Sunday, June 16 was a perfect day for running for the 430 runners who took part in the 16th annual Alresford Rotary 10k.

Early morning rain cleared and the weather was fine and warm for the race itself. 

Before the main road race Sun Hill School in Alresford organised three races for younger people around the field at Arlebury Park, where the first three boys and girls in each race were awarded specially made chocolate medals from Chocolate Craft. All of the other runners received less edible medals.

Originally conceived in 2007 as a community running event, the race has grown over the years and was, once again, part of the Hampshire Road Race League series of races that take place throughout the year. The race numbers and UK Athletics licences were sponsored by Prospect Fencing, which has been supporting the event since it started.

The 10k runners followed the usual route through the town, which goes past the watercress beds and out into the Hampshire countryside.

The water point on the race route was managed by the local Brownies, Guides and Explorer Scouts, who did a fantastic job of organising, handing out and clearing up nearly 1,000 cups of water for the thirsty runners.

The men’s race was won by Fred Slemeck in 32.21 and the women’s race by Katie Gunn in 39.41. All the results are on the EventChipTiming website.

At the finish line runners were treated to watercress from The Watercress Company, bananas provided by Tesco in Winnal, cookies from the Arlebury Café and a souvenir buff, all handed out by pupils from Perins School in Alresford who provided invaluable support throughout the day.

The winners of each age category received a commemorative trophy and a hamper of delicious local goodies put together by the Arlebury Café, and the runners-up got a box of Chocolate Craft chocolates specially labelled with this year's date.

The race was organised and marshalled by Alresford Rotary Club and all of the surplus from this year's race is being donated to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.