NEIL Wilson and Stewart Ellis kicked off proceedings for Halstead Road Runners as they both recorded fast times at Springfield Striders Friday Five race series in Pleshey.

Ellis ran a season's best time of 30 minutes 14 seconds to finish ninth while Wilson finished 17th in 31m 59s.

Halstead Road Runners members played an active part in celebrations at the second anniversary of the Great Notley Park Run, with club members Charlotte and Steve May's three-year-old son Sam, winning the prize for best fancy dressed boy.

Sam Wolton, Charlotte May, Karl Hillman, Nicole Smith, Jenn Langley, Hazel Buist, Axel Voight, Les Morley and Mel Candler all ran the 5km course with Nicole Smith recording a PB of 25m 55s.

Mike Grealy chose the Great Cornard event, completing it in 21m 20s and finishing 17th

Tom Porter made his half-marathon debut in Sunday's Flitch Way Half-Marathon.

Having spent the last few weeks nursing a niggling leg injury, Porter was delighted to complete the course in one hour 47m.