Striders trio take on World Trials

Lorna Allison, Ruth Wilson and Helen Robinson travelled to Cofton Park in Birminghamto take on an undulating and extremely muddy course.

Scores of Striders watched the race, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports 3.

Allison and Wilson maintained a position in the middle of the pack on the first lap before the energy sapping course took its toll on the latter during the second lap.

Allison’s Edinburgh Marathon training seemed to pay off and her greater stamina told on the last lap of three, as she finished in an excellent time of 32.46 for the 8,000m course, in 188th position. Wilson hung on for a time of 34.42 and 250th place.

Club captain Allison was delighted with the Striders’ efforts.

She said: “We battled through that mud and came out smiling. What a great day.”

Robinson, who was only drafted into the team a week before the race, finished in a creditable 290th to mark her debut at national level. The three Striders formed half of the scoring six runners who finished for Lincs in the team event.

They were supported by Striders stalwarts Jerry McCulla and Phil Kitchen, who was the first Strider to run in the World Championship Trials in 1984.