Race reports
Race reports
Striders men claim second place in relay
Striders of Croydon did well to take second place out of 41 teams in the Sri Chinmoy 3 x 1 mile relay at Battersea Park on Monday. Matt Morgan ran the first leg and took second place in 4 minutes 56, just one second clear of his nearest rival. Alex Aronberg held second place in 5 minutes 09, moving to within two seconds of the leaders. The third leg saw the two fastest times of the day, with Duncan Lancashire maintaining Striders’ second place with 4 minutes 46.
Morgan and Lancashire were back in action two days later in the Rosenheim League match at Tooting. With a small team, Striders did well to place fifth of the seven competing clubs. Team captain Matt Morgan led by example, competing in five events and gaining 20 points, which exceeded the combined total gained by the rest of the team. He ran well to win the 1500 metres (4.27.0), and also placed third in the 400 metre hurdles (73.4) and fourth in the triple jump (8.70).
Meanwhile, Striders’ over-35s competed in the Southern Veterans League at Kingsmeadow Stadium, Norbiton. Their men finished fourth, while their women were fifth of the six clubs in the match. Striders’ best performance came from Steve Starvis who ran well to win the over-35 1500 metres in 4 minutes 37.5. Club colleague Paul Stanford won the B race in 5 minutes 00.1. Colin Cotton also ran well to set a club over-60 400 metre record of 72.7, placing third in his race. For Striders’ women, Andrea Jeffries competed in four events, gaining 19 points and setting new club over-45 records in the 100 metres (15.9), 400 metres (77.3) and long jump (2.29)
Karen and Eliot sprint to Striders club records
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in their third Rosenheim League match of the season, at Wimbledon Park on Wednesday. Their women did well to place third, while their men were sixth of the seven competing clubs.
Natalie Osher made a welcome return to Striders’ team after illness, and showed her versatility by placing third in the 1500 metres (5.59.6) and fourth in the discus (10.97). Club colleague Karen Knight ran well to place third in the 400 metres in a new club women’s record of 66.8 seconds.
For Striders’ men, Eliot Osher placed fourth in the 100 metres in a club record of 12.1 seconds, and also placed fifth in the 200 metres in a club under-20 record of 25.0. Stephen Harrison was fourth in the 400 metres (61.0) while Matt Morgan was fourth in the 1500 metres (4.26.3) and Duncan Lancashire was fourth in the 3000 metres (9.20.6). Osher, Harrison, Morgan and Lancashire finished the evening with fourth place in the 4 x 200 metres relay (1.50.4).
Two days earlier, Striders’ over-35s were in action in their second Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Ewell. With a depleted team, Striders’ men placed fourth, while their women were fifth of the six competing clubs.
For Striders’ women, Andrea Jeffries placed third in the 800 metres (2.55.4) and second in the B 200 metres (33.6), both these performances being new club over-45 records. Kim Ford competed in five events, placing third in the long jump and gaining a total of 22 points.
For Striders’ men, team manager Dave Batten led by example, competing in six events and gaining a total of 27 points. He placed third in the over-50 200 metres (31.4). For the over-35s, Striders’ best event was the 800 metres where Steve Massey was second in the B race (2.28.6) with Paul Stanford third in the A race (2.30.4). Striders’ 4 x 400 metre relay team of Dave Batten, Steve Massey, Paul Stanford and Alan Dolton finished the evening with third place in their event (4.38.8).
Striders to the fore as Duncan wins Beckenham 10K
Duncan Lancashire, of Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent performance to win the annual Beckenham 10 kilometre road race on Sunday. He covered the undulating course in 33 minutes 59 seconds, finishing 22 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Club colleague Justin Macenhill was third in 34 minutes 33, while Steve Starvis placed fifth in a personal best 34 minutes 58. This ensured that Striders won the team prize. Richard Lee-Smith was 20th (37.23) and Ben Fancourt 21st (37.45)
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Meanwhile Striders’ track captain Matt Morgan made his first appearance in the British Athletics League, in the Division One match at Abingdon. Competing for his second-claim club Belgrave Harriers, Matt placed sixth in the 3000 metre steeplechase in 10 minutes 16.15 seconds. Matt became the first member of Striders to compete in the British League for seventeen years, since former club chairman Nigel Davidson competed as a second-claim member for Croydon Harriers in their final spell in the British League, in 1992.
Alice leads all the way for convincing 3000m win
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their second Rosenheim League match of the season, at Croydon Arena on Wednesday. Their women did very well to finish third, while their men were fifth of the seven competing clubs.
For Striders’ women, Alice Ewen produced an excellent run to win the 3000 metres in a personal best 12 minutes 29.6 seconds, leading all the way to finish fourteen seconds clear of her nearest rival. Karen Knight made an impressive debut to place second in the 100 metres in a club women’s record of 15.1 seconds.
For Striders’ men, team captain Matt Morgan led by example, placing second in the 1500 metres (4.33.3) and fourth in both the long jump (4.64) and the 400 metre hurdles (78.1). Steve Starvis ran well for third in the 3000 metres (10.03.1). Eliot Osher set a club record of 12.4 seconds in the 100 metres, placing fifth in a good-quality race. He also placed fifth in the 200 metres in a club under-20 record of 25.3 seconds.
Striders’ road runners faced strong opposition in the Dorking 10-mile road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. They were led home by Justin Macenhill who ran well to place 27th of the 670 finishers, in 61 minutes 36 seconds. Iain Harrison was 54th (65.10) with Alistair Price 81st (67.52) and Damian Macenhill completing the scoring team in 85th (68.07). Striders’ men placed eleventh in the team competition, while their women did better by placing eighth. Josephine Thompson led them home in 30th place (76.07) while Suzy Yates and Kerry Backshell finished together in 77.19, placing 37th and 38th respectively. Steph Upton completed the scoring team in 69th (82.52).
Hat-trick of golds for Alan at Surrey Vets Champs
Four members of Striders of Croydon won medals in the annual Surrey Veterans Championships, at Ewell on Saturday. Their most impressive performance came from Justin Macenhill, who ran a well-judged tactical race to win the over-35 5000 metres. Staying at the back of the leading group in the early stages, he took the lead before the bell and produced a very fast final lap to win in a new championship best performance of 16 minutes 44.3 seconds.
Club middle-distance coach Alan Dolton won a hat-trick of gold medals in the over-50 400 metres, 800 metres (2.46.7) and 1500 metres (5.35.1). Dave Hoben won gold in the over-55 3000 metre walk (20.11.7). Striders’ oldest competitor, Kevin Burnett, came away with five medals (two silver and three bronze). He took silver in the over-65 discus (20.78) and 3000 metre walk (21.24.9), and bronze in the over-65 shot (6.11), javelin (17.49) and hammer (17.58).
Striders also produced some good performances in their first Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Croydon Arena last Monday. Their men did well to place third, only 19 points behind Epsom and 27 points ahead of Kingston. With a small team, Striders’ women also did well to place fourth of the six competing clubs.
Striders’ only winner was Bob Ewen who won the over-50 2000 metre walk (12.00.1) and later placed second in the over-50 1500 metres (5.21.9). The 1500 metres was a good event for Striders with Colin Cotton placing second in the over-60 race (5.57.1), Steve Starvis second in the over-35 A race (4.44.5) and Ian Campbell second in the over-35 B race (5.19.0). Steve Massey placed second in the over-35 400 metres (67.7), while team manager Dave Batten was third in the over-50 race (68.1). Mick Turner placed second in the over-35 2000 metre walk (12.01.9) with Dave Hoben second in the B race (12.59.7). Steve Smith was third in the over-50 shot putt (6.68) and Kevin Bannister was third in the over-50 long jump (3.79). Andy Elliott became Striders’ first over-60 high jumper, placing fourth in his event.
Jenny Hemmings made an impressive debut for Striders’ women, setting new club over-45 records in both the 100 metres (16.7) and 400 metres (83.0). Linda Daniel set a club over-45 discus record of 11.95 metres, placing fourth. Andrea Jeffries was fourth in the 1500 metres (5.56.3) and Louise Gough was fourth in the 2000 metre walk (15.32.9). Linda, Jenny, Andrea and Louise finished the evening by taking third place in the 4 x 100 metre relay
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Natalie leads Striders women to 2nd place at Battersea Park
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their first Rosenheim League match of the season, at Battersea Park on Wednesday. Their women did very well to finish second in the match, while their men were equal fifth of the seven competing clubs, level on points with local rivals Croydon Harriers.
Striders’ team captain Matt Morgan led by example, gaining a comfortable win in the opening event, the 2000 metre steeplechase, in 7 minutes 07.4. He also placed third in both the 1500 metres (4.39.7) and long jump (4.29)
Natalie Osher led the way for Striders’ women, doing well to take second place in both the women’s 200 metres (32.5) and long jump (3.40). Alice Ewen was fourth in the women’s 800 metres in a personal best 2 minutes 57.4.
Stephen Harrison had a busy evening, placing fourth in the 200 metres (27.7) and sixth in both the 100 metres (13.5) and 200 metres (2.20.2). Eliot Osher was fifth in the 400 metres (56.6) and Steve Starvis was fifth in the 3000 metres (9.56.4). Striders’ 4 x 200 metre relay team of Morgan, Osher, Starvis and Harrison ran well to finish the evening with third place in their event (1.52.6).
Striders win Beckenham Road Relays
Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to finish first out of 40 teams in the Beckenham Road Relays last Wednesday. On the first leg Matt Morgan, not at full fitness after a holiday in South America, covered the 2.6 mile course in 14 minutes 29 seconds to bring Striders into fifth place. Duncan Lancashire ran an excellent second leg with 13 minutes 43, overtaking all four runners ahead of him to bring Striders into the lead. Justin Macenhill ran 13 minutes 49 on the third leg, ensuring that Striders finished 30 seconds ahead of second-placed Beckenham and more than a minute ahead of third-placed South London Harriers.
Striders’ B team placed seventh overall and second in the mixed-sex category. This team comprised Steve Starvis (14.25), Josephine Thompson (17.33), and Richard Lee-Smith (14.46). Striders’ women's team of Alice Ewen (18.08), Andrea Jeffries (18.23) and Kerry Backshell (18.02) finished second in their category. Striders showed their strength in depth with a total of seven teams including an over-60 team comprising Barry Finch (17.47), Robin Jamieson (18.13) and Colin Cotton (17.33). They did well to finish 30th of the 40 teams.
Richard claims Personal Best to lead Striders at Sutton
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in Sunday’s Sutton 10 kilometre road race, which was the first event in this season’s Surrey Road League. Striders’ men did very well to finish fifth, while their women were eleventh. Striders showed their strength in depth by providing 27 of the 387 finishers.
Striders were led by Richard Lee-Smith who ran well to place 25th in 37 minutes 07 seconds. Veteran John Foster had an excellent run to place 37th overall and second in the over-50 category, recording 38 minutes 21. Mick Turner completed the scoring team in 44th (38.50).
Striders’ B team did well to place 12th. Alistair Price led them home in 53rd (39.34) and was followed by Paul Finch (59th, 40.18) and Paul Stanford (79th, 41.32).
Striders’ women were led by Yasmin Anderson, who placed 56th in the women’s race, recording 51 minutes 53. Kim Ford was 74th (54.57) with Pat Edwards 80th (56.24) and Anna Hills 86th (58.09).
Lee is first Strider home in hot London Marathon
Striders of Croydon had 20 finishers in Sunday’s London Marathon. Their first runner home was Lee Wadsworth who ran 3 hours 5 minutes and 45 seconds. He was followed by Damian Macenhill in 3 hours 10 minutes 31 seconds. Long-distance specialist Dave Shaw was next home in 3 hours 23 minutes 49, and Steve Massey also ran well to record 3 hours 25 minutes 21. Striders’ first woman was home was Kerry Backshell who ran 3 hours 27 minutes 25, very close to her personal best. She was followed by her training-partner Suzy Yates, who ran 3 hours 30 minutes 58.
Striders’ other finishers were: Ian Yates 3.34.30; Simon Ambrosi 3.43.06; Stephanie Noyce 3.44.29; Cara Kayum 3.53.43; Tina Macenhill 4.03.44; Stuart Hills 4.05.22; Stephen Harrison 4.27.03; Susannah Oliver 4.30.04; Andy Elliott 4.36.22; Kim Ford 4.42.30; Tom Stevens 4.44.04; Karen Connor 5.26.50; Andy Thatcher 5.42.28; Victoria Legge 6.04.08.
Justin and Steve lead Striders at Maidenhead and Ewell
Striders of Croydon had several runners in the annual Maidenhead 10-mile road race last week. They were led by Justin Macenhill who finished 31st in a field of over 1100 runners, recording a very creditable 58 minutes 34 seconds. Mick Turner ran a personal best 64 minutes 26, and was followed by Chris Morton (66.05) and Darren Piper (71.37). Striders’ women were led by the fast-improving Cara Kayum who ran a personal best 75 minutes 31. She was followed by Yasmin Anderson (76.52), Karen Macenhill (87.52) and Karen Peake (90.55).
Striders also produced a good team performance to finish fifth out of the twelve competing clubs in the East Surrey League’s annual road race at Ewell. This lifted them to fourth place in the final league table. Striders’ team at Ewell was led by Steve Starvis who did well to place 13th of the 92 finishers, covering the 4.2 mile course in 24 minutes 40 seconds. Club colleague Richard Lee-Smith was not far behind in 16th place (24.48), while Mick Turner was 33rd (26.22) and Paul Finch completed the scoring team in 34th (26.43). Striders’ leading woman was Josephine Thompson who placed 68th overall (30.39).
Duncan and Josephine star for Striders at Paddock Wood
Duncan Lancashire, from Striders of Croydon, produced another very good run in the annual Paddock Wood Half-Marathon on Sunday. He finished 18th in a field of almost 2000 runners, in a time of exactly 77 minutes which was less than half a minute outside his personal best. Club colleague Damian Macenhill also ran well to place 80th in 84 minutes 28 seconds. Steve Massey also made the top 200, placing 173rd in 89 minutes 17 seconds.
Striders’ women were led home by Josephine Thompson who recorded a personal best 1 hour 40 minutes 08 seconds, lifting her to 14th place in Striders’ all-time club rankings. She was closely followed by the improving Cara Kayum who did well to record 1 hour 41 minutes 32. Yasmin Anderson ran 1 hour 57 minutes 23, while Kim Ford ran 2 hours 00.29.
Duncan peaks at Bath while Justin wins at Cranleigh for Striders
Justin Macenhill, from Striders of Croydon, continued his return to form with an excellent run to win the MABAC 15-mile road race at Cranleigh on Sunday. He covered the undulating course in 1 hour 32 minutes 50, finishing just over a minute ahead of the second-placed runner, Matt Ward from Clapham Chasers (1.33.52). Striders’ club secretary Chris Morton also ran well to finish eleventh (1.46.02)
Striders also had several competitors in the 21-mile road race, held in conjunction with the 15-miler. They were led by Damian Macenhill who placed 38th in 2 hours 24 minutes 38. Ian Yates placed 129th (2.44.26), one place ahead of club colleague Paul Finch (2.44.43). Striders’ women were led by Suzy Yates who placed 134th overall (2.45.07). She was followed by Kerry Backshell (137th, 2.45.15) and Cara Kayum (183rd, 2.50.42).
Striders’ Duncan Lancashire produced an excellent race in the recent Bath Half-Marathon. He recorded a personal best of 76 minutes 33 seconds, which placed him 66th in a very high-quality field. There were more than 10,000 finishers, making this one of the largest races in the UK. Duncan’s time lifted him to eighth place in Striders’ all-time club rankings.
Steve makes impressive debut for Striders
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the East Surrey League’s annual road relay at Box Hill on Saturday. Without most of their first-choice runners, they had to field a team consisting entirely of veterans, and had to settle for eleventh place. Their best performance came on the final leg from Steve Starvis, making his debut for Striders, who covered the undulating 2.1 mile course in 12 minutes 03 seconds, more than a minute faster than any of his team-mates. Earlier team manager Chris Morton had run the first leg in 13 minutes 25. He was followed by two of Striders’ over-50 runners, with Bob Ewen running 13 minutes 05 and Alan Dolton running 13 minutes 34.
On Sunday Striders had several runners in the annual Hastings Half-Marathon. They were led home by Justin Macenhill who placed 40th of the 3827 finishers in 80 minutes 03 seconds. His elder brother Damian was 65th in 83 minutes 26. Club secretary Chris Morton had his second race of the weekend, placing 176th in 89 minutes 34. Striders’ first woman to finish was Suzy Yates who ran 95 minutes 26, finishing two seconds ahead of her husband Ian. Striders’ second woman was Serena Stracey who ran 96 minutes 16. She was followed by Stephanie Noyce (1.41.47), Tina Macenhill (1.45.35) and Tara Mayhew (1.57.10).
The previous weekend Damian Macenhill had produced a very good run in the Sri Chinmoy 10-mile road race in Battersea Park. He finished sixth of the 158 finishers, in a new personal best of 60 minutes 13 seconds. Three other Striders competed. Simon Ambrosi placed 22nd in 67 minutes 44, while veteran Alan Dolton was 33rd in 70 minutes 26, and placed fourth in the over-50 category. Former Croydon Harrier Mark Bayliss made his Striders debut and finished 75th in 80 minutes 05.
Duncan and Suzy lead Striders in Lloyd Park cross country races
Striders of Croydon finished the cross-country season with a good team performance in the final Surrey League Division Two match of the season at Lloyd Park on Saturday. They finished fourth of the nine competing clubs, and also finished fourth in the final league table, which was their best placing since 2003. Duncan Lancashire led the team in ninth place, covering the five-mile course in 31 minutes 01 seconds. Justin Macenhill had his best run of the season to finish tenth (31.13), while Matt Morgan also ran well for 14th (31.33). Richard Lee-Smith was 37th (33.19) with Damian Macenhill close behind in 39th (33.27). Veteran John Foster ran well to finish 44th (33.43) and was followed by Lee Wadsworth (51st, 34.11), Mick Turner (64th, 34.57) and Tony Sheppard (67th, 35.13). Teenager Nick Batten completed the scoring team in 76th (35.40). Striders also had seven non-scorers.
Earlier in the day Striders’ women competed in their Division One match at Lloyd Park. Against strong opposition, they had to settle for 14th place of the 15 clubs in the division, and are relegated back to Division Two for next season. Striders’ women were again led by Suzy Yates who finished 45th, covering the 3.5 mile course in 25 minutes 48 seconds. Josephine Thompson also ran well for 54th (26.18) with Kerry Backshell 61st (27.03). Yasmin Anderson had her best run of the season to place 69th (27.23) and Steph Upton completed the scoring team in 88th (28.32). Striders’ B team finished tenth in their category. This team comprised Carmen Somerset (93rd, 29.05); Alice Ewen (102nd, 31.01); Linda Daniel (122nd, 31.58); Sarah Hansbury (125th, 32.31) and Pat Edwards (132nd, 33.34).
Suzy storms to 7th in all time rankings with Brighton triumph
Striders of Croydon had 28 finishers in the annual Brighton Half-Marathon on Sunday. Damian Macenhill led them home, placing 40th of the 4613 finishers in 80 minutes 46 seconds, only nine seconds outside his personal best. Ian Campbell also made the top 100 in 66th place (83.16). Steve Massey ran 86 minutes 38 and was followed by Mick Turner (87.11), Ian Yates (89.23), Chris Morton (90.22) and Matthew Chapman (90.56). Striders’ first woman to finish was Suzy Yates who ran a personal best 93 minutes 50, lifting her to seventh place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Kerry Backshell was not far behind in 94 minutes 37.
John smashes Vets50 record at Sidcup
John Foster, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run in the annual Sidcup 10-mile road race on Sunday. He finished 41st overall in a new club over-50 record of 61 minutes 13 seconds. This was 15 seconds faster than the previous record, set by Bob Ewen in 2006. Also at Sidcup, Striders’ Damian Macenhill placed 32nd overall in a personal best of 60 minutes 18 seconds and his sister Tina also grabbed a PB with a tiem of 74.51.
Striders keep it in the family in East Surrey relays
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances at the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country relay at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Their A team finished fourth out of 17 teams, while their B team were ninth and their C team were sixteenth. Veteran John Foster gave Striders a good start on the first leg, covering the two-mile course in 11 minutes 13 seconds, and finishing 38 seconds ahead of his son Graham, who was running for Striders’ B team. Striders’ team manager Chris Morton ran 11.57 on the second leg, and Nick Batten, the youngest member of the team, returned to form with 11 minutes 26 on the third leg. On the final leg Surrey steeplechase champion Matt Morgan ran an excellent 10 minutes 12, more than a minute faster than any of his team-mates, to overtake host club Hercules-Wimbledon and lift Striders to fourth place. Striders’ veteran Bob Ewen continued his return from injury with an encouraging 11 minutes 51 for the B team, while his daughter Alice was Striders’ only woman competitor, running 14 minutes 17.
On Saturday (7th) Striders will be hosting the final Surrey Cross-country League races of the season, in Lloyd Park. The first race is at 12.15am. Striders’ women need a good turnout to avoid relegation from Division One. After the snow which covered Lloyd Park on Sunday night, athletes and spectators will be watching the weather forecast with interest.
Striders enjoy the mud at Hillingdon
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition and a very muddy course in the Southern Cross-Country Championships at Hillingdon on Saturday.
Striders’ first woman home was Josephine Thompson who ran strongly to place 162nd, covering the five-mile course in 42 minutes 01. Club colleague Alice Ewen was 250th (47.28).
Striders’ first man home was Damian Macenhill who placed 295th, covering the nine-mile course in 67 minutes 45 seconds. Striders’ next three finishers had their own private battle with Simon Ambrosi 365th (70.45), Chris Morton 368th (70.50) and Mick Turner 372nd (71.01). Matt Anderson placed 580th (82.35).
In the under-20 race, Striders’ Nick Batten placed 90th, covering the five-mile course in 37 minutes 02.
Simon Ambrosi's report from Hillingdon
Truly Mudly Deeply
With the badly pitched tents (for some of the more modest clubs to change in) the people staggering all over the place and the miles of mud you would have been forgiven for thinking Glastonbury had been relocated to Uxbridge on Saturday!! But no it was just time for the South of England Cross Country Champs again!! It was difficult finding out much about the route at Hillingdon (like how far, how many laps,…) as it hasn't got the reputation of some other courses such as Parliament Hill but it's not gonna be a course easily forgotten by anyone that was there!! Now there was always going to be someone that had to test out the course before everyone else and unfortunately for him it was Nick Batten in the under 20s race, I think it must be his punishment for still having youth on his side and already making it into the scoring team in the Surrey League this season! I didn't manage to see him run or find the results for that race (sorry, will do better next time) but I know he got round and will hopefully find Lloyd Park a breeze after that!! Next up were the ladies and it was great to see Josephine charging round and obviously enjoying the cheers for her as within a second of us shouting her name she powered past a group of 6 runners on her way to the finish. Alice found it all very easy as that's the only way I can explain the huge smile on her face as she sprayed mud left, right and centre and appeared to also finish strongly.
After watching some of the earlier races and already having wet feet I wasn't looking forward to our race a great deal, especially as I still didn't know where the course went or how far it was but had entered into a pact with Chris and Mick that we would start off slowly and ease ourselves into the race. Damian disappeared into the distance as soon as the gun went off and I started to realise why the runners in the last race had looked so slow. This wasn't your very wet Parliament Hill mud or sticky shallow Lloyd Park mud but something different entirely!! The mud was just so deep and gloopy (technical term for describing mud) with a real danger of ripping your shoes off if they weren't tied on tightly enough. I lasted half a mile of Mick leading our merry little trio and decided someone had to do something if we wanted to finish before it got dark. The whole race was 4 laps of 2 and a bit miles each which started and ended in the mud but had a flat fastish bit in the middle at the top of a hill around some playing fields. Mick kept making a point of appearing on my shoulder every 5 minutes to let me know he was still there but it wasn't 'til 800m to go that Chris made his appearance, using his experience to sit back and watch the race until it was the right time to make his move. Luckily for me I was quick enough to react but poor Mick that had pretty much paced the 3 of us round just couldn't find enough. Matt put in a good performance, as ever helped round by his one woman supporters club!! Now it took a while to get to Uxbridge and getting home was no easier and due to engineering works we had to make several changes at the Three Tuns, the Dolphin and the Red Lion meaning I didn't get home 'til nearly midnight, still with a nice layer of North London mud covering my legs!! It's already getting close to the end of cross country season - just as we were starting to have fun!!
Pos RaceNo Time Firstname Lastname Club
1 4677 31:50 Katherine Sparke Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies
162 4435 42:01 Josephine Thompson Striders of Croydon
250 4430 47:28 Alice Ewen Striders of Croydon
Out of 311 finishers
Pos RaceNo Time Firstname Lastname Club
1 5132 51:08 Phil Wicks Belgrave Harriers
295 6410 1:07:45 Damian Macenhill Striders of Croydon
365 6404 1:10:45 Simon Ambrosi Striders of Croydon
368 6412 1:10:50 Chris Morton Striders of Croydon
372 6414 1:11:01 Mick Turner Striders of Croydon
580 6405 1:22:35 Matt Anderson Striders of Croydon
Out of 672 finishers
Freezing conditions are no barrier to Duncan, Matt and Suzy
Striders of Croydon placed sixth of nine clubs in their Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at Lightwater on Saturday. Striders’ leading two runners, Duncan Lancashire and Matt Morgan, both ran very well and had a close private battle culminating in a sprint finish. Duncan placed sixth in 29 minutes 08, one place and one second ahead of Matt. Striders’ next man home was Justin Macenhill who placed 27th (31.18), while his brother Damian was 39th (31.55). Lee Wadsworth, making his league debut, also ran well for 54th (32.46) with team manager Chris Morton 66th (33.21). Simon Ambrosi was 72nd (33.53) and Mick Turner 74th (33.59). Veteran Bob Ewen was 81st (34.54) and Steve Massey completed the scoring team in 98th (35.45). Striders are now fifth in the Division Two table with one match remaining (at Lloyd Park on 7 February).
