foster ran well to place third in the over-50 category and 74th overall (34.10), while Barry White was 79th (34.23), Mike Stewart 87th (35.10) and Matt Chapman 88th (35.14). Striders had 17 of the 143 finishers. The team climbed off the bottom of the table, but remain in the relegation zone in a very competitive division.

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the annual Priory Cross-Country Relays at Reigate on Saturday. Their women did well to place 11th of 29 teams. On a hilly course of just over two and a half miles, Debra Bourne ran the first leg in 19 minutes 22, handing over to Steph Upton who ran 19 minutes 11. On the final leg Josephine Thompson ran very well to record 18 minutes 45 seconds.

Striders’ men were without some of their fastest runners, and had to settle for 20th place of the 29 teams. Their best performance also came on the last leg, where Krzysztof Klidzia ran 16 minutes 14 seconds. Striders’ other team members were Barry White (16.26), Paul Stanford (17.32), Chris Morton (17.43), Tom Littlewood (21.31) and Mick George (22.59).

Earlier that day, Dan Jewell was second in the Riddlesdown parkrun (19.14) while Rob Sharpe was third in the Roundshaw parkrun (18.47) and Flora Kong was the second woman in the Lloyd parkrun (24.23). Striders had a total of 30 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Striders of Croydon produced a very good team performance to place third of the ten competing clubs in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country race at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Herne Hill won the match with 14 points, ahead of Epsom (56), Striders (60), Reigate (65) and Croydon Harriers (83). Striders were led by Bill Makuwa who had an excellent run to place fifth, covering the undulating five and a half mile course in 29 minutes 43 seconds. Club colleague Steve Starvis also ran well for 15th (31.02), with Richard Lee-Smith finishing strongly to place 17th (31.45) and Dan Jewell returning after injury to complete the scoring team in 23rd place (32.40). Striders also had the third B team to finish, comprising Barry White (30th, 33.04); Ben Fancourt (32nd, 33.29); Mike Steward (44th, 34.25) and Steve Massey (56th, 35.36). Striders’ women were led by Zoe Williams who was the 20th woman to finish, placing 98th overall (43.43). Striders totalled 18 finishers, more than any of the other nine clubs.

Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, made a very good return from injury to finish fourth in Sunday’s Lexus Croydon 10-kilometre road race. He started cautiously but moved through the field to complete the course in 35 minutes 12 seconds. Club colleague Lee Flanagan was seventh (35.34) while Krzysztof Klidzia, who had run a personal best 2.58.55 in the Chester Marathon a week earlier, showed good powers of recovery to place 21st overall and second in the over-40 category (37.46). Striders’ women were led by Josephine Thompson who was the seventh woman to finish, placing 96th overall in a personal best 43 minutes 28. Club colleague Hannah Musk ran a personal best 46 minutes 07, finishing 132nd.

Striders of Croydon’s women produced an excellent team performance to place third of the 19 clubs in the opening Surrey Women's Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, at Lightwater on Saturday. They were led by Steph Upton who ran very well to place 23rd of the 136 finishers, covering the four-mile course in 28 minutes 18 seconds. She was closely followed by Josephine Thompson who placed 24th (28.21) and Alice Ewen who was 26th (28.25). Faye Stammers was next home in 37th (29.13) and Hannah Musk completed the scoring team in 41st (29.40). Striders’ non-scorers were led by veteran Linda Daniel who placed 77th (33.11), with Jane McConkey 112th (37.14), Pat Edwards 121st (38.48), Sue Atkinson 127th (40.04) and Victoria Legge 135th (47.58).

Meanwhile Striders’ men were competing in their first Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two race of the season, at Richmond Park, and were unable to match their women’s success. They were led by Lee Flanagan who placed 28th of the 137 finishers, covering the five-mile course in 30 minutes 15 seconds. Richard Lee-Smith was next home in 43rd (30.54) with Simon Ambrosi 65th (32.14), Damian Macenhill 67th (32.19) and Rob Sharpe 73rd (32.37). Veteran John Foster ran well for 77th (33.07) with Barry White 83rd (33.30), Chris Morton 87th (33.44), Matt Chapman 88th (33.47) and Mick Turner completing the scoring team in 89th (33.49). Striders had 16 finishers, but with only two of them making the top 60, they had to settle for last place of the nine competing clubs.

Paul Eisenhut, from Striders of Croydon, ran a personal best of 3 hours 00 minutes 44 seconds in the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, finishing 48th. This lifts Paul to 23rd place in Striders’ all-time club rankings.

In the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday, Striders were led by two of their oldest runners with 54-year-old Alan Dolton placing fourth (21.11), one place ahead of club colleague Bob Ewen who set an over-55 course record of 21 minutes 22. Striders’ under-50s were led by Sam Poole who made an encouraging debut in 13th place (22.39). Striders had two of the first four women to finish with Debra Bourne placing 19th overall (23.12) and Flora Kong 22nd (24.44).

In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Rob Sharpe was fifth (18.46) with veteran Barry Finch 20th (23.02). In the Richmond parkrun Damian Macenhill was sixth (18.46) with Steve Massey 16th (20.21), while Russell Harmsworth was 29th in the Bromley parkrun (19.41). Striders had a total of 28 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Later in the day Steph Upton finished an excellent 5th place woman in the extreme heat at the Gibb 5 at Farthing Downs. Her time was 37.53 over the undulating 5 mile course. Chris Morton finished in 33.48.

Mike wins sunny Switchback race in Croydon

Striders of Croydon staged the 20th annual Switchback cross-country race on Sunday, over an undulating five-mile course in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills. The race was won by Mike Cummings of Herne Hill, who recorded 28 minutes 31 seconds. Jim Addison of Beckenham was second in 28 minutes 58, and led his club to the team prize. The first Strider was Lee Flanagan who finished fifth in 29 minutes 47. Richard Lee-Smith, in his second race of the weekend, finished sixth (30.49). Rob Sharpe was 12th (32.06) with Russell Harmsworth 23rd (33.45) and Matthew Chapman 24th (34.09). The first woman to finish was Ola Balme of Dulwich, who placed 22nd overall in 33 minutes 42. Helen Furze of Striders was the second woman home, finishing 25th overall in 34 minutes 12. Alice Ewen was 52nd (37.54) with Debra Bourne 58th (38.31) and Hannah Musk 66th (39.50).

Elsewhere Krzysztof Klidzia's recent good form was in evidence as he ran an excellent race to achieve a personal best of one hour, 25 minutes, 23 seconds in the Tonbridge Half Marathon where he placed 10th.

On the previous day, Richard Lee-Smith had placed second in the Crystal Palace parkrun, recording 18 minutes 29. In the Riddlesdown parkrun, Damian Macenhill was second (18.46) with Nigel Davidson seventh (20.11). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Simon Ambrosi was third (20.46) with Alan Dolton fourth (21.37). Striders had the first two woman finishers, with Debra Bourne taking a break from her duties as race organiser to finish ninth overall in 22 minutes 28, one place and one second ahead of club colleague Josephine Thompson. New member Flora Kong made an encouraging debut, finishing 19th overall in 24 minutes 57.

Serena wins for Striders at Streatham Common

Serena Stracey, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to be the first woman finisher in the Streatham Common six-mile cross-country race, organised by Herne Hill Harriers, on Saturday morning. Serena started steadily but gradually closed the gap on her Herne Hill rival and took the lead on the last of the four laps. Meanwhile club colleague Lee Flanagan gained a comfortable win in the Riddlesdown parkrun, covering the five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 07 seconds. Rob Sharpe was second in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (18.46), while Russell Harmsworth was 13th in the Bromley parkrun (19.43). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Alan Dolton placed fifth (21.54) and Natalie Osher was the second woman to finish, placing 28th overall (27.35). Striders had a total of 25 finishers in these four parkruns.

