On a warm June 15 Alresford hosted 456 runners for the 18th annual Rotary 10K Hampshire Road Race League event.

Starting and finishing in Arlebury Park, it took in the town centre, the watercress beds, some scenic countryside and a few hills.

Alton Runners had 27 members taking part. Rich Webley finished tenth overall and third in his age category, while Steve Drysdale was also third in his age group. Andrew Tarrant came second in his category, with Richard Bacon and Hugh Bethell both taking first place in theirs. Samara Kelleher-Jacobs was the first Alton woman home, finishing 23rd among the women.

Xavier Ibbs ran a personal best 43:28. He said: “This is my second 10km race. I was aiming for 42 minutes but I’m still pleased with a personal best. I enjoyed the course and the atmosphere heading towards the field along the pavement. It was a hilly course, and the heat didn’t help, but the aid stations really made a difference. I’d definitely do it again next year if I can.”

Alton Runners member Jonathan Read organised the event as race director with help from Alresford Rotary Club and a team of volunteers. Every finisher received a race-branded buff, a banana, a cookie and - being Alresford - a bag of watercress.

Alton’s men’s A team are joint third in the A1 league, the B team joint fourth in B1 and the C team third in C. The women’s A team are sixth in A1 and the B team second in B2.

Several Alton Runners are on track to earn the Hampshire Road Race League ‘12 out of 12’ T-shirt awarded to those who complete every race. Many more are in line for the mug given to those who finish at least seven. The final race, another 10K at Lordshill in Southampton, has 25 Alton Runners signed up.