CLUBS took part in one of the more intriguing races on the county calendar – the Essex Way Relay.

The race is split into 10 legs – varying in length between 5.3 miles and 11.2 miles – along the 81 miles of the Essex Way, from Epping to Harwich.

There were some excellent results from south Essex clubs with Benfleet’s ladies team once again proving unbeatable.

The team of Catherine Stunt, Tracy Swindell, Vanessa Dobbs, Sarah Grabowski, Debbie Slack, Jacqui Watson, Gail Dawson, Debra Sundew, Jennifer Page and Dominique Ballard ensured Benfleet claimed top spot for the seventh year in a row.

Just a place behind were Southend AC’s team of Sue Crompton, Sarah Jeffrey, Natasha Lagden, Sally Newman, Debbielyn Hallam, Sarah Mapplebeck, Anne Jenkinson, Vanessa Mathers, Holly Gillard and Kasia Kostyrka.

Also making the top 10 in the women’s race were Leigh on Sea Striders (fourth), East Essex Tri (seventh), Pitsea (12th) and Billericay Striders (13th).

Benfleet’s men had a great performance too as they finished third team home.

The red and white squad was made up of Peter Stalley, Billie Burroughs, Michael Valbonesi, Mike Briggs, Nick Rankin, Mathew Cops, Graham Booty, Terence Spooner, Reece Robinson and Alan Clark.

Next south Essex team home were Southend AC’s A team who were fifth, one place ahead of Leigh on Sea Striders.

Benfleet B were 11th, Southend’s second team 14th, Pitsea 19th, Benfleet C 22nd, Leigh on Sea B 31st and a mixed Pitsea team 37th.