FARNHAM Runners took advantage of the continuing good conditions with a big turn-out of 40 members for the first cross-country race of the season.

These Southern League events appeal to a wide range of runners and all enjoy the challenging, scenic routes and the camaraderie.

Organised by Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC, the five-mile race took place in Pamber Forest, near Tadley, the single lap passing through woods and fields, along undulating tracks and footpaths.

Farnham placed a creditable joint third overall out of 23 clubs. The men came an excellent second and the ladies were fifth.

Curtis Anderson came third on an impressive debut for Farnham. Rob Gilchrist, making a rare cross-country appearance, was a valuable 13th, while the reliable James Clarke finished 27th. Ian Carley took 33rd and Charlie Hill-Venning snatched the final scoring place in 38th. Then came Gerald Wyatt (45th), Stuart Haig (48th), Mark Maxwell (54th) and Matt Dellar (59th).

Gabi Hitchcock headed the Farnham ladies in a fine 12th position. Kayleigh Copeland and Eloise Stradling, 21st and 23rd respectively, showed their potential and Nicola Douglas (26th) and Emma Pearson (29th) were not far behind.

Other placings: men – Ian Marshall 72, Alistair Hardaway 83, Neil Ambrose 90, Steve Gillingham 93, John Phillips 95, Dan Smith 106, David Rogers 114, Steve Bailey 131, Tim Cummins 132, Steve Kitney 136, Tim Farrant 159, Geoff Brown 177, Darren Carins 183, Craig Tate-Grimes 219; ladies – Jane Georghiou 41, Anne Snelson 55, Vicki Clarke 58, Lina Haines 72, Tina Harrison 75, Kay Copeland 77 Tori Shaw 89, Mary Denise Fitzgerald 92, Becky Martin 106, Clair Bailey 141, Kathy Brown 167.

On the same day, Farnham Runners’ Sarah Hill took an astounding eight minutes off the ladies’ course record and 28 minutes off the veterans ladies’ record to win the gruelling Isle of Wight Marathon in a superb time of 3hrs 00mins 29 secs. She also finished fifth overall and became the Police Sport UK ladies champion for 2015. The race, which takes runners from Cowes to Yarmouth and Freshwater and back, is the longest established marathon in the UK, first held in 1957.