Alton 10

Twenty four Farnham Runners took part in the 23rd ten-mile road race organised by Alton Runners and the Alton Lions on Sunday. Starting from the Lord Mayor Treolar College, it isn’t a course conducive to fast times, with ascents at 2, 3 and 7 miles.

Some of the runners, including the first three from the Farnham club to cross the line had completed the London marathon only three weeks before. After his excellent 2.48.58 time in London, Graham Wilton was close to one hour at Alton (1.00.29) and finished 24th (6th M40) in a very competitive field. Charles Ashby celebrated his new veteran status with a course best of 1.03.53, a very impressive result after his personal best marathon of 3.15.25.

Steve Murphy on reduced training to settle for 1.10.33, to complete the team of three that came 15th. New member Matt Burns made an impressive debut (1.13.43) while Malcolm Fitzsimmons was delighted with a course best of 1.13.55. Tim Cummins put in a strong performance for 1.16.11 ahead of Don Melvin (1.17.39) who took an incredible 12½ minutes from his time last year.

John Applebee, seemingly fresh after a 40- mile jaunt along the Ridgeway the previous weekend where he placed 8th, crossed the line comfortably in 1.21.39.

Bhopinder Mahal represented Farnham for the first time (1.22.25), with Steve Payne in 1.23.06. Stuart Edgoose put in another impressive performance for his M70+ age group (1.29.14), with Don Wakefield (M60) in 1.43.51.

For the ladies Jane Georghiou, after 3.24.46 in London, was pleased to be 8th lady, 1st W45 and to reach her 1.10 target (1.09.52). Frances Britain (1.20.08) and Amanda Allen (1.27.01) completed the team that placed 9th. Katie Payne (1.28.34) and Susanna Ching (1.31.00) were never far behind while Nathalie Garrison ran strongly for 1.34.15 after her recent success in completing the Paris marathon.

Other Farnham times: Benita Mayhead 1.36.35, Michelle Dixon 1.37.40, Gill Kenny 1.37.52, Helen Scullard 1.45.08, Jane Adams 1.45.38, Margot Applebee 1.47.58.