Alton Runners impress in Hampshire Road Race League

Alton Runners enjoyed a successful 2025-26 Hampshire Road Race League season.

Alton entered three men's teams and two women's teams, with 87 runners representing the club.

The men’s A team finished third in Division A1, the men’s B team finished fourth in Division B1 and the men’s C team were promoted after finishing second in Division B3.

The women’s A team finished eighth in Division A1 and avoided relegation, while the women’s B team were promoted after winning Division B2.

All runners who completed seven or more races received a mug, while those who completed all 12 races received a T-shirt.

Thirty-nine women ran for Alton, with seven receiving mugs. Kathryn Powell and Lydia Andrews received T-shirts for completing all 12 races.

Alton runner Rachel Walsh finished first overall in the league after winning three races and finishing the season with an average score of 99.26 out of 100.

Forty-eight men ran for Alton, with ten receiving mugs. Christian Coles received a T-shirt for completing all 12 races.

Alex Hall led the charge for the men, securing seventh place in the league with an average score of 95.06.

Alton Runners men’s captain Steve Drysdale said: “It was fantastic to see the men’s teams improve their league placings from last season, despite being without some of our faster runners from recent years.

“This is testament to the strength in depth at the club, and so many of our runners showing up on the start line throughout the season.”

Drysdale finished second in the MV40 category, with Coles in fourth place. Di Byrne finished ninth in the WV50 category.

Andrew Lowton finished second in the MV60 category, with Jack Shepherd in sixth place. Steph Erskine finished fourth in the WV60 category.

Hugh Bethell won the MV80 category.

By Lydia Andrews