Dulwich Runners win promotion back to top flight of Surrey Cross Country League

Dulwich Runners’ men celebrated an instant return to Division 1 of the Surrey Cross Country League on Saturday afternoon, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

While Storm Eunice put paid to other Surrey League fixtures at Effingham Common, great work by the organisers made Croydon’s Lloyd Park safe for competition.

Typically muddy conditions and two climbs of the park’s signature hill climb made for energy-sapping conditions on the five-mile course.

Dulwich held a 202 point lead over nearest challengers Croydon Harriers going into the race and a 384-point advantage over third-placed Epsom & Ewell.

A 20-strong turnout helped to make promotion mathematically certain. Co-Captain Ed Chuck (27:44) and Jack Ramm (28:06) were second and third on the podium alongside the division’s standout runner of the season – Croydon’s Dom Nolan (27:09).

Making a welcome return to the cross country scene after injury was fellow co-captain Tom South (30:19, 16th) finishing just ahead of Sean Cordon (30:23, 17th) and Jon Phillips (30:49, 22nd). Andy Bond (31:26, 31st) had been nursing a slight injury, but won the men’s 40-plus championship with Ade Russell (31:36, 35th) marking his excellent debut season with bronze in the same age group.

Shane Boyce was 39th in 31:59. Wayne Lashley (32:35, 49th) could not resist an outing at his local park and finished just ahead of Ed Harper (32:37, 50th) to complete the team scoring and secure the title.

Dulwich’s B team finished in first place on the day and also over the whole season.