Striders President Brenda Matthews, herself a world-class sprinter, thanked Inger after her talk.

Inger was the most recent celebrity guest at Striders. In previous years, members heard Long Beach State coach Ron Allice and former Olympic coach and Masters Hall of Famer Payton Jordan.

Rick Muth, an M55 long sprinter, joined others in quizzing Inger on her storied career.

Striders Vice President Stan Whitley congratulated W60 jumper/thrower Annelies Steekelenburg on her Outstanding Female Athlete award.

Annelies set a European and Dutch age-group record in the high jump this year.

Also an excellent javelin thrower, Annelies has been a Strider for many years.

Stan hands M80 thrower Arnie Gaynor the Outstanding Male Athlete award.

Arnie, a world champion, set a world age-group record in the shot put this year.

Annelies and Arnie display their awards before an audience of about 40.

Stan recognized new M55 sprinter Damien Leake, an accomplished movie and TV actor who clocked a remarkable 12.61 100 this season.

Stan accepted the Dr. Robert Watanabe Award -- the top Striders honor -- on behalf of unable-to-attend Myrle Mensey, a W55 thrower who ranked first nationally in many events this year.

Jeanne Bowman and Brenda Matthews flanked guest Phil Raschker, a two-time finalist for the AAU Sullivan Award as a masters athlete.

Rodney Johnson, who videotapes many Striders events and put together a slide show for this banquet, photographed Jeanne, Phil and Brenda.

Rod and Stan joined the ladies for a group shot near the end of the awards banquet, where members feasted on prime rib, among other dishes.

Stan displayed this year's gift to Striders' Pride receipients -- a sophisticated outdoor blanket.

The Striders logo graces the blanket, as it has covered foldable chairs and rolling backpacks of previous years.

This year's gift went to three dozen Striders members.

Stan handed out the blankets, which are soft on one side and waterproof on the other for use on grass and other harsh outdoor surfaces.

Arnie Gaynor paused to chat with retired Muir coach Jim Brownfield.

Perhaps half the members of the Southern California Striders gathered for a final team shot at this year's awards banquet.