Three Haslemere Border athletes entered the Steyning Stinger trail races.

Lawrie Baker, Sarah Smith and Philomel Bennett took on the 30km distance. Lawrie finished in 2:54.30, followed by Philomel in 2:55.51 and Sarah in 3:00.17. The trio finished 17th, 18th and 22nd respectively. Philomel was fifth lady and Sarah was sixth lady.

Lawrie Baker at the glorious setting of the Steyning Stinger 30km race
Lawrie Baker at the glorious setting of the Steyning Stinger 30km race (Haslemere Border AC)

Father and daughter Stephen and Beth Sutton headed for Kent to take on the Paddock Wood Half Marathon. With Beth training for her first marathon, this was an ideal race as part of her training plan. Stephen finished in 1:48.10 and Beth finished in 2:07.06.

Beth Sutton (right) with her medal having completed the Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Beth Sutton (right) with her medal having completed the Paddock Wood Half Marathon (Haslemere Border AC)

Patrick Ferguson headed to the South Downs National Park to explore the trails surrounding Winchester and take part in the Maverick Original Hampshire. Patrick opted for the longest distance of 25km. The route took in the villages of Tichborne and Cheriton, went up and over undulating hills and followed the trails past the River Itchen before heading back to Cheesefoot Head. Patrick finished in 2:26.21.

Stephen Sutton at the finish line of the Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Stephen Sutton at the finish line of the Paddock Wood Half Marathon (Haslemere Border AC)

Philomel Bennett, Steph Moss and Tom Bampton took on the Centurion Hundred Hills 50km event. A field of 400 runners took on some very challenging terrain, encompassing a total elevation of around 4,000ft. At mile 11, Haslemere Border athlete Karen Sinclair was marshalling and was full of encouragement. Philomel was first home in 5:25 to take sixth lady and third in her age group, followed by Steph in 6:46 to take 36th lady and 11th in her age group. Tom finished in 7:42.

Philomel Bennett takes on the Centurion Hundred Hills 50km race
Philomel Bennett takes on the Centurion Hundred Hills 50km race (Haslemere Border AC)

Duncan Selmes took part in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Trail Run in Petersfield. Duncan opted for the half-marathon route and ran a superb race to finish second overall in 1:26.06.

By Ann Varnes and Philomel Bennett