FARNHAM Runners staged a successful third round of the Today's Runner league series on Sunday.
At the start, 261 runners from 17 clubs were greeted by new club chairman Steve Parker who warned of the potential hazards of a typical cross- country course, including mud and tree roots.
Hills are never lacking on the route which winds its way along woodland tracks near The Bourne for some 41/2 miles.
Robin Houghton of Alton Runners reached the line first, a convincing margin ahead of Mark Le Gassick from Stubbington Green. Midhurst Milers provided the leading lady, Robbie Neilson, and the runner-up was Wendy Lockwood of Haslemere Border.
For the second consecutive year, Farnham Runners won the overall team prize when the men's and ladies' results were combined.
The leading home club runner was again Andy Green who dug deep to hold off Stuart Morgan and finish 10th. Morgan was only two places behind and Steve Parker, who had set out the course with Andy Smith, took third slot for the club in 19th.
Steve Murphy made a welcome appearance to claim 38th, followed by Charles Ashby (48th), Terry Steadman (50th) and Jim Bosworth (51st), giving the men a fine third place.
Other Farnham results: Chris Jackson 63rd, Ronan O'Carroll 69th, Bob Brimicombe 76th, Nigel Twort 85th, Richard Baldock 92nd, Robert Bevan 150th.
Strong runs from Jane Georghiou (4th), Frances Britain (11th) and Lindsay Bamford (22nd) rewarded the Farnham ladies with second team slot.
Sara Fitzgerald provided much-needed support in 24th. Gill Kenny (42nd) made an impressive debut, and then came Maxine Millichip (43rd), Jane Allen (49th), Mary Bosworth (50th), Michelle Dixon (55th) and Sally Lawrence (57th).
Anyone wishing to join the Farnham Runners club should come to Bourne Green pavilion on a Wednesday evening (7 pm). Phone 01252 323506 or 01428 717852 or view the web site (http://www.farnham-runners.org.uk">www.farnham-runners.org.uk) for further details, including training runs on Monday evenings and Sunday mornings.