Bill Makuwa, from Striders of Croydon, made an excellent return to competition by winning the 23rd annual Switchback five-mile multi-terrain race in Lloyd Park and Addington Hills on Sunday.

Makuwa covered the course in 29 minutes 31 seconds.

His club colleague Ernie Hann also ran well to place second in 29:49, with Sam Clayton of rivals Croydon Harriers third (31:15).

Lee Flanagan of Striders ran well to place fourth overall and first in the over-40 category (31:22), one place ahead of club colleague Justin Macenhill (31:34).

With four of the first five finishers, Striders easily won the team prize.

The first woman to finish was Ola Balme of Dulwich, who placed 18th overall in 34:16.

She was closely followed by Serena Stracey of Striders, who placed 20th in 34:34.

Striders’ second woman across the line was the fast- improving Michelle Clarke, who finished 48th overall in 41:54, while Beatrice Schaer completed the scoring trio taking 61st (47:38).

Petts Wood won the women’s event, with Collingwood Athletics Club second and Striders third.