Striders’ Switchback won by Mike and Ola

Striders of Croydon organised the 24th annual Switchback cross-country race, over an undulating five-mile course in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills on Sunday. The winner was Mike Cummings of Herne Hill, who recorded 27 minutes 20 seconds, while the first woman was Ola Balme of Dulwich, who placed 19th overall in 34 minutes 08 seconds.

Striders did well to have eight of the first 20 finishers, and won the men’s team prize. They were led by Bill Makuwa who ran well to place fifth in 29 minutes 23. Lee Flanagan was sixth (29.48) with Justin Macenhill ninth (31.13) and Phil Coales tenth (31.21). Krzysztof Klidzia was second in the over-50 category and 11th overall (31.31), while Graeme Drysdale was 17th (33.07), Greg Williams 18th (34.05) and Matthew Stone 20th (34.11).

Striders’ women were led by Becky Laurence who was the fifth woman to finish, placing 50th overall in 39 minutes 04. Josephine Thompson was sixth (39.46) with Michelle Clarke 13th (43.08), Charlotte Letchford 16th (44.43) and Selena Wong 17th (44.53). They placed third in the team event, behind Dulwich and Herne Hill.