Haslemere runners brave heat at Hart 4 relay

Haslemere Border Athletic Club (HBAC) runners have been keeping busy, with members taking on challenges ranging from a gruelling four-hour relay to 5ks and the final race of the Yateley series.

Five HBAC teams took part in the Hart 4 relay, a four-hour event where teams of four runners each complete a 4km lap, aiming to complete as many laps as possible.

With temperatures soaring, the already challenging hilly course was made tougher by dusty conditions and hard ground, testing runners to the extreme.

Despite the heat, HBAC runners powered through the laps, with excellent support and encouragement between the teams throughout the day.

For several club members, it was their first time competing in the event.

Marie Rega and Rhiannon Kinghall Ware took part in the relay after recently completing the club’s Get Up and Run course. Running for Team Fast’ish and Fabulous, both completed two laps each in the challenging conditions – an impressive achievement so soon after starting their running journey.

Meanwhile, another new club member, Gemma Stilwell, has continued her progress after completing the Get Up and Run course. The Newbury 5k was Gemma’s second event, having completed the Goodwood 5k just a month earlier. She finished in an impressive 43.46.

Three HBAC members also lined up for the final race in the Yateley Road Race Series. This year saw a new start and finish location at Sean Devereux Park, adding a change of scenery to the popular series.

Jake Pillans led the HBAC runners’ home in 39.19, followed by Steve King in 51.54 and Dave Bateman in 55.38.

From four-hour relays to first 5ks and an established road race series, HBAC runners continue to show there is a challenge for everyone.

By Ann Varnes