Linda, Sandra and Julian claim records and boost Striders

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to finish second in their final Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Croydon Arena on Monday. Epsom won the match with 160 points, but Striders’ total of 120 saw them finish ahead of Croydon Harriers (113), Kingston (106), Hercules-Wimbledon (104), Walton (62) and Dorking (7). Bill Makuwa made a very impressive return after a long absence through injury, winning the over-35 5000 metres in 17 minutes 13.7, while club colleague Taylor Huggins also ran well to win the over-40 race (18.13.6). Julian Spencer-Wood won the over-60 800 metres (2.39.1) and also set a club age-group record of 31.5 in the 200 metres, finishing third. Mick Turner won the over-35 2000 metre walk (12.50.8). This result means that Striders’ men finish fifth in the final league table.

Striders’ women also did well to place fourth in their match and in the final league table. Linda Daniel had a successful evening, winning the over-50 800 metres (3.11.7 ) and setting club age-group records in both the shot (5.45) and discus (13.03). Michelle Campbell placed third in the over-35 800 metres (3.01.1) with Debra Bourne winning the B race (3.16.1). Sandra Francis set a club over-55 200 metre record of 37.0 seconds, finishing third.

Damian Macenhill ran well to place eighth out of 272 finishers in the Elmore seven-mile road race on Saturday, recording 42 minutes 39. Club secretary Chris Morton was 58th (50.47). Steph Upton was the fifth woman to finish, placing 73rd overall (53.06).