On a very wet, blustery summer’s day, a number of Haslemere Border athletes took part in the Serpent Trail Ultra-Marathon races.

The route starts in Haslemere and then winds its way through in snake-like fashion on a 64-mile (103km) trail route all the way to Petersfield, taking in some areas of outstanding beauty.

Peter Auchamp opted for the full route, and completed his run in a superb time of 10:21:39, and a few hours behind was Steph Moss, who was fourth lady in her age group in a brilliant time of 14:58:14. 

The other option available was the 50km route and for the majority of the runners it was their first ultra marathon – with some impressive results.

Susie Adams was first home – and, indeed, first lady in her V50 age group – in a cracking time of 5.06.21, shortly followed by HBAC coach Issy Peters.

Issy finished her run as fourth lady in the V40 category in a time of 5:44:29, and admitted it was one of the most challenging runs she had ever done, given the muddy terrain and wet weather that persisted throughout the day.

Lauren Blatherwick – who had trained hard for the 100k but come the day opted for the 50k run – finished in a time of 8:15:18.

Louise Farrar and Tom Bampton also both took part in the 50k run. Tom, having competed in a number of ultras, chose to run with Louise, bringing them both home in 8:20:27.

Paul Croad had also trained for the 50k but because of the conditions on the day, ran 32k. Sometimes runners also need to think on their feet!

Haslemere Border Runners are known to challenge themselves and that is exactly what head coach Daniel Allaway did, by taking on his first ultra marathon – albeit a 100km race!

In preparation he had spent up to seven months training not only to tackle the climbs and the immense elevation that stood before him and the finish line, but he also focused on his fuel intake, which is an integral part of the challenge when taking on such a distance.

With his aided support team, fellow HBAC runner Lari Williams encouraging him along the way and refuelling provisions where required, he was fully prepped and ready to go!

The weather wasn’t that welcoming but Dan had his sights on the prize and set off on his intrepid journey which began in the village of Lewknor in Oxfordshire and into the North Wessex Downs, taking in the North Rideway and passing through some outstanding areas of beauty and historic sites including Uffington White Horse, Liddlington Castle, Barbury Castle and Waylands Smithy in Ashbury before finally reaching the finish line at Avebury Stone Circle.

The entire distance was a mere 3,704ft of elevation, not to mention time on your legs which Daniel conquered in a time of 12:47:30, a tremendous achievement.

Elsewhere, on a glorious summer evening, the GUAR 2021 graduation took place, with all nine runners reaching their 5k goal after a ten-week course which had been facilitated by LIRF HBAC runners Annalisa Alexander and Philomel Bennett, with support from fellow HBAC runners Ann and Pete Varnes, as well as Phil O’Connor and other GUAR runners from the previous year.

The course had been marked up by Bob Monteath, which was the new 5k Punchbowl Challenge route and the group were the first to sample it.

On the night there were six runners and a celebration picnic and drinks followed, together with the presentation of medals to all who had taken part in the course.

The remaining three runners, who had been unable to run on the Wednesday, completed their 5k on the Saturday.

The course has been a great success, with all runners keen to continue their running journey.

Wednesday, July 7 saw the first of the Yateley road race 10k series, always popular with HBAC members and consisting of three 10k races over a period of six weeks.

The first race saw Martin Wells first home for Haslemere Borders in an excellent time of 47:53 and second in his age group. John Dickinson (49:07), Roger Cripps (51:00) and Dave Card (1:06:20) followed, while Ann Varnes took up the option to run the race virtually.

Race two was held on July 21 on a hot and humid evening – and with no water stops because of Covid restrictions, conditions were challenging.

First home was Jon Fairs in an excellent time of 35:04, fifth place overall and second in his age group. He was followed home by Dave Jarrett in 11th place (36:43), Martin Wells (53.44), Peter Varnes (58:24), Dave Bateman (1:00:00), Ann Varnes (1:11:19) and Dave Card (1:11:24).

The final race of the series was run on August 7 with Jon Fairs once again leading the team home in an excellent time of 34:17, seventh overall and second in his age group.

Dave Jarrett was close behind, securing eighth place in 34:33, followed by Roger Cripps (49:31), Dave Bateman (54:59), Peter Varnes (55:26), Dave Card (1:05:46), Robert Monteath (1:06:21) and Ann Varnes (1:06:43).

The Hard as Snails midweek trail races saw club members take on the gruelling 10k or 5k course, with spectacular scenery, setting off along the Pilgrims Way over the North Downs, running through Chantries Wood and some serious inclines to enjoy views from the St Martha’s Church.

The first 10k race took place on June 30, a blistering hot and humid day, not ideal conditions for the runners.

Despite the conditions Annika Llewellyn-Smith brought the club runners home in an excellent time of 1:10:06.

Ann Varnes finished third in her age group in 1:28:20, with Sarah Barnett recording 1:28:23 and Tina Laing 1:28:37.

Despite the tough course and conditions, Sarah Barnet and Ann Varnes decided to return for the second Hard as Snails race on July 30, but this time they opted for the 5k route.

In a complete contrast of conditions, the race was run after heavy rain, making the course muddy and slippery.

They were joined by Peter Varnes in the 5k and Philomel Bennett taking on the 10k.

In the 5k, Peter Varnes finished in 34:41, and first in his age group, and Ann Varnes came home in 43:17, second in her age group. Sarah Barnett (43:18) was fifth in her age group.

Impressive running by Philomel Bennett saw her finish in 53:26, second overall and first in her age group.

An, excellent set of results saw them celebrate by rewarding themselves with a drink from The Horsebox Gin Bar at the finish.

With restrictions now being lifted, club members have welcomed back the weekly Parkruns with members seen each week at the local Parkruns of Alice Holt and Hogmoor, either taking part or opting to help as volunteers.

With organised races now returning, club members are busy training for future events, while continuing to enjoy the many social runs by club members. For more information about the club, see the website www.hbac.co.uk

Ann Varnes