WHILE most of the nation were preparing for a certain football match on television, a group from Haslemere Border Athletic Club were tackling the Serpent Trail in the blazing sunshine of Saturday.

This very challenging event offers 100k, 50k, half-marathon and 10k races along the Serpent Trail, a 64-mile path snaking through the West Sussex countryside, starting in Haslemere and finishing in Petersfield.

The route takes in Black Down, Marley Common, Woolbeding Common and Lavington Common, while the terrain varies from lowland heath, woodland and the Sussex greensand hills. The name of the trial reflects the serpentine nature of the route.

Despite the heat (mad dogs and all that), Karen Sinclair finished the half-marathon in an impressive 3hrs 36mins 58secs and was the fastest Haslemere Border finisher.

Ann Varnes and Debbie Parry recorded 5-25-51 and 5-25-46 respectively, ably supported by Pete Varnes and Rupert Carter who provided much-needed hydration and encouragement around the route.

The ladies managed to exceed the half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles by taking a wrong turn, increasing their distance by three tortuous miles

Rosie Dyke and Cairon Patterson both completed the shorter, but no less gruelling 10k course, with respective times of 1-02-44 and 1-08-39. Rosie was second in her age category and third overall.