Reports for 2012 - January to Se

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, had an excellent run to win the annual Switchback five-mile cross-country race, in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills, on Sunday morning. He completed the undulating course in 28 minutes 35 seconds, finishing 21 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Striders’ next man home was Andy Marlow who placed eighth (31.37). Lee Wadsworth was tenth (31.59), and Striders won the men’s team event. The first woman to finish was Claire Elms of Dulwich Runners, who ran very well to place sixth overall out of 109 finishers, recording 31 minutes 25. Striders’ first woman was Alice Ewen who placed 64th (39.14). Collingwood won the women’s team event.

Striders did well to have 29 of the 362 finishers in their mob-match against Blackheath & Bromley at the Bromley parkrun on Saturday. They were led by Damian Macenhill who finished sixth in 17 minutes 47. Simon Ambrosi also ran well for seventh (17.52) with Rob Sharpe 11th (18.10), Lee Wadsworth 12th (18.11) and Ernie Hann 14th (18.37). Striders’ women were led by Yasmin Anderson who placed 110th overall (22.23), followed by Hannah Musk who was 169th (24.34). Blackheath & Bromley had 33 runners and comfortably outscored Striders. Meanwhile Cara Kayum was the first woman at the Dulwich parkrun (19.53).

Striders Vets battle it out at Surrey Relays

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Surrey Road Relays, at Wimbledon Park on Saturday. Their best performance came from their over-50 team, who did well to finish sixth. Bob Ewen ran the first leg, placing eighth of the 12 starters and covering the undulating three-mile course in 19 minutes 57. Geoff Pennells gained a place on the second leg (19.48) and Alan Dolton held this position (19.45). On the final leg John Foster did well to run 17 minutes 29, which was more than two minutes faster than any of his team-mates, and gained another place by overtaking local rivals Croydon Harriers.
Striders’ over-40s finished ninth in their category. Their best performance came from Krzysztof Klidzia who ran 17 minutes 13 on the final leg, which was Striders’ fastest time of the day. The other team members were Chris Morton (18.37), Mick Turner (18.53) and Tom Littlewood (21.35).

Later on Saturday, Striders’ women ran well to finish third out of seven teams in the Will Bolton Memorial Relays, over a four-kilometre cross country course at Sparrows Den. The team comprised Josephine Thompson (18.18), Debra Bourne (19.05), Alice Ewen (18.18) and Steph Upton (17.39). Striders’ men were below full strength and finished 23rd. Their team comprised Ernie Hann (15.38), Robin Jamieson (19.44), Nigel Davidson (17.07) and Chris Morton (17.02).

Mark Bayliss breaks world record for triathlon : article taken from Metro 10/09/2012

While the nation rejoices in the medal winning feats of our Greatest Ever teams spare a thought for Mark Bayliss.

Mr Bayliss is an elite performer in the sort of sporting challenges only open to a rare breed of athletes.
Last Wednesday, he set off to run 140km (87 miles) from London to Dover, before swimming the Channel, then cycling to Paris. He completed the feat in a record time of 73hr 39min. To make it just that bit colder and harder, he swam the channel without a wetsuit.
Despite that, he still knocked eight hours off the fastest time for the Marble Arch to Arc de Triomphe triathlon.
The event included a 14-hour wait for the right tides on the English coast.
Even so, he is still only the 11th athlete to have finished the Enduroman Arch to Arc. ‘I know it’s not a normal thing but I have been training for years for this,’ said the company director. ‘It was just putting together all the pieces that I do regularly, it doesn’t feel that abnormal and as such hasn’t fully hit me. It just feels ‘‘job done’’.’

Mr Bayliss, 35, took up triathlons aged 11 but found the event no longer satisfied his need to push himself.
‘I don’t want to take on challenges where there isn’t a risk I won’t be able to complete it,’ he added.

And this article taken from website Triathlete Europe :

Mark Bayliss Smashes Arch To Arc World Record

We all expected Mark Bayliss to do something impressive when he took on the Enduroman Arch to Arc this weekend, but we didn’t realise that he would be that impressive! Bayliss smashed the previous world record of 81 hours and 5 minutes (set by Eddie Ette) to come home in 73 hours 39 minutes and 12 seconds.

It is an outstanding time in what has to be one of the most challenging triathlon (type) races on the planet.

Bayliss set off from Marble Arch in London and ran the 87 miles to Dover in 26 hours, 20 minutes. After a near-14 hour layover in Dover (waiting for the right tide time to make an assault on the English Channel), Bayliss commenced the swim. While all of the other competitors to complete the Arch to Archave swm the channel in a wetsuit, Bayliss decided to forego the privilege and swam it according to traditional Channe swimming rules. 11 hours 48 minutes later he was standing in Calais and – after a short break – was ready to hit the bike.

Most competitors who tackle the Arch to Arc view the Channel as the major hurdle, with the bike a relative formality en route to the finish. 18 hours and 9 minutes after setting off Bayliss laid his hand on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

It is a formidable achievement in itself – Mark is only the eleventh person to complete the race – and to smash the record is truly remarkable.

Speedy Krzysztof finishes third in Scottish marathon

Krzysztof Klidzia, from Striders of Croydon, ran very well to place third of 138 finishers in the Moray Marathon last week. His time of 2 hours 51 minutes 52 was less than three minutes outside the personal best which he set at the London Marathon earlier this year.

