AROUND 200 runners took part in the annual Charterhouse Club Trail Run on October 15, with many participants helping to raise funds for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care.

With bright and dry weather conditions, the youngest runners could enjoy a 1k fun run, while others completed challenging 5k and 10k courses in impressive times.

In the build up to the event the race organisers Charterhouse Club invited all participants to sign up and help raise funds for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, which provides supportive and end of life care for patients and families who are living with a terminal illness.

Lily Clarkson, aged eight, was the first 1k runner to speed across the finishing line and said: “It was so exciting and I loved running in the race. It felt like a long way, but it was good fun.”

Sean Perira ran the 1k with his daughters Eleanor, four, and Beatrice, two, and he added: “This was the first time we have taken part in this run and it was super. There was such a great atmosphere, it was fun and well organised. It provided our family with a good opportunity to get active on the weekend.”

Good friends Sarah Ashmore and Hayley Andrews both took up the opportunity to raise sponsorship for Phyllis Tuckwell and they ran the 5k course.

Sarah commented: “The hospice looked after my dad last year and the staff were wonderful. They still provide support to my family today and I can’t thank them enough. Taking part in exciting events like this is a great way to give something back.”

Meanwhile, Men’s 5k winner Adam Soley stormed across the finish line in just 20:07 and said: “I train in these woods so I knew it would be tough. I loved the event and it was so professionally organised. I recommend the course as it makes a great autumn run. Training for this has certainly helped me build my strength.”

Christina Kirkby, aged 11, who won the 1k in 2016 returned to win the women’s 5k race in an impressive 23:36 and said: “I run with the Waverley Harriers, but I am shocked that I won. This was only my third 5k so I am really pleased. After winning the 1k last year, it was a huge step up for me to win this.”

Mike Powell led the men to the finish, completing the tough 10k in 45:25. The course, a tough 5k loop, took the runners along challenging woodland trails in the grounds of Charterhouse School.

Becky Turton, went on to win the women’s 10k in 48:50, followed by Victoria Thatcher in second and Karen Bryant in third. Victoria and Karen both agreed: “It was beautiful and very challenging. The marshalling was great and the course was well marked. We are both regular runners and recommend this as it is such a peaceful woodland run.”

Tim Ostle, commercial director at Charterhouse Club, added: “Congratulations to everyone who took part. It was great to see so many children and adults enjoying being active here in our grounds. I would like to thank our staff for making this year’s Trail Run such a success.”

Prizes for the 5k and 10k races were sponsored by Alton Sports. Simon Dimmock represented the specialist sports store in the 5k and he came third in the men’s race. He went on to congratulate all the participants and presented the winners with prizes.