Dulwich Runners women win promotion after tense Lloyd Park finale

The final Surrey League Division 2 match at Lloyd Park was a nail-biting end to the Dulwich Ladies’ promotion bid and a mudbath of epic proportions, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

Dulwich finished level with Full on Tri with 66 points but the former were awarded first position on merit of having the highest-placed finisher. The club remained seven points shy in the final season standings, but still are comfortably promoted back to Division 1.

Kay Sheedy made her first appearance of the season and took third place, followed by the rest of the A team in Helen Shannon (11th), Laura Vincent (12th) an injured Alex McClelland (16th) and Rosie Murton (24th). Alicja Furmanczyk, Ola Balme, Katie Styles, Eleanor Simmons and XC debutant Emily Stainer were the highest-scoring B team on the day.

Jane Bradshaw, Liz Stuart, Grace Barnett, making her Dulwich cross country debut, and Midge Cameron ran strongly to complete the Dulwich contingent.

In the overall league standings McClelland was third overall in the 2024-25 league with Helen Shannon first V35-plus. Laura Vincent was fifth V35-plus, Eleanor Simmons fourth V4-plus and Ola Balme second V55.

Dulwich men were eighth in their Division 1 fixture at Epsom Downs, guaranteeing a seventh-placed finish in the league.
Jack Ramm was 12th, securing first place V35 over the whole season.

Aaron Wilson placed even higher (18th), ensuring he was third-placed V35. Nick Impey was back for his first fixture of the season (fourth scorer, 78th overall). Toby Bond completed the scoring (122nd overall).

The B team were seventh, following strong performances from Warren Keefe (fifth-placed V45 in the league) and James Burrows.

PICTURE: DULWICH RUNNERS