Dulwich Runners round-up: Senior men secure best-ever final finishing spot in Surrey League

Dulwich men secured a best ever fourth-placed finish in the Surrey League Cross-Country season, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

Last season for the men was all about avoiding relegation from one of the toughest divisions in the country. This year further recruitment alongside development of the club’s existing talented runners resulted in a superb placing behind Hercules Wimbledon, Belgrave and Kent AC.

Impressive consistency from Max Milarvie (26:29 and his third second place in four races) and Ed Chuck (fourth, 26:59) secured them a one-two on the individual podium for the season.

Jack Ramm (12th, 27:30) was again mixing it with the very best. Aaron Wilson (31st, 28:06) enjoyed his best run of a terrific campaign just ahead of fellow regular top-five scorer Max Bloor (37th, 28:19).

Ed Gibson (60th, 29:14), Nick Impey (64th, 29:25) and Rob Armstrong (65th, 29:33) secured valuable midfield points before Adrian Russell (93rd, 30:35) and Jon Phillips (96th, 30:38) completed a third-placed team finish on the day.

The women lost their Division 1 status despite finishing 11th, their best performance of the season.

Helen Shannon concluded an excellent first cross country season in 46th (36:44). Rosie Murton continued her promising progress with her best performance of the season (61st, 37:47), while the ever-reliable trio of Katie Smith (72nd, 38:15), Katie Styles (84th, 38:59) and Laura Vincent (100th, 40:00) completed the team scoring.

Ange Norris (122nd, 41:45) was first V60-plus over the line helping her to jointly secure the age category title.

Ola Balme secured third place in the V50-plus age category rankings.

The cross country season concludes with a trip to Staffordshire for the national championships at the end of February.