Barking Roadrunners debutant Maria Bartlett ran well at Thorndon Park

Road Runners in cross-country action

Bradley Brown led Barking Road Runners home at their third cross-country event of the season at Thorndon Country Park.

Thrift Green Trotters hosted over 270 runners on a tough 7.5km course and Brown completed it in 33 minutes eight seconds.

Martin Page was not far behind, finishing in 34.03, and Joe Monk (35.36) and Derv Bartlett (35.57) were next home.

Gareth Tucker completed the race in 38.35, with Pritesh Patel (40.07) and Graham Corrick (40.17) completing the Barking scoring.

Ever-improving Barry Culling was next home in 42.27, with Salim Issa (47.54), Paul Pickford (48.34), Dennis Spencer-Perkins (52.21) and Micky Ball (52.28) also finishing.

Richard Ash was forced to drop out part way round due to illness.

Maxine Brown showed a return to form for the women, streaking home in 38.16, while captain Vicky Cooper continued her recovery from injury as she clocked an impressive 41.32.

Faye Spooner took the third-place points for the squad in 41.58, while Maria Bartlett (48.35) and Neringa Kisleraviciute (48.46) enjoyed impressive debuts for the club.

Rob Warner of Havering dominated the overall field once again, finishing in an incredible time of 26.56.

The women were led home by Charlotte Peppiatt (31.42) of Benfleet RC, who came out on top overall on the day.

Benfleet occupy top spot with two races remaining, but Barking are comfortably holding on to fourth place in Division Two, ahead of the next event at South Weald on Sunday week (February 3).