RUNNING: IT WAS an eventful return to the cross country league for Spa Striders’ men’s team after they finished second at Burbage Common over what was a challenging and technical course.
After several years away, Striders were accepted back into the Birmingham League where they entered Division Three.
Men’s captain Paul Edwards showed his speed is not limited to the road after finishing third fastest overall in 38 minutes and 45 seconds.
Chris McKeown (40.40) also placed in the top 20, while Rich Sykes (41.10), Adam Notley (41.15), Dan Stannard (41.39), Simon Parsons (42.16) and James Jaycock (42.17) all produced strong finishes.
Rob Thompson (44.26), Paul Quincey (46.46), Matt Leydon (48.40), Doug Rattray (50.34), Chris Jones (52.59) and Dave Lithgow (57.42) completed the strong squad as the Striders finished as the second fastest ‘A team’ and the third fastest ‘B team’.
The eighteen-strong ladies cross-country team battled brilliantly through the mud and up the beacon hill at Newbold Comyn. Their strength was rewarded with an eighth place in a fiercely competitive team competition, along with first masters team, for Spa Striders first season in Division One.
Carolyn Wilkinson was the fastest lady runner over the finish line in 27.01 and she was closely followed by Charlotte Everard (27.06), Kate Gadsby (27.34), Emily Field-Lucas (27.50) and Susie Stannard (27.53).