Meanwhile Striders’ women faced strong opposition in their third Surrey Women's Cross-Country League Division One match of the season, at Coulsdon. They were led by Suzy Yates who finished 62nd of the 169 finishers, covering the six-kilometre course in 27 minutes 58 seconds. Kerry Backshell was next home in 68th (28.14) with Faye Stammers 73rd (28.38) and Josephine Thompson 82nd (29.10). Steph Upton completed the scoring team in 108th (30.30). Striders’ B team were led by Alice Ewen who finished 113th, just one place and one second ahead of club colleague Yasmin Anderson. Katherine Selby was 135th (32.23) with Linda Daniel 138th (32.40) and Carmen Somerset completing the B team in 144th (32.59). In the team event, Striders placed 14th of the 15 clubs. Striders’ Renee Jones made her league debut in the under-13 race, placing 35th of the 38 finishers.
Simon Ambrosi's report from Lightwater
I wasn't too bothered to only be watching the Surrey Cross Country Champs last weekend as 7.5 miles sounds a long way and I would have been rubbish! It was much better to actually get a week of training done and try to make a comeback for the more important 3rd Surrey League fixture. It's amazing how you can forget about the weather outside when you're in a nice cosy car but I thought I was driving into some magical place as I entered Lightwater Country Park as instead of swimming the ducks were walking on top of the lake. As soon as I opened my car door I realised why they were on top of the lake, it was frozen!! Ok close the door quick, put on some more clothes. I eventually got out the car looking like the michelin man with my man tights (apparently that's the trendy name for them for the metrosexual about town) tracksuit bottoms over the top, various long and short sleeved t-shirts, fleecy hoody, extra thick socks, gloves and racing woolly hat - I was ready for the warm up!! After 2 miles of the long lap (backwards) at a far from pedestrian pace I felt brave enough to remove the trackie bottoms and fleece.
The race was on and we got going on the zig-zaggy course which was quite a nice surface and I was pleased I kept my warm trainers on!! There were some challenging steep uphill sections and one particularly nasty long downhill where master tactician Chris Morton took advantage of my impersonation of the lake ducks tip-toeing across the ice (yes, I know ducks don't have toes but you know what I mean) and zoomed past me making sure the gap was too big to make up on the inclines. A very enjoyable race and hopefully a good result for Striders given that we were missing some of the quality midfield runners who had done a great job in the first 2 races of the season. Special well done to our first 2 home who I hear had a bit of a sprint finish for 1st Strider home. Team positions were: Duncan (6th), Matt (7th), Justin, Damian, Lee, Chris, Me, Mick, Bob, Steve M, Dave B, Neil, Matt A, Darren, Ed. Apologies if I've got any of these wrong!!
Only 1 more to go this season and it probably won't mean a lot in terms of promotion/relegation for us but it is at that great racing venue of Lloyd Park and we'll get to cheer on the girlies too and I'm sure everyone will still want to give their all for their club (and Sandilands Cup points) and hopefully a nice end of season drink and cakes in the clubhouse afterwards - what could be nicer for a Saturday afternoon!!
Simon
Duncan and Matt battle to be top Strider at Surrey champs
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the annual Surrey Cross-Country Championships, held at a frozen Lloyd Park on Saturday. Their men did well to finish eighth, while their women were eleventh.
Striders’ men were led home by Duncan Lancashire who ran very well to place 30th of the 140 finishers, covering the twelve-kilometre course in 46 minutes 51. Matt Morgan also ran well to finish close behind him in 32nd (47.12). Striders’ next man home was Richard Lee-Smith who moved through the field to place 72nd (51.42). Damian Macenhill was 77th (52.13), one place and one second ahead of new member Lee Wadsworth. Veteran John Foster completed the scoring team in 85th place (53.39), while team manager Chris Morton also made the top hundred in 91st place (53.55).
Striders’ women were led by Serena Stracey who ran well to place 38th of the 97 finishers, covering the eight-kilometre course in 38 minutes 13 seconds. Kerry Backshell also ran well for 49th (40.02), while Alice Ewen was 69th (43.11) and Yasmin Anderson completed the scoring team in 72nd (43.58). Natalie Osher was 86th (47.28) with Sarah Hansbury 88th (48.05) and Kim Ford 90th (49.42).
In the under-20 men’s race, Striders’ Eliot Osher placed 24th, covering the seven-kilometre course in 35 minutes 08 seconds.
Kerry leads Striders in South of Thames championship race
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Championship at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Their best performances came from their women. Kerry Backshell did well to place 13th of the 39 finishers, covering the twelve-kilometre course in 59 minutes 56 seconds. Suzy Yates was close behind in 15th (60.22), while Alice Ewen was 27th (64.16) and Yasmin Anderson 31st (67.05).
Striders’ men were without most of their first-choice runners, and placed 15th in the team event. Their best performance came from veteran John Foster who placed 107th of the 173 finishers, recording 52 minutes 31 seconds. The other runners were: 135 Neil Furze 56.34; 146 Alan Dolton 58.47; 150 Richard Edwards 59.26; 153 Matt Anderson 60.01; 171 Dave Denton 71.47.
Matt shows his class against rest of London
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the London Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill on Saturday. They finished 23rd of the 49 competing teams. Striders were led by Surrey steeplechase champion Matt Morgan who placed 49th of the 260 finishers, covering the 10 kilometre course in 35 minutes 33 seconds. Damian Macenhill was 109th (38.17), Iain Harrison 121st (38.51), Chris Morton 140th (40.11), Darren Piper 156th (41.00) and Simon Ambrosi 157th (41.01). Striders’ women were led by Suzy Yates, who placed 77th of the 154 finishers, covering the six kilometre course in 25 minutes 38 seconds. She was closely followed by club colleague Kerry Backshell who placed 81st (25.44).
Simon Ambrosi's report from Parliament Hill fields
Matt leads Striders on the grass while Duncan and Suzy peak on the road
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Association’s inter-club five-mile race at a muddy Lloyd Park on Saturday. They placed 13th of the 24 competing teams. Their first man home was Surrey steeplechase champion Matt Morgan who placed 32nd, covering the course in 32 minutes 26 seconds. Teenager Nicholas Batten had an excellent run to place 60th (34.52). Tony Sheppard was 66th (35.32) with Ian Campbell 74th (36.00) and Neil Furze 87th (37.45). Alice Ewen ran well to place 28th in the women’s race (43.36).
Duncan and Suzy lead Striders in Surrey cross country leagues
Duncan Lancashire produced an excellent run to lead Striders of Croydon in the second Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, at Esher on Saturday. He placed eighth of the 134 finishers, covering the muddy five-mile course in 29 minutes 37 seconds. Club colleague Matt Morgan also ran well for 15th (30.11), while Justin Macenhill continued his return from injury by placing 31st (31.12). John Foster was 46th (32.15) with team manager Chris Morton placing 56th (32.54). Tony Sheppard was 58th (33.06) with Darren Piper 60th (33.12) and Bob Ewen 71st (33.57). 17-year-old Nick Batten ran well for 76th (34.13) while Steve Massey completed the scoring team in 82nd (34.45). Striders finished sixth in a competitive match, but are currently fourth of the nine Division Two clubs. Walton lead the division with 608 points, ahead of Guildford (651), Epsom (653), Striders (980), Kingston (992), Wimbledon Windmilers (993), Woking (1071), Dulwich (1106) and Elmbridge (1136).
Striders’ women faced strong opposition in their second Surrey Women's Cross-Country League Division One match of the season, at Lightwater on Saturday. They were again led by Suzy Yates who placed 50th of the 168 finishers, covering the four-mile course in 27 minutes 36 seconds. Josephine Thompson also ran well to place 56th (28.00), while Faye Stammers was 76th (28.59) and Kerry Backshell 77th (29.06). Steph Upton completed the scoring team in 92nd place (29.48). Striders finished 13th of the 15 competing clubs.
Striders’ B team placed tenth in their category. They were led by Alice Ewen who placed 111th (30.51). The team also included Yasmin Anderson (120th, 31.26), Andrea Jeffries (128th, 31.57), Carmen Somerset (140th, 33.33) and Amalia Da Silva Lima (150th, 34.29).
In the under-13 girls’ race, Striders’ Salma Khan placed 26th, covering the two-mile course in 15 minutes 17 seconds. Her sister Maryan Khan was 37th (16.38).
Matt and Abdul lead Striders to third in East Surrey
Striders of Croydon produced a good team performance to place third out of nine clubs in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country race in Lloyd Park last Saturday.
Striders were led by Surrey steeplechase champion Matt Morgan, who placed ninth of the 98 finishers, covering the undulating five-mile course in 31 minutes 49 seconds. He was closely followed by Abdul Abidi who made a welcome return to Striders colours and placed ninth in 31.51. Striders’ next man home was Iain Harrison who placed 16th (33.30). John Foster also ran well, showing no ill-effects from his efforts in the Abingdon Marathon only six days earlier and placing 18th (33.53), just one place and one second ahead of Richard Lee-Smith. Veteran Dave Batten placed 31st and was first in the over-55 category (35.45), while his son Nick was 37th (36.25). Steve Massey placed 39th (36.54) with Neil Furze 44th (37.39) and Richard Edwards 36th (37.48).
Striders followed this by placing a respectable 15th of 30 teams in the annual Reigate Priory Relays. Their team comprised Stephen Harrison (18.42), Grant Barnes (16.55), Chris Morton (17.18), Darren Piper (17.20), Iain Harrison (16.17) and Mick Turner (18.02).
Dave claims Vets runners-up spot at Richmond Park
Dave Batten, of Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run to take second place in the Surrey Over-55 cross-country championships at Richmond Park last Saturday. He covered the 10 kilometre course in 40 minutes 48 seconds. Club colleague Richard Edwards was 15th in the over-40 race (44.02).
Striders also produced some good performances in the Abingdon Marathon last Sunday. They were led by John Foster, who placed 74th in 3 hours 3 minutes 37 seconds. Club secretary Chris Morton was next home in a personal best 3.10.16, while Simon Ambrosi ran a personal best 3.19.43. Alistair Price made his marathon debut with an encouraging 3.23.58. Striders’ women were led by Suzy Yates, who was the 22nd woman to finish, running a personal best 3.28.39 and lifting herself to tenth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Her husband Ian was not far behind, recording 3.29.22, while her training partner Kerry Backshell was the 26th woman to finish, recording 3 hours 31.00.
Richard and Alice lead Striders to mixed-team win at Croydon 10K
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in Sunday’s Croydon 10 kilometre road race, organised by Croydon Harriers. Their women’s team placed first while their men’s team placed third, behind South London Harriers and Blackheath. Striders also won the mixed team prize.
Alice Ewen led Striders’ women, placing sixth in the women’s race in 46 minutes 58. She was supported by Carmen Somerset who placed 16th (50.28) and Katherine Selby who was 19th (50.48). Striders’ men were led by Richard Lee-Smith who placed 12th in a personal best 37 minutes 37. Ian Campbell was 15th (37.59) and placed second in the over-40 category. Grant Barnes completed the scoring team in 18th place (38.19).
Several of Striders’ older runners performed well. Colin Cotton was second in the over-60 category (45.04) with Robin Jamieson third (46.45). Alan Dolton was third in the over-50 category (40.32), and Pat Edwards was third in the women’s over-55 category (55.42).
Meanwhile, Striders’ Damian Macenhill ran in the Cabbage Patch 10-mile road race at Twickenham, placing 68th in 61 minutes 20 seconds. Club colleague Iain Harrison was 82nd (61.48). Striders’ first woman home was Tina Macenhill who ran 75 minutes 51 seconds.
Matt reaches another peak to lead Striders at Wimbledon
Surrey steeplechase champion Matt Morgan led Striders of Croydon in their opening Surrey League Division Two match of the season at Wimbledon on Saturday. He ran very well to place ninth of the 151 finishers, covering the undulating four and a half mile course in 25 minutes 53 seconds. The Macenhill brothers were next for Striders, with Damian placing 35th (27.32) and Justin 39th (27.51). John Foster was 43rd (28.11) with Iain Harrison 46th (28.19) and Tony Sheppard 51st (28.41). Simon Ambrosi was 62nd (29.03), just two places and two seconds ahead of veteran Bob Ewen. Team manager Chris Morton was 72nd (29.21) with Grant Barnes completing the scoring team in 79th (29.45). Walton won the match with 299 points, ahead of Guildford (310), Epsom (370), Wimbledon Windmilers (456), Striders (493), Elmbridge (495), Kingston (527), Dulwich (528) and Woking (615).
Meanwhile Striders’ women faced strong opposition on their return to Division One of the Surrey Women's League, at Banstead on Saturday. They were led by Suzy Yates who ran well to place 49th of the 177 finishers, covering the four-mile course in 28 minutes 20 seconds. Kerry Backshell was next home in 57th place (29.04) with Josephine Thompson also running well for 63rd (29.22). Faye Stammers was 69th (29.40) and Stephanie Upton completed the scoring team in 83rd (30.29).
Striders’ A team placed 14th of the 15 competing clubs in the division, while they showed their strength in depth by having the eighth B team. Their B team runners were: 113 Andrea Jeffries 32.02; 119 Alice Ewen 32.21; 147 Yasmin Anderson 34.50; 164 Samantha Purser 37.09; 166 Kim Ford 37.40. Salma Khan made her debut for Striders in the under-13 race and placed 46th.
Bill just holds off Vic to win exciting Switchback in Croydon
Striders of Croydon staged their annual five-mile ‘Switchback’ race on Sunday, over an undulating course in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills. The race was won by Bill Makuwa who covered the course in 28 minutes 26 seconds. He finished just three seconds ahead of Herne Hill’s veteran Vic Maughn, who had led for most of the race and had the consolation of leading Herne Hill to the team prize. Third place went to Striders’ Matt Morgan, who recorded 29 minutes 12.
Striders’ next finisher was Damian Macenhill who placed eighth (31.14). Tony Sheppard, returning after a long absence through injury, was 11th (32.15) while Dave Batten was 18th (33.14). Alan Dolton was 36th (36.47) with Matt Anderson 40th (37.18) and Dave Denton 45th (38.20).
The women’s race was won by Ola Balme of Dulwich, who ran very well to place 19th overall (33.19). She beat Herne Hill’s Helena Laczko by just five seconds. Striders’ women were led by Stephanie Upton who placed 47th overall (38.29). She was followed by Alice Ewen (58th, 41.12); Emily Campbell (67th, 43.36); Kim Ford (75th, 45.58) and Pat Edwards (77th, 46.50).
Damian leads Striders in at Beckenham
Striders of Croydon had three of the first 15 finishers in the Beckenham Running Club 10 kilometre race on Sunday. They were led home by Damian Macenhill who placed ninth in 39 minutes 49 seconds. Simon Ambrosi was 14th (40.11) with Richard Lee-Smith 15th (40.14).
For Striders’ women, Serena Stracey made an encouraging return to competition. She placed 63rd overall (49.34) and was the third woman finisher. She was closely followed by Tina Macenhill who placed 67th (49.51).
Meanwhile, Striders’ leading thrower Matt O’Hare regained his club discus record at Twickenham with a throw of 27.18 metres.
Striders of Croydon’s track captain Matt Morgan gained his first county title when he won the Surrey 3000 metre steeplechase at Horsham on Saturday. His winning time of 10 minutes 12 seconds saw him finish comfortably ahead of his nearest rival.
Meanwhile, Striders’ road runners faced strong opposition in the Surrey Road Relays at Wimbledon. Their women finished 16th, while their men placed 21st.
For Striders’ women, track specialist Natalie Osher ran the first leg and finished 21st, covering the undulating three-mile course in 24 minutes 04 seconds. On the second leg Laura Wanless gained a place to finish 20th (20.50). On the third leg Steph Upton gained three places, recording 21 minutes 26, and on the final leg Suzy Yates ran 20 minutes 20 to being the team home in 16th place.
Striders’ men were without most of their first-choice runners and had to include five veterans in their team. Paul Weir ran the first leg and placed 22nd of the 24 finishers, recording 20 minutes 56. On the second leg Dave Batten, the oldest member of the team, ran well to gain two places, recording 17 minutes 50. Alan Dolton ran 18 minutes 48 on the third leg, dropping one place, before Iain Harrison gained three places with Striders’ fastest leg of 17 minutes 31. On the fifth place Dave Denton ran 20 minutes 52, dropping three places, while team manager Chris Morton ran the final leg and held 21st place (19.06).
Striders’ multi-eventer Dave Lovell recently set a new club discus record of 24.49 metres at Crawley, beating the previous record set by club colleague Matt O’Hare.
Simon Ambrosi's report
from Wimbledon Common :
Saturday was a beautiful, hot, sunny day with the ground dry and firm which must mean it's time for cross country! Wait a minute, that doesn't sound right!! I counted a total of 3 tiny puddles on the Wimbledon course and made a point of going through the middle making the biggest splash I could to try and get into the spirit of it all - unfortunately that wasn't enough!! We had a good number of runners for the first Surrey League race of the season with the old regulars, Justin, Damian, Matt, some new faces, Grant, Nick Batten (1st time running with the men) and even dragging some people out of retirement, sorry Tony that's not fair but you did beat me so that makes us even!! The overall quality of the field seemed bigger and better than last year but I think there were a lot of Windmilers as we were running in their manor. The course might have been nicer if it wasn't so dry but in spikes you could feel every little pebble and twig! It was the usual 2 lapper but appeared to be short (how short we're not quite sure) of the supposed 5 miles and ended with a bit of uphill which Yasmin and Kim seemed to think would be the best place to see us all going by - thanks for that, I'm sure we were all looking our best at that point!! Matt Morgan was easily the fastest Strider coming home in 9th place overall on a course that appeared to have been designed for him with a few steeplechase-like trees blocking the path. If you want to run well in a race make sure you've got a train to catch soon after as that seemed to work for Damian, who was so determined to watch England be held to a first half 0-0 that he even beat an out of fitness Justin not too far behind! Next was John Foster, looking good for Abingdon next weekend, Iain Harrison, Tony Sheppard, me, Bob Ewen, Chris M, Grant, Steve Massey, Darren, Dave B, Nick B, Matt, Paul W, Brian … Next Surrey League fixture is 8 November so I will be performing a rain dance every day up until then!!
Matt and James achieve quality records for Striders
Striders of Croydon’s track captain Matt Morgan had an excellent run to win the 3000 metre steeplechase in the Herne Hill Open Meeting at Tooting Bec last Saturday. He set a new club record of 9 minutes 57.8 seconds.
On the road, Striders’ leading cross-country runner James Buchanan finished 17th in the recent Dublin Frank Duffy 10 mile race, recording a personal best of 55 minutes 33 seconds. This lifts James to third place in Striders’ all-time club rankings.
Simon and Richard battle it out in Belgrave 5K
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at Wimbledon on Sunday in the annual Belgrave 5 kilometre road race. This incorporated the Surrey Championships and was the final event in this year’s Surrey Road League.
Striders were led by Simon Ambrosi, who placed 47th in 18 minutes 46 seconds, just one place and one second ahead of club colleague Richard Lee-Smith. Veteran Dave Batten ran well for 64th (19.23) and was third in the over-50 category. He was closely followed by Darren Piper (65th, 19.24); Nick Batten (69th, 19.30); Mick Turner (75th, 19.40) and Chris Morton (77th, 19.42).
Striders’ women were led by Yasmin Anderson who was 45th in the women’s race (23.46). Kim Ford was 57th (26.49) with Julie Shew 62nd (29.17). Pat Edwards placed 65th (29.47) and was third in the over-55 category. Striders’ women placed ninth in the team event, while their men were twelfth.
Striders finish Rosenheim League season strongly
Striders of Croydon’s women’s team did well to take second place in the final Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. Andrea Jeffries was second in the 1500 metres (5.55.7), while Kim Ford was second in both the shot putt (5.71) and the long jump. Yasmin Anderson ran well for third in the 400 metres in a personal best 74.5 seconds. Striders’ women placed second in the final league table, behind Serpentine but well clear of the other five competing clubs.
Striders’ men faced strong opposition and had to settle for fifth place in their match. Team captain Matt Morgan ran well for third in the 2000m steeplechase (6.43.7) and fourth in the 1500 metres (4.27.7). Justin Macenhill also ran well for third in the 800 metres (2.07.2), while Duncan Lancashire was third in the A 3000 metres (9.16.9) and Steve Massey was third in the high jump (1.30). James Buchanan was fifth in both the 100 metres (13.3) and 200 metres (26.3). Nick Batten set a club under-20 record of 2.14.4 when placing fifth in the B 800 metres.
Kevin Burnett reports from Holland Sports T&F fixtures :
3rd May Southern League Div 4S K2 Crawley
M Morgan 5000m 16.47.3 1500m 4.34.5 3000S/C 10.42.9
Matt was our only representative in the first league fixture. He did well in all 3 races winning the steeplechase and being runner up in both 5000 and 1500m. Holland finished 2nd to Havant by 7 points. No competitors in both hurdles races proving costly. This season we have combined with Redhill & Surrey Beagles and Dorking & Mole Valley as a composite team and have a pool of good athletes to call upon. Hopefully they are able to compete when needed.
7th June Southern League div 4S Southampton
E Parker 400H 79.1 3000S/C 11.45.5 PV 2.20m
M Morgan 5000m. 16.24.5 3000S/C 10.29.0
K Burnett 100m 17.7 Discus 13.79
A good all round performance at distant Southampton meant Holland again finished 2nd to Havant. A home match for Eric though where he won the B Steeplechase and was 2nd in the B pole vault. Matt again ran well winning both the A 5000m and steeplechase. With more competitors this year we comfortably covered all slots and everyone gets the chance to compete as non scorers in all events – a new innovation this season to encourage more competitors to participate.
Duncan races to 5th place in Striders all-time 10K records
Striders of Croydon’s talented distance runner Duncan Lancashire produced another excellent performance in the Elmbridge 10 kilometre road race on Sunday. He placed seventh of the 603 finishers in a personal best of 33 minutes 40 seconds, lifting him to fifth place in the club’s all-time rankings. Justin Macenhill also ran well to place 27th (35.25), while his elder brother Damian was 75th (38.45). Alex Aronberg was 83rd (39.05) and Alistair Price was 136th (41.06). Striders’ leading woman was Karen Macenhill, who placed 447th overall in 53 minutes 38 seconds. The team was completed by Karen Peake (465th, 54.52), Susan Haynes (525th, 58.36) and Julie Shew (527th, 58.40).
On the previous day, Striders had had 24 finishers at the Elmore 7-mile road race, organised by South London Harriers. Striders’ first finisher was Richard Lee-Smith who placed 22nd of the 273 finishers, recording 45 minutes 15 seconds. He was followed by club secretary Chris Morton (25th, 45.45) and veteran Bob Ewen (27th, 46.06). Striders’ first woman was Suzy Yates who placed 81st (52.13). She was followed by Josephine Thompson (90th, 53.21) and Stephanie Upton (92nd, 53.44).
Peter first home in Striders handicap
Striders of Croydon held their annual club handicap for the Goodall Trophy last Wednesday, on a hilly five-mile course starting from their Sandilands clubhouse. The trophy was won by Peter Shew who covered the course in 38 minutes 10 seconds, substantially faster than the handicappers had predicted. The fastest time was recorded by Ian Campbell who ran 31 minutes 05 seconds. Richard Lee-Smith ran 31 minutes 26, while veteran Bob Ewen was third fastest with 32 minutes 08. The fastest woman was Faye Stammers who ran 35 minutes 50, with the next fastest being Yasmin Anderson (38.39) and Alice Ewen (39.01).
Striders Vets gain top 3 finish
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the fifth Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. Duncan Lancashire improved his own club 3000 metre record with a time of 9 minutes 08.8 seconds, finishing fourth in a high-quality race. Justin Macenhill ran well for second place in the 800 metres (2.07.2), while team captain Matt Morgan was third in the 1500 metres (4.19.4) and later ran a personal best 9.25.0 in the non-scoring 3000 metres. Fourth places went to Stephen Harrison in the 200 metres (27.0), Eliot Osher in the 400 metres (54.6) and the 4 x 200 metre relay team (1.49.8).
Herne Hill won a very competitive match with 60 points from Belgrave (59), Hercules-Wimbledon (57), Croydon Harriers (38), Striders (37), Serpentine (37) and South London Harriers (13).
Striders’ women again did well to place third and hold onto second place in the overall league table. Yasmin Anderson showed her versatility with third places in both the 800 metres (3.00.8) and the shot putt (4.12), and completed a busy evening with second place in the B 3000 metres (13.25.4). Club colleague Andrea Jeffries was third in the A 3000 metres (12.55.1).