Cara Kayum ran well to be the fifth woman finisher in the Sri Chinmoy 10-mile road race at Battersea Park on Saturday. Her time of 67 minutes 08 seconds was a personal best and lifts her to fifth place in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings. Bob Ewen finished second in the Veterans AC over-55 10000 metre championship at Kingsmeadow, completing the 25 laps in 41 minutes 56.2 seconds.

Steve Winter won the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Saturday, covering the five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 27, while Lee Flanagan placed second in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (17.55). Striders had a total of 26 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Nick's marathon effort continues on the Kent coast

Nick Kyritsis completed his 163rd marathon when he raced the Kent Coastal marathon at Thanet in a time of 3.53.13. This was his 70th marathon run under 4 hours.

Chris Morton ran well to place 17th of 123 finishers in the Dry Hill 10 mile cross-country race organised by Lingfield Running Club on Sunday. He completed the undulating course in 69 minutes 44 seconds. Striders’ women were led by Jo Penny who finished 115th in 1 hour 51 minutes 19.

Striders’ best parkrun placing on Saturday came from Simon Ambrosi who was sixth in the Bedford parkrun (19.36). Steve Massey was seventh in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (20.18) while Rob Finch was ninth in the Riddlesdown parkrun (20.16) with Geoff Pennells 13th (20.43) and Laura Pennells 22nd (22.31). Karen Stretch returned to her native Cumbria and placed 17th in the Barrow parkrun (22.44). Striders had a total of 30 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Simon and Krzysztof chalk up runner's up spots in parkruns

Simon Ambrosi, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to place second of 310 finishers in the Bromley parkrun on Saturday, covering the five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 11 seconds. Club colleague Krzysztof Klidzia also ran well to place second in the parkrun at Lloyd Park, covering the undulating course in 18 minutes 56 and finishing only five seconds behind the winner. In the Riddlesdown parkrun Steve Winter was third (19.42) and Nigel Davidson eighth (20.26), while Laura Pennells was the second woman to finish, placing 27th overall (24.01). Dan Jewell was fifth in the Greenwich parkrun (19.18) while Damian Macenhill was seventh in the Forest of Dean parkrun (21.08), Steve Massey was tenth in the Crystal Palace parkrun (20.24) and Rob Finch was tenth in the Roundshaw parkrun (21.00). Striders had a total of 32 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Debra produces ultra effort to complete 50 mile race

Debra Bourne, from Striders of Croydon, had an outstanding performance at the North Downs Way 50 mile ultra. In her debut at this distance she was the first woman finisher and 18th overall. Her mammoth effort, which had over 5000 feet of ascent on sometimes muddy tracks, took 9 hours and 53 minutes.

Meanwhile Krzysztof Klidzia led the way for Striders on the more modest 5K local parkruns. He finished 3^rd at Roundshaw Downs in 18.55, with Bob Ewen finishing 8^th in 20.53. While at Lloyd Park Chris Morton came 4^th in 20.38 with Alan Dolton finishing 12^th in 22.10.

Steve leads Striders in local parkruns

Steve Winter, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to place third in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Saturday, recording 19 minutes 02. Paul Cripps was tenth in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (21.30) with Ernie Hann eleventh (21.32) and Alan Dolton 13th (22.23). Yasmin Anderson was the third woman to finish, placing 37th overall (25.56). Striders had a total of 19 finishers in the various local parkruns.

The Wimbledon 5K, which was scheduled to be the final race in this year’s Surrey Road League, has been cancelled. In the final Road League tables, Striders’ men did very well to place seventh of the 30 clubs in the league, while their women finished 11th.

Cara gets personal best in 3000m for Striders

Cara Kayum, from Striders of Croydon, produced an excellent run to finish second in the 3000 metres in the final Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. She recorded a personal best 11 minutes 41.4. Sandra Francis also did well to finish second in the long jump with a club veterans’ record of 3 metres 62, while Natalie Osher was third in the 100 metres (15.5) and fourth in the javelin. This helped Striders’ women to finish third in the match. Belgrave won with 24 points, ahead of Serpentine (18), Striders (17), Hercules-Wimbledon (14), Herne Hill (6) and Croydon Harriers (3). Striders’ men could not match the club’s women, and with a team consisting entirely of veterans they finished a well-beaten sixth.

Simon Ambrosi was second in the Bromley parkrun on Saturday (18.01) while Paul Cripps was fourth in the Lloyd parkrun (20.51). Striders had a total of 18 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Lee continues leading role for Striders

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in Sunday’s Elmbridge 10-kilometre road race, which was the penultimate race in this year’s Surrey Road League. They were led by Lee Flanagan who ran well to place 20th of the 569 finishers in 35 minutes 06 seconds. Damian Macenhill was next home in 58th (37.55), holding off club colleague Krzysztof Klidzia who fished one place and one second behind. Steve Massey was 102nd (40.00) and Ernie Hann 180th (43.28).

On the previous day Simon Ambrosi won the Bromley parkrun (17.57) while Nigel Davidson was third in the Riddlesdown parkrun (20.17) and Paul Finch was fifth in the Lloyd parkrun (21.02). Striders had a total of 29 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Lee leads Striders at wet road race in Chipstead

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, ran very well to place ninth of 257 finishers in Saturday’s Elmore 7-mile road race, which was the fifth race in this year’s Surrey Road League. He covered the undulating seven-mile course in 39 minutes 52 seconds. Club colleague Damian Macenhill also ran well to place 25^th (43.01), with Steve Massey 35^th (44.39) and Chris Morton 64^th (47.00). Striders’ women were led by Serena Stracey who was the ninth woman to finish, placing 84^th overall (48.52). Valuable support came from Corinne Carr who was 195^th (63.28) and Julie Jordan who was 215^th (67.33).

