The Stragglers Junior Handicap came to a conclusion some weeks ago with more than 100 youngsters competing throughout the race series, and there were some very excited youngsters waiting to receive there awards from Australian International Benita Johnson and Irish International Sonia O'Sullivan who were on hand to award the trophies this week.

Benita took time out to attend the Hawker Centre, the home of the Stragglers, before flying back to Oz to prepare to regain her World Cross Country title in Edinburgh next March, while O'Sullivan, a previous Olympic and world 5k silver medallist, has been a keen supporter of the event and not only encouraged her daughters to run but she also managed the Hampton Court Dragons team.

The event for U6s, saw O'Sullivan's youngest daughter Sophie run a series of fine performances to collect the minis award. Sophie demonstrated that she is a chip off the old block by showing the other young athletes a clear pair of heels in most of her races.

In the individual event, it was Stragglers' Elizabeth Curme who not only completed all six races, but also accumulated a significant amount of points to claim the title for the first time.

The talented Aurther Vie was second with Ben Howley a close third.

The newly sponsored Achievement Award went to the young athlete who has consistently ran the fastest time for five out of the six races, and few could disagree that Benedict Chapman is an outstanding talent who fully deserved this years award.

The Straggler juniors will now turn their attention to the start of the cross country season were they will compete in the Downs League, which kicks off on November 11 at Epsom Race Course. For more information see stragglers.org