Two days earlier, Striders had produced another good team performance in their final Southern Veterans league match of the season, at Croydon Arena. Their men placed third in the match, and finished the season in third place of the seven competing clubs. This is the first time since 2002 that Striders have finished the season in the top three. Striders gained good points from the 3000 metre steeplechase, where Darren Piper was second in the A race (11.43.5) with newcomer Grant Barnes winning the B race (12.01.6). Earlier, Grant had placed second in the A 800 metres (2.14.3) with club colleague Steve Massey second in the B race (2.35.2). Colin Cotton placed second in the over-60 race with a club age-group record of 2.45.0. Bob Ewen placed third in the 2000 metre walk (12.06.4), with Mick Turner winning the B race (12.16.1) and Dave Hoben second in the over-50 race (13.18.8).
For Striders’ women, Maggie Statham made a welcome return to club colours, winning the over-50 women’s 5000 metres in 21 minutes 52.3 seconds. Kim Ford placed third in the women’s 2000 metre walk (14.49.3) and discus (10.16), and fourth in the shot (5.91). Linda Daniel placed fourth in the women’s A 800 metres (3.03.7) with Karen Macenhill third in the B race (3.21.8). Striders’ women finished fifth in the match, just seven points behind Dorking, and were sixth in the final league table.
Duncan produces record against Surrey's best at Petersham
Duncan Lancashire, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run in Sunday’s Dysart 10 kilometre road race at Petersham, which incorporated the Surrey Championships, and was the fourth event in this summer’s Surrey Road League. Duncan placed sixth of the 464 finishers in a personal best of 33 minutes 57 seconds, lifting him to eighth place in Striders’ all-time rankings.
Striders’ next man home was Justin Macenhill, who placed 29th (36.33). Simon Ambrosi was 56th in 38.57, just one place and four seconds ahead of club colleague Damian Macenhill. Darren Piper was 75th (39.50) with club secretary Chris Morton 78th (40.00). Veteran Bob Ewen ran well to place seventh in the over-50 category and 81st overall (40.06). Steve Massey also made the top 100 in 94th place (40.57).
Striders’ women were led home by Tina Macenhill who placed 273rd overall (48.36). Alice Ewen was 307th (50.17) while Karen Macenhill completed the scoring team in 362nd (53.56). In the team event, Striders’ men placed ninth of the 21 competing clubs, while their women were eleventh.
Simon Ambrosi's report from the Dysart Dash
A nice sunny morning seemed
to bring out all the Striders yesterday for
the Dysart Dash. With a 9 o'clock start the sight of all those yellow
and green vests must be a bit much for anyone who'd drunk one too many
the night before!
The start was a bit congested trying to avoid cars and runners and a
couple of quick sharp corners means you have to go off fast to be in a
good position going into the tow path. It is possible however to go off
too fast especially when you're being dragged along by team mates. The
combination of Damian in front and Darren behind me meant I did the
first K in 3.40 (little bit quick for me) but like a true runner I
refused to admit I'd pay for it later and just pushed on.
I'm sure last year when we got onto the road section we were running on
the pavement on the other side of the road to take advantage of the
racing line but that didn't seem to happen this year and I didn't want
to look like I was trying to cheat so reckon we actually ran further
than we could have got away with, don't know if anyone else took more
advantage of the wide road. It was good to have Serena shouting support
at regular intervals with a baby in a pram (not hers surely!)
Performance of the day has to go to Duncan who not only came 6th overall
(helping Striders come 9th in the team results) went under 34 minutes
for the first time, got a PB and sneaked ahead of Tony Sheppard by 1
second in the Striders all time 10K. (He still got beaten by a vet 40
though, I expect better next time!) I know Chris wasn't too pleased
with his time after a good Near as Damn it in the week but was nice to
see they rounded down his time to 40.00. I'm sure he'd also be quietly
pleased to pip Bob Ewen and to make sure her Dad didn't get too
depressed Alice Ewen decided to keep behind him in her first race for a
while!!
Link to results below but in summary:
Age Cat.
Pos Name Club Time Group Pos
1 Stuart Major Newham & Essex B 32.42 SM 1
6 Duncan Lancashire Striders of Croydon 33.57 SM 5
29 Justin Macenhill Striders of Croydon 36.33 SM 22
56 Simon Ambrosi Striders of Croydon 38.57 SM 38
57 Damian Macenhill Striders of Croydon 39.01 SM 39
75 Darren Piper Striders of Croydon 39.50 SM 46
78 Chris Morton Striders of Croydon 40.00 M40+ 21
81 Robert Ewen Striders of Croydon 40.06 M50+ 7
94 Stephen Massey Striders of Croydon 40.57 M40+ 25
187 Mick Turner Striders of Croydon 45.14 M40+ 50
254 Robin Jamieson Striders of Croydon 47.46 M60+ 8
261 Tom Littlewood Striders of Croydon 48.09 SM 102
265 David Denton Striders of Croydon 48.24 M40+ 66
273 Tina Macenhill Striders of Croydon 48.36 L35+ 32
286 Michael George Striders of Croydon 49.08 M50+ 34
307 Alice Ewen Striders of Croydon 50.17 SL 27
362 Karen Macenhill Striders of Croydon 53.56 L35+ 40
370 Peter Shew Striders of Croydon 54.51 M50+ 46
375 Martin Gourlay Striders of Croydon 55.20 M40+ 87
379 Paul Weir Striders of Croydon 55.59 M40+ 88
389 Patricia Edwards Striders of Croydon 56.52 L55+ 6
399 Kim Ford Striders of Croydon 57.58 L45+ 21
413 Susan Haynes Striders of Croydon 59.43 L35+ 50
417 Julie Shew Striders of Croydon 60.14 L35+ 52
445 Andrew Thatcher Striders of Croydon 66.08 M40+ 95
447 Karen Connor Striders of Croydon 66.58 L35+ 61
Matt's top form continues for Striders
Matt Morgan's phenomenal recent form continued at
Saturday's Banstead Woods 5K time trial. He won the race with a personal
best time of 16.51 in wet and slippery conidtions.
Meanwhile Striders of Croydon produced some good
performances in the fourth Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting
on Wednesday. Yasmin Anderson gained a narrow victory in the women’s A 100
metres, winning by just one-tenth of a second with a personal best of 15.5
seconds. Club colleague Natalie Osher ran the same time in the B race,
although she was beaten by her opponent from Herne Hill, and also placed
fourth in the A 200 metres with a club record 32.1 seconds.
For Striders’ men, Matt Morgan had a successful evening, placing second in the 400 metre hurdles (70.4), third in the 1500 metres (4.19.7) and fourth in the A 3000 metres (9.30.7). Eliot Osher ran well for third in the 400 metres (54.8). Striders’ 4 x 200 metre relay team of Osher, Morgan, Nick Batten and Stephen Harrison placed fourth (1.49.3), just one-tenth of a second ahead of local rivals Croydon Harriers. Earlier, Nick Batten had set a club under-20 1500 metre record of 4.43.7, while his father Dave had set a club over-55 3000 metre record of 10.55.8. Dave Lovell placed sixth in the 200 metres, equalling the club over-45 record of 28.7 seconds. He also competed in the 100 metres, shot and javelin.
Striders’ women placed third in the match and retained second place in the overall league table. Striders’ men were fifth of the seven competing clubs, and slipped to fifth in the overall league table.
Three days earlier, in the Epsom 10 kilometre road race, Matt Morgan had run a personal best 34 minutes 57 seconds, lifting him to equal 15th place in the club’s all-time rankings. Club colleague Suzy Yates ran a personal best 43.54, also lifting her to 15th place in the club's women’s rankings.
Striders dominate Vets 5000 metres at Ewell
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their third Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Ewell on Monday. Their star performer was Justin Macenhill who gained an emphatic victory in the 5000 metres, lapping the rest of the field and setting a new club over-35 record of 16 minutes 41.9 seconds. He also won the 1500 metres (4.34). Striders gained maximum points from the 5000 metres with Damian Macenhill winning the B race (18.49.3) and Bob Ewen winning the over-50 race (19.27.6). However they suffered from a lack of numbers and had to settle for fourth place of the six competing clubs.
Striders’ Suzy Yates ran a personal best 3 hours 39 minutes 11 seconds in
the recent Edinburgh Marathon, lifting her to 14th place in the club’s
all-time rankings.
Duncan races to new club record at Tooting Bec
Striders of Croydon’s leading middle-distance runner, Duncan Lancashire, produced an excellent performance in the third Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. He set a club 3000 metre record of 9 minutes 15.3 seconds, finishing a close second behind Will Cockerell of Belgrave. Striders’ talented teenager Eliot Osher also ran well in the 400 metres, finishing a close third in a club under-20 record of 54.3 seconds. Striders’ 4 x 200 metre relay team of Lancashire, Osher, Dave Lovell and Stephen Harrison ran well to finish third (1.49.6). Earlier, Harrison had placed fourth in the triple jump (7.78). Matt O’Hare placed fourth in the discus (23.64) and also set a club record in the shot of 8.05 metres, finishing fifth. Striders’ youngest competitor, Nick Batten, set a club under-20 record of 10 minutes 52.6 in the 3000 metres.
Striders’ women were short of numbers, but Yasmin Anderson had a successful evening, recording two new personal bests. She placed fourth in the 1500 metres (6.07.3) and equal second in the high jump (1.05). Her efforts ensured that Striders’ women finished fourth in the match, and stay second in the overall league table, while their men finished fifth of the seven competing clubs.
Kerry stars for Striders in Surrey Champs at Dorking
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the annual Dorking 10-mile road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. Their women placed tenth, while their men were 12th of the 45 teams to finish.
Kerry Backshell had an excellent run to finish twelfth in the women’s race and third in her age group, covering the undulating course in 72 minutes 13 seconds. Stephanie Upton was 50th (80.38) with Tina Macenhill not far behind in 58th (82.02). Karen Macenhill completed the scoring team in 126th (92.17).
Striders’ men were led by Damian Macenhill who placed 55th (64.57). Club secretary Chris Morton was 92nd (67.42) with Mick Turner 98th (68.01) and Alistair Price completing the scoring team in 107th (68.42).
Striders’ B team placed 26th. Darren Piper was 135th (69.35) and was followed by Steve Massey (144th, 70.19), Robin Jamieson (224th, 76.08) and Steve Smith (244th, 77.21).
Striders veterans share out the medals at county championships
Five members of Striders of Croydon gained medals at the Surrey Veterans Championships at Kingsmeadow Stadium on Saturday. Dave Batten won the over-55 800 metres (2.28.5), while Dave Hoben won the over-55 3000m walk (20.08.7). Both these performances were club records for this age-group. Striders’ oldest competitor, Kevin Burnett, won six medals in the over-65 category. He was second in the 100 metres (18.8), 200 metres (36.5), shot (6.41) and discus (20.43), and was third in the hammer (17.43) and javelin (15.70). Alan Dolton was second in the over-50 5000 metres (20.37.3). Matt O’Hare was third in the over-35 javelin with a club record of 30.75 metres, and also took third in the discus (21.51).
Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance in their Rosenheim League match at Croydon Arena on Wednesday. Their women did very well to take second place, just one point behind winners Serpentine, while their men were third of the seven competing clubs. For Striders’ women, Serena Stracey gained valuable points with an unexpected win in the discus, where her best throw of 12.44 beat her nearest rival by just one centimetre. Sophie Shaw ran well against older rivals, placing second in the 3000 metres with a club under-17 record of 13 minutes 06.7 seconds. Yasmin Anderson placed third in the same race (13.09.3). Natalie Osher placed third in the 400 metres with a club record 74.2, and also took third in the 800 metres (2.48.5). Serena, Sophie, Yasmin and Natalie finished the evening with second place in the 4 x 200 metre relay (2.17.9).
Striders’ men were again led by Matt Morgan who gained an emphatic win in the 1500 metres, recording a personal best 4 minutes 22.1. He also took second place in the 400 metre hurdles (74.6). Eliot Osher placed second in the 400 metres with a new club under-20 record of 55.8 seconds. Dave Lovell had a hectic evening, placing second in the high jump (1.30), fourth in both the long jump (4.27) and 100 metres (14.6), and fifth in the 200 metres (29.1). Striders’ 4 x 200 metre relay team of Nick Batten, Dave Lovell, Matt Morgan and Steve Harrison placed second (1.52.1), narrowly behind local rivals Croydon Harriers.
Two days earlier, Striders had also placed third of seven clubs in their Southern Veterans League match at Croydon Arena, just two points ahead of fourth-placed Kingston. Their leading scorer was Justin Macenhill who gained a convincing win in the over-35 3000 metres (9.33.0), having earlier placed second in the 800 metres (2.06.2). Both these performances were club over-35 records. Striders gained good points from the 3000 metres with Bob Ewen placing second in the over-50 race (11.09.7) and Steve Massey second in the over-35 B race (11.45.6). Striders’ women were short of numbers and had to settle for fifth place, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Sutton. Kim Ford showed her versatility by tackling three events; she placed third in the shot putt with a club over-40 record of 5.84 metres, and also placed fourth in the javelin and fifth in the long jump.
Simon Ambrosi's report from the Green Belt Relay
Oh Buddy Where Art Thou?
Starring: Chris (Buddy) Morton, John (I'm no ones buddy) Foster, Mick (Front
Runner) Turner, Bas (GPS) Sharif, Ian (Eggman) Campbell, Elene (Van girl) Kayum,
Mick (The Driver) George, Tom (you can leave me in the Serpentine bus)
Littlewood, Duncan (3rd place) Lancashire, Don (we'll win it next year) Kayum,
Dave (substitute) Shaw and Simon (2 pint) Ambrosi.
Saturday
7:00am I was standing in Sandilands car park wondering what I was doing as the
van that was to become my home for the next 48 hours pulled up. A band of 11
brave, stupid, athletes were all assembled and ready to write an epic 220 mile
episode in the striders of Croydon history books. Before anyone had a chance to
wake up properly and realise what they'd actually got themselves into we were
off to Hampton Court for the start of the 2008 Green Belt Relay.
7:45am You could see the look of fear and intimidation in the eyes of the other
27 teams as the now famous Striders of Croydon tour bus arrived. This was
probably the first and only time the whole team would be together.
7:50am Bas went off to find the loo.
8:10am Bas returned from the loo, apparently 'talking to people' but the look on
his face suggested he was already a bit worried about racing 2 days in a row.
8:30am Due to Marathon inflicted injuries I'd decided quite early that I wasn't
going to be able to run on both days but luckily Dave Shaw agreed to do the
first 13 miles. We cheered him off and all jumped in the van, we were the first
to leave, on schedule and looking good - who said this race couldn't be done
with only 1 minibus!!
8:55am After a slight diversion through an NHS car park it was time to drop off
Tom for the 2nd leg and Mick T who was Dave Shaw's buddy. At this point it's
probably worth giving some background to the concept of 'buddies'. It was
decided that as we only had one mode of transport and so runners may be hanging
around after they'd run each person would have a buddy who would be responsible
for making sure they had their bag with food, change of clothes waiting for them
at the end. This reminded me of science lessons at school when your lab buddy
was responsible for making sure the other person didn't gas the class or set
fire to the school with a bunsen burner - this was far more important! The next
hour in the van involved several conversations which really didn't involve much
more than, 'Are you my buddy? Who's my buddy? Have I got a buddy?'
9:45am We're all in the van and Bas has got his shorts on!
10:02am First phone call of the day, 'Dave Shaw has finished in 92 minutes
looking fresh and we're being beaten by the gay team'.
11:15am A strong unpleasant smell started spreading
through the van as Ian started munching one of his many egg snacks.
12:30 not only did we have to drive and run the length of the M25 but there was
also the job of marshalling. This was something we excelled at, not sending
anyone in the wrong direction and I was bitterly disappointed that there wasn't
an award for this at the end.
13:00 Best result of the day, Duncan finishing in 3rd place on the 4th leg!
13:30 Ok, here's where it all started to go a bit pear shaped. Because of having
to drop off runners, collect runners, drop off buddies, collect marshals and a
lot of double backing with the van there was a lot of reliance on traffic and
the now infamous GPS!! This meant that one slight hiccup could cause a major
disaster. The hiccup was Ian being dropped off a couple of minutes last for his
start, the major disaster being Ian then getting lost, having to return to the
start, Elene missing her start, half the team being scattered somewhere across
the home counties and Striders of Croydon being disqualified from the race! This
was probably the lowest point in sporting history since Wayne Rooney got a red
card for 'accidentally' standing on the private parts of some Portuguese
footballer in the World Cup!
16:00 My memory is a bit hazy of exactly what happened over the next couple of
hours as no one seemed to know where anybody else was so was quite relieved to
be dropped off at the end of Chris's stage to wait for him to finish. Luckily it
was next to a pub and because it was raining and there was nowhere else to go we
were forced to go inside in search of shelter. It was a very pleasant pub,
little bit posh looking given that we were so close to Essex!
17:00 Still in the pub, laughing at Chris grabbing for
his phone every time there's a sound that vaguely resembles a ring tone. The
stress levels were being cancelled out by the beer levels and we were determined
to make sure the stress didn't win as we were getting reports of various
Striders catching lifts in various different Serpentine, Ranelagh and other team
buses.
18:00 So the position is, me and Chris in a pub in Letty Green, Tom and Duncan
in a pub in Hartford, Don and Elene in a pub in … wait a minute I though this
was supposed to be a running race, not a weekend binge drinking!
19:00 Phone call from Bas, 'We're here in the van, you can come outside'. I go
outside, no sign of anyone so give him a call back. 'It's ok Simon I can see you
now and walking towards you.' I'm outside a pub in the middle of a country lane
with nothing to see for miles and starting to get very confused by the
conversation with Bas. It turns out it wasn't me he'd seen but they were on
their way so me and Chris finish our pints and wait outside.
20:00 Next thing I know we're back in the same pub with a drink in our hands,
I'm sure something very similar happened after one of the cross country races
and never worked out how that happened either!
23:30 Bit of food and more drink later we're in the minibus for a nice short
drive to the hotel. Apart from nearly running out of diesel and driving 2
junctions of the M25 in the wrong direction we finally arrived at our beds about
half past midnight in the middle of a Purley Wayesque leisure park complete with
pubs, clubs and all those other places hip young things go to.
00:45 Headphones in and sleep!
Sunday
06:00 After ending a problem filled Saturday on a bit of a downer having only
run 8 of our 11 legs we were determined to make Sunday much better. This was to
be achieved in 2 ways. Firstly heading off before the rest of the World was
awake and secondly only worrying about getting people to the start of their legs
then letting them use all their skills to get to somewhere further along the
route.
8:00 After the day before it was a great relief to be out in the fresh air about
to run. I had a special moment on the start line when I discovered the runner
next to me was in the other team that had been disqualified. The first leg of
the 2nd day was 10.5 miles, this would be the furthest I'd run since the
marathon and with a number of injuries wasn't too hopeful of finishing. I
started off nice and slowly with a couple of other runners, my other big fear
had been getting lost so decided it was much better to stick to someone who
looked like they knew where they were going. It was a nice sunny morning but too
early to be too hot as we raced around the Essex countryside. I got a bit of
confidence after 4 miles when I wasn't feeling any pain and started to pick up
the pace a bit. I felt even better when me and the guy I was running with worked
out 2 runners in front had taken the wrong turning!
9:15 Finished my leg, bit sore but didn't seem to affect my running too much.
There was a much more laid back feel in the minibus with Don doing his best to
get rid of all our runners in other team buses so we didn't have to do so much
driving back and forth.
12:00 It was a shame we had such a disaster on Saturday because Sunday showed
how well we could have done getting people to their starts at the right time and
everyone having a good run. Notably Duncan getting his second 3rd place of the
weekend, John giving his all even with his injury and Ian finishing what was
probably the toughest leg of the whole weekend up a big, nasty, hill to
Tatsfield.
12:15 It was around this time that Mick T suddenly decided he didn't want to
travel with us anymore and after a brief chat with a couple of runners from
another club disappeared into their bus without looking back and with a big grin
on his face. Maybe he'd had enough of us bringing up the rear and wanted to see
what it would be like at the front. Runners were starting to know Striders of
Croydon as the club that needed to get lifts off everyone, giving us almost cult
status.
15:00 We managed to get a good marshal point somewhere near Boxhill to see Sonia
O'Sullivan go speeding through with a very determined Don a few places back
working his socks off to make up ground.
18:00 Back in the bus for the last time and it was good to know everyone had
either run that day or was in place to start their stage, especially Mick G and
Elene who'd had to miss out the day before, now the challenge was to get to the
end before Elene so we could see her finish. I was worried about the condition
of her legs, not because she hadn't raced for 2 years but because she'd been
crushed in the bus for almost the whole weekend. I needn't have worried as she
powered her way round the 9 mile route to complete Striders contribution to the
race for this year.
Some people might say there was a bit too much celebrating for a team that came
last and didn't even qualify for the prize of worst team because we were so bad
but in the end everyone had a good time and I'm sure this is an event we'll do
as a club again - but not with only 1 minibus!!
No official results yet (London FrontRunners won overall and well done to the
Millennium Group, including a couple of Striders, who won the vet prize) but
they should appear on the Green Belt Relay site soon.
Manager Matt leads by example for Striders
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the first Rosenheim League match of the season, at Battersea Park on Wednesday. Their women placed equal third, while their men were fourth of the seven competing clubs.
Team manager Matt Morgan led by example, getting Striders off to an excellent start by winning the opening event, the 2000 metre steeplechase (6.40.9). He also won the B 1500 metres (4.25.7).
Striders also finished the evening with a victory, thanks to their 4 x 200 metre relay team of Steve Harrison, James Buchanan, Eliot Osher and Duncan Lancashire, who won their race in 1.48.5. Earlier, Lancashire had set a club 3000 metre record of 9 minutes 23.9 seconds, placing fifth in a good-quality field. He also showed his versatility with fourth place in the 100 metres (13.9). Matt O’Hare placed third in the discus with a club record 24.09, and fifth in the hammer with a club over-35 record (19.53). Eliot Osher set two club under-20 records, placing fourth in the 200 metres (25.4) and fifth in the 800 metres (2.16.1).
For Striders’ women, Natalie Osher placed third in the 800 metres (2.52.1) and second in the B 200 metres with a club record 32.6. Club colleague Yasmin Anderson was fourth in the A race (33.5). Sarah Milne was fourth in the 1500 metres (6.28.1) and Kim Ford was fourth in the discus (11.64). Natalie, Yasmin, Sarah and Kim finished the evening with second place in the women’s 4 x 200m relay (2.29.9). Striders had their best ever turnout for a Rosenheim League match with a total of 15 club members competing.
On the same evening, Striders also had 15 runners in the annual Beckenham Road Relay. Their A team did well to finish third of the 41 competing teams. Justin Macenhill gave them a good start, running the first 2.6 mile leg in 13 minutes 59 seconds, which was the sixth fastest time of the day. Iain Harrison, in his first race since the London Marathon, ran the second leg in 15 minutes 02, while Damian Macenhill completed the team with 15 minutes 16.
Striders’ women finished eighth in their category. Louise Gough ran the first leg in 21 minutes 16, and was followed by Kerry Backshell (18.23) and Josephine Thompson (18.07).
Striders shine in the sun at Sutton
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, which was the first event in this year’s Surrey Road League. Their men’s team were eighth, while their women placed ninth.
Striders were led home by Damian Macenhill, who placed 40th in 38 minutes 50 seconds. He was closely followed by Ian Campbell, who finished 42nd (38.58). Club secretary Chris Morton was 54th (40.14), while Alistair Price completed the scoring team, placing 61st in a personal best 41.04, just one place and two seconds ahead of club colleague Mick Turner. Simon Ambrosi was 71st (41.40) with Dave Batten 73rd (41.43) and Steve Massey 84th (42.55).
Striders’ women were led home by Josephine Thompson who placed 29th in the women’s race (45.25). Susannah Oliver was 61st (51.37) and completing the scoring team was Sarah Hansbury in 72nd (53.14). Also finishing were Kim Ford 89th (57.02) and Pat Edwards 92nd (57.13).
Bob power walks to a new club record for Striders
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their first Southern Veterans league match of the season, at Kingsmeadow Stadium. Despite a lack of numbers, they finished a close fourth of the six clubs in the match, only six points behind third-placed Kingston.
Justin Macenhill ran well to win the over-35 1500 metres by more than six seconds (4.27.1), having earlier placed second in the 400 metres (58.0). Also in the 1500 metres, Colin Cotton placed second in the over-60 race (5.44.5) while Alan Dolton was second in the over-50 race (5.30.4) and Mick Turner was second in the over-35 B race (5.31.7).
Striders also gained good points in the 2000 metre walk, where Bob Ewen placed second in a new club record of 11.54.8. Mick Turner won the B race (12.11.3), while Dave Hoben was third in the over-50 race (13.04.9).
Dave Batten ran well to win the over-50 400 metres, setting a club over-55 record of 67.6 seconds. He was also fourth in the over-50 100 metres (15.3) and long jump (2.74). Kevin Burnett, the oldest member of the team, was fourth in both the over-50 shot (5.96) and the hammer (12.97). Dave Lovell was fourth in the over-35 long jump (3.55) and fifth in the 100 metres (14.4), while Justin Macenhill was fourth in the shot putt (6.62).
