Alton Runners achieved some impressive results at the Gosport half marathon.

The race was the fourth fixture in the 2024-25 Hampshire Road Race League season.

The event, which was organised by Gosport Road Runners, attracted more than 1,400 participants – including a team of 20 from Alton Runners.

Alton Runner Kathryn Powell showed impressive levels of determination and resilience to take on the race just 13 weeks after undergoing major surgery that saved her life.

Kathryn said: “I had my doubts I’d even finish this race let alone get my third-fastest half marathon ever.

“I loved the support, the course, the sunshine and all the encouragement from the faster ones.”

Leading Alton Runners home was Alex Hall, who finished 39th overall.

Laura de Lisle was the first female Alton Runner to cross the finish line, securing 11th place among the women.

Every finisher was rewarded with a medal and a goody bag to add to the positive atmosphere.

The running conditions were favourable, with many participants achieving personal bests over the flat twice out and back seafront course, which featured the lively beats of a samba band.

Alton Runners committee member James Kidwell said: “If you want to know anything about the conditions you just need to see how many of the club’s members set half marathon personal bests – it was a fantastic team effort.”

The next Hampshire Road Race League fixture is the 78th Victory five-mile race in Portsmouth on Sunday, December 1, and Alton Runners have a team of 24 already signed up to represent the club at the event.

Alton Runners are a friendly and inclusive running club which welcomes runners of all abilities – from beginners to seasoned runners.

The club, which participates in the Hampshire Road Race League and the Southern Cross Country League, holds training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings – typically at Jubilee Fields and Anstey Park.

Anyone who would like more information on Alton Runners and how to join the club should visit the website at www.altonrunners.co.uk for further details.

By Lydia Andrews