SPRINGFIELD Striders enjoyed a busy weekend with some fine performances all round.

Paul Molyneux competed for England in the Toronto Marathon and finished an excellent 14th in a new club record time of 2 hr 20 mins 32 secs. He suffered from cramp in the later stages of the race which robbed him of a sub-2:20 time after he had cruised through half way in 1:08.

Striders provided the marshalling for the country part of the course in the Chelmsford Marathon. Nikki Brockbank who won last year’s inaugural race triumphed again in another personal best time of 2:56:47.

Paul Bridges, wearing number 100, completed his 100th marathon and was presented with his 100 club vest at the finish.

There were plenty of PBs for the Striders with Sarah Hammond, Caroline Adlem, Steve Brame, Alex Benson, Mark Moughton, Lydiah Mutimbanyoka and Dennis Sherwood all beating their times.

At the Wix 5 James Smith finished an excellent eighth in the County Championship and clocked a new PB of 27:30. Lee Martin was just 28 seconds behind. Gary Rayner was third V60 in a strong field.

There was disappointment at the British Fell Relay Championships at Pendle, Lancashire, as the Striders team failed to finish after a fall on the third stage of four by Julian Catmull. A cut and resultant loss of blood resulted in the marshals stopping him from continuing.

The club also lost a long time member on Saturday when Kenny Johnson – a very popular figure at the club, especially with the fell and trail runners – died of a heart attack at his home. “He will be sorely missed,” said a Striders’ spokesman.