Later that day Striders placed 26th out of 51 teams in the Will Bolton Memorial Cross-Country Relay, organised by Blackheath & Bromley Harriers, at Sparrows Den. Their fastest time came from John Foster, who covered the four-kilometre course in 16 minutes 07 seconds, while Mick Turner ran 16 minutes 22 and Chris Morton ran 16 minutes 47. The first leg of the relay saw a close battle between two of Striders’ women. Steph Upton led the way, running 18 minutes 06 for Striders’ A team, finishing just one second ahead of Josephine Thompson for the B team.

Krzysztof hits the 3 hour mark for Scottish marathon

Krzysztof Klidzia, from Striders of Croydon, ran a personal best of 3 hours 00 minutes 31 seconds when finishing tenth out of 173 finishers at the Moray Marathon last Sunday. This lifted him to 22nd place in Striders’ all-time rankings.

Striders gained a double win in a duathlon organised by Blackheath & Bromley Harriers at Hayes on Sunday. Rob Sharpe was the overall winner, while Alice Ewen was the first woman to finish.

Striders faced strong opposition in the Surrey Road Relays at Wimbledon on Saturday. Their over-40s finished ninth out of eleven teams. Their fastest runner was Mick Turner, who covered the hilly three-mile course in 18 minutes 15, while Bob Ewen ran 19.08 and Chris Morton ran 19.31. For the first time for many years, Striders failed to complete a team in the senior men’s race.

Earlier that day Striders had a total of 28 finishers in the various local parkruns. At Roundshaw Rob Sharpe was third (18.51) with Nick Eaves 11th (21.16). Steve Starvis was fourth at Crystal Palace (19.36) while Nigel Davidson was sixth at Riddlesdown (20.50). At Lloyd Park Alan Dolton was seventh (22.12), while Debra Bourne was the first woman to finish, placing 15th overall (24.02). Russell Harmsworth was 12th at Bromley (19.43), while at Brockwell Park Damian Macenhill was 13th (20.04) with Steve Massey 25th (21.25).

Richard Lee-Smith finished tenth in the Battle 10 kilometre road race, recording exactly 39 minutes. Club colleague Hannah Musk was the ninth woman to finish, recording 47 minutes 56 seconds.

Damian Macenhill ran well to place third in the Riddlesdown parkrun on Saturday, covering the five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 04 seconds. Club colleague Steve Massey was 13th (21.01) with Barry Finch 14th (21.09) and Rob Finch 18th (21.41). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park Alan Dolton was fourth (21.28) with Kieron Connor 13th (26.07) and Chris Smith 14th (26.08). Paul Cripps was eleventh in the Roundshaw parkrun (21.52) while Russell Harmsworth was 14th in the Bromley parkrun (19.30).

While in the longer road races at the weekend Paul Eisenhut ran to an excellent 2 hours 24 minutes and 25 seconds at the Spitfire 20 miler at Dunsfold Park. Other finishers were Chris Morton (2.33.51) and Belinda Carroll (3.07.30). Kate Custis ran well to finish the Maidenhead Half Marathon in 1.46.52

Rob Sharpe, from Striders of Croydon, produced a very good run to win the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. He covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 12 seconds. Club secretary Chris Morton was sixth (20.56) with Alan Dolton ninth (21.25), Paul Cripps 16th (22.42) and Nigel Davidson 17th (22.47). Natalie Osher was the sixth woman to finish, placing 36th overall (27.04).

In the Crystal Palace parkrun Steve Starvis was fifth (19.16) with Damian Macenhill seventh (19.37). Serena Stracey ran well to be the first woman to finish, placing thirteenth overall in 21 minutes 18, while Steve Massey was 15th (21.39).

In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 12th (19.11) with veteran Bob Ewen 39th (20.52). In the Roundshaw parkrun Barry Finch was 15th overall and second in the over-60 category, recording 22 minutes 26.

In the final Surrey Road League tables, published this week, Striders of Croydon’s women outshone the club’s men. The women finished in a respectable 15th position, while their men were a disappointing 22nd of the 29 clubs in the league.

Krzysztof Klidzia ran well to place second in the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. He covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 03. Club colleague Alan Dolton was sixth overall and first in the over-50 category (21.01), while Kieron Connor was eleventh (22.36), Chris Smith 22nd (25.21) and Gordon Connor 26th (27.13). Margaret Faherty ran well to place 33rd overall and first in the women’s over-60 category, recording 28 minutes 38. She finished four seconds ahead of one of Striders’ youngest members, Adam Shew.

In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Mick Turner was fifth (19.55) with Colin Cotton 25th (24.04). In the Riddlesdown parkrun Barry Finch was eleventh (21.27) with Matthew Smith 27th (23.44) and Linda Daniel 29th (23.46). In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 15th (19.36) with Simon Ambrosi 19th (19.54) and Darren Jackson 37th (21.02).

Striders hosted their first triathlon on Thursday, starting and finishing at Trinity School. The winner was Tyler O’Callaghan, with Rob Sharpe placing second. The first woman to finish was Zoe Wood of Blackheath, while Striders’ first woman finisher was Hannah Musk.
And Hannah concluded her busy week by claiming a personal best for 10K when she ran 47.19 at the Pride 10K race at Victoria Park, Hackney on Saturday. First finisher for Striders was Damian Macenhill in 39.14.

While Striders' leading woman, Helen Furze, completed the Burnham Beeches half marathon on Sunday in a season's best time of 1.34.49

Serena is first woman home in Lloyd Park race

Serena Stracey, from Striders of Croydon, ran very well to be the first woman finisher at the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park in Saturday morning. She covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 24 minutes 14, finishing 16th overall. Striders’ first man home was veteran Alan Dolton who placed seventh in 21 minutes 52. Damian Macenhill was eighth (22.11) with Robert Gibbons ninth (22.34) and Gary Smith 12th (23.31). At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Nick Eaves was tenth (21.23) with Matthew Smith 31st (25.43). At the Riddlesdown parkrun veteran Barry Finch was 16th (22.05) with Rob Finch 19th (22.27) and Phil Mazur 28th (24.19). At the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 36th (21.03) with Darren Jackson 44th (21.38), Bob Ewen 50th (21.46), Steve Smith 56th (22.00) and Alice Ewen 59th (22.20).

Striders’ first finisher in the Wimbledon 5K road race on Sunday was veteran Phil Handley, who placed 143rd in 25 minutes 18.

Cara Kayum, from Striders of Croydon, had a very good run in the Elmbridge 10-kilometre road race, held in warm conditions on Sunday. She was the fourteenth woman to finish and placed 144th overall, recording 42 minutes 09, which was less than a minute outside her personal best. Club colleague Josephine Thompson was 287th overall in 47 minutes 39.

Striders fielded a very depleted team in their final Rosenheim League match of the season at Tooting on Wednesday. Their best event was the long jump, where Sandra Francis placed fourth in the women’s event with a leap of 3 metres 32, and veteran Kevin Burnett placed fourth in the men’s event with a club over-70 record of exactly two metres. Kevin gained further points by also competing in the javelin and shot putt. In the final league table Striders’ women held on to fourth place, while their men were sixth.