Striders’ 4 x 100 metre relay team of Macenhill, Batten, Turner and Burnett finished the evening by taking third place (62.5).
Striders produce star performances at London Marathon
Striders of Croydon had 17 finishers in the London Marathon on Sunday. Their first man home was also their youngest finisher, Iain Harrison, who ran 3 hours 01 minute 36 seconds, moving him into 19th place in Striders’ all-time club rankings. Damian Macenhill was next for Striders in 3.08.08, and was followed by Ian Campbell (3.08.58), Simon Ambrosi (3.28.13), Robert Clancy (3.43.48) and Phil Mazur (3.51.41). Striders’ first woman home was Stephanie Gilmour who ran well to finish in 3 hours 53 minutes 19 seconds.
However probably Striders’ best performance of the day came from club treasurer Robin Jamieson, who set a new club over-60 record of 3 hours 53 minutes 56 seconds, breaking the previous club record by more than ten minutes.
Striders’ other finishers were: Alan Purchase 3.58.16; Susan Haynes 4.43.28; Isabelle Kita 4.46.38; Julie Shew 4.47.59; Liz Orange 4.57.54; Anne Eldridge 5.11.32; Steve Tyler 5.11.37; Andy Thatcher 5.44.21; Jacqui Mazur 5.48.34.
Striders also had two finishers in the Under-17 mini-marathon. Nicholas Batten covered the three-mile course in an encouraging 17 minutes 48 seconds, while club colleague Sophie Shaw ran 22 minutes 57.
Suzy strides up all-time rankings in Kent race
The Macenhill brothers again led the way for Striders of Croydon at the Paddock Wood Half-Marathon last week. Justin Macenhill was first home for the club, running well to place 27th of the 1630 finishers in 1 hour 18 minutes 59 seconds. His elder brother Damian was less than two minutes behind, finishing 41st (1.20.37). Mick Turner again ran well with 1.29.16, while club secretary Chris Morton ran 1.29.43. Ian Yates recorded 1.33.50 while his wife Suzy had an excellent run to lead Striders’ women home with a personal best 1.35.50, lifting her to ninth place on the club’s all-time rankings. She was followed home by Kerry Backshell (1.37.02).
Striders’ other finishers were: Steve Massey 1.40.47; Brian Hicken 1.40.47; John Humphries 1.43.20; Paul Weir 1.48.07; Anne Eldridge 2.22.01
Colin's class proves age is no barrier in 10 mile record
Striders of Croydon’s veteran distance runner, Colin Cotton, produced a good performance in the Maidenhead 10 mile road race. He set a new club over-60 record of 71 minutes 16 seconds, and was the third over-60 finisher in a strong field which incorporated the Berkshire Championships.
Striders’ first man home was Justin Macenhill who placed 38th in 60 minutes 3 seconds, His elder brother Damian was not far behind, placing 45th in a personal best 60 minutes 36. Simon Ambrosi was 86th (63.50) with Mick Turner 163rd (68.05), Chris Morton 165th (68.27) and Neil Furze 211th (70.17).
Matt stars twice on busy Saturday
Striders of Croydon produced a good team performance to place fourth in the East Surrey League’s annual road relay, held at Box Hill on Saturday afternoon. They had made a cautious start with team manager Chris Morton covering the first of the 2.1 mile legs in 13 minutes 32 seconds. However Justin Macenhill moved rapidly through the field on the second leg, running 11 minutes 15, and his brother Damian continued the team’s improvement with 11 minutes 49 on the third leg. On the final leg Matt Morgan ran 11 minutes 37 to overtake local rivals Croydon Harriers. This was a particularly good run by Matt, as in the morning he had placed second in the Banstead Woods 5 kilometre time trial, recording a personal best of 17 minutes 45 seconds. Striders’ fastest woman at Box Hill was Josephine Thompson who helped the B team to ninth place.
The Macenhill brothers showed good powers of recovery to be Striders’ first two finishers at the Hastings Half-Marathon on Sunday. Damian gained a rare victory over his younger brother, recording 1 hour 22 minutes to finish in 57th place, half a minute ahead of Justin. Mick Turner, who had run for the club’s B team at Box Hill on the previous day, also ran well to record 1 hour 31 minutes 38 seconds. Striders’ other finishers were: Alan Purchase 1:37:23; Robin Jamieson 1:47:10; Tina Macenhill 1:49:27; Paul Weir 1:53:06 ; Stephanie Noyce 1:54:44; Amalia Da Silva 2:03:06; Isabella Kita 2:08:51; Mark Armstrong 2:10:28; Rebecca Da Silva 2:10:28; Tom Stevens 2:11:22; Steve Tyler 2:17:05; Andy Thatcher 2:17:30; Jacqui Mazur 2:28:32; Angela Taylor 2:35:36
James wins again, this time on home soil
Striders of Croydon’s leading distance runner, James Buchanan, gained his second successive victory in the Croydon Harriers Inter-Club match at Lloyd Park last Saturday. He covered the undulating 10 kilometre course in 37 minutes 48 seconds, more than a minute ahead of the runner-up, Vic Maughn of Herne Hill.
Striders placed second in the team event, which was won by Veterans AC. Striders’ second man home was John Foster who ran well to place seventh (43.53), with team manager Chris Morton not far behind in ninth (44.26). Kerry Backshell was the first woman to finish and placed 13th overall in 48.35. She was closely followed by Alan Dolton (14th, 48.47); Mick Turner (15th, 48.52) and Josephine Thompson (16th, 49.22). Tom Littlewood finished 21st (54.09).
In the separate women-only 5 kilometre race, Striders’ Natalie Osher placed fourth. The race was won by Jane Searle of Croydon Harriers.
First win for Striders' James Buchanan in speedy 10K
Striders of Croydon’s leading distance runner, James Buchanan, gained his first win for the club when he placed first of about 750 competitors in the Hotelympia 10K in Canning Town on Sunday. His time of 33 minutes 44 seconds saw him finish well clear of his nearest rival and placed him fifth on the club’s all-time rankings.
Earlier, James had produced Striders’ fastest time of the day in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country relay at Wimbledon Common. He placed second on the first leg, covering the two-mile course in 10 minutes 14 seconds, which was the sixth fastest time of the day. Unfortunately, Striders were without their other leading runners and the remainder of their team consisted entirely of veterans. Team manger Chris Morton ran 12 minutes 02 while Mick Turner ran 12.18 and Alan Dolton ran 12.36. The team finished seventh.
Striders had 24 finishers in the Sussex Beacon Half-Marathon at Brighton on Sunday. Their first man home was Damian Macenhill who placed 46th in 1 hour 22 minutes 18 seconds. Ian Harrison placed 92nd (1.25.20) while Simon Ambrosi was 107th (1.26.02) and Chris Morton 164th (1.27.55). Striders’ first woman to finish was Kerry Backshell who placed 431st overall in 1 hour 35 minutes 35 seconds. The club’s other finishers were: Alan Purchase 1.36.15; Ian Yates 1.37.32; Suzy Yates 1.38.54; Matt O’Hare 1.39.56; Tom Littlewood 1.41.36; Phil Mazur 1.46.39; Tina Macenhill 1.55.34; Karen Peake 1.56.35; Emily Campbell 1.56.48; Michelle Meech 2.05.59; Isabelle Kita 2.06.02; Susan Haynes 2.07.42; Julie Shew 2.09.03; Steve Tyler 2.19.14; JP Lamarque 2.22.52; Andy Thatcher 2.25.54; Jacqui Mazur 2.29.49; Karen Connor 2.32.17; Angela Taylor 2.34.57.
Striders show strength in depth and gain promotion at Richmond Park
Striders of Croydon’s women produced an excellent performance in the final Surrey Women's Cross-Country League match of the season, at Richmond Park on Saturday. They finished third of the 35 teams, to clinch third place in the overall table and gain promotion back to Division One.
Striders were again led by Serena Stracey, who had an excellent run to place ninth of the 137 finishers, covering the undulating 5800 metre course in 24 minutes 01 seconds. Faye Stammers was next home for Striders in 21st, just ahead of club colleague Suzy Yates, with both runners recording 25 minutes 19. Kerry Backshell also ran well for 30th (25.57), and new member Josephine Thompson made an excellent debut to place 35th (26.14).
Striders showed their strength in depth by having the first B and C teams to finish. The B team was led by Steph Upton who was 38th (26.43), closely followed by Andrea Jefferies in 40th (26.52). Susannah Oliver was 66th (29.03) with Linda Daniel 73rd (29.52) and Amalia Da Silva Lima 75th (30.01). Striders’ C team comprised: 79 Louise Gough (30.12); 96 Karen Macenhill (31.25); 101 Karen Peake (31.44); 111 Pat Edwards (32.56); 124 Susan Haynes (34.36).
Meanwhile Striders’ men were competing in their Division Two match in Lloyd Park. 16-year-old Nicholas Batten ran well to gain his second successive victory in the under-17 race, covering the muddy two and a half mile course in 17 minutes 25 seconds. This led Striders to their best-ever position of second place in the final Division Two table. Epsom won with 248.5 points, but Striders’ total of 312 saw them finish ahead of Dorking (335), Kingston (335) and Dulwich (354.5).
Striders’ senior men also did well to finish fourth of the nine competing clubs. They were again led by James Buchanan who continued his improvement to place sixth of the 151 finishers, recording 30 minutes 47 seconds for the five-mile course. Justin Macenhill continued his return to form by placing eighth (31.21), closely followed by Duncan Lancashire in ninth (31.27). Matt Morgan was 36th (33.55) with Simon Ambrosi 57th (35.31) and Darren Piper 59th (35.35). Striders’ next four runners were all veterans. John Foster ran well for 62nd (35.56) with Gerry Crispie 67th (36.13) and Chris Morton 68th (36.17). Ian Campbell, returning to club colours after a long absence through injury, completed the scoring team in 83rd (36.59).
James in top hundred for south of England trial
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Southern Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday. Their best performance came from James Buchanan who ran very well to place 89th of the 832 finishers, covering the muddy eight and a half mile course in 54 minutes 18 seconds. Duncan Lancashire also ran well for 203rd (58.07) with Darren Piper 396th (64.03) and Simon Ambrosi 422nd (64.43). Team manager Chris Morton was 437th (65.04) with Neil Furze 606th (70.07) and Paul Weir 807th (85.09). Striders placed 41st out of the 86 complete teams.
Striders’ only competitor in the women’s race was Suzy Yates who placed
195th of the 326 finishers, covering
the five-mile course in 45 minutes 05 seconds.
Simon Ambrosi's report from Parliament Hill
On Saturday I took part in the South of England cross country Championships in Parliament Hill. The weather was much nicer than it had been for the London Championships last month, with clear blue skies and a reasonable temperature for this time of year. I bumped into my Striders team mates hanging around in the underground looking shifty so didn't have to worry about getting lost on the walk to the race. It's great to see the professionalism of our team as James (our speedy runner for the day) was bouncing around like a schoolboy when he saw 'Rocket Ronnie' warming up in the park.
We changed in the Lido so as not to intimidate too many of the other runners in the 'elite' changing rooms and got to the course just in time to see the senior ladies finish. It's really difficult to describe how Pippa looked as she came over to wish us luck for the men's race, let's just say the head to toe mud covering isn't one of her best outfits (but who cares when you come 65th out of 326 of the best women in the South of England!!) I didn't see Viv or Su but I'd love to hear how they 'enjoyed' the course. Suzy Yates wasn't going to be beaten by her cold and put in a great performance to come 195th for Striders and was obviously loving every minute of it as she was able to speak as she started her second lap, something along the lines of 'this is the worst race ever!'
Ok, now for the men's race!! Race strategy, start at the back and then you can't get overtaken by anyone. I didn't realise how many people were actually taking part (832 finished) but the start line seemed to be about a mile long. It started uphill through mud, along a flat bit of mud and then downhill through some more mud. There must have been lorries driving through the night from Croydon to Parliament Hill as they managed to get the same 'wrong type of mud' that we had for the Surreys. By the end of the first lap of 3 my calves were burning and I had mud splattered on my face. The quality of runners was amazing but we still had great performances from Phil and Nick doing their bit for L&G (and their clubs). James was happy cos he managed to overtake 'the rocket' who is actually a very good (and hairy) runner, coming 189th for some Essex club. I managed 422nd which I was pleased with and was nicely nestled between Darren and Chris from Striders with Duncan a bit further ahead and Neil and Paul not too far behind, making Striders 41st team out of 86 in the whole of the South of England!!
After the race we retired to the pub, after me and Darren froze our feet off buying commemorative hoodies, where it all just went down hill. I left the pub at 7 to go and meet someone so was a bit surprised to be at the bar buying another round at 10 past 7. Paul repeated this trick a while later after leaving to go home to the missus! At 9:26 Chris declared he was drunk and began operation 'steal the men's team trophy from the table the other side of the pub'. Not complete success but he did manage to get a photo of him with the cup!! So all in all a successful day!! Full results below.
http://mcs.open.ac.uk/mkac/08seaaxcall.htm
Skippy
Striders women maintain promotion push
Striders of Croydon’s women produced another good team performance in the third Surrey Women's Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, at Reigate on Saturday. They finished third of the 33 teams and, with just one match remaining, have an excellent chance of promotion back to Division One.
Striders’ women were led home by Serena Stracey, making a welcome return after injury. She placed 13th of the 130 finishers, covering the undulating four-mile course in 27 minutes 27 seconds. Faye Stammers also ran well for 21st (28.29), with the improving Suzy Yates just behind in 22nd (28.37). Kerry Backshell was 34th (29.25) and Steph Upton completed the scoring team in 42nd (30.16).
Striders also had the second B team to finish. Andrea Jefferies made an excellent debut to place 50th (31.01). Susannah Oliver was 62nd (32.32) with Linda Daniel 79th (34.11), Amalia Da Silva Lima 89th (35.13) and Louise Gough 96th (35.49).
Meanwhile Striders’ men were competing in their Division Two match at Richmond Park, and finished fifth of the nine competing clubs. They were again led home by James Buchanan, who ran very well to place eighth of the 150 finishers, covering the five-mile course in 28 minutes 40 seconds. Justin Macenhill continued his return to form by placing 16th (29.40) with Duncan Lancashire 27th (30.24) and Damian Macenhill 42nd (31.45). Iain Harrison made a welcome return after a long absence through injury and ran well for 53rd (32.13) with Darren Piper 56th (32.28), Matt Morgan 63rd (32.55) and Simon Ambrosi 65th (33.01). Team manager Chris Morton was 82nd (34.06) with Neil Furze completing the scoring team in 88th (34.22)
Striders also had five non-scorers: 94 John Foster 34.41; 99 Mick Turner 34.54; 115 Steve Smith 36.17; 122 Alan Dolton 36.45; 145 Paul Weir 42.10.
Simon Ambrosi's report from Richmond Park :
Yes, we're already 3 quarters of the way through the Surrey League for this season and I'm already feeling worn out!
The 3rd race was held on Saturday in Reigate (for Div 1 & 2 ladies and Div 1 men) and Richmond Park (Div 2 men). Luckily I was at Richmond Park as it sounds like this was the drier, less muddy and generally nicer course. I got the train to Barnes which is about a mile away so not bad for a jog warm up to the start and discovered this is where The Priory is (unfortunately no vacancies at the moment so may have to wait a bit before checking myself in for my running addiction - addiction, I've not got an addiction!).
There was a good turn out for Striders, most of the team turning out about 5 minutes before the start, that's the professionalism we like to see, but it's all about how you run the race that's important. Fortunately the pre race preparation didn't seem to affect us with lots of good performances. James is just a bit too quick and finished around 8th place with Justin (fully recovered?) 2nd for Striders not too far behind. Next positions were something like, Duncan, Damian, Ian, Darren (still putting his number on as the rest of us were jogging to the start), Matt, Me (making the mistake of giving words of encouragement to Matt when I caught up with him, causing him to speed off like a startled rabbit), Chris and Neil (I don't start too quickly) Furze making up the first team. Not too far behind were Mick, John, Steve, Alan and Paul. Batten Jnr did his bit in the juniors race but don't know how he got on as the end clashed with our start, hopefully he's just getting quicker all the time.
I know Nick Hodges was running but didn't see him and guess he was close to the front if not winning the whole race. There was another familiar Dorking runner, this one taking part in the Surrey League for the first time, who resembled Rob Gill in every way apart from the fact I was only 1 minute 20 secs away from him over the 5 mile course. I have to mention this as it's the closest I'm gonna get, especially as it looks like Dorking will be getting promoted to Div 1 at the end of the season.
Can't find any mens Div 2 results but here are the ladies, with Striders in a comfortable 3rd place overall in Div 2. Good to see Serena is racing again and let's hope no new injuries.
Next cross country for me is the Southerns in Parliament Hill, 15K of 6 inch mud, mud, glorious mud!
James shows his class at Lloyd Park
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the annual Surrey Cross-Country Championships, held at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Their women’s team finished seventh, while their men’s team were tenth.
Striders’ women were led by Faye Stammers who placed 47th, covering the undulating five-mile course in 42 minutes 07. She was closely followed by Suzy Yates who placed 49th (42.30). Susannah Oliver was 57th (45.18) with Emily Campbell 64th (46.55), Natalie Osher 72nd (51.25) and Isabelle Kita 73rd (53.01).
Striders’ men were led by James Buchanan who had an outstanding run to place 24th of the 151 finishers, covering the seven and a half mile course in exactly 48 minutes. Striders’ next man home was Darren Piper who placed 75th (55.16), closely followed by veteran John Foster who was 77th (55.34). Damian Macenhill was 80th (55.54) with Abdul Abdi 84th (56.26) and Simon Ambrosi completing the scoring team in 92nd (57.16). Team manager Chris Morton was 94th (57.19) with Neil Furze 96th (57.55).
Striders’ Nicholas Batten placed 29th in the under-17 race, covering the four-mile course in 30 minutes 32 seconds.
Simon Ambrosi's report from Lloyd Park
Saturday was the Surrey Cross Country Championships in Lloyd Park and was a tough race to start 2008. Lloyd Park is notoriously muddy at the best of times and the mud seemed to be of the extra sticky variety, well that's my excuse anyway.
As I walked to the start I saw the senior women on their second lap and did think Viv was looking a bit slow going up a hill but when I got to the same spot in my race I felt a bit guilty about it as the long grass wasn't helping me find any grip and with a lot of spectators shouting (mainly about my hat) it was a tricky part of the course. While we're on the subject of my hat I'd like to point out that I wasn't wearing my usual racing woolly hat due to an accident before the race and with the added weight and upsetting of my whole balance probably added a few minutes to my time.
Back to the women's race, I didn't see too many people I recognised but was pleased to see Faye doing well for striders with Superstar Suzy Yates hot on her heels. Susannah and Emily also ran well to make up the rest of the team. Pippa finished an impressive 8th overall with Viv in 30th. I'm told Anne was running under her pseudonym Caroline Court and came home in 27th, looks like the marathon training's started, well done Lynda in 61st, a few more races and you'll be battling with the rest of them.
The men's race was 3 x 2.5 mile laps of the course (women's was only 2) and I learnt something very useful in this race, don't start next to Nick Hodges!! I was neck and neck with him all the way until the race started and then felt like I was running backwards. I didn't see Phil at all but heard he was speeding away from the field the whole way to finish 2 and a half minutes in front of 2nd place (but didn't lap me - woo hoo!) The support was great, should be some good photos somewhere! There was the usual battle between Striders with James finishing best for us in 24th. The real battle saw Darren beating the rest of us with an in form John Foster right behind him then a series of Striders, Damian, Abdul (very well run and strong on the last lap), me (lap times were 18, 19, 20 so glad it ended when it did), Chris (speeding up throughout the race), Neil (scarily quick), Mick (back after injury), Steve, Gavin, Tom, Paul W, Brian, Dave D. (All times in the link attached) We came 10th overall and beat Croydon harriers so that's the main thing!
Also impressive for L&G was Andy McDonald (fresh from baby stuff) in 60th, Ken in 113th and John Allen in 148th (I think that was a fair bit quicker than last year).
http://www.belgraveharriers.com/2008/SyXC20080105.xls
Striders women fourth at Nork Park
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of Thames Cross-Country Association’s annual championship, held at Nork Park in Banstead on Saturday. Their women’s team did well to place fourth, while their men placed tenth.
Striders’ women were led home by Kerry Backshell who ran well to finish 20th, covering the seven-mile course in 50 minutes 55 seconds. She was closely followed by Suzy Yates who finished 22nd (51.15). Emily Campbell was 35th (55.27) and Kim Ford was 41st (61.46).
Striders’ men were led home by Darren Piper, who placed 72nd of the 135 finishers, recording 42 minutes 42 seconds. Simon Ambrosi was 82nd (43.38) with team manager Chris Morton 84th (43.57). Abdul Rashid Abdi made a promising debut in 86th (44.22) while Neil Furze was 91st (45.20). Steve Massey was 105th (46.52) with Gavin Price 106th (46.54), Richard Edwards 110th (47.59) and Paul Weir 128th (53.49).
Simon Ambrosi's report from Nork Park :
Robin smashes Striders Vets record at windy Epsom
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of Thames Cross-Country Association’s annual inter-club cross-country race, held in Richmond Park. Striders’ best placing came from the improving Suzy Yates, who placed 23rd in the women’s race, covering the 5.65 mile course in 43 minutes 39. Club colleague Emily Campbell made her cross-country debut and placed 41st in 48.44. Striders’ men were led by veteran Dave Batten who placed 75th in 35 minutes 49. Team manager Chris Morton placed 89th (37.09) while Gavin Price made his cross-country debut, placing 108th (39.39).
On the following day, Striders’ club treasurer Robin Jamieson set a Striders’ over-60 record of 80 minutes 15 seconds in the Epsom 10-mile road race, finishing 120th of the 229 finishers. Chris Morton, running his second race of the weekend, placed 34th (68.31). Stephanie Upton was 114th (79.11), one place ahead of club colleague Ian Yates (79.20). Suzy Yates also ran her second race of the weekend and placed 124th (80.38).
Serena's welcome return leads Striders to fourth place
Striders of Croydon’s women produced a good team performance in the second Surrey Women's Cross-Country League match of the season, at Cranford on Saturday. They finished fourth of the 21 clubs in the match, lifting them to third in the overall league table.
Striders were led home by Serena Stracey, who is rapidly returning to form after a long absence through injury and ran very well to place 15th of the 119 finishers, covering the six-kilometre course in 23 minutes 39 seconds. Faye Stammers also ran well for 28th (25.22) with Stephanie Upton 33rd (26.06) and Kerry Backshell 38th (26.39). Suzy Yates completed the scoring team in 41st (26.44).
Striders also had the second B
team to finish. They were led home by Sarah Milne who placed 43rd (26.54). She
was closely followed by Suzie Halsall (49th, 27.16) and Susannah Oliver (52nd,
27.26). Amalia Da Silva Lima was 62nd (28.23) with Pat Edwards 98th (31.37),
Louise Mayne 99th (31.45) and Susan Haynes 113th (34.02).
Meanwhile Striders of Croydon’s men’s team faced
strong opposition in their Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at
Epsom Downs on Saturday. They had to settle for seventh place from the nine
competing clubs.
Their leading runner was again Duncan Lancashire who ran well to place tenth of the 149 finishers. New recruit James Buchanan made an excellent debut for the club, holding on well to place 13th after an ambitiously fast start. Justin Macenhill, still recovering from a long absence after surgery, also ran well to place 34th, while his brother Damian was 47th. Darren Piper was 61st and veteran Dave Batten again ran well for 63rd. Alex Aronberg was 67th with Chris Morton 73rd, Mick Turner 79th and Neil Furze completing the scoring team in 80th.
Veteran Bob leads sizeable Striders squad
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country race, held at Lloyd Park last Saturday. They were led home by veteran Bob Ewen, who ran well to place 23rd of the 100 finishers (and fourth in the over-50 category), covering the five-mile course in 34 minutes 1 second. Next home for Striders was Simon Ambrosi who placed 25th (34.19), closely followed by Dave Batten (26th, 34.21) and Nigel Davidson (28th, 34.36). This placed Striders sixth of the 22 teams.
Striders showed their strength in depth by having the first B team to finish. This team comprised John Foster (35th, 35.37), Chris Morton (37th, 35.44), Damian Macenhill (38th, 36.11) and Mick Turner (42nd, 36.59).
Striders’ first woman to finish was Serena Stracey who had an excellent run to finish 55th overall (and fourth woman) in 38 minutes 11. Suzy Yates made her debut at cross-country and did well to finish 78th (41.45). She was closely followed by Sarah Milne (80th, 42.02) and Kerry Backshell (81st, 42.03).
Newcomers Susie, Gill and Simon help Striders cross country success
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the first Surrey Women’s Cross-Country League Division 2 race of the season, held over an undulating seven-kilometre course at Esher on Saturday. Striders placed fifth of the 21 clubs in the division, while they showed their strength in depth by having the second B team. Striders were led by Faye Stammers who ran well to place 25th (33.43), just one place and eight seconds ahead of club colleague Kerry Backshell. They were closely followed by new member Susie Halsall who made an excellent debut to place 28th (33.54). Stephanie Upton was 37th (34.46) and another newcomer, Gill Hardy, completed the A team in 51st place (36.03). Striders’ B team were led home by Amalia Da Silva Lima who placed 75th in 39.03. Their other runners were: 85 Linda Daniel 40.02; 98 Louise Gough 41.32; 101 Pat Edwards 41.49; 106 Louise Mayne 43.07. There were 121 finishers.
