PICTURED in front of a palm tree and beneath a clear blue sky, you could be forgiven for thinking Farnham Runners were off on a tropical holiday jaunt.

But appearances can be deceptive and a temperature of -4C was recorded on the outward journey. This was the annual ‘overseas’ trip to the Isle of Wight for the scenic Ryde 10-miler. Unlike last year there was no wind but a hillier route was used for the second time, adding to the challenge.

Only ten members made the trip but they had a positive effect on the club’s positions in the Hampshire Road League. The men’s A team now lie eight points clear at the top of Division Two, with a second place at Ryde, the sixth of 12 events in the 2018-19 series. The ladies’ A team came an impressive fifth of 10 clubs in Division One, raising them to fifth on aggregate.

First back for Farnham was James Clarke in a fine one hour three minutes 41 seconds for 28th place overall.

Next was Neil Ambrose, ninth to finish in the M40 category, who clinched a new personal best ten-mile time of 1.07.28. Harvey Wickham was 12th M45 in 1.08.08 and newcomer David Roy secured a place in the team with 1.10.21 in his debut at the distance. Men’s captain John Phillips wasn’t far back in 1.11.38 to lead in the B contingent that, although incomplete with only three runners, achieved ninth place of 15 clubs in B Division One to raise the aggregate position to 10th. He was followed by Richard Frost (1.17.38) and Ali Hardaway (1.18.48).

First Farnham lady Linda Tyler was also first F55 in 1.18.55. Emma Russ, in 1.19.05, took a last-minute opportunity to take part and made a huge contribution to the team that was completed by Anne Snelson, fourth F50 in 1.24.18.

Last Saturday, nine members of Farnham Runners ran in the Kelly Storage Guildford 10k race supporting the charity Oakleaf Enterprise in their efforts to raise £17,000.

Jacquie Browne ran a personal best and Kate Marshall completed her second 10k in style, while fellow members Vicky Goodluck, Jackie Wilkinson, Helen Bracey, Linda Tyler, Nicola O’Connor, Susan MacKenzie and Claire Mills added the miles, some to their marathon training plans.