Farnham Runners enjoyed taking part in the popular Yateley 10km race series which, as usual, was expertly staged by Sandhurst Joggers.

This year there were fewer concerns about Covid-19 and the races were all held on the normal dates of the first Wednesday evening of the month in June, July and August.

Around 20 Farnham Runners took part in each one.

The first race was held in near ideal conditions, sunny but with a mild temperature of 160C.

It was very warm for the July race, while in August it was not quite so warm but still very humid.

There were some good times from Farnham Runners and they featured strongly among the prize winners for two of the races, as well as gaining some other high age category positions – though there were no series winners from the club this year.

All were pleased to take on the challenge of the undulating 10km route and get the best result for them in the conditions.

In the June race Kayleigh Copeland was third lady and placed second in the senior ladies’ category in 41.16, while other prize winners were Emma Patton (second F35 in 46.03) and Jane Georghiou (first F65 in 52.53).

The final race saw four more club prize winners.

Matt Saker was second M50 in a splendid time of 37.23, just 25 seconds behind the M50 category winner.

Sarah Hill was eighth lady and second F45 in 42.53, Linda Tyler was first F55 in 46.33 and Jane Georghiou was first F65 in 53.45.

Also in the third race Mark Maxwell ducked under 40 minutes.

He exceeded his personal best that he set in the Fleet 10km eight years ago. His time was 39.18 for 11th place in the M40 category while his personal best is 39.14.

Though not winning prizes as only one is awarded in some categories, there were some other high club placings that included a second M60 for Chris Raby in June, a third M60 for Keith Marshall in August and a second and third F55 for Linda Tyler in June and July.

Jane Georghiou