ST HELENS Striders runners enjoyed a busy weekend, with three of them taking on the Mad Dog 10k in Southport.

Scott Robertson was the first Strider home in a personal-best 38mins 43secs, while Carol Foster was the club’s first female finisher in 56mins 17secs and Ian Floyd knocked 10 minutes off his time from the same reace last year.

Meanwhile, Jenny Martin finished the 10k Winter Warmer in Blackburn in 50mins 43secs and Gillian Kelly joined over 20,000 runners at the London Winter Run series 10k, where she clocked 1hr 20mins 15secs.

Ian Chisnall battled with injury but still posted an impressive 44mins 26secs at the Heaton Park 10k in Manchester.

At Grizedale Forest, five Striders took on the tough Montane Trail 13 and 26 races.

Alex Abbot was the first member home over the half-marathon distance in 2hrs 10mins 9secs, pipping father Les by two seconds.

Anita Hall (2hrs 29mins 34secs) joined them, while Ruth Besford and Gary Spriggs braved the full two-loop course, clocking 5hrs 8mins 50secs and 5hrs 31mins 5secs respectively.

In sunnier climes, Chris Reid competed at the Torremolinos half-marathon in Spain, finishing 138th.