ALTON’S annual Downland Challenge attracted ideal weather for the runners who lined up in Anstey Park on Sunday for this the 33rd race organised by Alton Runners and Alton Lions.

A family-friendly event, there were races ranging from 1k and 500m for younger children, a 5k Challenge for those aged 10 and over, and the 10k Downland Challenge for runners over the age of 15.

Bathed in autumn sunshine, the park was the ideal venue as, following a lively warm up led by coaches Vanessa Lowe and Leo Maliphant, the children sprinted across the park chasing Alton Runner Carlos, to make sure they stayed on track.

All competitors received a medal as they crossed the finish line.

In the 1k race, first-placed girl was Julia Smykala of St Andrew’s Endowed School, Holybourne, while the first boy home was Gus Oborn of Medstead Primary. In the 500m race, Isla Polat of Chawton Primary was the fastest girl, with Jack Simkins of St Lawrence Primary, Alton, being the fastest boy.

Alton mayor Matthew Bayliss fired the starting pistol for the 5k and 10k challenges which sent competitors through the village of Holybourne and up over the Downs, where they had unspoiled views of the surrounding countryside, running along road, trail and fields, with some stretches of thick mud following Saturday’s rain.

First over the line in the 10k was V55 category and overall men’s winner Peter Turrell (Liss Runners) who clocked 40 minutes 37 seconds. He was followed home by Alton Primary Cluster PE teacher Leo Maliphant (41.34) and Marlon Driver (41.59). The overall women’s winner was Victory AC runner Fay Cripps (43.37), followed by Alton Runners Caroline Chalk (47.51) and Vanessa Lowe (49.03).

Many younger runners enjoyed the 5k, with Amery Hill taking the school trophy, with Jack Freeman (M18) leading the field home in 20 minutes flat.

Prizes in the 10-12 age group went to Jonathan Parr (26.33) and Butts School pupil Isaac Winzar (28.08), while first girl home was Alice Guest (28.30) from Medstead School.

In the 13-15 age group, the first-placed boy was Francesco Tesolin, of Amery Hill, (25.45), followed by Jonathan McCarthy (28.11).

The fastest girl overall and in this category was Niamh Doyle, of Eggars School, in 24.09 followed by Jenna Lowe, of Alton Convent, in 24.57 and Amery Hill pupil Rosie Swain (27.29.

Grateful thanks have been expressed to Mr Bayliss and to the sponsors and volunteer officials, helpers and marshals who contributed to the success of the event.

More pictures to come.