Fifty runners from Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners took on the challenge of the Essex Way Relay at the weekend. They entered five teams into the tough 84-mile race, which started in Epping and finished in Harwich. The men had a tough time up against top

Fifty runners from Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners took on the challenge of the Essex Way Relay at the weekend.

They entered five teams into the tough 84-mile race, which started in Epping and finished in Harwich.

The men had a tough time up against top national and international runners.

In leg one, Marcus Frost finished in sixth position, competing against Paul Dobson from Springfield and Dale Laughlin from Thrift Green.

Nick Laughton in leg two, delivered an impressive performance securing fourth.

From Cressing to Great Tey, Marc Eden also delivered a top performance finishing in third position. He was competing against Paul Molyneux, in top form from Springfield and international runner Adrian Musset.

The Great Tey to West Bergholt race saw John Willoughby come home in fifth. A special mention to Alex Frost for his fantastic sprint finish, which allowed him to clinch second.

Finally, Will Tamlyn finished in a superb third on the last leg of the day to Harwich as the men finished fifth overall, with Essex's top clubs Springfield first and Colchester second.

There were some early strong performances in the ladies' team. These set the team off to a good start with third position placings from Jane Smith in leg one, Emma Copeman in leg two, Julie Jenkins in leg three, Jo Bisset-Smith in leg four and Anita Cox in leg six.

There was an exceptional run by Tina Hull just missing first position, finishing as highest placed female runner at the club.

The second half of the race from Great Tey to Harwich saw a series of magnificent performances from all of the ladies involved. Ladies' captain Pru Hayhow (leg seven), Sarah McLagan(leg eight), Jackie Adams (leg nine) and Kim Holland (leg 10), all finishing in second place.

This helped GFDR Ladies' team finish third overall, behind Benfleet and Springfield.