Bill wins Striders’ Switchback race

Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, made an excellent return to competition by winning the 23rd annual Switchback five-mile multi-terrain race in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills on Sunday. He covered the undulating course in 29 minutes 31 seconds. His club colleague Ernie Hann also ran well to place second in 29 minutes 49, with Sam Clayton of local rivals Croydon Harriers third (31.15). Lee Flanagan of Striders ran well to place fourth overall and first in the over-40 category (31.22), one place ahead of club colleague Justin Macenhill (31.34). With four of the first five finishers, Striders easily won the team prize.

The first woman to finish was Ola Balme of Dulwich, who placed 18th overall in 34 minutes 16. She was closely followed by Serena Stracey of Striders, who ran well to place 20th in 34 minutes 34. Striders’ second woman to finish was the fast-improving Michelle Clarke who was 48th overall (41.54), while Beatrice Schaer completed the scoring trio in 61st (47.38). Petts Wood won the women’s team event with Collingwood second and Striders third. There were a total of 101 finishers.