Krzysztof Klidzia placed second in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 47. Alan Dolton was seventh (21.35) with Paul Cripps 12th (23.16), Martin Gourlay 22nd (25.37) and Chris Smith 26th (26.05). Natalie Osher was the fourth woman to finish, placing 28th overall in 27 minutes 07.

Steve Starvis was fourth in the Crystal Palace parkrun, recording 19 minutes 06. In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Chris Morton was sixth (20.13) with Nigel Davidson seventh (20.34), Barry Finch 16th (22.28), Clive Smith 38th (24.36) and Matthew Smith 39th (25.16). In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 18th (19.44) with Darren Jackson 41st (21.06), Bob Ewen 44th (21.11) and Steve Smith 63rd (22.01). Phil Mazur was 26th in the Riddlesdown parkrun (23.37).

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the Elmore 7-mile road race on Saturday, which was the fifth event in this year’s Surrey Road League. They were led by club secretary Chris Morton who finished 65th in 47 minutes 46, one place and thirteen seconds ahead of club colleague Mick Turner. Striders’ first woman to finish was Steph Upton, who ran well to place 107th in 51 minutes 32. Striders’ second woman home was veteran Margaret Faherty who placed 261st (67.02), while Kim Ford was 279th (69.53), Serena Stracey 280th (69.53), Paula Irving 287th (71.26) and Belinda Carroll 288th (71.26).

Meanwhile Nigel Davidson won the Riddlesdown parkrun in 19 minutes 38 seconds. Paul Finch placed second in the parkrun at Lloyd Park, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 21 minutes 26 seconds. Club colleague Alan Dolton was fourth (22.01) with Kieron Connor sixth (22.58) and Paul Cripps eleventh (24.02). Natalie Osher was the third woman to finish, placing 24th overall in 27 minutes 47. At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Rob Sharpe was third in 18 minutes 48 with Barry Finch 21st (23.30), Rob Finch 23rd (23.54), Clive Smith 29th (24.42) and Jemma Upton 49th (27.45). In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 26th (20.27).

Sandra, Linda, Natlie and Steph team up for Striders win

Striders of Croydon’s women produced their best performance of the season to win their home Rosenheim League match at Croydon Arena on Wednesday, finishing nine points ahead of second-placed Croydon Harriers. Striders dominated the women’s 3000 metres with Steph Upton winning (12.44.3) and Linda Daniel placing second (14.06.3). Sandra Francis was second in both the 100 metres (16.5) and the triple jump (5.99), while Natalie Osher was second in the 200 metres (33.1). Steph, Linda, Sandra and Natalie finished the evening by sprinting to victory in the 4 x 200 metre relay (2.25.6). This win lifts Striders to fourth in the division with one match remaining.

Striders’ men were unable to match their women, and had to settle for fifth place of the six clubs in the match, just four points ahead of Serpentine. Lee Flanagan competed in four events, placing fourth in the 800 metres (2.14.7) and fifth in the 100 metres (13.5), 200 metres (28.7) and 400 metres (61.3). There were also fifth places for Chris Morton in the 1500 metres (5.48.5), Barry Finch in the 3000 metres (12.48.9), and Kevin Burnett in the discus (13.79). Striders remain sixth in the overall table.

Rob Sharpe ran well to win the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 19 seconds. Club colleague Alan Dolton was ninth (21.43). In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 14th (19.13) with Bob Ewen 44th (20.48). In the Riddlesdown parkrun Nigel Davidson was seventh (19.57) with Phil Mazur 28th (23.39). In the Roundshaw parkrun Colin Cotton was 26th (23.48) with Matthew Smith 35th (25.09) and Clive Smith 36th (25.14).

Rob Sharpe, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run to place second in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. On a very hot morning, he moved through the field and completed the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 20 seconds. Club colleague Alan Dolton was tenth overall and first in the over-50 category (21.59), with Gordon Connor 19th (26.04) and Chris Smith 21st (26.34).

In the Bromley parkrun, veteran Bob Ewen ran very well to finish first in the over-55 category and 29th overall, recording 20 minutes 10. His daughter Alice Ewen was the fifth woman to finish, placing 52nd overall (21.30).

In the first parkrun at Riddlesdown, Striders were led by Russell Harmsworth who placed 14th in 20 minutes 28. Nigel Davidson was 20th (20.57) with Rob Finch 31st (21.50) and Paul Cripps 33rd (21.56). Barry Finch ran well to be first in the over-60 category and 34th overall (22.01).

In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun, Striders were led by Jonathan Lloyd who placed 22nd (22.40). Striders’ youngest competitor, Matthew Smith, was next home in 35th (24.32). John Gannon was 51st (26.20) with Colin Cotton 52nd (26.21), Mick George 59th (26.49) and Margaret Faherty 65th (27.55).

Striders of Croydon’s women produced a good team performance to place third of six clubs in the final Southern Veterans league match of the season, at Kingsmeadow Stadium on Monday. Sandra Francis placed second in the over-50 triple jump in a club age-group record of 6 metres 24, and also took third in the discus (10.75). Margaret Faherty placed second in the over-60 800 metres in a club age-group record of 3 minutes 42.1, and Serena Stracey placed third in the over-35 800 metres in a club age-group record of 2 minutes 43.4. Victoria Legge placed third in the over-35 5000 metres in a personal best 26 minutes 52.9, while Kim Ford placed third in the over-50 2000 metre walk (17.05.1). Striders’ women finished fourth in the overall league table.

For Striders’ men, Taylor Huggins produced an excellent run to win the over-35 5000 metres in 18 minutes 20.8. He also placed third in the high jump with a clearance of 1.25 metres. In the 2000 metre walk, Dave Hoben was second in the over-50 race (13.19.7) with Mick Turner third in the over-35 race (12.14.5). Team manager Dave Batten was third in the over-50 triple jump (5.91), while Alan Dolton was third in the over-50 5000 metres (20.15.1). Striders’ men finished fifth in the match and also in the final league table.

Striders faced strong opposition in the fourth Rosenheim League match of the season, at Battersea Park on Wednesday. Their best performance came from Sandra Francis, who placed third in the women’s triple jump with 6.05 metres. Team captain Lee Flanagan led by example, placing fourth in the A 200 metres in a club over-35 record of 26.85 seconds. He also placed fourth in the A 400 metres (58.85), and fifth in the 100 metres (13.34). However, Striders had to settle for fifth place in the women’s match and sixth place in the men’s match. In the overall table their women remain fifth, just half a point ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon, while their men have slipped to sixth place.

Lee Flanagan gained a comfortable win in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 38. Paul Finch placed third (20.29) with Damian Macenhill fourth (20.39), Chris Morton eighth (21.46), Alan Dolton 11th (22.41) and Kieron Connor 12th (22.44). Steve Massey was tenth in the Crystal Palace parkrun (21.34), while at the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 16th (19.23) with Darren Jackson 30th (20.22).

Steve Starvis, from Striders of Croydon, had an excellent run to win the 5000 metres at the third Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Croydon Arena last Monday, recording 17 minutes 20.8 seconds. Club colleague Mick Turner was second in the over-40 race (18.57.6), while Nigel Davidson was third in the over-50 race (19.13.9) and Barry Finch was third in the over-60 race in a club age-group record of 22 minutes 23.6. Richard Lee-Smith ran well for second in the over-35 400 metres (59.9) with club chairman Robin Jamieson third in the over-60 race (86.0). For Striders’ women, Serena Stracey set two new club over-35 records, placing third in the 1500 metres (5.34.6) and fourth in the 400 metres (72.3). Margaret Faherty was second in the over-60 400 metres in a club age-group record of 1.43.1, while Lesley Bourke was second in the over-50 1500 metres (6.25.1). Sandra Francis set club over-50 records in both the 100 metres (16.3) and the long jump (3.47), while Kim Ford set a club over-50 hammer record of 10.17 metres. Both Striders’ men and women placed fourth of the six clubs in the match, leaving Striders’ women fourth in the division, with their men in fifth place.

