TO coincide with the new running season, Alton Runners are training hard for upcoming races and will be lending a hand to beginners looking to get involved in the sport.

“After a mixed summer in terms of weather, various athletes have been hard at work putting in the miles to forego the greatest challenge of physical endurance,” explained Alton Runners’ Adam Stonehill.

“Obviously a marathon is not something for the light hearted. Months of training, countless blisters and general sense of fatigue are just a few side effects for a marathon runner, so we take this opportunity to salute you all moving forward.”

Mr Stonehill continued: “These athletes will be tackling marathons of mixed terrains, ranging from the South Downs to South America. Here is a quick breakdown of where Alton shall be being represented over the coming month.

“Emma Scott and Sarah Thomas have been hard at work in the South Downs this weekend just past. Furthermore, Jim Armitage would have also completed the Chester Marathon this same weekend.

“Diego Maldonado and Diane Bryne go further afield for their effort taking on the Galapagos Marathon on Sunday. This marathon has very few entries to preserve the natural environment of the islands, so a great achievement being accepted to take part in this event.

“We wish luck and congratulations to all our runners in their efforts over October, as well as to those representing the club at more local levels in the Hampshire Road Race League and Southern Cross Country League.”

Fellow Alton Runner Claire McLeod looked to complete her first marathon distance in Munich, Germany.

Upon her return, she will launch the latest ‘Alton Rookie Runner’ course which aims to get people into running over an eight-week period, starting on October 24 and concluding with the Santa Run in Alton on December 13.

For more information on the rookie runner programme, races, events or training, visit altonrunners.org.