Farnham Runners scoop seven prizes at the Alresford 10k

Group of the seven prize winners from Farnham Runners at the 2025 HRRL Alresford 10k (left to right Kay Copeland, Chris Raby, Jane Georghiou, Candy Waller, Linda Tyler, Gabi Hitchcock, Robert Drummond)

On a memorable day for the club, Farnham Runners were amazed and delighted to scoop seven prizes at the Alresford 10km, four first and three second age category places.

Organisers Alresford Rotary Club strive towards sustainability with locally produced products featuring strongly in the prizes and goody bags, while enroute water was provided in compostable cups. The whole Hampshire Road Race League encourages car sharing to events and is looking at ways to further reduce its environmental impact.

Farnham Runners team posing with the packets of watercress given to participants at the 2025 HRRL Alresford 10k

The goody bags at Alresford included a bag of local watercress (see photo above) and a locally made biscuit instead of the usual medal. First age group prizes were hampers of an array of local produce and a wooden trophy and the second prizes were handmade chocolates.

Conditions warmed up in the sunshine as the morning progressed and anyone imagining a flat course would have been disappointed!

First back for the club was Alex Elsey in a speedy 39:57 for 55th place in a field of 456 finishers. Next were Chris Raby 2nd M60, Richard Steedman (in his first 10km race), and Keith Marshall (4th M60) making up the A team. Justin Clarke and Robert Drummond followed. Robert was the 2nd M80 not long after his commendable achievement of completing his 500th parkrun before his 80th birthday and getting the club’s first M80 10km record at the June Yateley race.

Gabi Hitchcock finished 1st F45 lady in 44:51, with 1st F60, Linda Tyler not far behind. Candy Waller 1st F55 and Gemma Whitehouse were final A team scorers.

(A few weeks ago Candy battled hail and a strong headwind for part of her first marathon in Edinburgh to finish in a splendid time of 3:45:53, 9th/124 in her age group and only three years after joining Farnham Runners as a beginner on the “Get Me Started” course. She raised £1,500 for the Stroke Association in memory of a family member).

Becky Holburn led in the B team that included Georgie Abrook 3rd F55 Bridget Naylor, 4th F55, Lindsay Bamford, 5th F55.

For the C team were Colette Grist, Jane Georghiou 1st F70, Kay Copeland 2nd F65 and Kelly Lincoln, supported by Jess Lira in her first 10km.

See the Photo Gallery 2025 for further photos from the Alresford 10k.