Sutton-based Andy Turner beat everyone apart from world number one David Oliver in the IAAF Continental Cup in Split, Croatia, on Sunday.

Drawn in lane four alongside the American, Britain’s top sprint hurdler battled against a stiff headwind to finish second in 13.48.

Oliver clocked 13.11. Belgrave’s world champion Phillips Idowu was below his best in finishing third in the triple jump (17.24m).

Teddington-based Andy Baddeley was fifth in the 1,500m (3:38.41) as Europe beat the Americans to take the team title.

TRACK CLOSED: The Pope’s visit to St Mary’s University on Friday, September 17, means St Mary’s Richmond’s track training faces disruption. The track will be closed from tomorrow until Saturday, September 18, and is likely to remain closed for a further six weeks to allow resurfacing work to take place. Runners preparing for the opening cross country fixture on October 9 must train on grass at St Mary’s or other locations such as Teddington Lock playing fields.

RELAY GOOD: The Surrey Road Relay Championships are staged from Wimbledon Park athletics track tomorrow (noon). Thames Hare & Hounds defend their senior men’s and veteran women’s titles, Herne Hill the over-40s veterans title, South London Harriers’ the over-50 veterans’ title and Ranelagh Harriers the senior women’s title.

CUP KING: More than 60 runners contested the Thomas Cup, which opened Ranelagh Harriers’ cross country season in Richmond Park. The 6km handicap race dates back to 1889, when it was donated by Sid Thomas, who was a multiple world record-holder. Peter Lowman hung on to win his first trophy.

Fastest times: Men: Trevor Maguire 23.08, Ed Barker 23.22, Niall O’Connor 23.26. Women: Marie Synnott-Wells 25.30, Sandra Prosser 28.05, Alison Dicks 30.02.

ALL FOR FUN: The Harry Hawkes eight-mile fun run takes place from Giggs Hill Green, Thames Ditton, this Sunday (10am). The course is flat and follows the banks of the Thames. Entry is £10 in advance and £12 on the day and raises funds for local charities. This year’s event is being backed by Nuffield Health, Lanson Running and Vitamin Water. Enter online at hh8.org.uk