A?GROUP from Alton Runners were amongst the 1,500 runners who defied Storm Angus to take part in the Gosport Half Marathon on Sunday.

This was the third race in the Hampshire Road Race League and, although dry, the wind whipped along the seafront at Lee-on-the- Solent.

This did nothing to deter the rousing samba band, and the two-lap out-and-back course led the runners past the band four times!

Other musical entertainment and words of encouragement were provided by Radio Haslar and numerous spectators along the course.

First to finish for Alton Runners was Lenny Passingham and his time of 1hr 17mins 37secs gave him an excellent 25th overall and second in his age category.

He was followed by Alistair Morey, 97th in a personal best 1-25-43.

Other Alton results: Philip Scrase 281st (1-35-10), Eli Dawson 340th (1-37-42), Chris Sandy 405th (1-40-06), Mike Sennett 472nd (1-43-00), Jim Armitage 522nd (1-45-03), Mike Pearce 531st (1-45-38), John Arbury 551st (1-46-09), Richard Scrase 1141st (2-09-06) Jeff Smart 1248th (2-15-25).

Mike Pearce came second in his age category and received a trophy for winning his age category for the 2015/16 season.

Vanessa Lowe was first Alton Runners lady to finish, coming 377th and second in her age group in 1-39-04.

Caroline Chalk recorded 1-46-11 for 553rd and Jane Scrase a personal best 1-50-37 for 668th. Other results: Amy Panther 1,099th (2-06-51), Caroline Freeman 1247th (2-15-24).