In spite of the disappointment from the postponement of the English National Cross Country at the weekend after torrential rain made parking conditions impossible, a number of Striders managed to secure medal places and personal bests in a variety of alternative events taking place across the country as well as overseas.

There was a very strong ladies turn out of at the Wokingham half marathon with Penny Habbick leading the Striders home in an incredible personal best time of 1:25:33, placing her in the top 50 out of a field of over 900 females and 5th in her age category. She was followed by Stacey Harris (1:36:55), Nicky Laitner (1:36:42) and Fleur Harvey-Keenan (a PB in 1:38:55). Tom Porteous also competed in the race finishing in 1:56:19.

Kate Dixon, Katie Bunting, and Onil Biswas opted for the breathtaking backdrop of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset as they completed the Lulworth Cove trail 'long' half marathon (14.5 miles), with climbs as formidable as they were awe-inspiring. Kate Dixon successfully finished in 2nd female place in 2:12:41

Also opting for an off road challenge of rough, rocky, and muddy surfaces, with a 3,000 feet ascent was Jake James who finished a fantastic 3rd place in the North Downs Ridge 50km in a time of 3:51:37

Back on firmer, albeit still hilly ground, Jack Brooks was first male in the 70 plus age group at the Mississippi Blues Marathon in the US in a time of 5:41:02. He was equally proud of being the oldest runner in the race and delighted with his guitar shaped finishing and age category medals which provide a lovely reminder of the authentic blues music that was played by live bands throughout the course.

In other news round up, John Logan was 11th out of 350 runners and 2nd in his age group at the Regents Park 10km, achieving a new PB of 38:57 and Archie Marshall from St Albans AC also placed 2nd at the Victoria Park Half marathon in a time of 74:15. Meanwhile George Booth earned himself a PB in the British Universities and Colleges indoor track Nationals held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield by completing the 3,000m event in a time of 9 min and 19 seconds.