Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders) and Nikki Wood (Springfield Striders) claimed convincing victories at the Striders’ Friday Night Five from the Green Man, Howe Street.

Bloomfield ran close to his best on the undulating course to beat Ryan Prout (Chelmsford AC) and Malcolm Muir (Ilford AC) by over a minute. Muir however led his club to the team prize ahead of Springfield and Chelmsford in a closely fought contest. Grange Farm Trotters ladies also relegated the Striders’ to second in their team competition.

Leading veteran was the hosts’ Gary Chandler in a fine fourth place overall. Mike Bridgeland (Chelmsford AC) took the over 50 prize with Malcolm Savage taking the over 60 for the Striders. In the ladies event Tina Hull was the top veteran.

Gary Rayner continued his fine spell of form winning the veterans prize at the South Downs marathon. He completed the hilly off road route in 3.27.13. Chris Beazeley was the only other Strider to beat four hours with Gary Joslin, Darren Sutton and Janet Hill the next to finish. Marnie Lamb, Ann Miller , Leah Walland and Helen Walker also completed the course as a relay.

The Striders were to the fore at the Danbury Common trail race on Sunday. Tim Brockington won ahead of Anthony Marsh, Tracey Woodyard and Jamie Woodyard. Apart from being hilly the course was technically difficult with many twists and turns in its 7.5 mile length.