Meanwhile, Striders’ men were competing in their Division Two match at Richmond Park. Their under-17s placed fourth of the nine clubs in the division, while their senior men placed sixth. Striders’ under-17s were led by Nicholas Batten, who ran very well to place fourth, covering the undulating four-kilometre course in 17 minutes 7 seconds. Striders’ seniors were led by Duncan Lancashire who placed 12th, covering the five-mile course in 29 minutes 50. Striders’ next finisher was Justin Macenhill, who was making a welcome return to racing after a long absence through injury, and placed 31st (31.29). Veteran Bob Ewen ran well to place 43rd (32.30), while Simon Ambrosi showed good improvement with 50th (33.09). Dave Batten placed 56th (33.30), two places and nine seconds ahead of Darren Piper. Team manager Chris Morton was 60th (33.50) with Matt Morgan 63rd (33.58) and Alex Aronberg 69th (34.15). Club stalwart Nigel Davidson completed the scoring team in 75th (34.50). Striders also had six non-scorers: 79 John Foster 35.04; 82 Mick Turner 35.18; 85 Steve Massey 35.35; 106 Neil Furze 37.31; 116 Brian Hicken 39.00; and 123 Paul Weir 39.49. There were 141 finishers.
Striders also had fifteen finishers in the Cabbage Patch ten-mile road race at Twickenham on Sunday. Their leading finisher was Damian Macenhill who placed 67th in 62 minutes exactly, while their first woman was Serena Stracey who placed 653rd in 80 minutes 51 seconds, one second ahead of club colleague Tina Macenhill.
Exciting finishes in Switchback 5
Christopher Gray just edged out Oxted’s Matthew Readwin to win Striders of Croydon’s annual Switchback 5 race last weekend. In sunny but blustery conditions Christopher completed the 5 mile hilly course in 30 minutes and 53 seconds – just 10 seconds ahead of a strong run from veteran Matthew. In third place in 31.26 was Striders’ vet Bob Ewen who lead the home club’s men’s team to first place. Their other scorers were Mick Turner who finished tenth in 33.37 and Steve Massey who was 13th in 34.25.
The women’s race was equally competitive, with the first three finishers separated by just 10 seconds. Striders own Helen Furze proved the strongest with a superb performance to be first woman home – and 7th overall in the race – in a time of 33.03. Just behind were two young Herne Hill Harriers’ ladies : Helena Laczke in 33.09 and Fiona Love in 33.13. And it was Herne Hill who landed the women’s team prize – their third finisher being Sarah Allen in 39.34.
Their were 45 finishers for this friendly local race that takes place in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills.
Vets50 team lead Striders
relay challenge
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Surrey Road Relay Championships, held on an undulating three-mile course at Wimbledon on Saturday. Striders’ most successful team was their over-50s, who showed the benefits of regular track sessions by placing fifth of the 11 teams in this category. Bob Ewen ran well to record 17.40 on the first leg, and handed over to Dave Batten who produced an excellent run of 17.13, which was Striders’ fastest time of the day. The team was completed by Alan Dolton (19.57) and Colin Cotton (20.11).
Striders’ senior women also did well to place seventh out of 14 teams. The team comprised Kerry Backshell (20.05), Suzie Yates (21.51), Steph Upton (21.12) and Faye Stammers (20.35). Striders also fielded a B team, who placed 13th. This team comprised Michelle Meech (25.01), Amalia da Silva Lima (23.33), Kerry Backshell (20.33) and Suzie Yates (23.11). Both Kerry and Suzie showed good team spirit by running their second legs of the afternoon to ensure that Striders could finish two teams.
Striders’ over-40 men placed seventh out of eight teams. The team comprised John Foster (18.32), Steve Smith (19.53), Chris Morton (18.36) and Dave Denton (22.01).
Striders’ senior men were without several of their first-choice runners, and had to settle for 17th place of the 18 teams in this category. The team comprised Darren Piper (17.23), Neil Furze (20.10), Mick George (21.06), Nicholas Batten (19.19), Alex Aronberg (17.43) and John Foster (18.43).
Duncan and Dave lead strong Striders at Belgrave 5K
Striders of Croydon produced some very good performances in the Belgrave 5 kilometre road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships and was the final event in this year’s Surrey Road League.
Striders’ first man home was Duncan Lancashire, who continued his comeback from injury with a very good run to place 14th of the 213 finishers, covering the undulating course in 16 minutes 34 seconds. Veteran Dave Batten had an excellent run to win the over-50 category, placing 51st overall in 18 minutes 28 seconds. Tony Sheppard made an encouraging comeback after a long absence through injury, placing 48th (18.21) while Darren Piper was close behind in 52nd (18.29). Club secretary Chris Morton was 61st (19.15) with Alex Aronberg 63rd (19.19) and Mick Turner 71st (19.37).
Striders’ women were led home by the improving Sarah Milne who placed 37th in the women’s race in 23 minutes 36 seconds. Karen Macenhill ran steadily for 51st (25.03), while veteran Pat Edwards completed the scoring team in 65th (27.38). She also placed third in the over-55 category.
In the Surrey Championships team event, Striders’ men placed seventh of the 15 competing clubs, while their women placed ninth.
Duncan makes welcome return to Striders
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances against strong opposition in their final Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. Their man of the match was Duncan Lancashire, who made an excellent return to the team after a long absence with a knee injury. He showed his versatility by taking third place in both the 400 metres (59.2) and 3000 metres (9.34.0).
Matt O’Hare placed third in the javelin (29.42) and fourth in the shot (7.95), both these marks being new club over-35 records. Fourth places also went to Dave Lovell in the 100 metres (13.8) and Darren Piper in the 1500 metres (4.51.7). Striders placed fifth of the six competing clubs, and finished the season in fifth place in the overall league table. Their women held on to fourth place despite forfeiting the final match.
Veteran Dave leads Striders at Elmbridge
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at Sunday’s Elmbridge 10 kilometre road race, which was the fourth race in this season’s Surrey Road League. Striders’ first man home was veteran Dave Batten, who placed 56th of the 525 finishers, and fourth in the over-50 category, recording 38 minutes 52 seconds. Bob Ewen also ran well for 78th (39.44), with Damian Macenhill close behind in 81st (39.58). Club secretary Chris Morton was 114th (41.17).
Striders’ first woman home was Karen Macenhill who ran 51 minutes 44, placing 330th overall. Her sister-in-law Tina Macenhill ran 55.01 for 381st, while Susan Haynes completed the team, running 59.46 for 441st.
Other Striders to finish were: 168 Barry Finch 43.50; 192 Simon Ambrosi 44.55; 195 Steve Smith 45.10; 233 Mick George 47.08; 301 Paul Weir 50.32; 312 Tom Littlewood 51.02; 339 Martin Gourlay 52.26; 346 Matt Anderson 52.51
Striders busy on track and field
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances against strong opposition in their Rosenheim League match at Tooting on Wednesday. Samantha White made an excellent debut, placing third in the women’s shot with a club record of 6.96 metres. She also placed third in the discus (17.31). With a depleted team, Striders’ women had to settle for fifth place in the match, but remain fourth in the overall table.
Striders’ men also placed fifth of the six competing clubs. Matt O’Hare took third place in the discus with a club record 21.05 metres, and also placed fourth in the shot (7.27). Matt Morgan ran well for third in the 1500 metres (4.24.7), while Nicholas Batten was fourth in the 800 metres in a club under-17 record of 2.19.9. Veteran Bob Ewen was fourth in the 3000 metres (10.52.7). Darren Piper set a club over-35 record in the 200 metres (26.9), finishing sixth against younger opponents.
Striders also produced some good performances in their final Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Croydon Arena on Monday. Their best event was the 2000 metre walk, where Dave Hoben placed second in the over-50 race while Mick Turner was third in the over-35 race. Bob Ewen ran well for third in the over-50 800 metres (2.29.1), while Dave Batten placed third in the over-50 triple jump (7.29) and fourth in the 200 metres (28.9). For the over-35s, Steve Smith was fourth in the steeplechase (14.08.4) while Dave Lovell was fourth in the 200 metres (28.5). Striders’ men placed fourth of the seven competing clubs, and also finished fourth in the final league table. Striders’ women finished sixth. Karen Macenhill, better known as a road runner, gained valuable points by making her debut in the discus
.
Dave Batten shows his all-round credentials for Striders
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their Rosenheim League match at Tooting on Wednesday. Darren Piper was third in the 400 metres in a club over-35 record of 58.7, while Matt Morgan also ran well to place third in both the 400 metre hurdles (76.2) and the 1500 metres (4.28.9). Nicholas Batten was fourth in the 800 metres (2.21.6) and Bob Ewen was fourth in the 3000 metres (10.35.6). Dave Batten set a club over-50 record of 13.9 for the 100 metres. Striders’ men placed fifth in the match, while their women placed equal third, thanks to Yasmin Ramsay who had another hectic evening with third places in the 200 metres, long jump and javelin.
A week earlier, Striders had an exciting finish to their Southern Veterans League match at Ewell. With only the relay remaining, they were in fifth place, just one point behind Dorking. Striders’ quartet of Dave Lovell, Dave Batten, Steve Smith and Chris Morton responded by finishing one place ahead of Dorking in the relay to place equal fourth in the match. This keeps Striders in fourth place in the overall league table with one match remaining.
Striders’ best event was the 5000m where Bob Ewen, competing against younger opponents, ran 18 minutes 17.7 to place third in the over-35 A race. Chris Morton was third in the B race (20.25.5), while Alan Dolton was second in the over-50 race (20.11.3). Dave Batten ran well to place third in the over-50 400 metres (63.6).
Striders had 25 finishers in the ‘Dysart Dash’ 10 kilometre race on Sunday, which was the third race in this year’s Surrey Road League (although it included a stretch of muddy towpath). Striders’ first man home was Justin Macenhill who placed 14th of the 400 finishers in 35 minutes 29 seconds. Striders’ next two runners were both veterans, with Dave Batten placing 62nd (39.04) and Bob Ewen 76th (39.40). Club secretary Chris Morton was 92nd (40.25) and Simon Ambrosi ran a personal best 40.39 for 98th.
Striders’ first woman was Kerry Backshell who placed 34th in the women’s race in 45 minutes 10. She was followed by Karen Macenhill (72nd, 50.48), Yasmin Ramsay (87th, 52.57), Kim Ford (91st, 54.43), Pat Edwards (101st, 55.42) and Jacqui Mazur (126th, 64.24).
In the team event, Striders’ men placed eighth of the 22 clubs competing, while their women were tenth.
Yasmin takes Striders to third place at Tooting
A very good all-round performance by multi-eventer Yasmin Ramsay took Striders of Croydon’s women to third place in the third Rosenheim League match of the season, held on Wednesday at Tooting Bec. In her first 400 metre race, Yasmin was unfortunate to be drawn in lane eight, but ran well to finish a close second, leading for most of the way before being overtaken by Serpentine’s Jennifer Bradley in the last few metres. Yasmin also showed her versatility and team spirit by taking third place in the discus and fourth in the high jump.
Striders’ men faced strong opposition and had to settle for sixth place in their match. Their leading scorer was veteran Dave Lovell who competed in five events. He placed fifth in the 100 metres, 200 metres, high jump and triple jump, and also ran in the 4 x 200 metre relay team. Matt Morgan placed fourth in the 3000 metres (9.42.1) and fifth in the 800 metres (2.15.2), while Matt O’Hare was fourth in the discus (20.01) and fifth in the hammer (18.75), Veterans Dave Batten and Bob Ewen both had to compete against much younger opponents, and placed sixth in the 400 metres and 1500 metres respectively.
At the halfway stage of the season, Striders’ women are fourth in the league table, while their men are fifth of the six clubs in the division.
Striders Vets survive the heat at Dorking
Striders of Croydon faced hot conditions and strong opposition in the Dorking 10-mile road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. Their men’s team finished 14th, while their women were 16th.
Striders were again led home by Justin Macenhill, who placed 27th of the 600 finishers, recording 62 minutes 48 seconds. This showed excellent powers of recovery as only a week earlier he had run a personal best of 2 hours 48 minutes 53 seconds in the Edinburgh Marathon, lifting him to sixth place in Striders’ all-time rankings.
Striders’ second runner at Dorking was veteran Dave Batten who placed 84th (69.06). Darren Piper was 128th (72.38) while veteran Barry Finch completed the scoring team in 155th (75.08).
Striders’ women were led home by Kerry Backshell who was 33rd in the women’s race (78.25). Sarah Milne was 99th (88.54) while Karen Macenhill was 119th (93.58) and Yasmin Ramsay completed the scoring team in 135th (97.39).
Striders had an impressive total of 20 finishers. Their other runners were: Steve Smith 75.13; Simon Ambrosi 78.46; Bas Sharif 81.08; Phil Mazur 81.30; Tom Littlewood 83.28; Greg Evans 87.27; Paul Weir 88.54; Robin Jamieson 88.54; Martin Gourlay 96.55; Matt Anderson 97.48; Susan Haynes 1.41.41; Jacqui Mazur 1.56.32.
Kevin claims medal haul in busy track & field week for Striders
Four of the oldest members of Striders of Croydon gained medals at the Surrey Veterans Championships at Kingsmeadow on Saturday. Pride of place went to Kevin Burnett who won the over-65 200 metres (37.1) and placed second in the 100 metres (17.5), 400 metres (91.7), shot (6.46), discus (20.86), hammer (18.56) and javelin (18.00).
For the over-50s, Dave Hoben won gold in the 2000 metre walk (20.01.7). Dave Batten gained silver in the 400 metres (64.5) and bronze in the 800 metres (2.21.2), while Alan Dolton took bronze in the 1500 metres (5.15.7).
Striders also produced some good performances in the Rosenheim League on Wednesday evening at Croydon Arena, with two individual wins. Justin Macenhill produced another excellent run to win the 3000 metres in a new club record of 9 minutes 28.7 seconds, outsprinting Surrey veterans’ champion Vic Maughn of Herne Hill. Striders’ other win came from Paul Finch in the high jump (1 metre 45). Matt O’Hare took second in the hammer (19.45) and third in the javelin (27.46). Striders’ men placed fourth of the six competing clubs, just one point behind local rivals Croydon Harriers.
Striders’ women went one better by placing third in their match. Their leading scorer was Yasmin Ramsay who placed second in the 100 metres and third in the javelin. Jo Clarke made an impressive debut for the club, placing third in the 3000 metres (12.43.3).
Two days earlier Striders had done well to place third of seven clubs in a Southern Veterans League match at Croydon Arena. Dave Batten won the over-50 800 metres (2.28.6) and placed second in the 200 metres (28.9). Bob Ewen placed second in the over-50 3000 meters (10.58.4).
For Striders’ women, Kerry Backshell had an excellent run to place a close second in the over-35 3000 metres (12.36.3), only two seconds behind Surrey champion Louise Ioanescu of Dorking. Earlier Kerry had placed fourth on her debut at 800 metres (3.02.6).
For the over-35 men, Dave Lovell was third in the 800 metres (2.32.0) while Steve Smith was fourth in the 200 metres (30.7) and Chris Morton was fourth in the 3000 metres (11.56.1).
Justin places 8th in county half marathon
Striders of Croydon’s leading distance runner, Justin Macenhill, had an excellent run to place eighth in the Ranelagh Half-Marathon last Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. His time of 75 minutes 42 seconds was less than half a minute outside his personal best. Damian Macenhill placed 67th in 1 hour 25 minutes 08, while Bas Sharif was 256th (1.39.13), Patrick Kilgarriff 432nd (1.49.39) and Steve Tyler 728th (2.12.27). There were 781 finishers.
First win for Striders at Beckenham road relay
Striders of Croydon did very well to finish first of 29 teams in the annual Beckenham Road Relay last Wednesday. Justin Macenhill gave them an excellent start, winning the first leg and covering the 2.6 mile course in 13 minutes 34 seconds. Scott Antony extended the lead by running 14 minutes 05, and club secretary Chris Morton held on to first spot with 16 minutes 16.
Striders also had the second mixed team to finish. Steph Gilmour ran 18.50 on the first leg and Kerry Backshell ran 17.30 on the second leg. Justin Macenhill then ran his second leg of the day with a time of 14 minutes 04.
On the same day, Striders competed in the Rosenheim League at Battersea Park. Their team was weakened by the clash with the Beckenham Relay, but they managed to finish fifth of the six competing clubs. 15-year-old Nicholas Batten ran a personal best 2.24 for fourth in the men’s 800 metres.
On Sunday, Striders competed in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race, which was the first event in this year’s Surrey Road League. Their men placed sixth in the team event while their women placed eleventh. Striders were again led home by Justin Macenhill who ran well to place seventh (34.29). Veteran Dave Batten placed 62nd (39.23) while Darren Piper was 75th (40.24) and Simon Ambrosi was 100th (42.03). Striders’ first woman home was Karen Macenhill who placed 42nd in the women’s race (49.47). Veteran Pat Edwards was 75th (55.23), and Sarah Hansbury completed the scoring team in 93rd (60.42).
Bob wins vets 1500m for Striders
Striders of Croydon began their track season by placing fifth of the seven competing clubs in Monday’s Southern Veterans League match at Kingsmeadow. Striders’ only victory came from Bob Ewen in the over-50 1500 metres (5.15.6). Geoff Pennells placed fourth in the over-35 A race (5.12.3) with Alan Dolton third in the B race (5.16.9).
Dave Batten ran well to place second in the over-50 400 metres (65.7) and third in the over-50 100 metres (14.3). Dave Lovell was fifth in the over-35 100 metres (14.0) and 400 metres A race (66.9). Geoff Pennells, in his first race over 400 metres, ran well for second in the B race (64.9).
Dave Hoben was second in the over-50 2000 metre walk (13.28.9). Mick Turner placed fourth in the over-35 A race (13.01.9) with Alan Dolton third in the B race (14.36.3). Striders suffered from a shortage of competitors in the field events, but team manager Kevin Burnett placed fifth in the over-50 hammer (15.45).
Scott blazes to new Striders marathon record
Striders of Croydon did very well to have 33 finishers in Sunday’s 27th London Marathon. Their best performance came from Scott Antony. Already the holder of several of the club’s track records, he set a new club marathon record of 2 hours 41 minutes 17 seconds, finishing 149th in the race. This was more than three minutes faster than Striders’ previous record, set seven years ago by Gerry Crispie.
Andy Allison also had an excellent run to finish in the top 1000, placing 992nd in 3 hours 3 minutes 16. Damian Macenhill was not far behind (3.04.52), while Paul Finch ran 3.19.03 and veteran Dave Shaw ran 3.24.07.
Striders’ first woman finisher was Kerry Backshell, who placed 368th in the women’s race (3.27.24). Club colleague Stephanie Noyce was 586th (3.36.40).
Striders’ other finishers were: Richard Edwards 3.48.30; Kate Custis 3.48.38; Chris Morton 3.49.12; Tim Bett 3.49.13; Phil Richards 3.52.53; Phil Mazur 4.05.46; John Humphries 4.08.36; Simon Reay-Jones 4.09.26; Patsy Wong 4.13.39; Adam Staniforth 4.15.26; David Gunaratnam 4.17.41; Karen Macenhill 4.26.21; Mick George 4.29.06; Tina Macenhill 4.30.35; Theo Eastham 4.44.40; Sarah Milne 4.46.59; Louise Gough 4.51.16; Yasmin Ramsay 4.51.24; Tom Stevens 5.02.38; Claire Farrugia 5.03.02; Nick Kyritsis 5.04.49; Mark Armstrong 5.05.08; Cara Kayum 5.26.10; Steve Tyler 5.28.33; Jacqui Mazur 5.39.06; Brian Day 6.05.47.
Striders also had two competitors in the Mini-Marathon, held over the last 2.65 miles of the marathon course. Nicholas Batten was 203rd in the Under-17 boys’ race (16.24), while Sophie Shaw was 156th in the Under-17 girls’ race (21.21).
Scott leads Striders to 4th place at Ewell
Striders of Croydon’s leading track runner, Scott Antony, produced an excellent run in the East Surrey League’s annual road race at Ewell last week. He finished fourth of the 100 finishers, covering the 4.2 mile course in 23 minutes 28 seconds.
Striders’ next man home was Matt Morgan who placed 18th (25.04). Paul Finch was 28th (26.30) and Chris Morton completed the scoring team in 31st (26.52). Striders finished fourth in the team event and finished the season by placing fifth in the overall league table.
Striders also had five non-scorers. Simon Ambrosi was 42nd (27.46) with veteran Colin Cotton close behind in 46th (27.57). Neil Furze was 67th (31.04) with Dave Denton 82nd (33.23) and Stephanie Gilmour 84th (33.36).
More than 100 runners lined up in Lambrok Road to compete in the Trowbridge 10K, hosted by Trowbridge Lions and supported by Avon Valley Runners. Duncan Lancashire, formerly of Trowbridge and now running for Croydon Striders, and James Denne, of Honiton Running Club, broke away from the field at an early stage to finish first and second in 36:11 and 36:26 respectively. Trying to close down the gap was Avon Valley's Alistair Bartlett, who had a good run to finish third in 37:41 with former winner Michael Bryant, of AVR, back in sixth place. Bristol and West international runner Amy Chalk, from Calne, won the ladies' race in 38:11 from Joanna King of London Heathside in 38:54.
Young Striders qualify for
mini-marathon
Two of the youngest members of Striders of Croydon did well to qualify for the Croydon Borough team for the London Mini-Marathon, to be held on Sunday 22 April. The trials were held on an undulating and very muddy course in Lloyd Park last Saturday. Striders’ Nicholas Batten ran well to place fourth in the under-17 men’s race, covering the 3300 metre course in 15 minutes 1 second. Club colleague Sophie Shaw won the under-17 women’s race in 18 minutes 49 seconds, finishing 17 seconds clear of her nearest rival.
Striders had 12 competitors in the annual Croydon Harriers inter-club race, held over a ten-kilometre course at the same venue. However, they were without their leading runners and with none of their team finishing in the first ten, they had to settle for third place in the six-to-score team competition. Probably their best performance came from Kerry Backshell who was the first woman to finish, recording a time of 51 minutes 28 seconds and finishing ahead of six of Striders’ men. Striders’ first man home was veteran Nigel Davidson who placed 11th (47.12). Another veteran, Dave Batten, placed 13th (47.50). New member Graham Foster made an encouraging debut with 15th place (49.04). Striders’ next two runners were both veterans, with Geoff Pennells 18th and Alan Dolton 19th.
Striders continue fine form to place third in 20-miler
Striders of Croydon did very well to place third in the team event in the annual Reading Roadrunners 20-mile road race at Bramley in Hampshire last Sunday. Their leading runners were Scott Antony and Justin Macenhill who finished just one second apart, with Scott placing 19th (2.02.27) and Justin 20th (2.02.28). Damian Macenhill completed the scoring trio in 59th place (2.11.10). Andy Allison was 133rd (2.19.21) with Chris Morton 152nd (2.20.47) and Paul Finch 170th (2.23.37). Striders’ leading woman was Karen McDermott who placed 170th in the women’s race (3.08.32). Club colleague Yasmin Ramsay was 192nd (3.17.42).
Other Striders to complete the course were Phil Mazur (478th, 2.51.26), Simon Reay-Jones (575th, 3.00.19) and Steve Tyler (702nd, 3.36.26). There were 726 finishers.
Justin & Scott set Sussex Beacon half marathon alight
Striders of Croydon’s leading distance runner, Justin Macenhill, produced an excellent performance in the Sussex Beacon Half-Marathon at Brighton on Sunday. He finished ninth in a field of more than 3000 runners, recording a new personal best of 1 hour 15 minutes 13 seconds, lifting him to second place in the club’s all-time rankings. Club colleague Scott Antony also ran well to finish 11th (1.16.01), while Ian Campbell ran a personal best 1.20.48 to place 33rd and fifth in the over-40 category. Damian Macenhill placed 50th (1.22.13), with Paul Finch 103rd (1.25.16) and club secretary Chris Morton 185th (1.28.43). Striders’ fastest woman was Natasha Ling who placed 786th overall (1.40.20)
Striders showed their strength in depth with a total of 29 finishers. Their other runners were Steve Smith 1.34.03; Martin Parham 1.34.37; Tom Littlewood 1.37.11; John Humphries 1.37.14; Theo Eastham 1.40.16; Richard Edwards 1.41.59; Phil Mazur 1.44.01; Matt O’Hare 1.44.07; Tina Macenhill 1.48.18; James Mason 1.49.43; Karen Peake 1.51.30; Mick George 1.54.14; Louise Gouch 1.54.44; Karen McDermott 1.55.08; Mark Armstrong 1.55.29; Sarah Milne 1.58.04; Carol Hollingworth 2.05.54; Steve Tyler 2.19.12; Jacqui Mazur 2.21.05; Julie Shew 2.24.43; Karen Connor 2.33.46; Susan Haynes 2.33.46.
Striders finish short of promotion
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the final Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two matches of the season on Saturday. Both their men’s and women’s teams finished fifth in their match and fourth in the overall league table.
