RUNNERS from clubs far and wide rose to the annual Gibbet Hill 10k challenge, which kicked off from Haslemere’s Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday last week.

More than 200 competitors vied to be first past the post at the event, which was organised by Haslemere Border Athletics Club (HBAC).

“It was the perfect night for a run,” HBAC chairman Bob Monteath said. “The weather was mild and still, ideal running conditions. Runners lined up on Weydown Road and were soon off-road, tackling the steady climb to the top of the Gibbet Hill along the rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and back to Lion Green.

“Although Haslemere Border had by far the largest contingent of athletes, runners came from many local clubs, Farnham, Alton, Liss, Guildford, and further afield, from places such as Portsmouth, Winchester and Watford.

At the finish Anne Lynch, principal of the Royal School which had very generously sponsored the event, presented the trophies and prizes to the winners. All runners were given a medal and there were abundant supplies of water provided by Tesco and cakes provide by Camelsdale Guides.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the very many helpers and marshals out on the course. Without them, the evening could not have been the success it undoubtedly was.

“Next year, 2018, will be the 30th year we have held this event. We are already in the early stages of planning for it.”

The winners were:

• Male 1st: James Baker (Chichester Runners & AC)35.18; 2nd: Luke Van Oudtshoorn (Aldershot Farnham & District) 35.59; 3rd: Christopher Peck (Waverley Harriers) 36.23.

• Female: 1st: Katy Ward (HBAC)42.16; 2nd: Sarah Rollins (Aldershot Farnham & District)43.15; 3rd: Fay Cripps (unattached)44.00.

• Team: 1st: HBAC; 2nd: Guildford and Godalming; 3rd: Farnham Runners. Chloe Piper Trophy (for the fastest local female): Katy Ward.

• Haslemere Border meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Woolmer Hill. Details from: www.hbac.co.uk.