Joe Morwood of Aldershot, Farnham & District AC retained his title in the 35th Alton 10 Race took place on Sunday, with a record 480 competitors setting off in bright sunshine.

The race was started by Alton Mayor Dean Phillips at the entrance to Treloar’s and the route took runners through the ups and downs of Binsted before turning left at Blacknest towards Bentley. The second half offered wonderful spring views across the Hampshire countryside, with the finishing line at Eggar’s School.

Overall men’s winner Morwood beat his time of last year with a very impressive 52mins 52secs and he was also first in the senior category.

Martin Groundsell (2nd senior) of Overton Harriers recorded 58-21 to finish second and third was Paul Cameron (Isle of Wight Road Runners) in 58-42 and he was the men’s +40 Vets winner.

Emma Jolley of City of Portsmouth AC won the women’s race in 1-02-23 and she also topped the ladies’ +35 Vet section.

Runner-up (1st senior) Helen Cozens of Fleet & Crookham AC recorded 1-03-38 and third was Becky Lord of Stubbington Green Runners in 1-05-31.

Other placed male runners: Ben Pitman, Lordshill Road Runners (58-52) 3rd; Sean Holmes, Overton Harriers (59-47) 2nd +40; Neil Martin, Overton Harriers (1-02-18) 3rd +40; Lenny Passingham, Overton Harriers (1-00-04) 1st +50; Andrew Ellison, Farnham Runners (1-03-36) 2nd +50; Jon Osman, Eastleigh RC (1-05-59) 3rd +50; Mark Hargreaves, City of Portsmouth AC (1-09-10) 1st +60; Douglas Brisco, Andover AC (1-10-42) 2nd +60; Anthony Willis, Eastleigh RC (1-12-03) 3rd +60; Malcolm Renyard, Hardley Runners (1-22-34) 1st +70.

Other placed female runners: Sarah Kingston, Southampton AC (1-06-03) 3rd senior; Susy Perry, Winchester & District AC (1-07-51) 2nd +35; Sharon Bareham, (1-07-53) 3rd +35; Sarah Gurney, Winchester & District AC  (1-07-37) 1st +45; Julie Humphries, Alton Runners (1-07-58) 2nd +45; Sonia Rushby, Winchester & District AC (1-11-17) 3rd +45; Linda Tyler, Farnham Runners (1-18-50) 1st +55; Jill White, Lordshill Road Runners (1-20-34) 2nd +55; Helen Backshell, Lordshill Road Runners (1-23-40) 3rd +55; Joy Radford, Winchester & District AC (1-19-57) 1st +65.

There was a good showing by Alton Runners. Continuing her excellent season, Julie Humphries was the ninth female finisher (2nd in age category) in 1-07-58. Alistair Morey was the 41st male finisher in 1-06-28, while Richard Taylor recorded a creditable 1-07-40.

Other Alton times: Christ Sandy 1-10-07; Carlos Garcia 1-10-33; Jamie Kilner-Smith 1-12-51; Vanessa Lowe 1-14-09; Dave Eggleton 1-14-48; Michael Sennett 1-15-32; Wendy Kilner-Smith 1-16-04; Alistair Smith 1-16-23; Beth Swadling 1-21-38; Jim Armitage 1-25-39; John Arbury 1-28-54; Jessica Smith 1-36-14; Hugh Bethell 1-38-47; Gemma Langley 1-47-27.

As ever, Alton Lions and Alton Runners did an excellent job with the marshalling and organisation. St John’s Ambulance provided medical cover, Alton 8th Scouts were in charge of refreshments and water stations, while Town & Country Cars, Holybourne, provided the lead car. The event was supported by Alton Sports and Wildy Upbeat Printers.