Not even the incessant downpour could dampen the spirit of over 250 drenched enthusiasts in the Croydon Harriers/Croydon Cultural Services 10 kilometre event as they gathered in Lloyd Park Avenue on Sunday.

One of several previous winners in action, Barry Cooke (Bromsgrove & Reddich) came down from the Midlands only to be deprived of a second victory by another visitor, Alex Rowe (Wesham R Are) from Lancashire.

These two soon detached themselves at the head of the steaming throng. Rowe went on to win in splendid isolation in 34:36 with Cooke coming in to finish 58sec later. Tom Sheppard (Striders ) thwarted a clean sweep by runners from beyond the borough, taking third place another 58 seconds back.

Rosalind Lewis (Shaftesbury Barnet), another previous winner, took her second women's title in fifth place overall, with a 37:20 effort. Steve Trimmer (SLH), was the next local finisher, sixth in 37:23.

Croydon Harrier Duncan Woolmer, just back from injury, ran a controlled race and did really well to make the top 10 in 37.50. He was followed 15 seconds later by the women's runner-up Meredith Pannett (Dulwich Runners)

V50 men's winner Martin Preston (SLH) finished12th overall with Croydon Harrier Martin Rowe hot on his heels in 38:36.

Fifteen-year-old club colleague Mark Elsworthy ran a promising 39:34 effort to win the under-20 prize.

A few yards back came Strider David Bell, 39:39, who had the edge by a single second over third placed woman Alison McKenzie (SLH).

There were many interesting tussles further down the field. Fun runner Jessica Goodwin, 14, battled with fellow Croydon Harrier Paul Weston, the club's joint young athlete's team manager. Youth prevailed, with the youngster showing no respect in the final stages, sprinting clear to finish 91st in 46:59 with Weston 96th in 47:12.

Eleven Woodcote Junior School supporters, organised by Bernadette Blackwell in their quest for funds, were led home by Albert Baldock, 73rd in 45:42 with Bernadette appropriately leading the ladies home 183rd in 55:48.

Two hundred and fifty-two runners completed the course, assisted by stewards from the Harriers, their friends, including a retired GP, and the reliable Croydon Lions.

The next Croydon 10k Road Race and Fun Run will be held in April 2002.

October 24, 2001 14:30