Haslemere Border Athletics Club’s (HBAC) popular summer pub runs have returned.

The runs feature a route to and from a local distillery.

Leader in running fitness coach Dean Kellaway had recced two routes suitable for all abilities, with the route starting at the Links in Liphook.

The beautiful trail run had everything to offer the 24 HBAC runners who turned up on the not so ‘summer’ evening. Everyone got drenched in the atrocious conditions, with a few taking a tumble underfoot in the muddy conditions. 

For those club members who were recovering from injury or not able to run, the option to walk proved popular with nine members braving the weather to join in – they were rewarded with the added bonus of visiting two drinking stops on route.

All runners and walkers took over the Links ski lodge at the end for a drink and a chance to chat to friends.

Haslemere Border athletes Marco de Caprio and Sammy French enjoyed a seaside jolly to participate in the Worthing Running fest. A run along the delightful seaside pier, a super flat road race with the added bonus of an ice cream medal and fish and chips – for those who fancied it – it was a perfect way to spend the morning.

Marco was pacing his brother on his first half and both finished in a superb time of 1:51.10. Sammy, who had recently returned from injury, had opted for the 10km race and finished in a super-fast time of 53.50.

Rosie Dyke spent a morning in Winchester taking part in the Big Way Round – which is the second of the race events organised by BigFeat Events and offers runners various options of distances from an Ultra to 14 miles – and Rosie’s choice was 19 miles. 

She actually signed up only a few days before but has been running extremely well, so she was fully prepared. 

Indeed, after tackling 1,309ft of elevation and climbing St Catherine’s Hill, Cheesefoot Head and some undulating trails along the South Downs Way, with a lovely drop down along the River Itchen, Rosie reached the finish line at Winchester Rugby Club in an impressive time of 2:59.40.

Well done Rosie – last-minute decisions often turn out to be a triumph!

On the same day, Karen Sinclair headed to Milton Keynes to take part in the Milton Keynes marathon weekend.

Karen had originally entered the marathon, but she was recovering from an injury which prevented her running the distance and she dropped down to the half. All runners were treated to a scenic, fun to run and fast course.

Having not run more than 15km since injuring herself, Karen found the run hard but was happy to get around and completed the course in a time of 2:34.56. An added bonus for Karen was being greeted by her dog Maisie at the finish line and being there to see her cousin complete her first full marathon.

The ever-popular Cocking 10km, organised by the Midhurst Milers, took place. 

It always attracts a good local bunch of runners, and a small cluster of Halsemere Border athletes were included in the mix too. The runners were also treated to some glorious sunshine.

Like all good trail races, the race began with a hilly climb up towards Cowdray Estate, west of the Flint Barn Cafe, before heading out on to the South Downs towards the West Dean Estate, with some lovely trails and the odd climb back to the start. 

First home for Haslemere Borders was Duncan Selmes, who finished sixth overall in a superb time of 44.16. Next home was Tom Bampton in 58.51. Newcomer Faye Noble-Evans finished in 1:01.02, Ali Thomson and Georgina Kearney crossed the line at the same time in 1:02.37 and a very happy Louise Bampton completed the team – finishing her race in 1:19.30. 

With a tough run under your belt, what better way than to indulge in a little treat from the Flint Barn Cafe, who provided bacon butties and a hot drink for each competitor!

The coronation weekend saw Karen Sinclair take part in the Saturn Runnings coronation run. 

Commemorating the coronation of King Charles III, the event was a seven-hour time challenge, consisting of a 7km lap and the choice of running as many or few laps as you wish. The course followed a beautiful stretch along the River Thames, starting from the Runneymede Pleasure Grounds. Karen completed two laps (14km) and was rewarded with the double-sided medal commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and the other celebrating the coronation.

Well done Karen, two races in two weeks – time to rest up for a few days at least!

Ann Varnes and Philomel Bennett