Dulwich Runners secure Assembly League title after five-year wait

BY JONATHAN WHITTAKER

The final fixture of the six-race Assembly League season at Beckenham Place Park saw Dulwich Runners men’s team hold a precarious lead of one point over local rivals Kent AC.

The Dulwich quartet of Fabien Whitelock, Rob Armstrong, Dylan Wymer and Ben Howe quickly asserted themselves in the leading group of eight runners on the first lap, with crucially only one Kent runner amongst the pack.

Rob Armstrong (16:59, 4th) was at the head of the Dulwich train, closely followed by Dylan Wymer (17:06, 5th), Fabien Whitelock (17:11, 6th) and Ben Howe (17:14, 7th) helping Dulwich secure the title for the first time since 2019. Strength in depth also saw the B team score maximum points with welcome contributions from Andy Bond (18:01, 10th), Toby Bond (18:12, 14th), Warren Keefe (19:09, 22nd) and Eugene Cross (19:39, 29th).

The ladies’ team consolidated their second-place position behind Kent, with Katie Smith (22:06, 74th) holding off Laura Vincent (22:07, 75th) at the finish. Ola Balme (23:26, 97th) and Katie Styles (23:35, 99th) completed the A team scoring with typically consistent performances.

At the post-race awards, numerous Dulwich Runners received gold medals for their respective age category, including Ros Tabor (W75), Claire Steward (W70), Ange Norris (W60), Michelle Lennon (W55), Katie Smith (W40), Dave West (M65) and Andy Bond (M50).

Photo caption: Fabien Whitelock making the early pace with Lewis Laylee (560), Kent’s Jake Simmonds and Cambridge Harriers’ Olly Buck (42) in pursuit.