Lee breaks 17 minute barrier for Striders' 5000 metres

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, ran very well to win the 5000 metres at the final Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Croydon Arena on Monday, recording 16 minutes 55.9. Club colleague Krzysztof Klidzia was second in the over-40 race (17.58.1). Bob Ewen won the over-50 2000 metre walk (12.06.4) and Julian Spencer-Wood won the over-60 800 metres (2.34.3) while Steve Massey was second in the over-40 race (2.23.8). Paul Cripps was second in the triple jump (9.71). Striders’ men placed fifth in the match, but held on to fourth place in the final league table.
Striders’ women placed fourth in their match and also in the final league table. Sandra Francis was second in the over-50 triple jump with a club age-group record of 6.34 metres. Andrea Jeffries set a club over-50 800 metre record of 3 minutes 06.7, placing second in the B race. Steph Upton was second in both the 2000 metre walk (12.42.3) and the A 800 metres (2.57.2). Margaret Faherty was second in both theover-60 200 metres (46.6) and 800 Metres (3.55.8).

Julian Spencer-Wood ran well to set a club over-60 800 metre record of 2 minutes 28.49 in the Rosenheim League match at Battersea Park on Wednesday. Daniel Hassett also ran well to set a club over-35 400 metre record of 57.41. Against strong opposition, Striders had to settle for sixth place in the match.

On Saturday Simon Ambrosi won the Bromley parkrun (17.54) while Richard Lee-Smith won the Riddlesdown parkrun (18.06). Krzysztof Klidzia was third in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (18.41) with Rob Sharpe fourth (18.59). Striders had 33 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Steve leads Striders again to win 5000m race

Steve Starvis, from Striders of Croydon, produced another good performance to win the 5000 metres in the club’s third Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Kingsmeadow Stadium. He broke away from his rivals in the last 250 metres to record 17 minutes 29.5. Club colleague Damian Macenhill ran well to place second in both the over-40 1500 metres (4.56.2) and 5000 metres (18.22.2). Julian Spencer-Wood was second in the over-60 400 metres in a club age-group record of 65.9 seconds, while Andy Elliott placed second in the over-60 5000 metres (25.03.9). Paul Cripps was second in the over-40 long jump (4.65), For Striders’ women, Andrea Jeffries was second in both the over-50 400 metres (82.0) and 1500 metres (6.16.9), while Sandra Francis was second in the over-50 long jump (3.44). Both Striders’ men and women placed fourth of the six competing clubs, and both are now fourth in the league table. The final match is at Croydon Arena on Monday (8^th July).

In the Crystal Palace parkrun on Saturday, Krzysztof Klidzia was third (18.49) with Simon Ambrosi fourth (18.59). Steve Winter was third in the Nonsuch parkrun (17.41). Striders had a total of 23 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Speedy Steve wins 3000m dash for Striders

Striders of Croydon placed fourth out of six clubs in their second Veterans League match of the season, at Ewell. Their best performance came from Steve Starvis who won the over-40 3000 metres in 10 minutes 14.5. Paul Cripps was second in the triple jump with a club veterans’ record of 10 metres 15, and second places were also achieved by Damian Macenhill in the over-35 3000 metres (10.38.4) and Andy Elliott in the over-60 3000 metres (14.30.8). For Striders’ women, Andrea Jeffries was second in the over-50 800 metres with a club age-group record of 3 minutes 08.1, while Helen Furze was second in the over-35 3000 metres (12.00.5) and Sandra Francis was second in the over-50 long jump (3.25). And Striders’ 4 x 400 metre relay team of Kim Ford, Andrea Jeffries, Helen Furze and Sandra Francis finished the evening with another second place (6.23.9).

Striders faced strong opposition in the Richmond 10 kilometre race on Sunday, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. Cara Kayum had a very good run to be the 17^th woman to finish, placing 158^th overall in 41 minutes 45. Striders’ men were led by Damian Macenhill who placed 74^th of the 468 finishers in 38 minutes 22, while Steve Massey also ran well for 96^th (39.19). Martin Gourlay ran 50.57, finishing ahead of Mick George (52.21) and Gordon Connor (53.52). Striders’ second woman to finish was Karen Macenhill (55.39), who was followed by Serena Stracey (58.17), Kim Ford (58.21) and Karen Connor (62.05). Meanwhile Simon Ambrosi won the Riddlesdown parkrun in 18 minutes 38. Striders had a total of 21 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Simon, Serena, Rob and Steve all winners for Striders in parkruns

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the third Rosenheim League match of the season, at Tooting on Wednesday. Their best performance came from Sandra Francis, who won the women’s long jump with a leap of 3 metres 27. Cara Kayum was third in the women’s 3000 metres (11.47.6) and fourth in the 1500 metres (5.36.8), while Natalie Osher was fourth in the shot put (5.25) and fifth in the 400 metres (73.0). Striders’ women placed fourth of the six competing clubs. For Striders’ men, Paul Cripps placed second in the high jump with a club record of 1 metre 55, and was fourth in the long jump (4.66). But with a team consisting entirely of veterans, Striders’ men had to settle for sixth place.

