Tuff Fitty and Striders race to Sussex Cross Country League promotion

Worthing Striders put in some fine performances to complete the fourth race in the series, held at Lancing Manor, to win Division 2 and secure promotion into the top flight for next season.

Striders had got off to a strong start in the first race at Goodwood to top the league table – a position they held throughout the series, despite some competitive racing with other clubs.

The surprise package this year were Tuff Fitty Triathlon Club, who have secured back-to-back promotions and will also race in Division 1 next year.

Having joined the league for the first time last year, they achieved promotion from Division 3 at the first attempt, and have this year finished second in Division 2 to go up again.

They got off to a strong start this season and sat third in the league following race one. Tuff Fitty then scored the best points in the division in a race earlier this year to move into second position, prior to the last race held at Lancing on Saturday.

Team manager Christian Faires led the way, finishing in the top 10 in half the races, while the other highest points scorers were Dom Chapman, David Risebrow, Andy Ruffer and Chris Ette.

Both clubs will now fight it out in Division 1 next season, with other local club Worthing Harriers, who finished fourth this year, having secured promotion last year.

Full results and times in last Thursday (February 23) edition of the Worthing and Shoreham Herald and Littlehampton Gazette.