Alton Runners achieved some impressive results in the 2024-25 Southern Cross Country League Bourne Woods fixture.

Bourne Woods provided a picturesque backdrop for the fifth and final fixture of the season.

Hosted by Farnham Runners, the event featured a challenging five-mile course with various tracks and trails, concluding at the side of the Rural Life Museum.

Twenty-seven Alton Runners proudly donned their yellow club vests to represent the club at the event. The weather was sunny and crisp – perfect running conditions.

Alton Runner Dylan Poulton delivered a superb performance, crossing the finish line first and making it five wins out of five in this season’s cross-country events.

Poulton’s consistent excellence has been a significant highlight for the club throughout the cross-country season.

Poulton said: “The course was fantastic, and the competition was tough.

“I made my move to the front at around 3.5 miles to create a bit of a gap, but it remained very close.

“Securing five wins out of five is a brilliant way to finish the season.”

Alton Runner Ian Urquhart said: “Well done to all those who ran or came to support at the Bourne Woods cross country.

“There were a few changes on the course, so there weren’t as many hills as usual.

“The weather was great – ideal conditions for running and not as muddy as usual.”

Alton Runner Darren Mansfield added: “It was a beautiful, scenic route with plenty of undulations.”

In addition to Poulton’s stellar performance, the other male scoring positions were filled by Steve Drysdale, Andrew Lowton and Benny Roddis – together they finished seventh as a team.

The women’s scorers for Alton Runners were Di Bryne, Lola Powell, Katie Bonham and Clare Read. The women’s team finished 11th.

Alton Runners finished eighth overall at the Bourne Woods fixture, and finished joint-third in the final league table.

It was a busy day for Alton Runners, as five club members took part in the Brighton Half Marathon, Christopher Colley travelled to Chichester for a 10km race, and Rachel Walsh and Christian Coles competed in the Roma-Ostia Half Marathon in Rome – where Walsh was the first British female to cross the line.

The next fixture for Alton Runners is the Salisbury ten-mile race – which is the eighth fixture in the 2024-25 Hampshire Road Race League season – on Sunday, April 6.

Attention will then turn to the Hampshire Road Race League fixture that Alton Runners host – the Alton ten-mile race – which will take place on Sunday, May 11.

The route will start in Holybourne and take runners through Binsted, South Hay and Wheatley before finishing at Eggar’s School.

Preparations have already started for this year’s race, which is organised by Alton Runners and Alton Lions Club and is also open to non-club runners.

The event features a rewarding course through picturesque countryside, offering stunning views.

The finisher's medal will be designed by local graphic designer and Alton Runners club member Emily Parker.

Alton Runners chairman Jim Armitage said: “We are thrilled to host the Alton ten run once again.

“It's a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, be active and enjoy the amazing views and countryside around Alton.”

Registration for the ten-mile race is now open. Participants can sign up online on the Alton Runners website: www.altonrunners.co.uk