Simon Ambrosi won the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday (19.28) with Damian Macenhill second (19.50). Serena Stracey was the first woman to finish, placing 12^th overall (21.35). Rob Sharpe won the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (19.08) with Chris Morton third (20.23) and Mick Turner fourth (20.40). Steve Winter won the Richmond parkrun (18.04), while Steve Massey was third in the Crystal Palace parkrun (19.46). Striders had a total of 33 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Simon leads Striders in Surrey Champs at Dorking

Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in Sunday’s Dorking 10-mile road race, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. They were led by Simon Ambrosi who ran well to place 56^th of the 507 finishers, recording 64 minutes 2 seconds. He was closely followed by Damian Macenhill (61^st, 64.39); Barry White (68^th, 65.07) and Steve Massey (76^th, 65.53). Striders’ first woman was Steph Upton who ran well to be the sixteenth woman to finish, placing 161^st overall in 72 minutes 23. Striders’ chairman Robin Jamieson set a club over-65 record of 85 minutes 33, while Margaret Faherty set a club over-65 women’s record of 1 hour 43 minutes 06. The women’s team was completed by Jo Penny (1.43.11) and Kim Ford (1.45.23).

In the Plitvice Marathon in Croatia, Krzysztof Klidzia finished 20^th in 3 hours 11 minutes 20, while in the recent Edinburgh Marathon, Peter Attewell set a club over-65 record of 4 hours 31 minutes 59. Steve Starvis placed fourth in the Beckenham 10-kilometre road race (37.23), while Steve Winter was third in the Richmond parkrun (18.16) and Rob Sharpe was third in the Riddlesdown parkrun (18.47). Striders had a total of 33 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Rob wins Striders' inaugural club duathlon

Striders held their club duathlon championship from Sandilands last week. The men’s race was won by Rob Sharpe (36.17) while the women’s race was won by Corinne Carr (57.09).

Striders of Croydon again faced strong opposition in their second Rosenheim League match of the season, at Croydon Arena on Wednesday. Their women finished fifth in the match while their men were sixth. Their best performance came from Paul Cripps who placed second in the high jump, equalling his own club veterans’ record of 1 metre 50. He also set a club veterans’ record of 9 metres 99 in the triple jump, placing fourth. For Striders’ women, Sandra Francis placed third in the women’s 100 metres (17.0) while Hannah Musk was third in the discus (16.34).

Steve Winter was second in the Riddlesdown parkrun on Saturday (17.35), while Rob Sharpe was third in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (19.02) with Paul Finch fifth (19.42). Striders had a total of 22 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Sandra claims triple gold for Striders

Four members of Striders of Croydon won gold medals at the Surrey Masters Championships at Ewell on Saturday. Their most successful athlete was Sandra Francis who won the over-55 women’s 80 metre hurdles (20.5), long jump (3.09) and triple jump (5.83), and was second in the 100 metres (16.5) and 200 metres (39.8). Paul Cripps won the over-45 high jump (1.45) and triple jump (9.79), and was second in the long jump (4.59). Alan Dolton won the over-55 800 metres (2.43.1) and 1500 metres (5.22.2). Striders’ oldest competitor, Kevin Burnett, won the over-70 100 metres (19.4), and was second in the shot (9.71), discus (18.22), weight (6.69) and 2000 metre walk (22.03.2).

Julian and Paul claim club records as striders leap to second place

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to place second in their first Southern Veterans League match of the season, at Tooting on Monday. Epsom won the match with 165 points, but Striders’ total of 133 placed them ahead of Kingston (130), Croydon Harriers (126), Hercules-Wimbledon (97) and Dorking (8). For Striders, Steve Massey won the over-40 400 metres (62.3), while Bob Ewen won the over-50 2000m walk (12.23.4) and Julian Spencer-Wood won the over-60 1500 metres in a club age-group record of 5 minutes 40.9. Paul Cripps placed second in the high jump with a club veterans’ record of 1 metre 50, and also placed second in the long jump (4.61). There were also second places for David Gunaratnam in the over-50 100 metres (14.4), Geoff Pennells in the over-50 400 metres (69.5) and Mick Turner in the over-35 2000 metre walk (12.11.0).

Multi-event Natalie leads Striders' women at Battersea Park

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in their first track fixture of the season, in the Rosenheim League at Battersea Park on Wednesday. Their women finished equal fourth, level on points with local rivals Croydon Harriers and one point clear of host club Serpentine, while their men had to settle for sixth place. Striders’ most successful athlete was Natalie Osher, who competed in three different events, placing third in the 200 metres (32.3), fourth in the 800 metres (2.55.5) and fifth in the discus (11.35). Her brother Eliot Osher was Striders’ most successful male athlete, placing third in the 100 metres (12.7) and fifth in the 200 metres (25.5).

On Saturday Richard Lee-Smith placed second in the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park (19.28) with Paul Finch third (19.39). Krzysztof Klidzia was second in the Riddlesdown parkrun (17.57) while Steve Winter was second in the Roundshaw parkrun (18.30). Damian Macenhill was third in the Dulwich parkrun (18.41) with Steve Massey sixth (19.32). Chris Morton was sixth in the Crystal Palace parkrun (20.23). Striders had a total of 31 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Lee again leads for Striders in Sutton 10K

Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the Sutton 10 kilometre road race on Sunday. They were led by Lee Flanagan who ran very well to finish thirteenth in 35 minutes 37. Steve Starvis also ran well to place 21^st (36.37). John Foster was 40^th overall and fifth in the over-50 category (37.51). Barry White was 41^st (37.58) with Damian Macenhill 47^th (38.16), Steve Massey 61^st (39.21), Bob Ewen 92^nd (41.15) and Steve Harris 98^th (41.25).

