THE Devil’s Punch Bowl, in Hindhead, overflowed with sunshine and happiness on Sunday. as almost 300 runners of all ages put their best foot forward in a series of races in aid of several local causes.

The 271 runners were cheered on by their families, visitors and some 30 equally enthusiastic marshals in the series of 50m,1k, 2.5k, 5k and 10k races.

Organised by The Haslemere Border Athletic Club and the Blackdown and Hindhead supporters of the National Trust, sponsors included Tindle Newspapers, Barons, Keats estate agents, and the Punchbowl Hotel.

While in the junior events some entrants were accompanied by mums and dads keeping a wary eye on their children’s speed and safety and encouraging a personal best time, in the 50-metre dash it was more a case of ensuring that their aspiring under six-year-olds went in the right direction.

The senior events attracted 166 runners most of whom ran the challenging 10k course from Barons, of Hindhead, to the furthest and deepest reaches of the Punch Bowl and the arduous climb to the finish near the National Trust Café. The winners in each category were: 1k Joshua Wright; 2.5k Izzy Elliott; 5k: Junior male – Robert Ewing; Junior female - Amelia Lynch; Senior male – Ross Wayne; Senior female – Lindsey Smith

Winners in the 10k were: 1. Rob Gilchrist – Farnham Runners; 2. Juan Brav; 3. Lee Hepworth – Haslemere Border AC.

Female winners: 1. Sandy McDougall – Haslemere Border AC; 2. Janine Roberts – Hart Road Runners; 3. Sofia Shearring – Haslemere Border AC.

Team Prize – Haslemere Border AC

The funds generated by the event will be used for the planned Childrens’ Nature Trail at Swan Barn Farm and for the coaching of junior athletes and the race director thanked the sponsors.

Nigel Quick, chairman of the BD&H Supporters group said:“ It was great to see the Punch Bowl Challenges developing as The Punch Bowl Event in which all ages and abilities can participate and have fun and the more serious seniors can enjoy a classic course.”