THE hot weather did nothing to deter 56 Farnham Runners from competing in their 10km championships, with trophies for 12 age-groups as well as the individual winners.

Unchanged since the inaugural race in 1991, the course is a challenging mix of road and trail, with an ascent in the first kilometre, a steep woodland hill and a long gradual rise near the finish. Then it’s a sprint across Bourne Green to the sound of cheering supporters.

Among the runners this year was the first treasurer of the club in 1985, John de Moraes. while another founder member, Allan Bird, the first ‘routemaster’, had volunteered to marshal.

Race director Craig Tate-Grimes made sure things ran smoothly. The runners were assisted by signs and arrows, marshals, ‘sweepers’, manned water stations, accurate timing and recording. “We are very grateful to the many members who gave up their time to help,” he said. “The race could not go ahead without them.”

Despite the scorching temperatures, three club records were broken. Sarah Hill took 2mins 40secs from Jane Georghiou’s W45-54 record of 40-35, set back in 2000. Andrew Ellison trimmed 1-42 from Geoff Cloke’s M50-59 time of 39-33, established way back in 1998, while Terry Steadman deducted almost eight minutes from Peter Strange’s M70+ time of 58-59, recorded three years ago.

The first four overall were tightly bunched and all won their categories. James Clarke was the overall and senior men’s winner in an excellent 37mins 38secs, with Andrew Ellison not far behind in 37-51.

Just four seconds further back was Sarah Hill in 37-55, closely followed by M40 winner Matt Saker in 37-59.

Rob Gilchrist (2nd M40) recorded 38-15 and James Warren (3rd M40) managed 38-47.

Andrew Ellison gave an insight into the gripping, tactical race at the front:

“Right from the start, James Clarke went ahead and a following group of myself, Sarah Hill, Rob Gilchrist and James Warren followed, letting James go but never out of sight. After a mile, James and I let Sarah and Rob go ahead a bit and twice we saw them walking uphill, but this was just ultra-distance tactics, allowing them to save energy and catch up and overtake again.

“The second time, I overtook them and as I turned the last corner towards the Green, I saw Sarah just behind me and had to run out of my skin to avoid being caught in a sprint. It was the hardest I’ve had to run a race in my life and certainly the closest club championship in my memory. Fantastic!”

Steve Elliott-Nichols (40-47) won a battle with newcomer David Roy (40-57) for second place in the senior male category.

Amongst the U23s, Toby Loomis ran a respectable 41-34, while Eloise Stradling took the ladies’ U23 shield for the sixth time with 47-41. Keith Marshall, the M60 winner, recorded 45-24.

Emma Russ was first senior lady in 45-43 and Emma Pearson (1st F35) returned in 46-07. Terry Steadman clocked 51-03, Kay Copeland was first F55 in 54-26, and Jane Georghiou first F64+ in 53-06.

Other times: Harvey Wickham 41-19, Stuart Haig 41-27, Colin Addison 41-46 (2nd M50), Ali Hardaway 42-23 (3rd M50), Neil Ambrose 42-41, John Hill-Venning 43-31, Tim Cummins 43-56, Ben Roseveare 44-11, John Phillips 44-56, John Walker 45-05, Chris Cramp 45-32, Terry Copeland 46-08, Paul Mackie 46-11, Kayleigh Copeland (2nd senior lady) 47-27, Steve Farrant 48-15, Emma McFarlane 48-20 (3rd senior lady) , Sarah McCulloch 48-24 (2nd F45), Louise Granell 49-30, Steve Bailey 50-28, Lina Haines 51-51, Peter Unitt 52-12, David Boakes 52-21, Simon Brander 53-53, (2nd M60), Kate Townsend 55-00, (3rd F45), Keith Toms 56-28, Rebecca Martin 58-12 (2nd F35), Howard Inns 58-35 (3rd M60), Jonathan Salomon 59-32, Emma Campbell 59:38 (3rd F35), Pauline Hamilton 61:42, Hannah Bence 62:10 (2nd F55), John de Moraes 66:41 (2nd M70), Gulfer Budden 68-17, Julian Saunders 68-18, Jackie Wilkinson 68-51 (3rd F55), Nicola O’Connor 69-14, Susan McKenzie 70-36, Georgi Welch 78-16, Carolyn Wickham 78-35, Robert Drummond 83-29 (3rd M70).

The day ended with a hog roast and presentation of the wwards by club chairman Jacquie Browne and men’s captain John Phillips.

The club’s Smiley Award went to Colin Addison for his cheerful willingness to help out on many occasions.

• Entries are now open for the Alice Holt races on Saturday, September 22. For details, visit www.farnham-runners.org.uk