In the Epsom 10 kilometre road race last week, Helen Furze was the second woman to finish, placing 31st overall in a club over-45 record of 40 minutes 32 seconds. Cara Kayum had an excellent run against strong opposition in the Richmond 10-kilometre road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. She was the 18th woman to finish, recording a personal best 41 minutes 13, which lifted her to fifth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Striders’ first man home to finish was Damian Macenhill who ran 40 minutes 38. He was followed by Richard Edwards (46.45) and Martin Gourlay (49.10).

In the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday Alan Dolton placed third (21.53) with Dave Shaw sixth (22.34) and Kieron Connor ninth (23.43). Serena Stracey was the second woman to finish, placing tenth overall in 24 minutes 06, one place ahead of club colleague Alan Purchase who recorded the same time. In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 15th (19.42) while Alice Ewen was the third woman to finish, placing 44th overall (22.12). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Lesley Bourke was the fifth woman to finish, placing 25th overall (24.44).

Striders of Croydon’s track captain, Lee Flanagan, had a hectic evening in the third Rosenheim League match of the season, at Wimbledon on Wednesday. He competed in five races during the evening, with his best performance coming in the 800 metres where he placed third (2.12.3). He also placed fourth in the 100 metres (13.1), fifth in the 3000 metres (10.07.2) and sixth in both the 200 metres (27.2) and 400 metres (58.8). With a depleted team, Striders had to call upon two of their oldest athletes to gain points for the club; 71-year-old Kevin Burnett was fifth in both the discus (13.95) and hammer (12.99), while Alan Dolton was fifth in the 1500 metres (5.26.4). Striders had to settle for fifth place out of the six competing clubs, and remain fifth in the division, just one point ahead of rivals Serpentine.

Three days later, Lee Flanagan again showed his ability with a comfortable win in the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park, covering the undulating five-mile kilometre course in 18 minutes 40. Alan Dolton was fifth (21.36) with Dave Shaw 14th (23.04), Phil Mazur 21st (24.50), Steve Smith 22nd (25.31) and Chris Smith 24th (25.50). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Striders had five of the first ten finishers: Rob Sharpe placed second (19.07) with Mick Turner third (19.17), Nigel Davidson eighth (20.14), Russell Harmsworth ninth (20.18) and Chris Morton tenth (20.30). Lesley Bourke was the third woman to finish, placing 34th overall in 24 minutes 24. In the Banstead parkrun veteran Bob Ewen was 25th (21.30) while his daughter Alice Ewen was 38th (22.35).

Helen Furze, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run against strong opposition in Sunday’s Dorking 10-mile road race, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. She was the sixth woman to finish, and the first woman finisher in the over-40 category, covering the undulating course in 67 minutes 35 seconds, less than a minute outside her personal best. She also beat most of the male competitors, placing 74th overall out of 515 finishers. Striders’ next finisher was Steph Upton who also ran well to place 35th in the women’s race and 211th overall in 77 minutes 02. Clive Smith was 392nd (1.31.40) while Dave Lovell was 428th (1.35.28), Jo Penny 450th (1.38.36) and Paula Irving 470th (1.42.00).

In the Beckenham 10-kilometre road race on the same day, Steve Starvis ran well to place third out of 256 finishers, recording 34 minutes 47. Club colleague Lee Flanagan was eighth (36.04) with Barry White 25th (38.33) and Chris Morton 41st (40.26). Striders’ first woman was Carmen Somerset who placed 152nd in 48 minutes 04, closely followed by Lesley Bourke in 160th (48.23).

Striders had several competitors in the local parkruns on Saturday. Simon Ambrosi placed third at Crystal Palace, covering the five kilometre course in 19 minutes 15. In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Paul Finch placed fifth (20.31) with Alan Dolton tenth (21.34), Dave Shaw 16th (22.58) and Alan Purchase 18th (23.11). Natalie Osher was the fifth woman to finish, placing 32nd overall (27.15). In the Roundshaw parkrun, Nigel Davidson was ninth (19.55) with veteran Barry Finch 37th (23.15). In the Bromley parkrun, Darren Jackson was 21st (19.55) while Alice Ewen was the fourth woman to finish, placing 37th overall (21.19).

71-year-old Kevin Burnett, from Striders of Croydon, had a successful day in the Surrey Masters Championships at Ewell on Saturday, winning three gold medals and four silver medals. He won the over-70 shot putt (6.76), discus (18.30) and heavy hammer (7.09), and took silver in the 100 metres (19.5), 3000 metre walk (21.28.4), hammer (19.96) and javelin (18.24)

Two Striders won medals in the over-50 age group. Alan Dolton took silver in both the 800 metres (2.46.8) and 1500 metres (5.29.9), while Steve Smith took silver in the long jump (3.65), and bronze in both the 400 metres (70.5) and 800 metres (2.50.3).

Striders’ women produced an excellent team performance to place second in the Rosenheim League match at Croydon Arena on Wednesday. They finished the meeting on a winning note when their 4 x 200 metre relay team of Sandra Francis, Corinne Carr, Linda Daniel and Natalie Osher sprinted to victory in 2 minutes 34.4. Earlier in the evening Sandra had set two new club over-50 records, placing second in the long jump (3.28) and fourth in the 100 metres (17.1).

Striders’ men placed fourth of the six clubs in the match. Their leading scorer was Ernie Hann who competed in six events, placing third in the high jump (1.35). Team captain Lee Flanagan placed third in the 1500 metres (4.40.4) and fourth in the 800 metres (2.09.3).

At the Southern Veterans League match at Ewell last Monday, Striders’ best performance came from Richard Lee-Smith who won the 3000 metres in 10 minutes 12.1. Paul Cripps placed third in the over-40 200 metres (28.9). For Striders’ women, Margaret Faherty placed second in the over-60 800 metres in a club age-group record of 3 minutes 48.6. Paula Irving gained a hat-trick of fourth places in the over-35 200 metres, 800 metres and javelin. Depleted by late withdrawals, Striders’ women had to settle for fifth place in the match, while their men were a disappointing sixth.

Lee Flanagan won the parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday, recording 18 minutes 33. Robert Gibbons was eighth (20.45) with Chris Morton ninth (20.51) and Kieron Connor 15th (21.41).

Striders of Croydon dominated the parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, with a clean sweep of the first four finishers. Lee Flanagan led from the start to win in 18 minutes 04 seconds. Club colleague Richard Lee-Smith took second place in 18 minutes 39 with Rob Sharpe third (19.03) and Damian Macenhill fourth (19.37). Alan Dolton was eighth (21.49) with Kieron Connor 14th (23.48), Alan Purchase 16th (23.47) and Paul Cripps 19th (24.22).

In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was 16th (19.05) with Darren Jackson 36th (20.52), Steve Smith 42nd (21.22) and Bob Ewen 46th (21.29). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Phil Mazur was 23rd (22.51) with Clive Smith 37th (24.49).

Flanagan gained another victory in the Hillcrest 10 kilometre road race, where his winning time of 37 minutes 2 seconds placed him more than a minute clear of his nearest rival.

