JUDGING by the reactions of those who took part, this was one of the most successful Pilgrim Marathons organised by the Farnham Weyside Rotary Club. Some of the comments received were: “This is a great event, great scenery, great route, challenging and certainly not boring. I will certainly be doing it again next year.”

“My favourite! Yes it’s hilly and challenging but it’s beautiful and so so friendly. The water stops are plenty and stocked up with biscuits, bananas, cakes, Mars bars, you name it! The marshalls are super friendly and encouraging.”

“I loved it; fabulous hilly and scenic course, brilliant support from the marshals, well organised. Well done to the organisers for another excellent race.”

In all, 715 runners took part. The warm ups before the races were organised by Suzanne of Lifestyle Fitness. The marathon was started at 9.30am by David Gill, chairman of the Farnham Sports Council.

The half-marathon was started, one hour later, by Richard Allen the under-23 World Duathlon Champion. The day started in cool but fine weather, ideal for running, but rain and wind came in towards the end of the day.

The star of this year’s event was marathon winner and men’s winner Lee Kemp from Waverley Harriers, who came home in an amazing time of 2.51.09, ahead of Pere Capdevila in second, and third-placed Hugh Aggleton.

The first women home was Sarah Bradbury from the Simon Trust charity in 3.25.04, second was Sara Al-Kadhimi, and third Andrea Thomas.

The half marathon was won by Daniel Allaway with a time of 01:25:42, the second male was Matt Gallagher and third Tom Robertson. The women’s half marathon winner was Lesley Locks in 1.34.37, second was Jaydee Peters and third Nicola McKenzie.

All the runners did well and it was particularly gratifying that some of the runners stayed on to help take down the gazebos in quite high winds.

There were many runners raising money for good causes. Particularly unusual were a couple dressed as bride and groom, Oliver and Veronique Haynes. They were raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK and, in particular, Harry, a little boy at their son’s school.

Three of the runners, Jamie Holmes, David Bone and Darren Strachan used this event as training for their entry in the Spartathlon in Greece later this month.

This race replicates the run of an Athenian in 490BC who ran the 155 miles (250kms) between Athens and Sparta in one day. To this end, these three runners started off on the half marathon, followed by the full marathon and then ran the half marathon course again.

Particularly pleasing for the Farnham Weyside Rotary Club was that one of their members, Alastair Shanks, took part in the half marathon this year, recording a very creditable time of 1 hour 43 minutes.

Another first this year was the inclusion of a special category for runners with their dogs, which is known as Canicross. A total of six runners and their dogs joined in and they both seemed to enjoy it.

For those who came along to support friends and family there were a great many things to enjoy at the Seale Recreation Ground, including a family walk.

There was plenty to eat and drink with bacon baps from the Woodlarks Centre, tea, cakes, coffee from the Hobo coffee van, beer from Frensham Brewery and glasses of fizz from the Prosecco van.

Members of Farnham Weyside Rotary Club were kept busy looking after the administration, and the whole event relied heavily on the more than 200 volunteers who came along to marshal and help with many other tasks.

To them and to all the sponsors, including the Farnham Herald, the club is extremely grateful.

For more information about the Farnham Pilgrim Marathon see the website www.farnhampilgrim.org.uk and its Facebook page, or for the full results of this year’s events www.sportstimingsolutions.co.uk/results.

For Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, see the website www.farnhamweyside.org.uk, its Facebook page or contact the secretary, John Cattell, on 01252 715048, or by email at [email protected].