Dulwich Runners team secure Surrey Cross Country Division 1 status for another season

BY JONATHAN WHITTAKER

The final race of the Surrey Cross Country season saw both Dulwich Runners teams secure Division 1 status for another year – a first for the club.

Relatively benign conditions by Lloyd Park standards resulted in some fast racing, relatively few patches of mud and a strong turnout from both teams on the eight-kilometre course.

The ladies team started the fixture in last place with two teams expected to be relegated. However the task was definitely achievable on the start line with only 19 points separating Dulwich and third from bottom Fulham.

The team’s best performance of the season (10th place) saw them overtake Fulham and London City Runners to secure Division 1 status by 29 points.

Polly Low-Macrae (29th, 32:44), Kay Sheedy (54th, 34:03), Emma Hatch (73rd, 34:48), debutant Rosie Murton (89th, 35:43) and Katie Styles (96th, 36:17) were the team’s scorers with excellent performances from the rest of the 15-strong team.

The men’s team started the race virtually certain of staying up. Another steady showing (sixth place) cemented seventh position in the final league table – meeting the club’s early season target and providing another season of top level of competition to enjoy.

Ed Chuck led the race at halfway but had to be content with his best ever fourth-place finish in Division 1.

Jack Ramm, making his season debut after a broken ankle, was 22nd (26:39). Typically strong runs from Rob Armstrong (31st), Aaron Wilson (38th) and Ben Howe (45th) gave Dulwich some excellent midfield scoring.

Adrian Russell, fresh after his first sub five minute indoor mile, placed 70th (28:41). The team scoring was completed by a rapid procession of Ben Smith (86th, 29:28), Joe Hallsworth (89th, 29:33), Tim Bowen (91st, 29:34) and Will Cole (94th, 29:36) finishing within eight seconds of each other.