Springfield Striders held their first ever Friday night five-mile road race at The Green Man, Howe Street last week, and a field of over 100 runners took part on an almost traffic free course on country lanes.

Greg Deacon of Castle Point Joggers won the race in a time of 27.09, while the first Strider home was Dave Norman II in fourth place, claiming the notable scalp of Kevin Harris, who finished sixth.

The Striders easily won the team prize with Vic Spain (10th), Simon Green (11th and first Over 40) and Dave Norman I (12th) all breaking 30 minutes, and John Beaumont (13th) finishing in 30.06.

The Strider ladies also did well with Janet Hill and Julie Hurst-Smith both claiming prizes.

On Sunday, attention turned to Brentwood for the Essex 10K Championships at Thrift Green.

The first Strider home was Andrew Mason, with Dave Milton, Ken Edwards and Julian Catmull in close attendance.

This weekend sees the start of the Tour of Little Baddow, four races in four days, one of the toughest events of the year, and anyone wishing to give it a try is asked to telephone Kevin Wright on 01245 467117 for details.

The Friday Night Five Striders times were: Dave Norman II 28.30; Kevin Harris 28.49; Vic Spain 29.37; Simon Green 29.43; Dave Norman I 29.45; John Beaumont 30.06; Dave Jellicoe 31.33; Richard Taylor 31.48; Lindsay Broadbridge 32.05; Mark Jeffrey 33.23; Rob Rodie 33.49; Dave Moxon 34.10; Graeme Romain 34.18; John Williams 34.46; Dave Turk 34.47; John Hoskyn 35.25; Gary Randall 35.38; Ian Gowers 36.22; Derek Pollett 36.59; Pat Knowles 38.57; Richard Jellicoe 39.24; Janet Hill 39.48; Keith Hardman 40.07; Julie Hurst-Smith 40.48; Malcolm Potter 41.18; Ginny Powell 41.36; Helen Walker 45.22; Jean Driscoll 45.30; and Theresa Tremain 47.34.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.