A group of Farnham Runners tackled the iconic hilly and muddy course at Parliament Hill in the England National Cross Country Championships.

This year didn’t disappoint in terms of the mud. They enjoyed being part of the prestigious race, which draws the best runners from all over England. Linda Tyler, Lindsay Bamford, Gemma Whitehouse, Kay Copeland and Jane Georghiou took on the 8km ladies’ race, while Joe Collins’ race was 12km.

Fourteen Farnham Runners travelled to Devon for the very popular Grizzly race, some doing the nine-mile version, but most the 20 miles over the notoriously challenging route.

Colette Grist said: “We all survived. Tough terrain but a stunning course in the sunshine – a great day. It was a fantastic weekend of running and sea air with great friends, chatter and laughter. I could not have asked for better weather or views.”

Training for the London marathon, five Farnham Runners ran the Kingston Breakfast Run 20 miler. Joe Collins came first M35 in 2:03,49, Chris Matthews was third M45 in 2:06.39, with Matt Saker second M55 in 2:17.07 and Lizzie May second F30 in 2:17.34. Richard Steedman clocked 2:34:35 in his first road race of any distance.

Twenty-three Farnham Runners completed the Fleet half marathon. Stuart Taylor was the first of them to cross the line in 1:25.08. Keith Marshall was next in 1:33.27 as fourth M65. Linda Tyler, Candy Waller and Gemma Whitehouse all clocked personal best times while Tyler and Jane Georghiou were second in their age categories.

Farnham Runners are running a Get Me Started course.

Created by England Athletics, the ten-week course is designed for complete beginners or anyone coming back from a break from running after injury or illness.

By Jane Georghiou