Three teams from Farnham Runners took part in the annual Endure 24 relay race held in Wasing Park near Reading.

The challenge was to run as many five-mile laps along the wooded trails of the park as possible in 24 hours. The race began at midday on the Saturday and finished 24 hours later. 

The runners endured the intense heat of the afternoon at the start of the race and were relieved to run in cooler conditions through the night and into the next day. 

Despite the heat and lack of sleep, through determination, encouragement and support, the teams worked together to run as many laps as possible – while enjoying the camaraderie of the group camp.

The Farnham Synchronise Swimmers, comprising Craig Tate-Grimes, Emma Dawson, Paul Mackie, Mark Maxwell, Sue Taylor and Harvey Wickham, ran 33 laps to come 14th out of 110 teams in the mixed large team category.

Carolyn Wickham was the team captain for Ali’s Angels. 

She said: “Endure 24 never fails to disappoint and this year was extra special as we ran in memory of our beautiful friend and previous team-mate Alison, who sadly passed away in January after a short but brave fight with cancer. 

“We were honoured to run with her name on our T-shirts and we know she would have been looking down on us with a twinkle in her eye.

“Despite the heat, hay fever, lack of sleep and a spectacular fall, myself and fellow teammates Jacquie Browne, Nicola O’Connor, Penny Schnabel and Julia Tagg, managed an impressive 22 laps!”

The team was placed 37th out of 57 ladies’ small teams.

The Dream Team of Linda Tyler, Bridget Naylor, Colette Grist, Ali Mitchell, Laura Quinn, Phoebe Thomas and Bella Weetch ran 32 laps and came third out of 19 teams in the ladies’ large team category.

Colette said: “Super chuffed that our team came third in our category. So, so hot and no sleep really but so much fun – beautiful site, stunning trails, great company, laughter, glitter and dancing.”

Bella said: “Endure 24 was amazing. A poignant reminder of the power of sport – friends, wellbeing, teamwork, resilience. We laughed all weekend long and coming third in our category was the perfect way to round it off. The course was tough and hot, but the atmosphere was electric and empowering, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Farnham Runners shared a camping site with Rachel Morris and her three teams from the charity Challengers.

Rachel said: “It was a fantastic weekend, raising £6,000 for Challengers and teaching a team how to run, having learnt from Farnham Runners last year! The chance to run alongside amazing team-mates while raising money for children with disabilities to enable them to play and develop a love for movement and how it makes us feel good is key to creating happy teenagers and adults.”

Linda Tyler