Striders’ women were led by Serena Stracey who placed 155^th overall (44.51). She was followed by Alice Ewen (45.16), Debra Bourne (49.03), Karen Macenhill (56.18), Bernadette Winsborrow (58.07), Kim Ford (58.08) and Paula Irving (58.30). Striders showed good team spirit with 33 of the 421 finishers.

Earlier in the week Striders finished eighth out of 60 teams in the annual Beckenham relay. Their best performance came from Krzysztof Klidzia who ran 15 minutes 25. Striders showed their strength in depth with a total of eight teams.

On Saturday Paul Finch was second in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd park (20.14) with Kieron Connor third (20.40). Steve Winter was second in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (18.54). Striders had a total of 26 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Lee and Krzysztof take Striders to fourth place in Surrey Champs

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent team performance to place fourth in Sunday’s Richmond Half-Marathon, which incorporated the Surrey Championships. They were led by Lee Flanagan who ran very well to finish 14^th in a personal best 78 minutes 50 seconds. He was closely followed by Krzysztof Klidzia who placed 18^th in 81 minutes 30, placing fourth in the over-40 category. Damian Macenhill completed the scoring trio in 24^th place (83.39). Serena Stracey led Striders’ women in 148^th place (99.14), six seconds and four places ahead of club colleague Steve Massey.

Striders’ Debra Bourne was the first woman finisher at the weekly parkrun in a very muddy Lloyd Park on Saturday, placing 18^th overall (23.39). Striders’ men were led by Kieron Connor who placed seventh (21.42), with Paul Cripps eighth (22.02) and Steve Harris ninth (22.10). Striders had a total of 30 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Steve, Laura and Hannah lead Striders in local parkruns

Striders of Croydon had two of the first three women finishers at the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday. Laura Pennells was the second woman to finish, placing 21^st overall in 24 minutes 41, while club colleague Hannah Musk was 25^th (25.11). Striders’ men were led by Richard Lee-Smith who finished fourth (19.49). Chris Morton was sixth (20.38) with Alan Dolton 11^th (21.42), Steve Harris 13^th (22.05) and Paul Cripps 16^th (22.48).

Steve Winter placed second in the Roundshaw parkrun (18.47) with veteran Barry Finch 17^th (23.19). Nigel Davidson was eighth in the Riddlesdown parkrun (20.46), while Russell Harmsworth was 13^th in the Bromley parkrun (19.11).

Krzysztof leads Striders in magnificent marathon run

Striders of Croydon had 22 finishers in Sunday’s London Marathon. Their best performance came from Krzysztof Klidzia who ran very well to record a personal best 2 hours 49 minutes 50 seconds, finishing 512nd overall and lifting him to ninth place in Striders’ all-time rankings. Lee Flanagan also ran well to record a personal best 2 hours 57 minutes 45. He was followed by Damian Macenhill (3.14.08), Paul Finch (3.22.06), John Foster (3.32.55), Alistair Price (3.51.34) and Hugh Alexander (3.52.51). Striders’ women were led by Kate Custis who ran well to finish in 3 hours 56 minutes 54. She was followed by Carmen Somerset (4.09.30), Philippa Somerset (4.35.23), Belinda Carroll (4.37.28), Corinne Carr (5.04.29) and Margaret Faherty (5.05.54).

In the Paris Marathon, Darren Bird ran well to record 3 hours 5 minutes 43. He was followed by Mike Stewart (3.19.04). Striders’ fastest woman was Flora Kong who ran 4 hours 16 minutes 22.

Striders’ veteran Bob Ewen ran well to set a club over-55 record of 67 minutes 13 seconds in the recent Thames Towpath 10-mile road race. He continued his good form by winning the parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday, becoming the oldest runner ever to win this event and setting an over-55 course record of 20 minutes 11 seconds. Meanwhile Steve Winter won the Roundshaw parkrun (18.07), Richard Lee-Smith won the Killerton parkrun (19.03) and Cara Kayum was the first woman at the Crystal Palace parkrun (21.46). Striders had a total of 32 finishers at the various local parkruns.

Matthew leads Striders in marathon effort down in Brighton

Striders of Croydon had 14 finishers in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday. Their best performance came from Matthew Chapman who ran well to finish in 3 hours 11 minutes 58 seconds. He was followed by Liam Redmond (3.13.02), Darren Jackson (3.24.40) and Will Ward (3.30.26). Striders’ women were led by Tina Macenhill who ran 3 hours 40 minutes 20 seconds. She was followed by Julie Jordan (5.22.05), Paula Irving (5.22.06), Victoria Legge (5.32.56) and Lisa Jackson (5.54.29).

Striders finished sixth out of 20 teams (from 11 clubs) in the East Surrey League’s final table. They fielded a weakened team in the final race of the season, at Ewell on Maundy Thursday. Their best performance came from Mick Turner, who was 17^th in the senior race, covering the 4.25 mile course in 26 minutes 44 seconds.

