It has been another busy time for Haslemere Border athletes – with members taking part in races across the south.

Fresh from her Big Mud marathon only a week earlier, Rosie Dyke was back on the trail to take part in the Maverick Hampshire race which offers runners an option of three distances: long 24km, middle 16km and short 9km. Rosie took on the 16km route.

All races start in Winchester, taking runners through some of the prettiest villages in the area, including Tichborne and Cheriton, before climbing up on to the hills where runners were also treated to some spectacular views across the national park before descending down towards the finish at Cheesefoot Head.

Rosie ran a great race and finished in 1:30.17.

Also out on the course was Paul Croad, who had opted for the 24km route.

Having struggled with ongoing injuries, Paul was slightly apprehensive about the race ahead – but like all good athletes he rose to the challenge.

Paul ran a competent race, and finished in a time of 2:44.32 – well done Paul!

Sunday, March 5 saw the popular Steyning ‘Stinger’ marathon take place, and runners were greeted by a rather early and chilly start to the day. Among the line-up was Haslemere Border athlete Sarah Smith.

The route takes runners up on to the South Downs National Park between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea, including a multi-terrain race with a mix of countryside and road, encompassing four hills or ‘Stings’ up towards the top of the downs. At the end of the race, all those taking part were also treated to a ‘free’ breakfast provided by Steyning Grammar School.

Sarah ran a superb race, finishing in a time of 3:51.13 to finish second lady overall.

The Southern Cross Country League’s season came down to its final race on Sunday, March 5 – with Fareham Runners hosting a new venue at the glorious setting of Holywell Estate, set in the Meon Valley.

Haslemere Borders were hoping to continue their recent strong performances in the league, and for cross country team captain Steve Pendegrass it was his first cross country race of the season – having sustained an injury last year.

The undulating route took runners across fields, through woodlands and off-road tracks, with a few hills thrown in and the customary slippery and muddy areas. Along the route runners were greeted with marshals and spectators cheering, together with the sounds of cow bells ringing.

The aroma of hot food and fresh coffee near the finish line was all the encouragement that was required to make sure all made it to the finish. 

Bringing the men’s team home was Mark Williams finishing in 16th place, followed by Josh Dales (59th), Marco Di Caprio (65th), Tim Wishaw (93rd), Richard Spandley, Peter Varnes, Dave Bateman and Pendegrass.

For the ladies, Laurel Bray again finished strongly in third place, followed by Tania Corrigan (11th), Philomel Bennett (19th), Hesta Gilham in her first cross country race in 23rd place, Rita Smalley, Yvonne Grayson, Karen Sinclair, Janet Govan, Lorraine Herring and Ann Varnes.

The exceptional team performances were duly rewarded when the final results came in, with the ladies securing first place and the men’s team recording their highest placing of the season in ninth.

The end of season results saw the HBAC team finish in eighth place, and with the team’s performances gaining strength as the season went on they will certainly be hoping for an exciting season next year. Immense thanks have to go to cross country captain Pendegrass for all of the organising, communication and support throughout the season, and the team is looking forward to further success next season under Steve’s continuing guidance.

The following weekend saw club members take part in half marathons, and for many this was part of their marathon training plan.

The Surrey half marathon is a popular event, on a relatively flat course which takes runners from the start at Woking Park and then winding out into the surrounding countryside and through the villages of Sutton Green, Jacobs Well and Worplesdon Heath before returning back to the finish line and the event village.

First home for the club was James Turner, crossing the finish line in an excellent personal best time of 1:18.15.

James was followed by Paul Seymour in 1:28.55 – which was six minutes quicker than his previous fastest time. Steve King finished in 1:53.59.

Gemma Reeder continued her good form, recording a well-earned personal best of 1:55.47. Andy Wise, recovering from injury, still managed a good time of 2:04.48.

Janet Govan was running her first half marathon race in a year which has seen her challenge herself to take on new events and distances.

Unfortunately for Janet an injury four miles from the finish line hampered her race, but with sheer determination and grit Janet dug in deep and made it to the finish line in 2:49.37 – well done Janet.

Yvonne Grayson took part in the Bath Two Tunnels railway race – a race that not only takes in many of Bath’s attractions, but also has the longest underground section for a race in the UK.

Cutting right under the city of Bath, the two tunnels had been closed and sealed in 1966, before reopening in 2013.

They are now accessible to walkers, runners and cyclists.

Devonshire Tunnel is 408m, while Combe Down Tunnel, is 1,672m long and had piped violin music exuding from inside.

Despite going into the race feeling that she had under-trained, Yvonne still managed to finish in a time of 2:22.21 and reported back that the tunnels were very spooky – not a race for the faint hearted.

It’s a race that Yvonne would recommend, with brilliant organisation, friendly marshals, friendly runners and a unique two tunnels race medal.

Ann Varnes and Philomel Bennett