SPRINGFIELD Striders feted their club champions at their dinner and awards evening held at Essex County Cricket Club.

In an excellent year, the club produced 23 county champions on the road and country, while six members represented the county at cross country and fell.

A presentation was made to four club members who were awarded life membership. John Hoskyn was a founder member back in 1985 and was the first club secretary.

He still runs and raises money for charities and will be competing in his 500th race at the London this week.

He is joined by Dave Willy the Striders’ first chairman and another founder member. He was the calming influence as the club doubled in size then in a few years doubled in size again.

The third recipient is John Elliott, who has been at the club for over 25 years. He was the longest serving club secretary. The final life member was Len Clark. He was the treasurer for many years. He still runs and helps at races in his 81st year.

More than 100 Striders and their supporters will be involved in the London Marathon on Sunday. As well as runners, the club provides the personnel for the official drink station at the half way point of the race.