ALTON Runners were strongly represented at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Sunday and Lenny Passingham, first home for the men, took an impressive eighth position in this second leg of the Southern Cross Country League.

It was a slippery start on the exposed and wet chalk track, until the course turned off to start a long uphill section.

The route then took a right turn through the forest, offering the challenge of tree roots, thick mud and flints. There were a couple more undulations before the runners tackled a steep ascent. Then came narrow paths leading to the edge of the finishing field.

Lenny Passingham was followed by Carlos Garcia, some way back in 48th. Then came Alistair Morey in 51st, Chris Sandy 102nd, Tiziano Tesolin 156th, Philip Scrase 190th, Michael Pearce 203rd, Jeff Smart 204th, Jim Armitage 221st, Richard Scrase 256th and Terry Newman 294th.

The first Alton lady to finish was Jane Scrase in 71st, with Rosella Guidetti close behind in 74th. Further back, Caroline Freeman came home 145th and Jenny French 187th.

Alton Runners train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.45pm and meet behind the reception in the sports centre. The club will welcome runners of all abilities. Alton’s next ‘Rookie Runners’ course will start on January 7. For more information, visit the website www.altonrunners. co.uk