Striders’ men were competing at Epsom Downs. They were led home by Justin Macenhill, who had an excellent run to place fifth, his best placing in this division. He covered the undulating five-mile course in 29 minutes 28 seconds. Duncan Lancashire also ran well for 10th (30.33) with Matt Morgan 24th (31.25), Damian Macenhill 44th (32.59), and Andy Allison 45th (33.02). Nigel Davidson was Striders’ first veteran in 55th (33.37), with Bob Ewen 62nd (34.01) and Dave Batten 69th (34.25). Darren Piper was 70th (34.27) and Paul Finch completed the scoring team in 74th (34.37).
Hercules-Wimbledon won the Division Two title with 1478 points, ahead of Wimbledon Windmilers (1530), Dorking (1531), Striders (1727), Epsom (1768), Kingston (1806), Sutton (1946), Walton (2171) and Croydon Harriers (2423).
Striders’ women were competing at Richmond Park. They were led home by Kerry Backshell, who ran very well to place 12th, covering the 5800 metre course in 25 minutes 9 seconds. Faye Stammers was next home in 20th (25.34), with Stephanie Gilmour 31st (27.37) and Amalia Da Silva Lima 50th (29.49). Unfortunately the team were unable to field a fifth runner.
Striders’ men managed a much better turnout with eleven non-scorers: 90 Chris Morton 35.40; 91 Simon Ambrosi 35.44; 110 Colin Cotton 37.57; 114 Barry Finch 38.26; 124 Simon Reay-Jones 40.25; 127 Tom Littlewood 41.26; 129 Peter Shew 41.41; 132 Paul Weir 43.02; 137 Dave Denton 44.53; 139 Matt Anderson 45.44; 142 Dave Hoben 47.38.
Faye and Justin lead Striders in promotion push
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in their Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two matches on Saturday.
Striders’ women placed third of 17 clubs in their match at Wimbledon Common, and have climbed to joint-third place in the table with one match remaining. Runnymede are leading the division with 239 points, ahead of Kingston (304), Striders (450) and Elmbridge (450), and Epsom Allsorts (553).
Striders’ women were led home by Faye Stammers who returned to form with an excellent run to place 13th of the 94 finishers, covering the four-mile course in 28 minutes 23 seconds. Kerry Backshell also ran well for 21st (29.14) with Stephanie Upton 24th (29.41) and Stephanie Gilmour 38th (31.45). Amalia De Silva Lima completed the scoring team in 49th (32.58), with Linda Daniel 50th (33.03) and Sarah Milne 63rd (34.15).
Striders’ men placed third of nine clubs in their match at West End Common, Esher. Dorking won the match with 314 points, with Wimbledon Windmilers second (379). However Striders’ total of 432 points saw them finish ahead of Epsom (439), Sutton (449), Walton (491), Hercules-Wimbledon (507), Kingston (509) and Croydon Harriers (575). In the overall table Striders are now fourth with one match remaining.
Striders did very well to place four runners in the first 16 of the 146 finishers. Justin Macenhill led them home in sixth place, covering the undulating five-mile course in 28 minutes 19 seconds. Scott Antony was eighth (28.50) with Duncan Lancashire 10th (29.15) and Matt Morgan 16th (30.09). Striders’ next two runners were both veterans, with Ian Campbell 51st (32.22) and club stalwart Nigel Davidson 59th (32.54). Darren Piper was 68th (33.31) with Damian Macenhill 73rd (34.01) and Dave Batten 85th (34.34). Team manager Chris Morton completed the scoring team in 93rd (35.10).
Striders also had six non-scorers: 104 Matt Birchley 36.25; 108 Richard Edwards 36.47; 119 Barry Finch 38.15; 124 Matt O’Hare 39.15; 130 Phil Mazur 40.46; 131 Paul Weir 41.20.
Justin ploughs through the mud for Striders
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Surrey Cross-Country Championships, held at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Their men’s team did very well to place sixth of the 18 clubs who fielded complete teams, while their women’s team placed eighth.
Striders’ best performance came from Justin Macenhill, who placed 22nd of the 186 finishers, covering the muddy twelve-kilometre course in 47 minutes 57 seconds. Scott Antony also ran well for 31st place (49.57), while Matt Morgan was 52nd (52.45) and Damien Macenhill 58th (53.08). Duncan Lancashire placed 62nd (53.43) and Andy Allison completed the scoring team in 80th (55.14). Striders’ leading veteran was Bob Ewen, who started cautiously but moved steadily through the field to place 96th (57.11).
Striders’ leading woman was Kerry Backshell, who placed 40th of the 98 finishers, covering the eight kilometres in 41 minutes 03 seconds. Faye Stammers placed 53rd (42.19) with Steph Gilmour 76th (45.50) and Amalia Da Silva Lima 94th (53.25).
Striders’ other finishers in the men’s race were: 106 Nigel Davidson 58.25; 116 Chris Morton 59.21; 118 Simon Ambrosi 59.22; 131 Dave Batten 60.49; 145 Matt Birchley 63.10; 157 Richard Edwards 64.55; 165 Simon Reay-Jones 66.38; 171 Matt O’Hare 68.47; 173 Tom Littlewood 70.43; 174 Phil Mazur 71.17; 179 Paul Weir 73.34.
Scott, Duncan and Kerry lead Striders at windy Epsom Downs
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the South of Thames Cross-Country Association annual inter-club race, held on Saturday on an undulating course at Epsom Downs which was somewhat longer than the advertised distance of five miles. In the eight-to-score competition for the Brent Shield, Striders did well to place fifth. Striders’ women also placed fifth in their event, despite fielding a relatively inexperienced team.
Striders’ first man home was Scott Antony who ran well to place 29th in 32.48. Duncan Lancashire was close behind in 32nd (33.11), while Darren Piper was 56th (35.06). Veteran Dave Batten had an excellent run to place 77th (36.58). Team manager Chris Morton was 91st (37.55), with Simon Ambrosi 111th (39.32), Steve Smith 118th (40.58) and Alan Dolton 119th (41.01).
Striders’ first woman home was Kerry Backshell who ran well to place 17th of the 40 finishers (41.07). Amalia de Silva Lima was 35th (48.39) with Sarah Milne 37th (52.24), Claire Farrugia 38th (52.58) and Yasmin Ramsay 39th (54.56).
Other Striders in the men’s race were: 125 Richard Edwards 41.50; 131 Simon Reay-Jones 42.35; 132 Matt O’Hare 42.41; 135 Tom Littlewood 43.49; 137 John Gannon 44.20; 142 Paul Weir 45.09; 148 Patrick Chung 47.56. There were 153 finishers.
Steph leads Striders to third place at Lightwater
Striders of Croydon’s women’s team did very well to place third out of 18 clubs in their Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at Lightwater on Saturday. Runnymede won the match with 86 points, ahead of Elmbridge (161), Striders (165) and Kingston (167). In the overall table Striders are fourth, just behind Kingston and Elmbridge.
Striders were led home by Stephanie Upton, who placed 15th of the 97 finishers,
covering the four-mile course in 28 minutes 37 seconds. She was closely followed
by Faye Stammers who placed 18th (28.45). Kerry Backshell was 28th (29.25) with
Amalia Da Silva Lima 49th (32.42) and veteran Linda Daniel completing the team
in 55th (33.03). The race was won by Redhill’s highly talented 15-year-old
Sophie Cowper, who ran 25
minutes 31.
Striders of Croydon's men's team did well to finish third of the nine competing clubs in their Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Home club Hercules-Wimbledon gained a clear win with 228 points, followed by Wimbledon Windmilers (413), Striders (424), Epsom (432), Dorking (447), Sutton (462), Kingston (492), Croydon Harriers (588) and Walton (609).
Striders were again led home by Justin Macenhill, who ran well to finish ninth. Matt Morgan had his best race for the club and finished 22nd, while new member Dave Archer had an excellent run to place 26th. Duncan Lancashire made a welcome return after a long absence through injury and placed 30th. Scott Antony was 35th with Damian Macenhill 56th and Paul Finch 62nd. Striders’ next two runners were both veterans, with Nigel Davidson 63rd and Bob Ewen 68th. Darren Piper completed the scoring team in 69th place, while Striders showed their strength in depth with eight non-scorers.
Justin breaks more records while Ian capitalises in Amsterdam
Striders of Croydon did well to take third place in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country race at Lloyd Park last Saturday. Hercules-Wimbledon won the match with 45 points, ahead of Epsom (48) and Striders (55). Striders were again led home by Justin Macenhill, who produced another good run to place sixth, covering the undulating five-mile course in 30 minutes 39 seconds. The next Strider was Matt Morgan was in 14th place (32.53) with Damian Macenhill 15th (33.10) and Paul Finch 20th (33.40). Veteran Bob Ewen was third in the over-50 category (33.48), while club stalwart Nigel Davidson was not far behind (33.58). Barry Finch placed second in the over-55 category (38.38) with Colin Cotton returning after injury to place third (38.58).
Striders’ women were led home by Kerry Backshell, who placed 67th (40.08) and was fourth woman to finish. Yasmin Ramsay was 95th (51.21) and Sarah Milne 96th (51.54).
Striders have also produced some good performances in recent road races. Ian Campbell ran a personal best 2 hours 51 minutes 46 seconds in the Amsterdam Marathon, lifting him to sixth place in the club’s all-time rankings. On the same day Justin Macenhill ran a personal best of 56 minutes 18 seconds in the Cabbage Patch 10 mile road race, placing 19th in a field of more than 1000.
Faye and Steph lead Striders women to good start at Epsom
To those of you who did not
make the event…..it was a run around the Epson race course in excellent running
weather. That is, no mud (Karen !!!), lots if ladies (ooops!) and sunny with a
breeze. The course was a two lap of ‘rolling hill’, totalling 5.5k The ladies
know what I mean by that. A lot of effort put into the event which has paid off
as shown by the results. It was great to see their happy, smiling faces at the
end of the race. I thought that they were happy to see me again but no they
were just happy to have completed. All the team were home in 26 minutes!!!!
The team of six did extremely well to get us off to a great start for the
season. We, that is those who took part on Saturday, are going to get the Ladies
team back into division one at the first attempt this season, so we could do
with some additional runners. We need a minimum of 5 in the team to count but
every additional runner displaces another scoring runner, so come on ladies lets
show Surrey what Striders of Croydon can do.
Team finished in a very respectable fifth place with Faye who set the Strider
pace in 88th with a time on 23:44, Stephanie Upton who made great
strides on Faye in the closing stages to finish in 89th in 23:50.
Kerry kept the pace on the other runners by pushing for the 110th
position in 24:21. Then it was Stephanie Gilmour giving her ‘all’ by arriving in
157th position in the tightest section of the field in 26:02. Linda
Daniel was only a few second behind Stephanie 26:24 and successfully keeping
other runners away from the crucial lower positions by arriving at position
166. Then Amalia do the dirty work of closing the team off by displacing the
remaining runners from other clubs by striding out at the final quarter of a
lap…running like a gazelle to sprint to the finish in a time of 26:54 and 182nd
position.
Well done to Steph Upton, Stephanie Gilmour, Amalia Da Silva Lima, Linda Daniel,
Kerry Backshell and Faye Stammers. (John Ralf)
Solid start for Striders men at Richmond Park
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances to place fourth of nine clubs at the opening Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match of the season, at Richmond Park on Saturday. Wimbledon Windmilers won the match with 360 points, ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon (399), Epsom (411), Striders (419), Kingston (443), Dorking (481), Sutton (501), Walton (512) and Croydon Harriers (569).
Striders were led home by Justin Macenhill, who ran well to place eighth of the 129 finishers, covering the five-mile course in 29 minutes 30 seconds. Scott Antony also ran well for 23rd (31.04) with Damian Macenhill 30th (31.56). Veteran Bob Ewen had an excellent run to place 42nd overall and second in the over-50 category (32.36). Darren Piper was close behind in 43rd (32.40) with Tony Sheppard 47th (32.52) and Matt Morgan 49th (33.05). John Foster placed 53rd (33.20) with Nigel Davidson 61st (33.35) and Chris Morton 76th (34.37).
Darren leads winning Striders team
Striders of Croydon produced an excellent performance to win the team event at Hercules-Wimbledon’s annual ten-mile road race, held on Sunday on a rain-soaked and hilly course. Striders’ total of 53 points placed them ahead of Serpentine (60) and Hercules-Wimbledon (63), while Striders’ B team did well to take fourth place. Striders were led home by Darren Piper who ran strongly to place 18th in 65 minutes 14 seconds. Striders’ next three runners were all veterans. Club secretary Chris Morton was close behind in 20th (65.27), while Dave Batten also ran well for 26th (67.57) with Alan Dolton 38th (73.31). Paul Weir was 53rd (77.22) and was followed by John Humphries (55th, 77.45); Peter Shew (56th, 78.05); Tom Littlewood (66th, 80.45); James Mason (71st, 81.38); Dave Denton (89th, 87.22) and Patrick Chung (97th, 89.40). There were 123 finishers.
Mike Cummings wins Switchback 5
Striders of Croydon organised their annual ‘Switchback’ five-mile race over an undulating course in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills on Sunday. In unusually hot conditions, the winner was Mike Cummings of Herne Hill. His time of 28.18 placed him exactly a minute clear of second-placed Barry Korro. The first veteran was Graham Hansen (30.32), still running well twenty years after he won the first Croydon 10K. The first woman finisher was Viv Mitchell of South London Harriers (35.01), with Yvonne Hill of Ranelagh second (36.55).
Striders won the team event. They were led home by Bob Ewen, who was the first over-50 runner to finish, placing seventh overall (31.44). Club secretary Chris Morton was 11th (33.34) with Dominic Hawkins close behind in 13th (33.46). Other Striders to finish were: 33 Peter Shew (38.21); 34 Alan Dolton (38.32); 36 John Humphries (38.41); 42 Phil Mazur (39.57); 51 Tom Littlewood (41.25); 54 Dave Denton (42.13); 67 Louise Gough (46.47). There were 80 finishers.
Battens help out in Striders' relays
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the annual Surrey Road Relays, held at Wimbledon Park on Saturday. They had to settle for 13th place out of the 18 competing teams.
Matt Morgan gave Striders a good start, covering the hilly three-mile course in 16 minutes 39 seconds. Justin Macenhill ran the second leg and recorded Striders’ fastest time of the day with 15 minutes 32 seconds. He was followed by John Foster (17 minutes 21), Darren Piper (17 minutes 27) and Dominic Hawkins (18 minutes 24). On the final leg Scott Antony made a welcome return to Striders’ team, running 16 minutes 47 seconds.
Striders’ veterans placed 10th out of 12 teams in the over-40 race. Their best performance came from Dave Batten, the oldest member of the team, who ran the final leg in 17 minutes 18 seconds. The team’s other runners were Chris Morton (18.12), Alan Dolton (19.29) and Dave Denton (22.19).
On the following day Striders competed in the six-stage River Relay over a 31-mile point-to-point course from Virginia Water to Petersham. Striders did well to place 10th of the 40 competing teams. Their team comprised Nicholas Batten, Dave Batten, Matt Morgan, Karen Peake, John Foster and Chris Morton.
Dave Batten keeps up
top Vets form at Wimbledon
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances at the Surrey 5 kilometre
road running championships, held at Wimbledon on Sunday. Their first finisher
was Pawel Bal, who placed 28th in 17 minutes 11 seconds. Damian Macenhill was
60th (18.21), while veteran Dave Batten had an excellent run to place second in
the over-50 category and 63rd overall (18.26). John Foster was 71st (18.46),
Darren Piper 86th (19.22), Chris Morton 87th (19.24) and Nigel Finch 99th
(19.55). Barry Finch was sixth in the over-50 category and 118th overall
(20.17).
Striders’ leading woman was the improving Karen Peake, who placed 34th in the women’s race and 191st overall (24.29).
Veteran Dave
finishes 4th in age group at Elmbridge
Striders were well represented in the Elmbridge 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, which was part of the Surrey Road League. Striders’ men finished ninth, while their women placed 14th. Striders were led home by Pawel Bal who placed 22nd in 35 minutes 52. Veteran Dave Batten again ran well for 56th (38.50) while Dominic Hawkins was 77th (39.52). Barry Finch was 137th (42.44), with Steve Smith close behind in 142nd (42.53) and club chairman John Gannon 157th (43.38).
Striders’ first woman finisher was Kerry Backshell, who placed 34th in the women’s race, recording 44 minutes 18. Karen Peake was 103rd (52.57) with Carol Hollingworth 114th (54.44) and Jacqui Mazur 163rd (61.35).
Justin manages the heat to finish third at Elmore 7
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in very hot conditions at the annual Elmore 7-mile road race, held at Chipstead and organised by heir local rivals South London Harriers. Striders were led home by Justin Macenhill, who ran very well to come third of the 342 finishers, covering the hilly seven-mile course in 40 minutes 54 seconds. Pawel Bal also ran well to place sixth (42.08), while Damian Macenhill was 16th (44.47). Dave Batten was fourth in the over-50 category and 26th overall (46.14). Daren Piper placed 29th (46.32) and Dominic Hawkins 37th (47.43).
Striders’ women were led home by Serena Stracey who was the sixth woman finisher, placing 65th (50.10). Stephanie Upton also ran well for 113th (53.53) while Kerry Backshell was 128th (54.57). Karen McDermott was 249th (65.48) and Michele Meech 275th (68.39). Striders had an impressive total of 25 finishers
Pawel leads Striders at Dysart
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Dysart 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. They were led home by Pawel Bal, who placed 29th in 36 minutes 20 seconds, moving him into the top 25 in Striders’ all-time rankings. Veteran John Foster was 74th (39.21), and Darren Piper also ran well for 83rd (39.45). Club secretary Chris Morton was 108th (41.04), while Mike Willans was 133rd (42.03) and Dominic Hawkins 164th (43.39).
Striders’ first woman was Kerry Backshell who placed 180th overall (44.20). Serena Stracey, despite suffering from a bad cough, was not far behind in 191st (44.59). Karen Peake was 371st (57.05) and Louise Mayne 381st (58.18).
Vets all-rounders have a go for Striders
Striders of Croydon placed fifth of eight clubs in their Southern Veterans League match at Kingsmeadow Stadium on Monday. For the over 50s, Dave Batten was second in the 1500 metres (5.11.6), fourth in the 400 metres (66.3) and fifth in the 100 metres (14.8). Graham Pullen was fourth in the shot putt (4.63), hammer (9.99) and long jump (2.98)
For the over 40s, Dave Lovell was third in both the 400 metres (63.3) and the shot putt (6.81), and sixth in the A 100 metres (14.3). Chris Morton was fourth in the A 5000 metres (19.52.8) and fifth in the A 1500 metres (5.39.3). Steve Smith was fourth in the long jump (3.97), third in the B 100 metres (15.3) and fourth in the B 1500 metres (5.56.3). Alan Dolton was fourth in the B 5000 metres (19.58.4). Striders placed fifth in the medley relay.
Serena stepping up on the comeback trail
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Dorking 10-mile road race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships and the second Surrey Road League fixture. In the team event, Striders’ women placed eighth, while their men placed eleventh.
Striders’ women were led by Serena Stracey. Despite still recovering from a bad knee injury, she produced an excellent run to place 14th in the women’s race, recording 71 minutes 37 seconds. Club colleague Kerry Backshell also ran well for 21st (74.00). There were also solid runs from Kate Custis in 82nd (85.24) and Karen Peake in 94th (87.13).
In the men’s race, Striders were again led home by the Macenhill brothers. Justin ran well for 15th place (59.30) while Damian was 40th (62.55). Striders’ third finisher was Pawel Bal who placed 67th (65.45). Veteran Dave Batten was ninth in the over-50 category and 100th overall (68.31), while club secretary Chris Morton placed 118th (69.47).
Track & Field stars gain Striders second place at Croydon
Striders of Croydon produced some excellent performances to finish second of the six competing clubs in their Rosenheim League match at a very wet Croydon Arena on Wednesday. Croydon Harriers won the match with 55 points, but Striders’ total of 46 placed them ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon (44), South London Harriers (39), Serpentine (31), and Herne Hill (26).
Striders were given a good start by Matt Morgan, who won the opening event, the 2000 metre steeplechase. Justin Macenhill ran well for second in the 800 metres and third in the 200 metres. Scott Antony was second in the 400 metres, while Paul Finch was second in the high jump and fourth in the 1500 metres. Pawel Bal was third in the 3000 metres, and Striders also took third in the 4 x 200 metre relay.
This result lifts Striders to third in the league table, behind Croydon Harriers and Hercules-Wimbledon but ahead of the other three competing clubs.
Striders’ women were short of numbers, but placed third in their match, with Clare McFadzean running well to take second place in the 3000 metres.
Scott and Justin set club track records at Battersea
Striders of Croydon’s veteran distance runner Don Kayum produced an excellent performance in the Surrey Half-Marathon Championships at Richmond on Sunday. He placed third in the over-50 category, and 49th overall of the 725 finishers, recording a time of 1 hour 23 minutes 57 seconds.
Striders’ track and field team finished fifth of the six competing clubs in their opening Rosenheim League match of the season at Battersea on Wednesday. Croydon Harriers won with 49 points, ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon (48), Herne Hill (48), Serpentine (41), Striders (35) and South London Harriers (18). Scott Antony did well to set new club records of 24.7 seconds for the 200 metres and 11.17 metres in the triple jump. Justin Macenhill also ran well to record 55.4 for the 400 metres and 9 minutes 34 for the 3000 metres.
Pawel leads Striders home at
Sutton
Striders of Croydon had 15 finishers in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race at Beddington Park on Sunday, which was the first race in this season’s Surrey Road League.
Striders were led home by Pawel Bal, who covered the course in 39 minutes 3 seconds, finishing 44th of the 409 finishers. Dave Batten ran well to place fourth in the over-50 category and 57th overall, recording 39 minutes 54. Long-distance specialist Dave Shaw was 73rd (41.17) with Richard Edwards 89th (42.13). Striders placed tenth out of the 27 competing teams.
Striders’ women were not at full strength, with some of their leading runners not yet having recovered from the London Marathon. However there were good runs by both Jan Baldwin (64.04) and Jacqui Mazur (64.05), keeping the team’s league hopes alive.
Striders’ other finishers were: 101 Nigel Finch 42.35; 136 Steve Smith 44.43; 166 Tom Littlewood 46.00; 177 John Humphries 46.24; 194 Peter Shew 47.42; 202 James Mason 48.10; 213 Dave Denton 48.37; 232 Mick George 49.28; 343 Steve Tyler 56.45.
Don and Bob break more vets 50 records
Striders of Croydon had 21 finishers in the London Marathon on Sunday. Their best performance came from veteran Don Kayum, who recorded a new club over-50 record of 3 hours 00 minutes 28 seconds, agonisingly close to the three-hour mark but more than 18 minutes faster than the previous record set by the late Tony Eve in 1990.
Paul Finch, making his marathon debut, also ran well to record 3 hours 14 minutes 47. There were also some excellent performances from Striders’ women. They were led home by Kerry Backshell who ran a personal best 3 hours 28 minutes 16, lifting her to eighth place in Striders’ all-time rankings. She was closely followed by Stephanie Noyce (3.32.11), Faye Stammers (3.36.36) and Stephanie Upton (3.40.31), all of these being new personal bests.
Striders’ other finishers were: Peter Shew 3.56.21; Geoff Pennells 3.57.00; Dave Denton 3.57.32; Robin Jamieson 4.16.05; Greg Evans 4.25.08; Gideon Mitchell 4.26.49; Nick Kyritsis 4.28.01; James Mason 4.29.19; Tom Stevens 4.41.46; Claire Farrugia 4.44.36; Steve Tyler 4.49.57; Michele Meech 5.08.09; Jan Baldwin 5.08.22; Susan Haynes 5.11.26; Kerry Kane 5.21.56.
A fortnight previously 3 Striders ran in the Rotterdam marathon. Damian Macenhill recorded the best performance of the season so far with an impressive sub 3 hour run - finishing in 2 hours 56 minutes. Meanwhile Phil Mazur completed his fourth marathon of the season in 3.56.21 whilst Nick Kyritsis completed his 85th marathon - heading towards his goal of 100.
On Good Friday Striders’ Bob Ewen had produced an excellent run in the Maidenhead 10-mile road race, setting a new club over-50 record of 61 minutes 28 seconds. Club colleague Matt Morgan also ran well to set a personal best of 59 minutes 42 seconds.
Striders finished fourth in the team event at the East Surrey League road race at Ewell, ensuring them second place in the overall league table. Their leading runner at Ewell was Justin Macenhill who placed fifth, covering the 4.2 mile course in 23 minutes 39 seconds. Matt Morgan also ran well for ninth place (24.39), with Paul Finch 13th (25.41). Veteran Chris Morton completed the scoring team with 21st place (26.27), closely followed by Mark Eardley (25th, 26.43) and Dave Batten (26th, 26.46). Epsom won the league with 46 points, ahead of Striders (37), Croydon Harriers (32) and Hercules-Wimbledon (30).
Justin wins Cranleigh race for Striders
Striders of Croydon’s leading distance runner, Justin Macenhill, produced an excellent run to win the Cranleigh 15-mile road race on Sunday. He covered the undulating course in 1 hour 33 minutes 7 seconds, finishing 38 seconds clear of second-placed Chris Finill of Harrow.
