Nikki leads ladies to victory at Mersea
It was a weekend for the off roaders with the Round Mersea Island race, the Chrishall trail and the Midsummer Madness fell weekend.
Nikki Brockbank ran to her first ever race win and was joined by Catherine Hull and Lynn Tanner in the winning team. Lynn also took the FV55 prize. Stu Putt led the men home in an excellent 6th place.
Jamie Woodyard finished second at Chrishall on a trail hosted by Saffron Striders. Sue Clarke was the first Strider lady.
At the Calder Valley Midsummer Madness weekend, club captain, Anthony Marsh finished an impressive 9th overall and was well pleased with his runs at the Wicken Hill Whizz, the Reservoir Bogs and the Tom Tittiman races. John Williams even managed an orienteering event at Harrogate as well. Janet Hill took two individual FV55 prizes and of course the overall. A superb weekend of running, eating, drinking and lovely weather was enjoyed by ten Striders. Well worth putting in your calendar for next year.
Success at the races
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.