A BUSY Christmas period for Saffron Striders came to an end with a fantastic victory in the MV70+ class by septuagenarian John Howe in the prestigious New Year s Eve 10K run in Ely. Results for the three Christmas races included: Witham Boxing Day five

A BUSY Christmas period for Saffron Striders came to an end with a fantastic victory in the MV70+ class by septuagenarian John Howe in the prestigious New Year's Eve 10K run in Ely.

Results for the three Christmas races included:

Witham Boxing Day five-mile race: Bryn Reynolds 9th (out of 462) 26mins 50secs, Frank Haynes 310th - 42:47.

Buntingford Year End 10-mile race:

Nigel Coates 44th (out of 435) 65:31, Terry Downing 288th 85:24.

Ely New Year's Eve 10K race:

Gavin Long 200th (out of 477) 47:22, John Howe 339th - 55:31, John Parsons 465th - 67:09.

During Christmas, local residents witnessed the Strider's Annual Tinsel Run, with 30 runners attired in a variety of yellow hi-vis gear, Christmas lights, Santa hats and tinsel, running through the streets of Saffron Walden.

Mulled wine and mince pies greeted the Striders in the Market Square where the draw for London Marathon places was also made. Howard Williams and Andy Bryant were the lucky winners.

The club brings together runners from Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, ranging in ages from 17 to 70-plus.

All levels of ability are welcome and 2006 will see the introduction of companion guides for new members.