Justin’s brother Damian Macenhill continued his preparation for the Rotterdam Marathon by placing fourth in 1 hour 35 minutes 15. And Striders’ veteran Don Kayum ran well to win the over-50 category, placing eleventh overall (1.48.49).
Several of Striders’ marathon runners competed in the 21-mile race at the same venue. They were led home by Paul Finch, who did well to place 35th in 2 hours 31 minutes 24 seconds. Striders’ leading woman was Faye Stammers, who finished in 2 hours 47 minutes 58, just five seconds ahead of club colleague Kerry Backshell. Stephanie Upton also ran well to finish in 2 hours 50 minutes 23.
Ewen smashes Striders' Vets record
Striders of Croydon’s veteran distance runner, Bob Ewen, produced an excellent run in the Brentwood Half-Marathon on Sunday. He set a new club over-50 record of 1 hour 21 minutes 9 seconds, finishing 34th overall in a field of more than 1000. This broke the previous club record set by the late Tony Eve, which had stood since 1987.
Club colleague John Foster also ran well to record 1 hour 23 minutes 41, while in the women’s race Faye Stammers ran very well to record a personal best 1 hour 34 minutes 54, lifting her to eighth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings.
Meanwhile, club secretary Chris Morton ran in the Hastings Half-Marathon and ran a personal best 1 hour 24 minutes 45 seconds. Another good run came from club colleague Stephanie Upton, who ran 1 hour 41 minutes 40 seconds.
On the previous day, Striders had done well to claim third place in the East Surrey League’s annual road relay, at Boxhill. Matt Morgan gave them a good start, running the first leg of the 3500 metre course in 11 minutes 19 seconds, taking second place. Veteran John Foster ran the second leg and held second place with 12.21. Chris Morton faced strong opposition on the third leg and slipped to fourth with 12.36. On the final leg Pavel Bal regained a place with 11 minutes 49.
Stracey climbs up the rankings after Sidcup success
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the recent Sidcup 10-mile road race, organised by Kent Athletic Club. They were led home by club secretary Chris Morton, who placed 48th of the 369 finishers in a personal best 63 minutes 19 seconds. Paul Finch also ran well for 70th (65.37), while Mark Eardley placed 87th (66.54). Striders’ first woman home was Serena Stracey, who placed an excellent run, placing 97th overall in a personal best of 68 minutes 13, lifting her to fourth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Veteran Barry Finch also ran well, recording 71 minutes 19 for 146th place.
Striders out in numbers for cross country at Richmond Park
Striders of Croydon faced strong
opposition in the final Surrey Cross-Country League cross-country races of the
season, at Richmond Park on Saturday. Their women were competing in Division
One, and were led home by team captain Serena Stracey who made a welcome return
to form, covering the six-kilometre course in 23 minutes 37 seconds, and placing
35th of the 155 finishers. Next home was Stephanie Noyce in 60th (24.48), while
Clare McFadzean placed 69th (25.02), just one place and two seconds ahead of
club colleague Faye Stammers. Stephanie Upton made a welcome return after a long
absence with a knee injury, and completed the scoring team in 88th (26.01).
Striders placed 12th of the 15 clubs, but unfortunately this was not quite
enough to save them from relegation to Division Two. Striders also fielded a B
team, led by veteran Linda Daniel who placed 121st (28.07). Karen McDermott was
126th (28.39) and Pat Edwards 138th (29.58).
Later in the afternoon, Striders’ men competed in their Division Two match at
the same venue. They were again led home by the consistent Justin Macenhill, who
produced another good run to finish tenth of the 176 finishers, covering the
5.65 mile course in 31 minutes 41 seconds. His brother Damian Macenhill made a
welcome return to form and was Striders’ second finisher, placing 43rd in 33
minutes 45 seconds, just outsprinting promising newcomer Pavel Bal. Matt Morgan
was not far behind in 48th place (33.59). Striders’ next five finishers were all
veterans, led home by John Foster in 52nd place (34.06). Don Kayum returned to
form to place 60th (34.31), with Nigel Davidson 76th (35.22) and Chris Morton
88th (35.56). Dave Batten was 90th (36.06), while Richard Edwards completed the
scoring team in 131st (38.55).Striders had a total of 17 finishers. Their
non-scorers were 138 Barry Finch (39.51), 144 Steve Smith (40.44), 153 John
Gannon (41.33), 155 John Ralf (41.55), 171 Dave Hoben (48.20), 172 Dave Denton
(48.31), 176 Kevin Burnett (57.38).
Striders finished sixth of the nine competing clubs, and were also sixth in the
Division Two table. Home club Ranelagh won the match with 163 points, ahead of
Stragglers (276), Epsom (372), Hercules-Wimbledon (419), Dulwich (444), Striders
(543), West 4 Harriers (584), Croydon Harriers (609) and British Airways (685).
Ranelagh also won the Division Two title with a total of 731 points, ahead of
Stragglers (1456), Dulwich (1568), Hercules-Wimbledon (1622), Epsom (1890),
Striders (2037), Croydon Harriers (2135), British Airways (2447) and West 4
Harriers (2494).
Matt leads Striders relay to 4th place
Striders of Croydon produced some
good performances in the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country relay at
Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Their A team finished fourth of the 14 competing
teams, while their B team placed sixth. Scott Antony gave Striders a good start
on the first leg, covering the two-mile course in 10 minutes 27 seconds, placing
third. He was followed by two of Striders’ veterans. John Foster ran 10 minutes
56 and Nigel Davidson 10 minutes 35, both dropping a place to younger opponents.
On the final leg Matt Morgan, returning after illness, regained a place with an
impressive 10 minutes 25, overtaking Herne Hill and finishing only six seconds
behind third-placed Hercules-Wimbledon.
Striders’ B team were given a solid start by veteran Dave Batten who ran 10
minutes 54 for sixth place. Team manager Chris Morton ran the second leg in 11
minutes 40, finishing seventh, and veteran John Ralf ran the third leg in 11
minutes 24, placing eighth. On the final leg newcomer Peter Palka, on a short
visit to England, regained two places with an impressive 10 minutes 28.
Epsom won the relay with an aggregate time of 41 minutes 29, finishing just one
second ahead of Croydon Harriers. Hercules-Wimbledon were third (42.27) and
Striders fourth (42.33).
Training rewards Faye with first place
Striders of Croydon’s women faced
strong opposition at their Surrey Womens Cross-Country League Division One match
at Merrow, near Guildford, on Saturday. Their team score of 303 points was their
best result of the season, but their A team had to settle for 12th place out of
the 15 competing clubs, keeping them in the relegation zone with just one match
remaining.
Striders’ best performance came from the fast-improving Faye Stammers, who
gained the reward for some hard training sessions by placing 46th of the 133
finishers, covering the six-kilometre course in exactly 24 minutes. She was just
one place, and four seconds, ahead of team captain Serena Stracey. They were
both closely followed by Clare McFadzean, who also improved to place 51st in 24
minutes 12 seconds. Kerry Backshell was 73rd (24.59), Stephanie Noyce 86th
(25.44) and veteran Pat Edwards 121st (29.36).
Meanwhile Striders’ men competed
in Division Two on their home course at Lloyd Park. They finished sixth of the
nine competing clubs, remaining fifth in the overall Division Two table. They
were led home by Justin Macenhill, who produced an excellent run to finish
eighth, covering the muddy five-mile course in 30 minutes 28 seconds. Scott
Anthony also ran well for 25th (32.05), while marathon specialist Dave Shaw made
a welcome return to the team in 44th (33.09). Veteran Bob Ewen also ran well for
46th (33.14), with John Foster 51st (33.33),
Tony Sheppard 58th (33.49) and Paul Finch 61st (34.02). Club
stalwart Nigel Davidson was 67th (34.18), with team manager Chris Morton 70th
(34.26) and Andy Allison completing the scoring team in 71st (34.36).
Striders showed their strength in depth with a total of 23 finishers. Their
non-scorers were: 76 Dave Batten 34.46; 78 Don Kayum 34.56; 84 Damian Macenhill
35.11; 98 Neil Millard 36.12; 105 Geoff Pennells 36.36; 107 Ian Campbell 36.43;
114 Richard Edwards 37.11; 124 Alan Dolton 38.35; 126 Barry Finch 38.50; 131
John Ralf 39.44; 132 Steve Smith 39.50; 136 Simon Smith 41.00; 152 Kevin Burnett
53.11.
Ranelagh won the match with 204 points, ahead of Dulwich 359; Epsom 398;
Hercules-Wimbledon 428; Stragglers 443; Striders 488; Croydon Harriers 509;
British Airways 603; and West 4 Harriers 663. In the overall table with one
match left, Ranelagh lead with 568 points from Dulwich 1124; Stragglers 1180;
Hercules-Wimbledon 1203; Striders 1494; Epsom 1518; Croydon Harriers 1526;
British Airways 1762; and West 4 Harriers 1910.
In the boys under-15 race Nicholas Batten showed improvement to finish in 10th place in 20.18 over the 2.5 mile course.
Foster leads vets-dominated team
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the Surrey Cross-Country Championships at Lloyd Park on Saturday. They were without some of their leading runners, and their first six finishers were all veterans. Their first man home was John Foster who placed 73rd, covering the twelve kilometre course in 50 minutes 19 seconds. Bob Ewen also ran well for 90th (51.26), while Chris Morton was 112th (53.40) and Nigel Davidson 125th (54.27). Striders’ next three runners had their own private battle, with Richard Edwards placing 164th (59.09), just ahead of club colleagues Barry Finch (165th, 59.12) and Neil Millard (166th, 59.18). Steve Smith placed 177th (60.56) with John Gannon 181st (61.37) and John Ralf 184th (62.30). There were exactly 200 finishers. Striders placed 16th in the team event.
In the women’s race, Serena Stracey placed 47th of the 80 finishers, covering the eight kilometres in 40 minutes 33 seconds. In the under-15 boys’ race, over four kilometres, Nicholas Batten placed 46th in 20 minutes 26.
Scott returns to Striders colours
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the South of the Thames senior cross-country championships, held over seven and a half miles at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. The team showed their strength in depth by placing fifth in the 12-to-score event, and were 17th in the six-to-score event.
Striders' first man home was Justin Macenhill, who ran well to place 61st, recording 46 minutes 41 seconds. Scott Anthony made a welcome return to club colours with his first race for more than six months, and did well to place 104th (49.54). Club stalwart Nigel Davidson was 115th (50.41), two places ahead of Paul Finch (51.10). Veteran Dave Batten was close behind in 119th (51.34), two places ahead of team manager Chris Morton (51.48).
Striders' other finishers were 150 Gerry Crispie (55.21), 159 Alan Dolton (56.35), 161 Barry Finch (56.59), 162 Simon Reay-Jones (57.13), 178 Tom Littlewood (62.08), 183 Dave Denton (67.41) and 188 Kevin Burnett (86.05).
Justin leads Striders to team prize at Coulsdon
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances at the annual Pirie 10-mile cross-country race, organised by South London Harriers, at Coulsdon on Saturday. Striders' Justin Macenhill had an excellent run to finish second, covering the testing two-lap course in 60 minutes 25 seconds. Veteran John Foster also ran well to place 12th in exactly 65 minutes, while team-mate Dave Batten was the first over-50 to finish, placing 17th overall in 66 minutes 39 seconds. Club secretary Chris Morton was 22nd (68.39) with Paul Finch 23rd (69.07). This ensured that Striders won the team prize for the first visiting team. Richard Edwards placed 42nd (74.27) with club chairman John Gannon 47th (77.08) and Steve Smith 50th (77.40). Striders' only woman finisher was Kerry Backshell who placed seventh in the women's race and 60th overall (80.53). There were 84 finishers.
Duncan and Serena lead Striders in league races
Striders of Croydon's in-form distance runner Duncan Lancashire produced another good performance in the Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two race at Richmond Park on Saturday. He ran well to place seventh of the 170 finishers, covering the five-mile course in an impressive 28 minutes 29 seconds. He was closely followed by club colleague Justin Macenhill, who placed tenth in 28 minutes 39.
Matt Morgan also ran well to place 35th (30.26), while veteran Tony Sheppard was 52nd (31.09) and Alex Aronberg was 55th (31.16). Striders' next five runners were all veterans. Bob Ewen ran well for 58th (31.24), with Dave Batten 72nd (31.59), John Foster 75th (32.08), Don Kayum 77th (32.13) and Nigel Davidson 79th (32.17).
In the team event, Striders placed fifth of the nine competing clubs. Ranelagh won the match with 170 points, ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon (252), Dulwich (391), Stragglers (437), Striders (513), Croydon Harriers (565), British Airways (567), Epsom (579) and West 4 Harriers (597).
Meanwhile Striders' women again faced strong opposition in their Division One race at Reigate. Team captain Serena Stracey again led the team home placing 50th out of the 154 finishers, and covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 21 minutes 49 seconds. Striders' next woman home was Clare McFadzean, who ran well for 64th (22.22). Stephanie Noyce placed 75th (22.55) and Kerry Backshell was 89th (23.30). Tina Macenhill, making her league debut, was 126th (26.20), while Amalia Da Silva Lima placed 135th (27.11) and Patricia Edwards 143rd (28.30).
Lancashire leads Striders home
Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance in the annual South of the Thames cross-country team race, held over a five-mile course at Lloyd Park on Saturday. The eight-to-score competition for the Brent Shield was won by Kent AC with 151 points, with South London Harriers second with 338. Striders did very well to place third with 470 points, ahead of Hercules-Wimbledon (519), Herne Hill (532) and Croydon Harriers (637). Striders' B team showed the club's strength in depth by taking seventh place. In the four-to-score event, Striders did well to place ninth of the 32 competing teams.
Striders' first man home was Duncan Lancashire, who ran very well to place 16th in a strong field, recording 30 minutes 34 seconds. Justin Macenhill again ran well for 25th (31.00), while Matt Morgan had a good run to place 56th (32.41). Striders' next two runners were both veterans, with Tony Sheppard placing 65th (33.14) and John Foster 67th (33.19). Alex Aronberg placed 81st (34.02), with Paul Finch 87th (34.25). Veteran Dave Batten completed the eight-man team in 90th (34.30).
Striders' B team was led by team manager Chris Morton, who placed 98th (34.48). Their other team members were: 122 Richard Edwards (36.37); 133 Neil Millard (37.14); 149 Alan Dolton (38.07); 151 Barry Finch (38.47); 157 John Gannon (39.11); 159 John Ralf (39.15); 160 Colin Cotton (39.21); 175 Steve Smith (40.28).
Three of Striders' women also competed. Their best performance came from Stephanie Noyce, who ran well to place 27th in the women's race, recording 40 minutes 33. Tina Macenhill was 47th (47.06) and veteran Pat Edwards was 50th (49.41).
Justin leads team home at Lloyd Park
Striders of Croydon had a good turnout of 19 competitors at Saturday's East Surrey Cross-Country League race in Lloyd Park. Their A team placed fourth, again being led home by the consistent Justin Macenhill, who ran well to place seventh of the 105 finishers, covering the undulating five-mile course in 30 minutes 42 seconds. John Foster also ran well to place 21st in 33 minutes 03 seconds, just one place and two seconds ahead of club colleague Matt Morgan. Veteran Bob Ewen ran well for 24th (33.31), placing fifth in the over-50 category. Damian Macenhill was 27th (33.51), while Dave Batten placed 30th (34.02) and was fourth in the over-50 category. Nigel Davidson, returning after injury, was 34th (34.21) and team manager Chris Morton was 41st (34.58).
Striders' leading woman was Patricia Carr who was the 15th woman to finish, in a time of 48 minutes 22. In the young athletes' race, over two miles, Laura Pennells ran steadily to record 18 minutes 52, placing fifth in the under-15 girls' category.
Striders blooming in Amsterdam
Striders of Croydon's women's captain, Serena Stracey, produced another outstanding run in the Amsterdam Half-Marathon. She placed fourteenth in the women's race, and her time of 91 minutes 44 seconds moved her up to fourth place in Striders' all-time women's rankings. There were also good performances from the Macenhill brothers. Justin placed sixteenth in the men's race in a personal best 77 minutes 22 seconds, while Damian placed 56th in 81 minutes 52 seconds. Striders had a total of nine finishers in the half-marathon, plus four finishers in the full marathon, where their leading runner was club stalwart Alan Purchase, who recorded 3 hours 38 minutes 6 seconds.
Meanwhile Striders' Kerry Backshell led the club contingent in the Abingdon Marathon, beating all the club's men as she recorded a personal best of 3 hours 35 minutes 41 seconds, placing 31st in the women's race and lifting her to tenth place in Striders' all-time women's marathon rankings.
Striders begin cross country season
Striders of Croydon's women faced strong opposition in the first Surrey Womens Cross-Country League Division One match of the season, at Wimbledon Common on Saturday. Having been promoted from Division Two last season, they had to settle for 14th place of the 15 competing clubs.
Striders were led home by team captain Serena Stracey, who ran well to place 48th of the 148 finishers, covering the undulating six-kilometre course in 25 minutes 52 seconds. Kerry Backshell also ran strongly to finish 64th (27.11), while Stephanie Noyce, making her league debut, did well to place 68th (27.18). These two were closely followed by Clare McFadzean, who placed 70th (27.23). Veteran Patricia Edwards was 128th (33.07), while Amalia Da Silva-Lima completed Striders' contingent in 143rd (35.41).
Meanwhile, Striders' men were competing in Division Two of the men's league at Epsom Downs, where they finished a respectable fifth of the nine competing clubs. Ranelagh won the match with 170 points, ahead of Stragglers (311), Dulwich (384) and Croydon Harriers (461),. However Striders' total of 477 points saw them comfortably clear of Hercules-Wimbledon (525), Epsom (542), British Airways (594) and West 4 Harriers (651). Striders were led home by the consistent Justin Macenhill, who had another excellent run to finish ninth, just two places ahead of club colleague Duncan Lancashire. Striders' next two finishers were both veterans, with Tony Sheppard just holding off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Bob Ewen. Striders showed their strength in depth with a total of 18 finishers.
Marriott leads the way again at Switchback
Striders of Croydon staged their annual 'Switchback' cross-country race on
Sunday, on an undulating course in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills. The winner
was South London Harriers' veteran Ray Marriott, who covered the five-mile
course in 28 minutes 15 seconds. He was followed by Striders' Justin Macenhill,
who placed second in 29 minutes 18, while Chris Hogg (Blackheath & Bromley)
placed third in 30.14.
Striders' veteran Bob Ewen had an excellent run, winning the over-50 category
and placing fourth overall in 30 minutes 44. He was followed home by another
Striders veteran in Tony Sheppard, who made a welcome to return after a
hamstring injury and placed fifth in 31.09. Striders' club secretary Chris
Morton also ran well for seventh (32.21).
Striders also had the first woman to finish, with Helen Furze producing an
excellent run to place 13th overall in 33 minutes 52. The second woman home was
Helena Laczko of Herne Hill Harriers, who placed 23rd overall (35.25), while
third place in the women's race went to former South London Harrier Yvonne Hill,
who placed 29th overall (37.24). There were 69 finishers.
Vets lead the way in Striders relays
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition at the Surrey Road Relays, held at Wimbledon Park on Saturday. Their best result came from the over-40 men's team, who placed eighth. Team manager Chris Morton led the way, running the first leg in 18 minutes 58 seconds. He was followed by John Foster (18.54), Dave Batten (18.59) and Alan Dolton (19.54).
Striders showed their strength in depth in this age group by fielding a B team, which placed twelfth. The team comprised John Ralf (20.26), Phil Richards (20.55), Steve Smith (21.14) and Dave Denton (23.12).
Striders' women's team placed 12th in their event. They were given a good start by Clare McFadzean, who ran the first leg in 20 minutes 59 seconds, She was followed by new member Stephanie Noyce, who made an impressive debut, running the second leg in 21 minutes 32. Amalia Da Silva-Lima (26.34) and Faye Stammers (22.23) completed the team.
Striders' senior men were well below full strength, and had to settle for 18th place. Their best performance came from Alex Aronberg, who ran 18.35 on the opening leg. He was followed by Gary Smith (21.21), Tom Littlewood (22.09), and Neil Furze (19.28). With Striders having been hit by late withdrawals, veterans Chris Morton (19.45) and John Foster (22.11) ran their second legs of the day to complete the team.
Outstanding team performances for Striders at Wimbledon
Striders of Croydon's women's team produced one of their best ever performances to place second in the Surrey 5 kilometre road running championships, held on a hilly course at Wimbledon on Sunday. Ranelagh Harriers gained a comfortable victory, but Striders' total of 25 points saw then finish one point clear of host club Belgrave Harriers.
Striders' women were led home by team captain Serena Stracey, who was the 13th woman to finish, placing 114th overall in a time of 20 minutes 20 seconds. Clare McFadzean also ran well to record 21 minutes 20, placing 135th overall and placing fourth in the over-35 women's category. She was just 18 seconds ahead of club colleague Kerry Backshell, who completed Striders' scoring team, placing 142nd overall and fifth in the over-35 women's category.
Striders' men also produced a good performance to place fourth in their team event. They were led home by Duncan Lancashire who ran very well to place twelfth in a strong field, recording 16 minutes 27 seconds. He was closely followed by Justin Macenhill, who placed 16th (16.51). Matt Morgan completed the scoring team in 29th place (17.17).
Striders again showed their strength in depth with a good turnout of 18 competitors. Their other runners were: 64 Damian Macenhill (18.20); 78 Dave Batten (18.45); 84 Alex Aronberg (19.04); 92 Chris Morton (19.16); 101 Alan Dolton (19.43); 118 Paul Weir (20.34); 122 Phil Richards (20.39); 161 Dave Denton (23.18); 183 Matthew Batten (24.23); 189 Karen McDermott (24.55); 195 Pat Edwards (25.30); 215 Kevin Burnett (30.07). There were 217 finishers.
Sheppard leads Striders flock home
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the annual
Elmbridge 10 kilometre road race on Sunday, held in cool and wet conditions. Striders were
led home by veteran Tony Sheppard, who ran well to place 56th in 37 minutes 11 seconds.
Damian Macenhill was 70th (37.51), Dave Batten 93rd (38.59) and Mike Willans 147th
(41.02).
Striders' women were led home by Serena Stracey, who placed 180th overall in 42 minutes
20. There were also good runs from Kerry Backshell, who placed 204th in 43 minutes 37 and
Clare McFadzean, who was 215th (44.12).
Striders' other runners were: 188 Neil Furze (42.43); 212 Paul Weir (43.55); 220 John Ralf
(44.31); 271 Mike George (47.03); 276 Tom Littlewood (47.22); 322 Dave Denton (49.29); 336
Patricia Carr (49.51); 364 Matthew Batten (51.06); 373 Karen Peake (51.24); 403 Carol
Hollingworth (53.28). There were 538 finishers.
Vets Bob and Tony help Striders to win relay
Striders of Croydon produced another good team performance to win their annual
inter-club cross-country relay at Lloyd Park on Wednesday. Justin Macenhill gave them an
excellent start on the first leg, leading the field home and covering the four-kilometre
course in 14 minutes 41 seconds, which was the fastest time of the day. Veteran Bob Ewen
ran the second leg and held Striders' lead with 15 minutes 31, which was the sixth fastest
time of the day. Tony Sheppard, making a welcome return to racing after a long absence
through injury, consolidated Striders' lead on the final leg, running 15 minutes 26 which
was the fourth fastest time of the day.
Striders' time of 45 minutes 38 seconds saw them finish 46 seconds clear of second-placed
Beckenham, whose fastest runner was Eric Crane (15.01). Collingwood placed third in 49.41,
their fastest runner being Dan Gillett (15.00).
The fastest woman was Striders' Serena Stracey (17.51), with Collingwood's Melanie
Johnston second (18.53) and Striders' Kerry Backshell third (18.55). Eleven teams
completed the race
Strider Serena Stracey Stunning in Sunny Southend
Serena Stracey ran a 1.35.01 in her first half marathon for Striders in a race that started in the sun but finished in a downpour for slower runners. It was also a good race for Dave Goodall 1.37.56 and Karen McDermott 1.56.58, who both got PB's. Phil Mazur, who has been training hard on his long runs, did well to get 1.45.53 and even old man Alan Purchase got 1.30.28. A race to put in your diary for next year. AP
Strong women's team finish fifth
Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the Dysart
10 kilometre road race at Petersham on Sunday. The race incorporated the Surrey
Championships and was the third race in this season's Surrey Road League. Striders' women
again outperformed the club's men, placing fifth in the team event. They were led home by
Serena Stracey, making a welcome return to the team after missing the previous two league
races. She ran strongly to finish ninth in the senior women's race in a time of 42 minutes
4 seconds, finishing 125th overall.
Striders' next two women both ran well to record new personal bests. Faye Stammers gained
the reward for some hard training by finishing 13th in the senior women's race in 43
minutes 45 seconds (163rd overall). She was chased hard by club colleague Clare McFadzean,
who finished just eight seconds behind her, placing eighth in the women's over-35 category
(169th overall). Striders' men also did well to finish seventh of the 23 teams competing.
Their first seven runners were all veterans. They were led home by Bob Ewen who ran well
to place fifth in the over-50 category and 38th overall, in a time of 37 minutes 44
seconds. John Foster placed 56th (38.43) and Chris Morton 69th (39.16). Dave Batten also
ran well to place eighth in the over-50 category and 77th overall (39.40). Alan Dolton was
116th (41.44), Mike Willans 122nd (41.59) and Phil Richards 140th (42.56).