Striders held a five-mile club handicap road race on a hilly course at Sandilands on Wednesday. The handicap winner was the fast-improving Eleanor Lim, whose time of 43 minutes 27 was more than four minutes faster than the handicapper had predicted. The fastest actual time was recorded by Lee Flanagan (28.49) while the fastest woman was Helen Furze (32.28).

Former British League hurdler Paul Cripps made an excellent debut for Striders of Croydon in their first Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Kingsmeadow on Monday. He placed second in the high jump with a club veterans’ record of 1 metre 45, and also placed third in the long jump (4.38). Bob Ewen gained Striders’ only victory, winning the over-50 2000m walk (12.05.7). Richard Lee-Smith ran well to take second place in both the over-35 400 metres (60.2) and 1500 metres (4.44.5). Steve Massey placed second in the over-40 400 metres (64.1), while team manager Dave Batten took a surprise second place in a controversial 100 metres where all the runners paused, expecting to be recalled for a false start, and Batten responded quicker than most of his rivals on realising that the starter had not fired a recall gun. Mick Turner placed third in the over-40 1500 metres (5.23.6) and 2000m walk (12.07.5), while Colin Cotton was third in the over-60 1500 metres (5.54.5).

For Striders’ women, Kim Ford set a club over-50 record of 14 minutes 21.0 in the 2000 metre walk, placing second in her age-group. Club colleague Karen Peake made her debut at the event and recorded the same time, placing fourth in the over-35 category. Jo Penny did well to take second place in the over-35 triple jump, recording 5 metres 88. Sandra Francis set a club over-50 100 metre record of 17.6, placing fourth. Linda Daniel was fifth in both the over-35 400 metres (82.4) and 1500 metres (6.26.9). Striders’ women finished the evening with third place in the 4 x 100 metre relay. Both Striders’ men and women placed fourth of the six clubs in the match.

Striders faced strong opposition in the Rosenheim League match at Battersea on Wednesday. Lee Flanagan showed good team spirit by competing in four events, finishing third in the 800 metres (2.11.7). Steve Starvis was fourth in the 3000 metres (9.57.8) while veteran Kevin Burnett was fourth in the hammer (11.83). However Striders had to settle for sixth place in the match. On the same evening, Striders placed 15th of 60 teams in the Beckenham Road Relay. The team comprised Mick Turner (15.59), Serena Stracey (17.02) and Barry White (15.47).

In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Saturday, Richard Lee-Smith was second (18.05) with Rob Sharpe fifth (18.26). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Justin Macenhill was second (19.03) with Damian Macenhill fifth (19.31), Alan Dolton eighth (21.42) and Paul Cripps 13th (23.51). In the Bromley parkrun Simon Ambrosi was eighth (18.35) while Alice Ewen was the third woman to finish, placing 46th overall (22.03).

Justin Macenhill, from Striders of Croydon, continued his return from injury by winning the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. He covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 10 seconds. His elder brother Damian Macenhill was sixth (20.57), while club colleague Alan Dolton was seventh (21.53). Serena Stracey was the second woman to finish, placing 14th overall in 24 minutes 18. Natalie Osher was the seventh woman finisher, placing 30th overall (27.25).

At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun, Lee Flanagan ran well to finish second (17.27) while Rob Sharpe was fourth (18.34), Nigel Davidson tenth (20.24) and veteran Barry Finch 23rd (22.47).

Helen Furze ran well to be the first woman in the Esher 10 kilometre road race. She placed 14th overall, recording a club over-45 record of 40 minutes 35. Her husband Neil Furze finished in 46 minutes 34.

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, which was the first event in this year’s Surrey Road League. Their women finished tenth, while their men were 13th. Striders’ women were led by the improving Amanda Barros who ran 51 minutes 30 seconds, finishing 255th overall. Julie Jordan was 374th (60.59) and Sandra Francis completed the scoring team in 389th (62.46). Striders’ men were led by Lee Flanagan who ran well to finish 19th in 35 minutes 56 seconds. Nick Eaves was 123rd (43.35) with Darren Jackson 136th (44.30) and Stuart Bell 175th (46.22).

In the Maidenhead 10-mile road race on Good Friday, Helen Furze ran well to place 105th in 67 minutes 34 and smash the club's Female Vet 45 record by 8 minutes. Simon Ambrosi was 118th (68.25) with club secretary Chris Morton 119th (68.28).

In the Ted Pepper 10 kilometre road race at Beckenham on Bank Holiday Monday, Striders were led by Damian Macenhill who placed 18th in 39 minutes 01. Simon Ambrosi was 26th (40.18) with Steve Smith 58th (43.53), Bob Ewen 64th (44.21) and Alice Ewen 79th (45.35).

In the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday, Justin Macenhill placed seventh (21.01) with Mark Hutchings 12th (23.38) and Peter Shew 15th (24.48). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Nigel Davidson was eighth (20.36) with Barry Finch 22nd (22.44), Rob Finch 26th (23.04) and Matthew Smith 38th (24.56). In the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth was tenth (19.25) with Darren Jackson 51st (21.41) and Alice Ewen 61st (22.07).

Striders of Croydon had 21 finishers in Sunday’s London Marathon. They were led by veteran John Foster who ran very well to finish in 3 hours 08 minutes 19 seconds. Striders’ second man home was Steve Massey who recorded 3 hours 21 minutes 02. Striders’ first woman to finish was Cara Kayum who had an excellent run to record a personal best 3 hours 28 minutes 06, lifting her to tenth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Suzy Yates was next home in 3 hours 29 minutes 15, while Alistair Price ran 3 hours 35 minutes 28 and Jonathan Lloyd ran a personal best 3 hours 39 minutes 35. Lesley Bourke also ran well to finish in 3 hours 51 minutes 27, less than a minute outside her club over-50 record. She was followed by Mark Hutchings (3.52.07), Hugh Alexander (3.56.09), Dave Shaw (4.11.07) and Stuart Hills (4.20.00). Sue Atkinson had a very good run to regain her club over-60 record, finishing in 4 hours 50 minutes 31 seconds. Lucia Ramirez-Montesinos made her marathon debut in Madrid and finished in 4 hours 54 minutes 05.

Striders’ club secretary Chris Morton ran well to win the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 20 minutes 29 seconds. Club colleague Alan Dolton was fifth (21.27) with early leader Kieron Connor finishing tenth (23.32). At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Simon Ambrosi was sixth (18.51) with Nigel Davidson 12th (20.33). At the Bromley parkrun Russell Harmsworth finished tenth (19.11) with Steve Smith 35th (21.04).

Margaret Faherty, from Striders of Croydon, had an excellent run in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday. In warm conditions which were better for the spectators than for the runners, she set a new club over-60 record of 4 hours 54 minutes 44 seconds. Striders’ first finisher was Matt Chapman who placed 225th in 3 hours 18 minutes 40, while Striders’ first woman was Hannah Musk who set a personal best 3 hours 57 minutes 50. Ian Yates (3.58.48) and Steve Tyler (4.54.14) also finished in under five hours.

Striders had three finishers in the Paris Marathon on the same day. They were led by Stefano Arcidiacono who ran 3 hours 29 minutes 41, while Corinne Carr ran 4.35.23 and Eve Collins ran 4.46.00. Darren Jackson ran 3 hours 38 minutes 50 at the Rotterdam Marathon.

