Heavy rainful makes Surrey League race extra challenging for Dulwich Runners

A very muddy Beckenham Place Park was the venue for the third race of the Surrey League Division 1 Cross Country series with both men and women running the same 7.6km course, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

Following heavy rainfall and a fairground churning up parts of the park, the course was in energy sapping mode, creating real challenges on some of the hill climbs for those who hadn’t chose the right footwear.

Polly Low-McRae was well placed for a top 20 position in the women’s race but had to pull out on the last lap with illness.

Emma Hatch made an impressive Surrey League debut as first scorer in 35:58 (76th). Some steady running from consistent performers Katie Styles (88th, 36:33), Becca Schulleri (90th, 36:41), Katie Smith (101st, 37:11) and Ola Balme (102nd, 37:13) completed the A team scoring but Dulwich lost ground on fellow relegation battlers meaning that the final race at Lloyd Park in February will be critical to Division 1 survival.

Dulwich men finished seventh out of nine teams providing valuable breathing space over Croydon and South London Harriers in the fight to stay in Division 1.

With marathon training in full swing, many of the club’s runners are building some good form.

Captain Ed Chuck led the way with an excellent eighth place (25:59) with similarly strong showings from Nick Impey (35th, 27:31) and Ben Howe (47th, 27:51). Some solid packing in the midfield saw Rob Armstrong (58th, 28:17), Andy Bond (61st, 28:20), Aaron Wilson (62nd, 28:21) and Steve Kendall (64th, 28:24) finish in close succession. Max Bloor (69th, 28:35), Ade Russell (73rd, 28:45) and James Blackwood (78th, 28:58) all finished under 29 minutes to complete the scoring.

A strong turnout of 28 runners was rewarded with the B team placing third. With many runners continuing to improve or return from injury this provides confidence for higher placings in the remaining races this season.

Main Pic: Dulwich Runners men’s team