FOURTEEN Farnham Runners travelled to the second round of the Hampshire Road League series, the Solent half-marathon.

They had to endure running the 13.1 miles in rain throughout, as well as warm and humid conditions, but they were rewarded with a solid set of results for their A and B teams.

Third in the M50 category was Matt Saker, who recorded an impressive one hour 25 minutes 23 seconds as 34th finisher overall.

Next were Harvey Wickham in 1.32.09 and Neil Ambrose in 1.34.36, while Steve Bailey and John Phillips finished together in an exciting sprint finish and it was impossible to tell who had won. They were given the same gun time of 1.35.28 but Steve, with a chip time of 1.35.20, appears first in the results to complete the A team’s score to place them a worthy seventh in the competitive top division. They now lie sixth after two of the 12 races.

John Phillips had to be content to lead in the B string, in a chip time of 1.35.23, followed by Ali Hardaway, third M55 in 1.37.22, Tim Farrant in 1.38.26 and Ian Loader in 2.18.11. This gave them 12th place on the day but they lie seventh on aggregate.

After competing in the Alice Holt Forest 5k race the previous day, Louise Granell used this as part of her training for the forthcoming Bournemouth marathon and clocked a fine time of 1.38.22 as fourth senior lady.

Linda Tyler, also running at Bournemouth, was delighted to win her F55 category in 1.41.41, while Anne Snelson was final A scorer in 1.55.25. This team equalled the seventh place of the first event.

The B squad came ninth and now lie eighth. Clair Bailey led them in with a time of 2.04.32. Tina Harrison crossed the line in 2.05.49, while Jane Probett gained a new personal best of 2.09.47.

*Farnham Runner Stephen Tarrant took on the challenge of the Berlin marathon and was pleased to finish inside his four-hour target in 3.58.33.

*Farnham Runners achieved some excellent results at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, despite battling against a stiff headwind along the seafront in one direction. In her first race in club colours after a break, Gabriella Hitchcock was 23rd lady and fourth F40 in a splendid time of 3.35.06. Not far behind was Louise Granell in 3.35.33, in the top ten of the senior ladies, while Linda Tyler clinched second F55 in 3.55.57.

In the half marathon, Sarah Hill was third lady in an enviable 1.23.36 after less training than usual (first F45). Emma Pearson recorded a new personal best of 1.34.33, finishing as sixth lady in her category.