Stratford AC's Matt Burdus-Cook takes victory in Tempo Winter Series opener in Ilmington

THERE was double delight for Stratford AC at the first race of the 5k Tempo Winter Series in Ilmington where they had the overall winner and first female finisher.

Leading the 37-strong contingent home was Matt Burdus-Cook who won the race in 36:52, with U17 athlete Maisie-Joy Spriggs taking the ladies’ honours in 43:12, a full two minutes and 45 seconds clear of the second-placed female.

In an exciting sibling race, U20 Caleb Spriggs, in 14th place, finished in 43:10, just two seconds ahead of sister Maisie-Joy.

Second home for Stratford in what was a superb race for the younger members of the club was U17 Noah Balchin (8th, 41:42), closely followed by David Teasdale (1st in his age category and 9th overall) in 41:49 and Max Ross (10th) in a PB of 41:53.

Caleb and Maisie-Joy were next, closely followed by James Coy (16th) with a PB of 43:45 and Sam Wilks (17th, 43:52).

With his son and daughter having finished 14th and 15th, Chris Spriggs (47th) finished in 49:18.

GB duathlete Fern Horden (56th) was both second in her age category and second female Stratford athlete to finish.

Kim Lee (60th) was the third Stratford female to finish in 50:30. Phil Brennan (116th) finished in 57:21 and was first in his age category.