Steve Winter placed second in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Saturday (18.07). Chris Morton was fourth in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (20.29) with Alan Dolton sixth (21.19) and Kieron Connor ninth (21.39). Steve Massey was eighth in the Crystal Palace parkrun (19.44). Striders had a total of 25 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Serena leads Striders in local parkruns

Serena Stracey, from Striders of Croydon, had an excellent run to be the first woman to finish at the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Easter Saturday. She placed ninth overall, covering the five-kilometre course in 20 minutes 39 seconds. Striders’ men were led by Steve Massey who finished fourth (19.52) with Damian Macenhill seventh (20.14). On the same day, Paul Finch placed third at the parkrun in Lloyd Park (19.58) with Alan Dolton ninth (21.14), Kieron Connor 11^th (22.11) and Paul Cripps 12^th (22.13). Nigel Davidson was fourth in the Riddlesdown parkrun (20.24). Striders had a total of 40 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Bill and Damian lead Striders in half marathon challenges

Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, had a very good run to place fifth of the 515 finishers in the second annual Croydon Half-Marathon on Sunday. He covered the undulating course in 76 minutes 46 seconds. Iain Harrison achieved a personal best to finish 11th in 82 minutes exactly while Simon Ambrosi also ran well to finish 13^th (82.43) with new member Moulay Goumrhare 21^st (84.27), Rob Sharpe 28^th (86.37) and Paul Finch 29^th (86.57). Striders’ women were led by Debra Bourne who was the 17^th woman to finish (1.40.11), with Tina Macenhill 34^th (1.49.33) and Teresa O’Donnell 37^th (1.50.36).

In the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, Striders’ promising 13-year-old Kieron Connor showed the benefit of some recent track training by placing fourth in a personal best 20 minutes 20. Damian Macenhill placed second in the Roundshaw parkrun (19.36), and followed this with 45^th place in the Paddock Wood Half-Marathon in a personal best 79 minutes 51. Also at Paddock Wood, Cara Kayum ran a personal best 91 minutes 42, placing her fourth in Striders’ all-time women’s rankings, while club colleague Alice Ewen ran a personal best 96 minutes 39.

Successful return for Bill at Hastings Half Marathon

Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, made a successful return from a calf injury to finish 22^nd in a large field in the Hastings Half-Marathon on Sunday. His time of 77 minutes 09 seconds was only two minutes outside his personal best. Striders’ next man home was Mick Turner who placed 107^th in exactly 88 minutes, with Paul Eisenhut 116^th (88.25) and Chris Morton 150^th (89.56). Striders’ women were led by Tina Macenhill (1.40.12), followed by Linda Daniel (1.55.09), Belinda Carroll (2.06.01) and Corinne Carr (2.07.57).

Steve Winter ran well to finish fourth in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun on Saturday morning, covering the five-kilometre course in 18 minutes 07. Damian Macenhill placed 17^th in a large field in the parkrun at Bushy Park (17.52), while Russell Harmsworth was 16^th in the Bromley parkrun (19.20). Geoff Pennells was sixth in the parkrun at Lloyd Park (21.00) with Alan Dolton ninth (21.45). On the following day Dolton finished 12^th in the Sport Relief ‘Elite Mile’ at Croydon Arena, recording 5 minutes 43.

Busy weekend for Striders' Damian

Striders of Croydon had the first two finishers at the Crystal Palace parkrun on Saturday. Triathlete Tyler O’Callaghan gained a comfortable win in 17 minutes 51 seconds, while club colleague Damian Macenhill placed second in 18 minutes 56. Richard Lee-Smith was fifth (19.46) with Steve Massey tenth (20.00) and Steve Starvis thirteenth (20.38). Serena Stracey was the second woman to finish, placing 16^th overall in 21 minutes 09.

On the same day, Steve Winter placed second in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (18.34) with Chris Morton sixth (19.51). Teenager Kieron Connor ran well to place fifth at the Lloyd parkrun (21.11) with Geoff Pennells 11^th (21.37) and Alan Dolton 14^th (21.59). Simon Ambrosi was seventh in the Bromley parkrun (18.06). Striders had a total of 30 finishers in the various local parkruns.

On the following day Damian Macenhill ran well to place 24^th of 489 finishers in the Worthing 20-mile road race, recording 2 hours 11 minutes 48. His sister Tina Macenhill was Striders’ first woman finisher (2.44.00). Striders had 20 finishers in the Surrey Spitfire 20-mile road race at Dunsfold. Their fastest men were William Ward (2.30.23) and Darren Jackson (2.31.10), while their fastest women were Debra Bourne (2.47.02) and Carmen Somerset (2.58.42).

Damian clocks an hour representing Striders in Belgium

Eleven members of Striders of Croydon travelled to Belgium to compete in the annual ten-mile road race from Ostend to Bruges last Sunday. They were led by Damian Macenhill who ran well to finish in 60 minutes 24, only eleven seconds outside his personal best. He was followed by Barry White (63.52) and Mick Turner (64.29). Striders’ women were led by Serena Stracey who ran well to record a personal best 67 minutes 56. There were also personal bests for Alice Ewen (74.17) and Laura Pennells (83.10).

