THE 30th, ever-popular Gibbet Hill 10K race took place in the heat of last Wednesday, with 110 runners tackling a course which combines tough terrain with stunning views across the Surrey Hills countryside.

Sponsored by The Royal School and Alton Sports, and organised by Haslemere Border AC, the race started at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Haslemere. The route followed an upward course along Weydown Hill before entering Surrey Hills.  Passing Gibbet Hill, with its haunting history, the runners then descended back down to the finish at Lion Green.

 This year’s winner was James Baker of Chichester Runners in a time of 35mins 35secs.  

The first man in for Border, and fourth overall, was Duncan Selmes in 38-51 and he was followed by clubmates Tom Mendum (39-10) and Josh Wreford (42-46).  

Helen Barran was the leading Haslemere Border lady in 45-47, with Philomel Bennet recording 48-49.  

Other Border times: Donna Read 47-53, Mike Cathcart 48-10, Rob Webb 48-45, Richard Spandley 49-25, Roger Cripps 50-00, Cameron McKillop 50-17, Jonathan Barker 50-32, Sarah Smith 51-23, Katie Simmonds 52-06, Susie Adams 53-20, Rosie Dyke 53-48, Tom Bampton 53-54, Andy Wareham 54-24, Karen Sinclair 1-1-57, Annick Hollins 1-12-03, Leone Beattie 1-19-19, Lorraine Herring 1-19-19, Dave Bateman 1-19-21.

 Prizes were presented by the town mayor, David Round, as follows: men’s first three – James Baker (Chichester Runners) 35-35, Daniel Hull (Waverley Harriers) 37-29, James Adams (Guildford & Godalming AC) 38-40.  Veteran men’s first three – Tom Mendum (Haslemere Border) 39-10, Tom Frost (Liss Runners) 44-48, Stephen Low (Blackwater Valley) 41-47. Ladies first three – Roanna Vickers (Aldershot, Farnham & District) 43-04, Nici Cahusac (Guildford & Godalming) 43-52, Cecila Sinuffo (Guildford & Godalming) 44-12. Veteran ladies first three – Helen Barran (Haslemere Border) 45-47, Philomel Bennett (Haslemere Border) 46-49, Susanna Harrison (Guildford & Godalming) 49-11.

Haslemere Border retained the team trophy.

• The Chloe Piper Memorial Trophy was presented by Chloe’s mother, Jane, to the veteran ladies’ winner, Helen Barran.

• The Gibbet Hill 10K was originally the brainchild of John Boxall who introduced the current Haslemere Border chairman, Bob Monteath, to the club. Bob has served a long spell as race director and this was his last event in charge. The club are grateful for his hard work in organising the annual race.

• Haslemere Border were represented in the Virgin Sport British 10K on Sunday. A fast route was centred around Westminster and, despite the debilitating heat, Helen Barran continued her remarkably winning streak as first lady home in 42-20. Border coach Andy Wareham finished in 49-22 and Clair Green recorded 54-17.