Steph and Becky lead Striders at Thames race

Striders of Croydon had three of the first four finishers in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Simone Luciani gained his second successive win, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 17 minutes 02 seconds. Veteran Krzysztof Klidzia was third (18.14) with Ernie Hann fourth (18.19) and Graeme Drysdale eighth (19.35). Selena Wong was the fourth woman to finish, placing 68th overall in 25 minutes 01. Mick Turner was sixth in the Roundshaw parkrun (19.51) and Lee Flanagan was 12th in the Dulwich parkrun (17.11). Striders had a total of 51 finishers in the various weekly parkruns (26 at Lloyd Park and 25 art other venues).

On the following day Steph Upton ran very well to be the fifth woman to finish the Thames Towpath 10-mile race, recording a personal best 72 minutes 08 seconds. Becky Laurence also ran well to place 13th in 77 minutes 19. Striders’ men were led by Darren Woods who placed 47th in a personal best 68 minutes 26.