CONDITIONS were ideal for Farnham Runners’ club championship and 57 members tackled the challenging 10km race, while nine of the ‘Absolute Beginners’ class of 2017 completed the 5km distance.

Whatever their pace, all the runners were keen to put up a good showing when pitted against their team-mates.

No surprise that Richard Lovejoy strode round unchallenged to win the men’s and senior men’s trophies in 34mins 37secs – the third fastest time in the club’s history.

The two quickest times were set by Richard Ferris-Khan and his 33-52 in the inaugural 1991 event still stands as the record.

James Warren was a comfortable winner of the M40 shield in 36-49, holding off James Clarke (37-05) in the senior men’s category. Andrew Ellison gave his all to finish in 37-19.

Again, the overall ladies’ winner was never in doubt. For the seventh consecutive year, Sarah Hill had no opposition as she finished fifth overall in 37-36, also taking first F35 slot.

Charles Ashby (41-24) pipped Colin Addison (41-29) for M50 honours, with Alistair Hardaway (42-45) in third place.

Terry Steadman (50-06) won the M60 category for the eighth time, while Peter Strange (1-07-49) took the M70 trophy.

The senior ladies’ trophy went to Kayleigh Copeland (43-55).

Other category winners: U23 – Eloise Stradling (44-37); F45 – Lindsay Bamford (47-01); F55 – Linda Tyler (47-19); F64+ (new category) – Jane Georghiou (47-30).

Peter Strange presented medals to ‘Absolute Beginners’ who completed the 2017 course and 5km race. They were: Mark Hazelder, Hannah Bence, Julian Saunders, Rosetta Howe, Sally Kerr, Angela Wright, Barbara Coloe, Samantha Trebble, Helen Phillips.

The event was expertly organised by race director Craig Tate-Grimes and Richard Sheppard. The timing and results were co-ordinated by Kathy Brown and social secretary Georgi Robinson-Welch oversaw a post-race hog roast.

• Entries are now open for the Alice Holt races on Saturday, September 23. For information, visit www. farnham-runners.org.uk