SARAH Stradling helped Colchester Harriers maintain their Essex Cross Country League title push after winning bronze at Hylands Park.

The 41-year-old's third-place finish helped the Green Vests finish third and also earned her an Essex Inter Counties vest.

Backing Stradling up was Denise Morley (18th), Stacey Eyres (20th) and final scorer Ella Neale (25th).

The Harriers also secured a Veteran Ladies team runner-up spot, with Annette Oakman (35th) joining Stradling and Morley as the scorers.

Other Harriers ladies finishers: Vicky Presland (28th), Andrea James (37th), Tonie Wilson (70th) and Becky Bjotter (97th).

Results, Ladies team top four: 1 Chelmsford 55, 2 Southend 55, 3 Colchester Harriers 66, 4 Orion Harriers 75.

Ladies Veteran top four: 1 Springfield 48, 2 Colchester Harriers 56, 3 Chelmsford 61, 4 Southend 91.

Harriers' men secured a fine runners-up spot behind hosts Chelmsford AC.

The ever-improving Carwyn Jones gave a majestic performance in eighth spot, in a very strong field.

Backing Jones up was Angus Holford (11th), youngster Ramanda Osman (13th), Chris Sellens (17th), Colin Ridley (38th), Daz Faruggi (41st) and final scorer Cameron Hunphries (47th).

Harriers' veteran men strode to victory, with Springfield Striders close behind.

Other Harriers men's finishers: Mark Harrod (52nd), Paul Rodgers (53rd), Paul Spowage (66th), Jon Nears (71st), Pete West (86th), Dan Foster (104th), Russell Goodridge (109th), Simon Morgan (149th).

Results, senior men's team top four: 1 Chelmsford 95, 2 Colchester Harriers 164, 3 Springfield 176, 4 Havering Mayesbrook 195.

Veteran men's top four: 1 Colchester Harriers 209, 2 Springfield 212, 3 Orion Harriers 288, 4 Thurrock Harriers 341.

Danny Millward finished runner-up in the under-15 event to gain Essex selection, with Max Caulfield (fifth) also likely to be in the county team.

Milly Presland was sixth in the under-13 event while Alex Bell-Cobbald had a great debut in 17th, as did Emily McGill (49th).

In the under-13 boys' event, George Mann was 30th and Lois Gord 41st.

Harriers' under-15 girls continue to improve, finishing as seventh team with Lizzie Wood (22), Hannah Rodgers (40), Isabelle Minder (41) and Lily Waterson (44).

The Chelmsford marathon saw great runs by Malcolm Statham (three hours 08 minutes), Graham Langford (3h 25m) and Richard Millward (3h 30m).

Cameron Humphries won the Beckton Common park run in 17m 53s, while Wayne Cook ran 18m 00s at Great Cornard for fifth spot.

Anthony Barraclough was the first of 300 runners at Colchester Castle clocking 18m 23s, while Andy Raynor was third.

Simon Smith, Richard Boden and David Wright had top-ten finishes.

Elsie Bilson won the ladies race in a personal best (PB) of 19m 50s while new signing Gemma Browne ran a fastest-ever time of 23m 06s.

Madeline Claydon was first girl at the Colchester Junior park run, while Milly Presland was second lady at the week's previous Castle Park run.

The Venice marathon saw Craig Harley struggle in the last 10km but still clocked a commendable 3h 50m.

Kenny Walsh won the over-75 age group Middle Distance Trail Championships held at Bishop's Stortford, over a 30-mile course.

Harriers stage the 30th Anniversary race of the 53-12 XC League, on Sunday (10.45am start).

Many of the surviving runners from the original race will line up on the startline before the main race.

A special anniversary Abbeyfields ale will be presented to each finisher.