Striders had several good performances at the local parkruns on Saturday morning. Pride of place went to Steve Starvis who won the Crystal Palace parkrun in 18 minutes 16 seconds. At the Greenwich parkrun John Foster placed second (18.24) with Simon Ambrosi third (18.54). At the parkrun in Lloyd Park, Alan Dolton placed third (21.32) while Amanda Barros was the first woman to finish, placing ninth overall (25.18). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun, Rob Sharpe placed fifth (18.35) with Nigel Davidson 12th (20.50) and Rob Finch 23rd (22.32). Striders had the first two finishers in the over-60 category with Barry Finch placing 24th overall (22.46) and Colin Cotton 27th (23.01). At the other end of the age spectrum, Striders’ youngest competitor, Matthew Smith, placed 41st in a personal best 24 minutes 27. In the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth was eleventh (20.00) with veteran Bob Ewen 26th (21.27).

Striders of Croydon produced some good performances at the inaugural Croydon Half-Marathon on Sunday, with eight of the first 25 finishers. They were led by Steve Starvis who placed fourth in a personal best 77 minutes 23 seconds. Richard Lee-Smith ran well to finish seventh (1.20.38) despite nursing a calf injury, while new member Sam Luton made an impressive debut in eleventh place (1.21.28). Veteran John Foster ran well to place 13th (1.22.33) and four more Striders finished in under 90 minutes: Damian Macenhill (17th, 1.26.55); Paul Finch (21st, 1.27.57); Chris Morton (24th, 1.28.35); Simon Ambrosi (25th, 1.28.59).

Striders’ women were led by Karen Stretch who was the 13th woman to finish, placing 96th overall (1.42.23). Three more of Striders’ women made the top 30: Kate Custis was 19th (1.45.21) with Kirsty Thompson 22nd (1.46.26) and Lesley Bourke 30th (1.49.51).

In the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, Striders were led by Lee Flanagan who ran well to place second in 17 minutes 55. Club colleague Barry White also ran well for fifth (19.56) while Striders’ youngest runner, Kieron Connor, placed ninth (23.26). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Jonathan Lloyd was 15th (21.35) and Rob Finch 23rd (22.58).

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to gain a comfortable win in the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. He covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 22 seconds, finishing more than a minute clear of his nearest rival. Club colleague Alan Dolton placed fifth (21.30), while Striders’ youngest competitor, Kieron Connor, ran well to finish eighth in a personal best 22 minutes 21. In the other local parkruns, Rob Sharpe ran well to place fourth at Roundshaw (18.39) while Chris Morton was seventh at Crystal Palace (20.39) and Russell Harmsworth was 12th at Bromley (19.16).

Richard Lee-Smith warmed up for this Sunday’s Croydon Half-Marathon with an excellent run in the Cranleigh 15-mile road race. In his longest race so far, he placed seventh in a large field, recording 96 minutes 22 seconds. In the 21-mile road race held in conjunction, Striders were led by John Foster who placed 29th in 2 hours 24 minutes 45 seconds. Iain Harrison also ran well for 47th (2.28.26) with Matt Chapman 70th (2.34.05) and Steve Massey 117th (2.41.57). Striders’ first woman to finish was Hannah Musk who placed 259th overall in 3 hours 01 minute 15 seconds.

At the Paddock Wood Half-Marathon on Sunday, Cara Kayum showed that she has recovered from a recent ankle injury with an excellent run to record a personal best 94 minutes 53 seconds, lifting her to ninth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Striders’ first man home was Russell Harmsworth, who ran 91 minutes 37 in his second race of the weekend, while Andrew Gates also ran well to record 98 minutes 07.

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, produced a very good run to place tenth in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Championship at Coulsdon on Saturday. He covered the undulating twelve-kilometre course in 45 minutes 53 seconds. Barry White was 37th (52.25) and club secretary Chris Morton was 40th (53.22). Striders’ women were led by Linda Daniel who was 21st in the women’s race in 68 minutes 22.

Striders’ leading marathon runner, Bill Makuwa, produced an excellent run in the Hastings Half-Marathon on Sunday. He finished 18th in a large field, recording a personal best 1 hour 15 minutes 8 seconds. Club colleague Mick Turner placed 126th (1.27.49). Two of Striders’ women ran particularly well: Tina Macenhill ran 1 hour 42 minutes 16, while Kate Custis - running with a cast over a broken hand - recorded 1 hour 47 minutes 09.

Several Striders competed in the weekly parkruns on Saturday morning. Simon Ambrosi was third at Crystal Palace (19.41) while Russell Harmsworth was fifth at Bromley (19.25). At Lloyd Park Alan Dolton was seventh (23.23) with Kieron Connor ninth (23.54) and Phil Mazur 11th (24.11). At Roundshaw Nigel Davidson was 11th (21.30) with veteran Barry Finch 18th (22.51).

Richard Lee-Smith, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run to place second in the Surrey Spitfire 10-mile road race at Dunsfold on Sunday. He recorded a personal best 58 minutes 33 seconds, lifting him to 13th place in Striders’ all-time rankings. Club colleague Josephine Thompson also ran very well. She was the sixth woman to finish, placing 35th overall in a personal best 74 minutes 18 seconds and climbing to 15th place in the club’s all-time women’s rankings.

Striders had several competitors in the Surrey Spitfire 20-mile road race at the same venue. They were led by Mark Bayliss who placed 62nd out of over 600 runners, recording 2 hours 25 minutes 06. He was followed by Steve Massey (2.33.14). Two of Striders’ women ran particularly well: Suzy Yates placed 136th overall (2.36.16) while Hannah Musk was 316th (2.54.15).

Striders’ club secretary Chris Morton had an excellent run at the Leith Hill Half-Marathon. He finished first in the over-40 category, completing the hilly course in 1 hour 34 minutes 11 seconds, to place 12th overall of the 272 finishers. Club colleague Mick Turner finished 31st in 1 hour 41 minutes 19.

Striders of Croydon produced a respectable team performance to finish fifth in the East Surrey League’s annual road relay at Box Hill on Saturday. Mick Turner gave them a solid start on the first leg, finishing sixth of the 26 starters and covering the 2.1 mile course in 12 minutes 30 seconds. Barry White maintained Striders’ challenge by running the second leg in 13 minutes 03, and on the third leg club secretary Chris Morton moved up to fifth place, running 13 minutes 41. Steve Starvis held this position on the final leg, running 12 minutes 01.

At the Bromley parkrun on Saturday, Simon Ambrosi placed fifth (18.56) with Russell Harmsworth 17th (20.42). At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Rob Sharpe placed sixth (19.07) with Nigel Davidson 17th (22.03) and veteran Barry Finch was 25th (23.12). At the parkrun in Lloyd Park Alan Dolton placed fifth (22.39) while Amanda Barros was the third woman to finish, placing 10th overall (26.09). Chris Smith was 13th (27.11) with Natalie Osher 14th (27.28), Gordon Connor 15th (27.45) and Karen Connor 22nd (30.59).

Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run to finish tenth in a field of more than 6000 runners at The Silverstone Half-Marathon on Sunday. He completed the course in 75 minutes 46 seconds, less than a minute outside his personal best, and shows that he is in good shape for the inaugural Croydon Half-Marathon on April 3rd.

Striders also produced some good performances at the annual Torrevieja Half-Marathon last week. They were led by Richard Lee-Smith who ran well to place 48th in a field of more than 1500, recording a personal best of 1 hour 21 minutes 20. Damian Macenhill placed 104th in 1 hour 25 minutes 14, just eight seconds ahead of club colleague John Foster, who ran well to place second in the over-50 category. Mick Turner was 171st (1.29.28) with Matt Chapman 175th (1.29.35), Chris Morton 262nd (1.32.40) and Steve Massey 285th (1.33.37). Striders’ women were led by Suzy Yates who made a welcome return to competition and was the 15th woman to finish, recording 1 hour 38 minutes 54. Striders’ second woman to finish was Serena Stracey (1.42.15). Hannah Musk also ran well to record a personal best 1 hour 46 minutes 08, while Margaret Faherty did well to place second in the over-65 category, recording 2 hours 12 minutes 38.

