CHEERS rang out as more than 300 runners competing in the Punch Bowl Challenge sprinted off from Hindhead, last Sunday.

The mighty 10k challenge is the cornerstone of the popular annual event organised by Haslemere Borders Athletics Club and Hindhead Supporters of the National Trust, but the option of completing the 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km races was also on offer.

This year’s sponsors included The Royal School, Tindle Newspapers, Barons BMW, Keats estate agents, The Punchbowl Hotel and Alton Sports.

Mums and dads watched anxiously when Royal School principal Anne Lynch sounded the starting hooter for the junior events, which included a 50-metre dash for under sixes. Mrs Lynch also joined Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara to present the prizes.

The testing 10k route, which went deep into The Devil’s Punch Bowl attracted runners from Guildford, Farnham, Liss, Midhurst, Chichester, Portsmouth and Basingstoke clubs, and the conditions were perfect for competitors, who were also received lots of encouragement from the 30 marshals along the way.

Proceeds will be used to fund the coaching of junior athletes and the planned enhancement of National Trust-owned land surrounding Haslemere.

HBAC chairman Bob Monteath said: “The close co-operation between our two organisations continues to achieve our shared and individual goals.”