Springfield Striders were out in force at two multi-terrain races at the weekend and took the senior men's prize in both events

Paul Dobson got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory in the "Round The Island Race" at Mersea on Sunday.

Dobson is always wary when running at Mersea as two previous trips have seen him end up in the casualty department at Colchester Hospital.

But there were no bee stings in the mouth or insects lodged in his eyeball to stop him this time and he cruised around the island's perimeter taking in the seawall, mudflats and the last three miles along the beach

This race normally takes place in either the spring or the autumn.

By running it in June all the times were slower than usual, not because of the temperature, but due to the overgrown conditions on the seawall.

Dobson's time of 1.16.11 was 10 minutes outside the very impressive course record held by Adrian Mussett of Colchester Harriers, who was an interested spectator

Martin Rea continued his excellent weekend with a fine fifth place finish and was ably backed by Gary Rayner and Julian Catmull.

Neil Bradley had an improved run with the added bonus of beating Club Chairman Rob Rodie for the first time under race conditions.

Janet Hill was the only Strider lady participating and increased her lead in the Striders' year long club championship with a plucky run

On Saturday afternoon at the Fitzwimarc School Five in Rayleigh, Martin Rea took yet another winner's trophy as he led home a cascade of white and yellow vests over the hilly Hockley Woods course.

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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