Striders’ leading cross-country runners, Steve Starvis and Lee Flanagan, renewed their rivalry in the inter-club match promoted by Croydon Harriers at Lloyd Park on Saturday afternoon. Starvis gained an impressive victory, covering the undulating ten kilometre course in 38 minutes 31 seconds. Flanagan, who had won the weekly parkrun here the previous Saturday, had to settle for second place in 39 minutes 20. Barry White was ninth (43.16) while Steve Smith completed the scoring team in 15th (49.20), one place ahead of veteran Bob Ewen (49.54). This gave Striders second place in the team competition: both Harriers and Striders scored 27 points, but Harriers won on countback because their fourth scorer was ahead of Striders’ fourth scorer. Striders also had the first two women to finish, with Josephine Thompson placing 18th overall in 51 minutes 11, and Alice Ewen 23rd in 52 minutes 18.

Earlier that day, at the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park, Striders were led by veteran Alan Dolton who placed third for the second successive week, recording 22 minutes 58. Phil Mazur was eighth (24.35) with Chris Smith 13th (27.36), Patrick Leong 14th (27.41) and Peter Attewell 15th (28.40). At the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth placed sixth (19.44) with Rob Finch 51st (23.48). At the Roundshaw parkrun, Nigel Davidson was 15th (22.11) with Barry Finch 20th (23.06) and Matthew Smith 29th (25.03).

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to gain a comfortable win in the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. He covered the muddy five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 10 seconds, finishing 41 seconds ahead of early leader Patrick Lucas. Club colleague Alan Dolton was third in 22 minutes 52, while Natalie Osher was the second woman to finish, placing eleventh overall (27.32).

With a mainly female team, Striders finished tenth in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country relay at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Alice Ewen ran the first leg and placed 13th of the 15th starters, covering the muddy two-mile course in 13 minutes 35. Josephine Thompson gained three places on the second leg, recording 13 minutes 11, while the improving Amanda Barros ran the third leg and finished eleventh in 14 minutes 36. Barry White ran the final leg and produced Striders’ fastest run of the day with 11 minutes 21.

At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun, Rob Sharpe ran well to place fourth in 19 minutes 50. Nigel Davidson was 16th (23.04) with veteran Barry Finch 18th (23.37). At the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth was third (20.04) with Steve Smith 16th (22.22).
On Sunday Russell also raced at the hilly Tunbridge Wells half marathon, finishing in a time of 1.32.38. At the same race Lesley Bourke returned to form after a long lay-off with a time of 1.47.10 to put her top in the Striders all-time records for female over-50s.

Mick Turner, from Striders of Croydon, took a break from his duties as race organiser to win the parkrun at Roundshaw Downs on Saturday morning. He covered the five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 34 seconds, finishing 36 seconds ahead of early leader Ercole Lugari. At the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth was fifth (19.55) with veteran Bob Ewen 14th (21.53).

Striders had four of the first nine finishers at the parkrun in Lloyd Park. Barry White was fifth (20.31) with Damian Macenhill sixth (20.38), Alan Dolton eighth (23.02) and Kieron Connor ninth (24.54). Karen Macenhill was the third woman to finish, placing 17th overall (28.59). Club secretary Chris Morton finished seventh at the Crystal Palace parkrun (20.51).

At the Brighton Half-Marathon on Sunday, Paul Finch was 369th (1.32.29) while his father Barry Finch ran well to place sixth in the over-60 category (1.42.44). Striders’ first woman finisher was Kate Custis (1.48.49). In the Bramley 20-mile road race, Cara Kayum placed 298th in 2 hours 30 minutes 39 seconds.

Duncan Lancashire produced a very good run to lead Striders of Croydon in the final Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, at Richmond Park on Saturday. He placed seventh of the 150 finishers, covering the 5.6 mile course in 32 minutes 05 seconds. Sadly, this may be Duncan’s last race for the club as he has now moved to Andover.

Club colleague Lee Flanagan also ran well to place eighth in 32 minutes 22. Striders’ next man home was Justin Macenhill, who was still recovering from a hamstring injury and ran steadily to place 42nd (35.30), just ahead of Lee Wadsworth who ran well to place 43rd (35.34). Another Strider to run well was veteran John Foster who placed 46th (35.39). Damian Macenhill was 51st (35.46) with Simon Ambrosi 62nd (36.11), Krzysztof Klidzia 63rd (36.15), Mick Turner 72nd (36.51) and Taylor Huggins completing the scoring team in 74th (36.59). Striders placed fourth in the match and fifth in the final Division Two table.

Meanwhile Striders’ women were competing in Division One of the women’s league at Putney Vale. They were again led by Helen Furze who had a very good race to finish 28th, covering the 5.5 mile course in 38 minutes 27. Steph Upton, who was the second woman at the Bookham 10K the previous week, again ran well to be Striders’ second finisher in 51st place (40.46). Josephine Thompson was next home in 87th (43.19) while Faye Stammers made a welcome return to the team, placing 90th (43.43). Alice Ewen completed the scoring team in 97th (44.13). Striders placed 14th in the match and are relegated to Division Two for next season.

Striders’ B team placed 12th in their category. This team comprised Linda Daniel (127th, 49.36); Eve Collins (139th, 51.11); Corinne Carr (150th, 55.42); Sarah Hansbury (151st, 56.16) and Pat Edwards (153rd, 58.05).

Steph Upton also raced on Sunday - she showed her stamina when finishing at 1st women in the Valentine's Challenge 10 mile multiterrain race at Vigo.

At the Sidcup 10-mile road race on Sunday, Striders’ Steve Starvis ran very well to place seventh in exactly 55 minutes. Cara Kayum was the seventh woman to finish, placing 88th overall in 67 minutes 47.

One of Striders’ youngest runners, Kieron Connor, ran well to place fifth in the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning (23.33), while Natalie Osher was the first woman to finish, placing tenth overall (26.39).

Striders of Croydon gained a double victory at the local parkruns on Saturday morning, with Lee Flanagan winning at Roundshaw Downs while Richard Lee-Smith won at Crystal Palace.

At Roundshaw, Lee Flanagan gained a comfortable victory, covering the five-kilometre course in 17 minutes 47. Striders’ next finisher was veteran Bob Ewen who placed 19th in 22 minutes 19. Mark Hutchings was 27th (23.04) while Bob’s daughter Alice Ewen was the sixth woman to finish, placing 32nd overall (23.46).

At Crystal Palace, Richard Lee-Smith won for the second successive week in 18 minutes 01, while club colleague Simon Ambrosi placed third (19.08). Hannah Musk was the second woman to finish, placing 13th overall (23.16).

In the parkrun at Richmond Park, Tyler O’Callaghan placed second in 18 minutes 26. In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Striders were led by Damian Macenhill who placed second in 21 minutes 08. Alan Dolton was ninth overall and second in the over-50 category (23.34), while Phil Mazur was 12th (24.45). Karen Macenhill was the second woman to finish, placing 15th overall (27.32).

In the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth placed seventh (19.40) while Steve Smith was 22nd (21.44).

