RUNNERS from Haslemere Borders have completed a busy few weeks.

A healthy contingent of 39 headed to Portsmouth to compete in the Great South Run on October 21. The flat and fast 10-mile route took in the Portsmouth Naval memorial and passed Gunwharf Quays en route to Historic Dockyard and the Naval base.

Despite unseasonal heat troubling some of the team, personal best times were recorded by many club runners.

Men’s results: Daniel Allaway 1.01.51, Mark Straffon 1.06.39,Dean Kellaway 1.10.40, Marco di Capro 1.12.44, Stephen Sutton 1.14.12, Andy Wareham 1.15.24, Tom Bampton 1.18.15, Tim Wishaw 1.18.24, John Raynor 1.19.20, Cairon Pearson 1.22.44, Andrew Steele 1.24.48, Rupert Hollom 1.25.57, Robert Monteath 1.27.38, Steve King 1.32.06, Dave Bateman 1.37.10, Andy Wise 1.37.47.

Women’s results: Helen Barran 1.06.46, Philomel Bennett 1.10.21, Donna Reid 1.14.33, Sian Dixon 1.17.27, Rosie Dyke 1.18.18, Lisa Balyden 1.20.14, Issy Peters 1.21.37, Lari Williams 1.23.42, Karen Dixon 1.26.55, Clair Green 1.27.39, Sarah Bergqvist 1.40.15, Sarah Kingbury 1.43.14, Ann Varnes 1.44.53, Natasha Nicholson 1.45.08, Annick Hollins 1.51.39, Karen Sinclair 1.51.39, Anne Kettles 1.57.16, Lorraine Herring 1.58.42, Sarah Card 1.58.42, Leonie Beattie 1.58.58, Annika-Llewellyn-Smith 1.58.58, Caroline Lawler 1.59.14, Sarah Caudry 1.59.17, Sharon Lyndsay Kemp 2.01.19, Kelly Clyesdale 2.09.33, Christine Williams 2.12.05, Caroline Searle 2.15.40, Debbie Parry 2.26.24.

With eight club members achieving personal bests, Sharon Lyndsay Kemp, one of the club’s newest members, smashed her previous time by seven minutes.

Head coach Daniel Allaway and club runner Helen Barran were first male and female home for the club, both achieving fourth place in their age category. However, Issy Peters deserves huge credit for sacrificing her race to help a fellow runner who required medical assistance.

nAcross the Irish sea, coach Sarah Barnett and Philomel Bennett competed in the Dublin Marathon. Now in its 39th year, the Dublin Marathon attracts 20,00 runners, with many international elite athletes competing.

Phil Bennett continued her impressive form, completing the course in 3.21.30, finishing 33rd in her age category and yet another personal best in what has been an incredible season for her.

Sarah Barnett was on schedule for a excellent time up to the 17-mile mark but struggled over the last nine miles. Not one to give up, though, Sarah’s determination and perseverance saw her complete the course in 5.17.46, a real credit to the hard work that she has put in.

nThe popular Hayling 10 on November 4 was the selected race for a group of club members, the fast 10-mile road race winding its way round the southern tip of Hayling Island.

The team was brought home by Mike Cathcart in 1.14.03, closely followed by Tim Wishaw in a new personal best time of 1.15.00, Andy Wareham in 1.17.16, Lisa Blayden in 1.21.47, Clair Green in 1.25.49 and Dave Bateman in 1.34.23. All the runners were rewarded with the customary race medal and a pair of running socks.