Striders had five of the first nine finishers at the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. They were led by Rob Sharpe who placed second in 19 minutes 35, while Damian Macenhill was third in the same time. Geoff Pennells was seventh (21.28), Kieron Connor eighth (21.51) and Steve Massey ninth (21.56). Debra Bourne was the first woman to finish, placing 13^th overall (22.24). Meanwhile Steph Upton was the first woman to finish at the Riddlesdown parkrun, where she also placed 13^th overall (21.35).

Krzysztof doubles up at Lloyd Park for Striders

Krzysztof Klidzia, from Striders of Croydon, ran well to win the weekly parkrun in Lloyd Park on Saturday morning, covering the muddy five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 23 seconds, and finishing half a minute ahead of his nearest rival. In the afternoon Krzysztof returned to Lloyd Park to lead Striders’ team in an inter-club cross-country race organised by Croydon Harriers. He finished sixth, covering the 5.8 kilometre course in 22 minutes 57 seconds and leading Striders to third place in the team event. Mike Stewart also ran well for eighth (23.30) with Greg Williams 12^th (24.40), Bob Ewen 15^th (25.02) and James Carr 18^th (27.03).

Tyler leads Striders at National championships

Striders of Croydon produced an excellent performance to finish as 48^th team in the senior men’s race at the English National Cross-Country Championship at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday. They were led by triathlete Tyler O’Callaghan who finished 426^th, covering the undulating 12-kilometre course in 44 minutes 35 seconds. Krzysztof Klidzia also ran well for 663^rd (47.24) while Simon Ambrosi was 743^rd (48.20) and Barry White 846^th (49.30). Team manager Chris Morton was 944^th (50.46) with Steve Starvis 1027^th (51.45), Mick Turner 1036^th (51.50), Rob Sharpe 1113^th (52.54) and Neil Furze completing the nine-man team in 1597^th (64.14).

Striders’ women were led by Steph Upton who finished 337^th of the 650 finishers, covering the five-mile course in 38 minutes 03 seconds. Club colleague Alice Ewen also ran well to finish 403^rd (39.19).

Krzysztof and Damian lead Striders in half marathon races

Krzysztof Klidzia, from Striders of Croydon, had a very good run in the Wokingham Half-Marathon on Sunday, finishing 102^nd in a field of more than 2000 runners in 1 hour 21 minutes 09 seconds.

Several Striders were competing in the Brighton Half-Marathon. They were led by Damian Macenhill who finished 64^th in 1 hour 24 minutes 23 seconds. Club colleague Paul Finch finished in exactly 1 hour 30 minutes, four seconds ahead of Steve Massey, while Matt Chapman ran 1 hour 31 minutes 38. Veteran Barry Finch did very well to finish fifth in the over-60 category in 1 hour 40 minutes 34. Striders’ women were led by Kate Custis (1.47.42), who was followed by Eve Collins (1.50.24) and Elanor Lim (1.52.46).

On the previous day, Steve Winter was third in the Riddlesdown parkrun (19.26), while Paul Stanford was fourth in the parkrun in Lloyd Park (20.11) with Chris Morton seventh (20.35). Simon Ambrosi was ninth in the Bromley parkrun (18.31) with Lee Wadsworth tenth (18.35). Striders had a total of 33 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Lee leads Striders to league safety

Lee Flanagan, from Striders of Croydon, ran well in wintry conditions in the final Surrey Cross-Country Division Two match of the season at Esher on Saturday. He placed 19^th of the 138 finishers, covering the undulating five-mile course in 28 minutes 02 seconds. Iain Harrison continued his return after injury and did well to place 44^th (30.05), closely followed by Krzysztof Klidzia in 47^th (30.10) and Rob Sharpe in 49^th (30.15). Damian Macenhill was 51^st (30.23) with Simon Ambrosi 57^th (30.39), Barry White 64^th (31.11), Steve Starvis 66^th (31.26), Richard Lee-Smith 68^th (31.42) and Dan Jewell completing the scoring team in 69^th (31.50). Striders also had eight non-scorers. They placed sixth of the nine competing clubs and also finished sixth in the final Division Two table.

Earlier in the day, Striders’ women had competed on the same course in Division Two of the Women’s League. Their best performance came from Alice Ewen who ran very well to place 25^th of the 118 finishers in 36 minutes 52. Josephine Thompson also ran well for 29^th (37.38) with Hannah Musk 46^th (40.11). For the first time for several years, Striders were unable to field a complete team of five women. Despite this, they managed to finish seventh in the final Division Two table.

On the following day Cara Kayum ran a personal best 69 minutes 05 in the Sidcup 10-mile road race, making her only the sixth female Strider to run the distance in less than 70 minutes.

Paul doubles up for Striders at Wimbledon and Lloyd Park

Striders of Croydon showed their strength in depth by having three teams in the top 12 at the East Surrey League’s annual cross-country relay at Wimbledon Common on Saturday afternoon. Their A team placed seventh out of 21 teams, with their best run coming from Damian Macenhill who ran 10 minutes 38 on the first leg, finishing sixth. He was followed by Steve Massey (11.37), Paul Stanford (11.20) and Barry White (11.12). Striders’ B and C teams finished 11^th and 12^th.

Earlier in the day, Striders had four of the first ten finishers in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park. Paul Stanford was second (19.44) with Paul Finch sixth (20.54), Geoff Pennells seventh (20.59) and Paul Cripps tenth (21.35). Josephine Thompson was the second woman in the Riddlesdown parkrun, placing eleventh overall (21.14). Striders had a total of 30 finishers in the various local parkruns.

