Croydon Harriers in weekend action as Aikmann and Armstrong-Pleith stand out
The senior men and women competed in the South of the Thames Championships in Beckenham Place Park.
In the four-to-score team race the Croydon men finished 14th of the 39 participating, just heading local rival Striders by 26 points. The B closed in 23rd. Their C team finished 32nd while the D quartet made certain that 39 teams completed the course.
Harriers’ women placed ninth of 16 teams.
The club’s leading runners were Douglas Aikmann, 40th in 27:50, a critical place and a second ahead of the women’s winner.
Madeleine Armstrong-Pleith retained her role as the club’s first female finisher in 18th place and 124th overall in 32:01.
The men’s A team was completed by a fine run from Scott Miller (54th, 28 35) – ably supported by David Brown (61st, 29:02) and Ashley George (68th, 29:35).
The women’s foursome was rounded off by Laura Marshall (34th/190th overall), Ciara Dolby (56th, 39:21) and Miriam De Souza (73rd, 43:33).
Two club stalwarts, Rush Yadave and Peter Howes, completed the club contingent in the M65 category. Yadave, a prolific marathon man with more than 300 under his belt, was possibly pacing himself for a couple more laps and a run home.
The following day on Epsom Downs, and braving very cold conditions, Croydon’s young athletes, ranging from 10 to 16, set about their Downs League races with great determination.
Individually there were several very good performances headed by an outstanding win for U11 girl Elisha Cort (6:47).
PICTURES: MIKE FLEET/CROYDON HARRIERS
