AFTER success on the trails, Springfield Striders returned to the roads with good effect on Sunday at the Essex Half Marathon Championships at Pleshey.

Springfield hosted the event and almost 400 athletes ran in ideal conditions.

Kate Mills became ladies’ open and V35 champion with a convincing winning margin of over two minutes. She also led the Striders’ ladies to team silver with great back up from Nicky Hands and Louise Baines.

New grandad Gary Rayner claimed another county gold medal winning the V60 in an impressive time of 1:31:28.

The Striders’ men were out in force and claimed more medals with individual silver for Tristan Windley and bronze for Scott Cousins. With Mark Newton in fourth, the team gold was assured.