At the Kenley 10 kilometre road race last Sunday, Richard Lee-Smith placed fifth (36.06) while Damian Macenhill was eighth (37.43). Cara Kayum ran well to be the third woman finisher (41.16) with Serena Stracey fourth (41.48), Josephine Thompson seventh (44.33) and Hannah Musk eighth (45.36).

Serena, Flora and Alice lead the line for Striders women

Striders of Croydon had the first two women finishers in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. Serena Stracey placed 13^th overall, covering the muddy five-kilometre course in 22 minutes 17 seconds, while Flora Kong was 22^nd in exactly 25 minutes. Striders’ men were led by Richard Lee-Smith who finished second in 20 minutes 15.

Later that day, Striders had four competitors in the Southern Cross-Country Championships at Brighton. Their best placing came from Alice Ewen who ran well to place 188^th in the senior women’s race, covering the hilly five-mile course in 40 minutes 19 seconds. Striders’ men were led by Krzysztof Klidzia who finished 289^th of the 745 finishers, covering the 15-kilometre course in 63 minutes 07. Barry White was 405^th (67.15) and club secretary Chris Morton was 498^th (70.28).

Rob and Krzysztof chalk up parkrun wins for Striders

Striders of Croydon gained a double victory in the weekly parkrun at Lloyd Park on Saturday morning. Rob Sharpe gained a comfortable win, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 21 seconds, while club colleague Flora Kong was the first woman to finish, placing 27^th overall in 25 minutes 24. Meanwhile Krzysztof Klidzia won the Riddlesdown parkrun in 18 minutes 52, while club secretary Chris Morton was second in the Roundshaw Downs parkrun (20.06) and Steve Massey was fourth in the Crystal Palace parkrun (20.24). Striders had a total of 25 finishers in the various local parkruns.

Tyler and Lee lead Striders to fourth place at Reigate

Striders of Croydon produced their best performance of the season to finish fourth of nine clubs in the Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two match at Reigate on Saturday, and move out of the relegation zone. They were led by triathlete Tyler O’Callaghan who made a welcome return to Striders colours, placing 18^th of the 136 finishers and covering the hilly five-mile course in 30 minutes 35 seconds. He was closely followed by Lee Flanagan who also ran well to place 19^th in 30 minutes 40. Krzysztof Klidzia was 42^nd (32.30) while Rob Sharpe had his best run of the season to place 46^th (32.52). Richard Lee-Smith was 51^st (33.09) with Damian Macenhill 53^rd (33.15), Iain Harrison 56^th (33.28), Simon Ambrosi 59^th (33.52), Dan Jewell 60^th (33.56) and Steve Starvis completing the scoring team in 66^th (34.13). Striders also had seven non-scorers. With one match remaining Striders are now seventh in the Division Two table.

Striders of Croydon’s women produced a respectable team performance in the Surrey Womens Cross-Country League Division Two match at Coulsdon on Saturday. All their five scoring runners finished well in the top half of the field. Steph Upton led the way, moving through the field to place 30^th of the 147 finishers and covering the undulating five-mile course in 40 minutes 46 seconds. Josephine Thompson also ran well to finish 33^rd (41.24) and was closely followed by Alice Ewen in 35^th (41.51) and Faye Stammers in 37^th (42.03). Carmen Somerset completed the scoring team in 52^nd place (43.42). Only three other Division Two clubs completed their five-woman team before Striders.

Barry makes top hundred for Striders at Surrey champs

Striders of Croydon faced strong opposition in the Surrey Cross-Country Championships at Dorking on Saturday. Their best performance came from Steph Upton who finished 51^st of the 143 finishers in the senior women’s race, covering the undulating five-mile course in 36 minutes 59 seconds. Club colleague Josephine Thompson was 68^th (38.35). Striders’ men were led by Barry White who was 99^th of the 215 finishers, covering the seven and a half miles in 48 minutes 59. Rob Sharpe was 114^th (50.27) with Chris Morton 153^rd (52.50), Bob Ewen 172^nd (54.26), John Ralf 196^th (59.47), Tom Littlewood 201^st (62.14) and Neil Furze 209^th (63.45). This placed Striders 18^th in the team event.

Krzysztof leads Striders in busy parkrun schedule

Striders of Croydon produced some good performances in the local parkruns over Christmas and New Year. Krzysztof Klidzia led the way with a comfortable win in the parkrun at Lloyd Park on Christmas Eve, covering the undulating five-kilometre course in 19 minutes 10 seconds, while club colleague Damian Macenhill placed third in 19 minutes 58. On the following day Damian placed second at the same venue (20.15), while two of Striders’ veterans also ran well with Alan Dolton placing sixth overall and first in the over-50 category (22.23) and Barry Finch eighth overall and first in the over-60 category (23.11). Debra Bourne took a break from her duties as race organiser and was the second woman to finish, placing 12^th overall (23.55), one place ahead of club colleague Flora Kong (24.47). Meanwhile Ben Fancourt placed second at Riddlesdown in 18 minutes 31. On New Year’s Eve club secretary Chris Morton placed second at Lloyd Park in 20 minutes 54, while Rob Sharpe was fourth at Roundshaw Downs (19.18) and Simon Ambrosi was seventh at Bromley (18.51). On New Year’s Day Striders’ best placings came from their over-50s at Lloyd Park, where Alan Dolton was fifth (22.46) while Alan Purchase was eighth (24.43).