Striders showed good strength in depth with 25 of the 389 finishers. Their other runners
were: 151 Paul Weir (43.19), 152 Dave Goodall (43.20), 195 John Gannon (45.17), 209 Tom
Littlewood (46.05), 220 James Mason (46.40), 225 Mick George (46.49), 226 Dave Denton
(46.52), 242 Peter Shew (48.11), 291 Patricia Carr (51.05), 299 Karen McDermott (51.53),
301 Karen Peake (51.59), 302 John Ralf (51.59), 311 Pat Edwards (52.33), 346 Winsome Levy
(56.50), 367 Susan Haynes (59.12)
Kerry leads the way at Dorking Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Dorking 10-mile road race, which incorporated the Surrey Championships and was the second match in this season's Surrey Road League. Striders' women placed ninth in the team event. They were led home by Kerry Backshell, who placed 23rd in the women's race and 187th overall, recording a time of 72 minutes 33 seconds. The improving Clare McFadzean also ran well to record a personal best 75 minutes 04, placing 34th in the women's race and 236th overall. Stephanie Upton made a welcome return to club colours, running 79.20 for 55th in the women's race (316th overall). Pat Edwards, the oldest member of the team, ran 88.48 to place 106th in the women's race (467th overall). Striders' men had to settle for 26th place out of the 46 men's teams competing. They were led home by club secretary Chris Morton, who placed 81st in 65 minutes 54 seconds. Next home for the club was Damian Macenhill, who placed 94th (66.37), while club stalwart Alan Purchase, the longest-serving member of the team, placed 149th (69.58). Gary Smith placed 330th (79.58), John Ralf 337th (80.14) and Steve Tyler 588th (103.36).
Damian wins in the battle of the brothers Striders of Croydon's marathon runners produced some very good performances in last Sunday's Cranleigh 21-mile road race. They were again led by the Macenhill brothers, with Damian producing an excellent run to place third overall in 2 hours 16 minutes 57 seconds, gaining a rare victory over his younger brother Justin, who placed sixth (2.17.37). Veteran Don Kayum returned to form with 13th place (2.22.06), while club secretary Chris Morton was 34th (2.29.32). Serena Stracey produced an outstanding run to place second in the women's race and 47th overall (2.35.44). Other Striders competing included Nik Allison (99th, 2.45.38); Jo Corrigan (140th, 2.53.16); Dave Goodall 155th (2.56.11); Elene Kayum (167th, 2.57.42); John Humphries (172nd, 2.58.28); Phil Mazur (174th, 2.58.50); Tom Littlewood (176th, 2.59.14); David Denton (235th, 3.08.32); James Mason (281st, 3.17.54) and Karen McDermott (304th, 3.23.27). There were 383 finishers.
Scott leads striders to relay victory Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to win the East Surrey League's annual road relay at Box Hill on Saturday. They were given a good start by Damian Macenhill, who placed fifth in a competitive first leg, covering the undulating 2.2 mile course in 11 minutes 38 seconds. New signing Matt Morgan made his Striders debut on the second leg and gained three places, lifting Striders to second (11.49). Justin Macenhill ran the third leg in a very good 11 minutes 13 seconds, closing the gap on leaders Dorking. On the final leg Scott Anthony rapidly caught and passed the Dorking runner, running a very impressive 11 minutes 03 seconds to bring Striders home as clear winners.
Striders win inter-club match Striders also won the team event at an inter-club cross-country match in Lloyd Park, organised by their local rivals Croydon Harriers, and held over a very muddy ten-kilometre course. The race was won by Colin Oxlade of the Harriers (41.49), with Striders' veteran John Foster running very well to finish second in 42 minutes 21 seconds. Striders packed well to have five of the first 13 finishers. Scott Anthony had another good run to place fourth (43.34), while veteran Bob Ewen moved steadily through the field to place 11th (45.07). Andy Allison was twelfth, just one place ahead of team manager Chris Morton, with both runners recording 45 minutes 32. Striders' Kerry Backshell was the first woman to finish, placing 26th overall. Striders' Sophie Shaw ran strongly to place third in the under-15 girls' race, which was won by Daisy Collingridge of the Harriers.
Team spirit sees Striders promoted Striders of Croydon's women's team produced an excellent performance to place second in the final Surrey Womens League Division Two match at Ewell last Saturday, and gain promotion to Division One for only the second time in the club's history. Wimbledon Windmilers won the match with 39 points, but Striders' total of 103 placed them ahead of Walton (111) and Holland Sports (129), and well clear of promotion rivals Sutton Runners.
Dramatic promotion clincher for Striders Striders of Croydon produced their best performance of the season to win the final Surrey League Cross-Country Division 3 match of the season at Wimbledon Common on Saturday, and gain promotion back to Division Two after just one year in Division 3. Striders' total of 258 points saw them well clear of nearest rivals Epsom (308), Sutton (329) and Dorking (383). In the overall Division Three table, Epsom were clear champions with 1263 points, but Striders' total of 1471 saw them take the second promotion spot, ahead of Dorking (1501), Sutton (1502) and Woking (1624).
Justin keeps a grip in the mud Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition and a very muddy course in the Southern Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday. Their best performance came from Justin Macenhill, who placed 224th out of the 830 finishers, covering the 15 kilometres in 58 minutes 15 seconds. Former hockey player Scott Anthony made an excellent debut for Striders to place 337th in 61.09, despite not running in spiked shoes. Veteran John Foster was close behind in 358th (61.46), while Damian Macenhill was 397th (62.45). Team manager Chris Morton was 439th (63.46), and marathon runner Ian Campbell, returning to action after a calf injury, completed the scoring team in 634th (70.00). Striders placed 41st of the 63 complete teams. Striders also had two non-scorers: Paul Weir was 741st (74.50) and Tom Littlewood 785th (79.28).
Serena keeps Striders on the level Striders of Croydon's women team produced an excellent performance to place third of 15 clubs in their Surrey Womens Cross-Country League Division Two match at Richmond Park on Saturday. With one match to go, Striders retain third place in Division Two. Walton lead the table with 160 points, ahead of Wimbledon Windmilers (188), Striders (306) and Sutton Runners (416). With the top three teams to be promoted, Striders have an excellent chance of gaining promotion to Division One for only the second time in their history. Striders were led home by team captain Serena Stracey, who produced an excellent run to finish fifth of the 87 finishers, covering the 5800 metre course in an impressive 23 minutes 46 seconds. Both Clare McFadzean and Faye Stammers also ran well to produce their best performances for the club, with Clare finishing 13th in 25.30, just one place and two seconds ahead of Faye. Patricia Carr ran steadily for 41st place (29.23) and Amalia Da Silva Lima completed the scoring team in 46th (29.46). Meanwhile Striders' men were hosting a Surrey Cross-Country League Division Three match at Lloyd Park. Their team was weakened by some late withdrawals, and they finished in a disappointing fifth place of the nine competing clubs. Their best performance came from Justin Macenhill, who was short of training following treatment for a hip injury, but who moved steadily through the field to finish in ninth place, covering the muddy five-mile course in 31 minutes 20 seconds. John Foster confirmed his status as Striders' leading veteran with another good run to place 15th in 32.40, just one place and four seconds ahead of the improving Iain Harrison. Team manager Chris Morton was 31st (34.31) with Damian Macenhill 33rd (34.42). Club stalwart Simon Smith was 59th (37.21), while Steve Muntzer ran well for 63rd (37.32) and Paul Finch was 66th (37.47). Veteran Peter Yarlett, nursing a calf injury, was 73rd (38.39), while Paul Weir completed the scoring team in 76th place (39.06).
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).
Holland Sports track and field for 2004 season
1st May Sothern League Div 4S -
E Parker
400H 77.0
5000m - 17.49.3
110H
30.0
1500m 5.59.3
3000Sc 11.41.7
LJ
4.30
HJ 1.00
PV
2.00
TJ 8.41
K Burnett
100m 16.3
200m
34.8
Hammer
13.45
Javelin 18.15
Shot
5.69
Discus
15.42
G Pullen
800m 3.08.8
400m 82.0
A Fine sunny day for the 1st Fixture at Eastbourne, a new venue for us as
the track has only been open for a couple of years. Six of us were competing against
Paddock Wood, Worthing Harriers B and Crawley B. Eric who arrived complete with tent in a
Tesco shopping trolley, had his usual busy day of events. Rob Hall had a heavy fall in the
pole vault which affected him for the rest of the meeting. Numerically we weren’t
strong enough on the day and finished fourth with 97 points.
Macenhill brothers lead Striders home
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' catego
ry.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.
Justin gets under the hour at Wimbledon
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).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.
Striders' leading runner was again Justin Macenhill, who covered the undulating course in 16 minutes 40 seconds to place 18th. Lee Morgan, who was ineligible for the scoring team after changing clubs within the last six months, placed 21st in exactly 17 minutes. Veteran Don Kayum ran well for 36th (17.46) and placed fifth in the men's over-40 category. Damian Macenhill placed 50th (18.25), three places and two seconds ahead of John Foster, who placed 12th in the over-40 category. Just one place and one second further back was Dave Batten, who did well to place third in the over-50 category. Team manager Chris Morton was 67th in 18.46, just three places ahead of Mike Willans, who ran a personal best 18.52. Striders' leading woman was club stalwart Elene Kayum, who ran 21 minutes 47 seconds to place fourth in the women's over-45 category.
Striders perform well at Chipstead
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).
Meanwhile, Striders' Sian Roberts made her marathon debut at Stockholm, finishing in a
creditable 5 hours 30 minutes 33 seconds.
Relay teams perform for Striders at Beckenham
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 out in numbers at Sutton
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.Marathon effort from Dave and Tim
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).Young and old star for Striders at Box Hill
Striders of Croydon produced a good team performance to place third out of 15 teams in the East Surrey League's annual road relay at Boxhill. Lee Morgan gave them a good start on the first leg, covering the 2.1 mile course in 11 minutes 14 seconds, which was the fifth fastest time of the day, and placing third. New signing Billy Corr made an encouraging debut and held third place with 12 minutes 11. On the third leg Tom Thrower, the youngest member of the team, ran a very good 11.36 but was overtaken by Ed Prickett of Reigate, who ran the fastest time of the day. On the final leg Justin Macenhill pulled Striders back into third place with 11.29. Crawley won the event (45.22) from Dorking (45.59), Striders (46.30) and Reigate (47.17).
Striders' B team placed 12th. Veteran Bob Ewen was their fastest runner with 12.29, and was followed by Steve Chandler (13.50), Chris Morton (13.26), and 64-year-old Kevin Burnett (19.06).
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.
Striders were led home by Lee Morgan, who made a welcome return to the club and ran strongly to finish second, covering the muddy 10 kilometre course in 37 minutes 50 seconds. Justin Macenhill ran steadily to place seventh
(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).The previous weekend, Striders had also had a good turnout in the Surrey Cross-Country Championships at Lloyd Park, with a total of 26 club members competing, varying in age from 11 to 55. Both their men's and women's teams placed ninth. For the women, Serena Stracey placed 29th, covering the five-mile course in 37 minutes 14 seconds. Team captain Emma Haillay was 54th (41.22), Elene Kayum 57th (41.33) and Cress Davidson 70th (44.58). In the men's race, Justin Macenhill ran well to place 41st in a strong field, covering the seven and a half mile course in 47 minutes 14 seconds. Dave Shaw was 73rd (50.39), and the scoring team was completed by Damian Macenhill (80th, 51.30), Bob Ewen (86th, 52.06), Chris Morton (95th, 52.51) and Peter Yarlett (102nd, 53.24) In the under-20 men's race Matthew Batten placed eighth, covering the five miles in 40 minutes 20 seconds. Daisy Collingridge placed eighth in the under-13 girls' race, covering the two-mile course in 14 minutes 53 seconds. Club colleague Sophie Shaw was 30th (16.17) with Ciara Riordan 40th (17.46).
Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the second round of the Surrey Cross-Country Leagues, held at Lightwater. Their best performance came in the girls' race, where Daisy Collingridge, in only her third race for the club, produced another excellent performance. She placed seventh overall and was third in the under-13 category, recording 14 minutes 6 seconds for the two-mile course. Sophie Shaw was 22nd (15.38) and Ciara Riordan was 26th (16.43). Striders placed sixth in the team event. Striders' men finished in a disappointing ninth place in their Division 2 match. Their leading runner was Justin Macenhill, who placed 34th, covering the five-mile course in 30.56. Veteran Don Kayum was 49th (31.36) while Damian Macenhill was 58th (31.55) and Gerry Crispie 68th (32.31). Long-distance specialist Dave Shaw placed 83rd (33.14), two places and five seconds ahead of team manager Chris Morton.
Striders' women, also in Division 2, fielded a depleted team and finished in a disappointing 11th place. Their first woman home was veteran Elene Kayum, who placed 26th, recording 29 minutes 43 for the four-mile course. Team captain Emma Haillay ran bravely to place 40th (31.23), despite not having fully recovered from a bout of flu. Linda Daniel was 52nd (32.17) and Sarah Lloyd-Jones was 85th (35.25).
Stracey runs strongly at Richmond
Serena Stracey, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run in the annual Dysart Cup cross-country race, organised by Ranelagh Harriers at Richmond Park on Saturday. She placed eighth of the 36 finishers, covering the four and a half mile course in 28 minutes 10 seconds. Striders' men competed at the same venue in the Ellis Cup, over five and a half miles. They placed sixth of the right competing teams. They were led home by the Macenhill brothers, with Justin placing 27th in 33.56 and Damian 32nd in 34.20. Team manager Chris Morton was next home for the club in 52nd place (35.50). Striders' next three runners were all in the over-50 age group, with Peter Yarlett placing 55th (36.03), Dave Batten 61st (36.22) and Colin Cotton 75th (37.16). There were 129 finishers.
Striders out in numbers at Coulsdon
Striders of Croydon had an excellent turnout in the South of the Thames Cross-Country Association's annual inter-club race, held on Farthing Downs. They provided 25 of the 188 finishers. In the eight-to-score competition for the Brent Shield, Striders' A team placed fifth, while their B team were seventh. In the separate women's competition, with four runners to score, Striders' A team were seventh and their B team were ninth. Striders' first man home was Justin Macenhill, who finished 22nd, covering the five-mile course in 30 minutes 24 seconds. Nigel Davidson placed 53rd
(33.03) with Damian Macenhill 55th (33.13). Veteran Bob Ewen placed 70th (34.18), closely followed by Chris Morton (73rd, 34.25) and Dave Batten (79th, 34.55). Striders' women were led home by Serena Stracey who placed 16th in the women's race, recording a time of 36 minutes 36 seconds. Kerry Backshell was 26th (38.32), with Emma Haillay 34th (40.08) and veteran Elene Kayum 40th (41.35). This Saturday (22nd), several Striders will be competing in the annual Pirie 10-mile cross-country race, promoted by South London Harriers.
Croydon High School student Daisy Collingridge, running for Striders of Croydon, produced another excellent run in the East Surrey League cross-country match at Lloyd Park. She was the second girl to finish, covering the undulating two-mile course in 14 minutes 2 seconds, and was first in the under-13 girls' category, more than a minute ahead of her nearest rival. In the senior race, Striders had a good turnout with 18 runners, which was the largest of any of the competing clubs. However they faced strong opposition and placed fifth in the match, lifting them to sixth in the league table. Striders' first three runners were all veterans. Don Kayum ran well to place 15th, covering the five-mile course in 32 minutes 28 seconds, four places and twelve seconds ahead of club colleague Gerry Crispie. Peter Yarlett also ran well to place 26th in 33.59. Team manager Chris Morton was 31st (34.14), closely followed by club colleagues Alan Dolton (32nd, 34.44) and Dave Batten (33rd, 34.49).
Striders' women were well represented. They were led home by Kerry Backshell, who was the seventh woman to finish, placing 58th overall (38.34). Team captain Emma Haillay was 64th (39.34) and veteran Elene Kayum was 68th (41.20). Club stalwart Michele Lawrence was 80th (45.28) with Sarah Lloyd-Jones 81st (45.52). This Saturday (November 8th), Striders' men and women will be competing in the South of the Thames inter-club race at Coulsdon, starting at 2.30pm.
Surrey League crosscountry - fixture 1 + Croydon 10 K Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the first Surrey Cross-Country League Division 2 match of the season, at Wimbledon Common on Saturday, and finished in a disappointing eighth place of the nine competing clubs. Guildford & Godalming gained a clear victory with 150 points, ahead of Dulwich (339), British Airways (432), West 4 Harriers (457), Woking (482), Hercules-Wimbledon (517), Wimbledon Windmilers (523), Striders of Croydon (553) and Croydon Harriers (642). The first Strider to finish was Ciaran Osborn, who ran well to place tenth, covering the five-mile course in 27 minutes 44 seconds. Justin Macenhill returned after injury to place 24th (28.35), while there were also good runs from veterans Don Kayum (33rd, 29.12) and Gerry Crispie (39th, 29.34). Simon Alexander placed 68th (30.50) with Damian Macenhill 72nd (30.56), Nigel Davidson 82nd (31.21), Chris Morton 86th (31.35), Dave Batten 94th (31.59) and Simon Smith 96th (32.02). Striders had 20 of the 151 finishers. Meanwhile, Striders' women fielded a depleted team in their match at Kingston, with only seven women competing. Diane Ballard, returning after a foot injury, produced an excellent run to lead the team home. Veteran Elene Kayum ran well to be second woman home for the club, closely followed by Emma Haillay, who was competing despite a heavy cold. Both Elene and Emma also ran in the Croydon 10 kilometre road race the following day, where Striders had an excellent turnout with 29 club members competing.Dave & Morgan complete 'ultra'
Striders of Croydon's women's team produced an encouraging performance at the East Surrey League cross-country relay at Wimbledon, placing second of the five women's teams. They were given a good start by Serena Stracey, who ran the first two-mile leg in 11 minutes 59, the second fastest women's time of the day. She was followed by Steph Upton (13.00), Emma Haillay (13.24) and Elene Kayum (14.07). The relay was preceded by the young athletes' race, which saw Daisy Collingridge make an excellent debut for Striders. She was the second girl to finish, recording a time of 12 minutes 56 seconds, and also beating most of the boys as she finished sixth overall. Club colleague Sophie Shaw was 15th (14.10). Striders' men faced strong opposition and finished 9th of the 28 competing teams. Veteran Don Kayum was their fastest, running a good first leg of 10 minutes 58 seconds. He was followed by Alan Dolton (11.53), Chris Morton
(11.43) and Gerry Crispie (11.24). Striders' B team was 18th, their runners being Colin Cotton (11.45), Bob Pullen (13.12), Paul Weir (13.51) and Steve Chandler (12.17).
Meanwhile, two of Striders' long-distance runners competed in the annual London to Brighton road race. Dave Shaw and Morgan Steele, both making their debuts in this event, ran steadily to finish the first 50 in a field of 108, both comfortably beating the nine-hour mark. This Saturday (18th) Striders' men and women will be competing in the Surrey Cross-Country Leagues. The men are at Wimbledon (3pm start) while the women are at Kingston (12.30 start).
Bayliss races to Switchback victory
Switchback 5
Striders of Croydon staged their annual Switchback 5-mile cross-country race in unusually hot conditions on Saturday. The winner was Steve Bayliss from local rivals Croydon Harriers, who covered the undulating course in an impressive time of 27 minutes 40 seconds. Veteran Bob Treadwell of Redhill & Surrey Beagles placed second (29.49), while Tom Ulliott of Henfield was third (29.59). The team prize was won by Dulwich Runners.
Dulwich also had the first woman home, with Meredith Pannett producing an outstanding run to finish sixth overall in 31 minutes 18. The next three women were all members of South London Harriers: Jessica Trowbridge was 16th overall (33.48) with Alison MacKenzie 20th (34.28) and Viv Mitchell 27th (35.42).
The first Strider to finish was veteran Gerry Crispie in 11th (32.45), ten seconds and one place ahead of club colleague Peter Yarlett. Simon Smith was 17th (33.51) and Paul Finch 18th (34.06). Striders’ women were led home by Stephanie Upton, who was 48th overall (41.02). Sophie Shaw was 54th (41.57) and Linda Daniel 55th (42.15).
Striders did well to field five teams in the Surrey Road Relays at Wimbledon Park. Their fastest runner was Ciaran Osborn, who placed eighth on the first leg, covering the three-mile course in 15 minutes 27. However Striders were without some of their first-choice runners, and their men’s team eventually had to settle for 16th place in a strong field. They were outshone by their women, who did well to place 8th of 20 teams. Newcomer Serena Stracey made an excellent debut, recording a time of 18 minutes 56 on the first leg. There were also good runs from Kerry Backshell (20.23) and Emma Haillay (20.37). Striders’ B team also did well to place 14th, their fastest runner being Stephanie Upton (20.35).
Striders’ over-40 men got closest to the medals, placing sixth of 17 teams. Don Kayum ran 16.36 on the first leg, and was supported by Simon Smith (17.51), Gerry Crispie (17.19) and Alan Dolton (17.52). Striders’ over-50s placed eighth. Peter Yarlett gave them a good start by running 17.46, and was followed by Colin Cotton (18.15), Mick George (19.57) and Kevin Bannister (21.25).
Striders of Croydon’s road running team completed a fine Surrey Road League season in hot conditions at the Wimbledon 5K. Their men’s team finished the season in an excellent fourth place of the 24 competing clubs, while their women’s team were sixth. Striders’ first man home at Wimbledon was again the consistent Justin Macenhill, who placed 19th of 180 finishers, completing the undulating course in 17 minutes 8 seconds. He was followed by veterans Tony Sheppard (28th, 17.32) and Gerry Crispie (37th, 18.26). Damian Macenhill was 42nd (18.45) and Chris Morton 53rd (19.21). Striders’ leading woman was team captain Emma Haillay, who was the 20th woman to finish, recording 22 minutes 37. Emma’s consistent performances over the season won her the individual championship in the women’s under-35 category.
Striders of Croydon had a good turnout of 17 runners in hot conditions in the Elmbridge 10K on Sunday. They were led home by Justin Macenhill who placed 24th of almost 600 runners in 36 minutes 10. Veteran Gerry Crispie returned after injury and placed 50th in 37.59, one place and ten seconds ahead of club colleague Tony Sheppard. Club colleague Damian Macenhill placed 60th in 38.23, ahead of veterans Alan Dolton (87th, 39.37) and Peter Yarlett (125th, 41.16).
Striders’ first woman to finish was Emma Haillay, who placed 244th (46.08). The other female scorers were Kerry Backshell in 289th (47.35) and Karen McDermott in 477th (56.27).
Osborn finishes fourth for Striders Elmore7
Striders of Croydon had an excellent turnout of 21 runners in hot conditions in the Elmore 7-mile road race, held over a scenic and undulating course to the south of Chipstead. Striders’ leading runner was Ciaran Osborn, who produced another good run to place fourth of the 237 finishers in a time of 40 minutes 21 seconds. Striders’ next four runners to finish were all veterans. Tony Sheppard ran another good race to finish 11th in 42.31, while marathon specialist Dave Shaw placed 15th in 43.05 and another good run came from Don Kayum who placed 19th (43.56). Alan Dolton was 34th (46.37), closely followed by one of Striders’ younger runners, Paul Finch (36th in 46.56). Striders’ leading over-50 runner was Dave Batten, who made his usual fast start and lost ground in the second half but still placed a respectable 53rd (48.45).
Striders’ leading woman was again Diane Ballard, who placed 59th (49.16). Stephanie Upton also ran well to place 86th (52.27), while Elene Kayum (93rd, 53.19) and Emma Haillay (95th, 53.28) also made the top 100. Yvonne Harrison was 167th (62.05) and Sarah Lloyd-Jones 189th (66.22).
Striders will be hoping for another large turnout in their next match, which is the Surrey 5 kilometre championship at Wimbledon on Sunday 10 August. This is also the final match in this summer’s Surrey Road League, and Striders will be hoping that both their men’s and women’s teams can crown a successful season by staying in the top five.
Striders of Croydon climbed to third place of the 24 teams in the Surrey Road League after an excellent team performance in the Dysart 10K at the weekend.
Striders provided one of the largest squads, with 20 of the 454 finishers. They were led home by Ciaran Osborn, who ran well to place 13th in a personal best 34min 51sec, half a minute clear of teammate Justin Macenhill who placed 19th (35min 21sec).
Veteran Tony Sheppard was 29th in 35min 59sec, and was sixth in the over-40 category.
Other Striders to make the top 100 in a competitive race were Damian Macenhill (58th, 38min 26sec) and veteran Alan Dolton (83rd, 39min 46sec).
Striders’ women also produced a fine team performance. They placed third in the Surrey Championships, and climbed to fourth place in the Surrey Road League.
Their first finisher was Diane Ballard, who ran an impressive 42min 25sec to place 139th overall (and was the 16th woman).
Stephanie Upton was 207th (and the 33rd woman) in 45min 18sec, while team captain Emma Haillay was 213th (35th woman) in 45min 56sec.
They were supported by Yvonne Harrison (370th, 54min 33sec) and Karen McDermott (382nd, 55min 41sec).
Striders will be hoping for another large turnout of runners in the next league match, which is the Elmbridge 10K on Sunday July 20.
