THE first of the 12 Hampshire Road Race League meetings took place at Overton and was eagerly anticipated by club runners throughout the region, including a large team of 26 (19 men and seven ladies) from Farnham Runners.

Conditions were damp, but spirits were running high as 468 runners assembled at the start of the five-mile undulating course through country lanes.

The organisation was excellent, with plenty of marshals and water-stations on the traffic-free course – ideal for a fast, competitive race. And fast it was, with the first male finisher, Matt Sharp (Enfield & Haringey) crossing the line in 25mins 10secs. First female was Jen Elkins (Southampton AC) in 28-29.

Farnham Runners’ first finisher was James Clarke, 22nd overall in 29-06. Rob Gilchrist was 47th (30-28) and Andrew Ellison 67th (31-32) and completing the A team was Ali Hardaway in 84th (11th in age category) with a terrific personal best 32-14.

The men’s A finished second in the ten-team Division Two – a very promising start to the season.

“We’re aiming to get promoted back to the top division and I’m delighted with the start we’ve made,” said men’s captain John Phillips.

Farnham Runners’ ladies are competing in the top flight after their strong results in recent seasons. A slightly depleted team still produced a creditable performance. First A team finisher was Emma Russ in 46th (36-40), followed by league debutant Anne Snelson in 65th (PB 38-48) and Mary Denise Fitzgerald 97th (42-27).

Farnham men’s B came second in their division, thanks to the efforts of Neil Ambrose (32-33), John Phillips (PB 33-22), Colin Addison (33-25) and Mark Maxwell (33-29). The ladies B comprised Tina Harrison (42-43), Emma Campbell (PB 43-33) and Pauline Hamilton (PB 45-12). Clair Bailey was close behind in 45-47, knocking an amazing five minutes off her previous best.

For the men’s C, newcomer Harvey Wickham clocked a PB 34-56, followed by Steve Bailey (PB 35-47), Keith Marshall (36-20) and Paul Mackie (PB 37-31).

Other times: Stu Laurie PB 37-47, Tim Farrant PB 38-00, Terry Steadman 38-18, Damian Probett 38-39, Craig Tate-Grimes PB 38-42, Steve Payne 42-28, Michael Dunkley 47-56.

• Farnham Runners are organising the ever-popular Alice Holt Races on Saturday, September 23. For more information and how to enter, visit www.farnham-runners. org.uk/racediary/aliceholt 10k.htm