ST HELENS Striders are currently going through a busy road running campaign, as their members compete in events around the country.

Three members made the long journey north to Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run. Dennis Wharton, running his fifth consecutive North Run, did well finishing in a time of 83mins 23secs, Frank McAllister came next, clocking 87mins, with Ken Bold completing the 13.1 miles in 96mins 29secs.

Then it was on to the Chester Zoo 10k where eight took part in this shorter distance with the emphasis being on speed rather than endurance.

Current speedster of the club Paul Demore led the side home when he produced a personal best for the distance in a time of 34mins 55secs.

Gill Jones also ran a personal best when she crossed the line in 37mins 36secs and naturally giving her male team members something to think about.

Brian Middleton came next as he finished strongly in 38mins 56secs, with Frank McAllister showing no effects from his half-marathon performance the previous week completing with a time of 39mins 57secs.

Les Abbott continues to run well as he came in clocking 40mins 25secs. Globe trotters Ste and Claire Pickavance, back fresh from their holiday in Australia, also performed well as they ran the course with times of 43mins 11secs and 51mins 51secs respectively. John Elliot completed the team's good all-round performance as he came home in 52mins.

At the time of writing, Brian Middleton was due to fly out to the USA to take part in the gruelling New York Marathon which takes place next weekend, all at the club wish Brian good luck in what must be his 50th marathon.