On Sunday three Striders finished in the top 20 in the Pirie 10-mile cross-country race organised by South London Harriers. Club secretary Chris Morton was 16th (67.53) with Krzysztof Klidzia 17th (68.23) and Matt Chapman 19th (69.00). Russell Harmsworth, in his second run of the weekend, completed the team in 23rd place and this was enough to see Striders claim the Visiting Team award.

Striders of Croydon dominated the Crystal Palace parkrun on Saturday morning, with the first three finishers. Richard Lee-Smith gained a convincing victory in 18 minutes 01 seconds, finishing more than a minute clear of the rest of the field. Damian Macenhill was second (19.09) with Simon Ambrosi third (19.33). Hannah Musk was the second woman to finish, placing 12th overall (22.58), while Eve Collins was 29th (26.13).

Later that day Striders faced strong opposition in the South of England Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill. They were led by Tyler O’Callaghan who ran well to place 171st of the 885 finishers, covering the muddy 15-kilometre course in 57 minutes 42 seconds. Barry White was next home in 463rd (66.29) with Taylor Huggins 508th (67.49), Chris Morton 544th (69.01) and Mick Turner 560th (69.39).

In the Bromley parkrun Lee Wadsworth was fifth (18.41) with Russell Harmsworth seventh (19.21) and Bob Ewen 22nd (21.31). In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Alan Dolton was 19th (21.55) while Barry Finch was 29th overall and first in the over-60 category (23.21). In the parkrun at Lloyd Park, Phil Mazur was ninth overall and first in the over-50 category (25.27), while Karen Macenhill was the fourth woman to finish, placing 15th overall (28.15).

Striders had two of the first four women finishers in the Kenley Airfield 10 kilometre road race on Sunday. Cara Kayum placed second in a personal best 41 minutes 49, lifting her to seventh place in the club’s all-time women’s rankings. Club colleague Josephine Thompson was fourth (44.49).

Richard Lee-Smith, from Striders of Croydon, produced a good run to win the Crystal Palace parkrun on Saturday. He covered the undulating five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 15 seconds, finishing well clear of his nearest rival. Club colleague Hannah Musk was the fourth woman to finish, placing 25th overall in 24 minutes 39.

In the Roundshaw Downs parkrun, Barry White ran well to place third of the 76 finishers, recording 20 minutes 01. Club secretary Chris Morton was sixth (20.33) with Paul Finch tenth (21.27), Alan Dolton 16th (22.23) and Sean Gallagher 22nd (23.41). Barry Finch was first in the over-60 category and 23rd overall (23.53). Lesley Bourke also ran well to be the first woman to finish, placing 29th overall in 24 minutes 51. Michelle Campbell was the fourth woman to finish, placing 37th overall (25.46).

At Lloyd Park, Damian Macenhill placed second (20.30) with Phil Mazur tenth (24.45). Striders dominated the women’s event with four of the first six finishers. Karen Macenhill was the second woman to finish (27.37) with Kim Ford fourth (31.11), Karen Connor fifth (31.15) and Isabelle Kita sixth (32.06). At the Greenwich parkrun, Simon Ambrosi placed third (19.36). At the Bromley parkrun, Russell Harmsworth placed eighth (19.47) with veteran Bob Ewen 33rd (21.59).

Duncan Lancashire, from Striders of Croydon, produced a very good run in the Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at Newlands Corner, near Guildford, on Saturday. He placed seventh of the 145 finishers, covering the hilly five-mile course in 28 minutes 37 seconds. There were also good runs from Lee Flanagan in 12th place (29.01) and Steve Starvis in 18th (29.49). Justin Macenhill ran steadily for 29th (30.54) while Richard Lee-Smith was 36th (31.18) and Simon Ambrosi 56th (32.25). Striders’ last four scorers finished within three seconds of each other: Krzysztof Klidzia was 73rd (33.16) with Matt Chapman 74th (33.17), Taylor Huggins 75th (33.18) and Mick Turner 76th (33.19). Striders placed fifth of the nine clubs in the match, and remain fifth in the Division Two table.

Meanwhile Striders’ women were competing in Division One of the Surrey Women's Cross-Country League at Ham. They were led by Helen Furze who ran very well to place 22nd of the 163 finishers, covering the muddy five-mile course in 32 minutes 14. Striders’ next woman home was Josephine Thompson who placed 80th (35.50). Alice Ewen was 100th (37.41) with Hannah Musk 114th (39.29) and Eve Collins completing the A team in 145th (43.26). Sadly, Striders remain at the bottom of the Division One table.

Striders’ B team placed twelfth in their category. This team comprised Linda Daniel (146th, 43.47); Corinne Carr (152nd, 45.34); Jo Penny (153rd, 45.40); Margaret Faherty (154th, 45.45) and Isabelle Kita (156th, 47.50).

Striders of Croydon produced a good team performance to place eighth out of 17 clubs in the senior men’s race at the Surrey Cross-Country Championships at Lloyd Park on Saturday. They were again led by Lee Flanagan who ran a well-judged race, moving through the field to place 28th of the 179 finishers, covering the muddy seven and a half mile course in 46 minutes 07 seconds. He finished just one place and two seconds ahead of club colleague Steve Starvis, who was 29th (46.09). Bill Makuwa made a welcome return to Striders colours after a long absence through injury. He started very cautiously but moved through the field as the race progressed, and did well to finish 41st in 47 minutes 32. Striders’ next man home was Iain Harrison who ran steadily to finish 84th (50.45). Team manager Chris Morton was 107th (52.47) while Mick Turner completed the scoring team in 109th (52.59). Striders also had four non-scorers: Taylor Huggins was 110th (53.05) with Damian Macenhill 114th (53.19), Barry White 124th (54.54) and Ryan Phillips 158th (59.53).

Striders only had one finisher in the senior women’s race; Alice Ewen ran steadily to place 79th, covering the five-mile course in 42 minutes 12 seconds. Several of Striders’ women chose to compete in the regular weekly parkruns in preference to the Surrey Championships. At the parkrun in Lloyd Park, held before the championship races began, Serena Stracey was the first woman to finish, placing eighth overall in 27 minutes 12. Club colleague Karen Macenhill placed 11th (29.17). At the Roundshaw Downs parkrun Suzy Yates was the second woman to finish, placing 18th overall in 23 minutes 24.

On New Year’s Day Striders’ Simon Ambrosi won the Greenwich parkrun, recording 20 minutes 31 seconds. Striders’ first man home in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on the same day was Richard Lee-Smith, who ran well to place fourth of the 72 finishers, covering the muddy five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 19 seconds. Club colleague Alan Dolton was tenth overall and third in the over-50 category (22.10), with Alan Purchase not far behind in 13th place (22.38). Barry Finch again ran well to be first in the over-60 category, placing 21st overall in 23 minutes 53. Michelle Campbell also ran well to be the second woman to finish, placing 29th overall (26.10). She was followed by Karen Peake (43rd, 27.25); Natalie Osher (45th, 27.44) and Jemma Upton (52nd, 29.33). Striders’ oldest competitor was Kevin Burnett who placed first in the over-70 category and 62nd overall (32.54).

Striders’ first finisher at the Tadworth 10-mile race on Sunday was Krzysztof Klidzia who placed 36th of more than 500 finishers, recording 67 minutes 51 seconds, Mick Turner also ran well for 41st (68.34) while club secretary Chris Morton was not far behind in 45th (68.57). Striders’ first woman was Faye Stammers who placed 296th overall in 85 minutes 53. She was followed by Elanor Lim (1.33.49), Dee Stanford (1.42.21), Jo Penny (1.42.24) and Margaret Faherty (1.47.07).