THE annual Haslemere Boxing Day fun run attracted 498 entries this year, with fantastic sunny conditions.

Organisers of the run, now in its ninth year, were keen to get as many local people taking part as possible, despite the race attracting entries from all over the country.

All the money raised – about £1,700 – will go to Holy Cross Hospital, which provides care and rehabilitation for people with severe disability.

A full report will be made later this month, after a cheque presentation to the hospital.

The Boxing Day fun run is sponsored by Keats Lettings, Sports Locker, Hogs Back Brewery and Haslemere Travel. As usual The Crown and Cushion pub, in Weyhill, was the starting point for the three-and-a-half mile run, in which entrants enter the mens', ladies' or the drinking run – when a pint of winter ale is drunk at the two-mile mark.

There was a medal for all finishers, with the overall winner: Matthew Pearson, second John Harris and third Anthony Doolittle.

Organiser Matt Dellar thanked all the helpers who helped marshall the route, manned the start and finish lines and worked the beer station.

THE WINNERS

Men: 1 Matthew Pearson; 2 John Harris; 3 Anthony Doolittle.

Ladies: 1 Emma Macready; 2 Julie Humphries; 3 Jane Georghiou.

Drinking Race: 1 Tim Young; 2 Dan Smith; 3 Michael Rix.