Lasham Gliding Club sent thanks to Alton Runners following the New Years Day charity fun run around Lasham Airfield on 1st January2024:

“There was a good turnout from Alton Runners, who I hope enjoyed their trip round our Peri Track and its interesting Aviation scenery.

This year's Fun Run attracted 94 runners, allowing them to get some early fresh air in 2024, make a contribution to our nominated charity and also pump up the takings for the Canteen and Bar in what is for the most part a quiet period for trade. Thanks to Mike Birch and the days flying operation for seeing (and avoiding) the extra Peri-Track traffic.

This year’s continuation of the event that Marjorie Hobby started about about 10 years ago raised a total of £ 871 for our 2024 chosen Charity - Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs. We hope Marjorie would approve as she often chose animal charities as beneficiaries.

We had a good level of support from members and local running clubs - especially Hatch Warren (Basingstoke) and Alton Runners, as a result of which the first finishers keep going faster every year.

First Runners home this year were:

Men:

Thomas Skentos of of Woking AC in 15:58

Women:

Rachel Walsh of Alton Runners in 18:29

Male Junior:

Dylan Poulton

Female Junior:

Amy Kilner-Smith of Alton Runners

First Gliding Club Member home was Pete Masson in 16:21, 3rd Male runner back. Time to remove his World Junior Gliding Champion pot from the mantlepiece (not !).

A special shout out to the Kilner-Smith clan in general as Amy's mum Wendy was third Lady home, and her brother Ben was second Junior male back, with Dad and the family Spaniel just a few paces behind.

As you can see Alton Runners feature in a few places (especially the Kilner-Smiths), could you please pass on our thanks for their part in raising £ 871 for Helpful Hounds.

It will be a case of 'same time next year' - albeit in aid of a different charity, so we hope to see another merry band of Alton Runners show up for 11am on New Years Day 2025 to see the New Year in in style once again.

Thanks & Best Wishes

Peter Healy”