Farnham Runners enjoy action-packed summer
It’s been an action-packed summer for all standards of runner at Farnham Runners with at least one race or social event each week through June and July as well as the usual training and club runs most days of the week.
A wildlife talk, St Swithun’s Way run and the Elstead Marathon
Social and social/running events have included an enthralling talk by member Howard Inns on “Wildlife we run past”, a roving run and refreshments in Crondall, a St. Swithun’s Way run from Farnham to Alton and a Hash run followed by refreshments at the Hog’s Back Brewery.
Thirty-two members of all standards enjoyed the Elstead “marathon”, actually 5.5 miles ending with the famous River Wey crossing. Organised by dedicated volunteers it raises funds for the Elstead Scout Group.
HRRL Lordshill 10k
Two days later seventeen keen members travelled to near Southampton for the final Hampshire Road League race of the season, the Lordshill 10km.
First back for Farnham Runners was Alex Elsey who has given a huge boost to the team results by competing in all five Hampshire League races since he joined the club. He clocked a new personal best of 37:35 for 63rd place in this competitive event. The A team also included Ivan Chunnett, Keith Marshall and Matt Blair, followed by Chris Allen and Robert Drummond who was 2nd M80 with a new M80 club record of 1:13:20.
The men’s A team came 9th and lie 7th overall in the top A1 league and so will stay in this top flight for next season.
Linda Tyler, first F60 led in the ladies with Gabriella Hitchcock, Candy Waller and Debbie Tully completing the A team. The B team consisted of Gemma Whitehouse, Rebecca Holburn, Georgina Abrook and Bridget Naylor. Colette Grist, Sandra Hickey and Karen Storey made an incomplete C team.
The ladies have had one of their best seasons ever with the A1 team placing 5th after achieving a superb 2nd place on the day. The B1 team finished an excellent 3rd after another 2nd place at Lordshill, while the incomplete C team gave this team 6th to lie 5th in the final table.
Candy Waller has accomplished the amazing feat of completing all 12 league races this season and will be presented with a commemorative T-shirt. She only joined Farnham Runners as a beginner 3 years ago.
Linda Tyler and Jane Georghiou were winners in their age categories for the season and will receive a trophy.
Candy, in 18th place, as well as Linda Tyler 11th, Gemma Whitehouse 34th, Bridget Naylor 36th, Colette Grist 52nd, Jane Georghiou 59th and Sandra Hickey 70th have run in 7 events or more and will receive mugs with the all names and rankings of those who have done this. Ivan Chunnett was 42nd among the men.
Gibbet Hill and Yateley races
In the Gibbet Hill 10km Farnham Runners had the greatest number of members from any running club with thirty-five of the 161 finishers. Organised by Haslemere Border AC it involves a steep climb up from Haslemere followed by a steep descent. There were three prize-winners from the club, Lizzie May as third lady, Kay Copeland 1st F65 and Justin Clarke 1st M65. Afterwards most of the Farnham contingent stayed on for a picnic to celebrate Howard Inns’ forthcoming significant birthday.
Some members have also taken part in the monthly Yateley 10km races, on a new flat course this year, after over 30 years of the traditional route. Being much flatter it got a “thumbs-up” from participants.
See the Photo Gallery 2025 for further photos from these races