A Record Turnout at Southern Cross Country League Opener
The 2025/26 Southern Cross Country League season kicked off in spectacular fashion at Benyons Inclosure, with a record-breaking 473 runners taking part in the first fixture hosted by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club (BMHAC) on Sunday, 2nd November. Set in the privately owned woodland of the Englefield Estate, just north of Silchester, the 8.4km course wound through mature conifer plantations, ancient woodland, heathland, and streams, offering runners a scenic yet challenging start to the season.
The Southern Cross Country League, comprises of 21 clubs (including Alton Runners) from across Hampshire and the South of England, runs six events between November and March, each approximately five miles in length.
Alton Runners made a strong showing with 38 participants—19 men and 19 women—including several debutants. Although Lola Powell and Xavier Ibbs were unable to compete due to a recent change in the minimum age requirement for UK Athletics events, their presence as supporters and scorers was warmly acknowledged. Nicola Fitzpatrick praised their resilience, saying, “Thank you both as I know it felt rubbish not being able to run and we all know how capable you both are. Thank you for rising above that and being part of team Alton Runners.”
The team who scored points for Alton Runners included Alex Hall, Steve Drysdale, Christian Coles, and Will Forbes for the men, and Debbie Rhodes, Sarah Lewington, Nicola Fitzpatrick, and Diane Bryne for the women. After the first fixture, Alton Runners are sitting in 9th place in the league table.
Sarah Dugdale, running at Benyons Inclosure for the first time, shared her experience: “What a beautiful day for it. Pure blue skies and great company. The course was very pretty with a stream to plunge through towards the end and a clamber back through the forest to find the half mile of gravel paths. I have to say the last hill, with the sun in my eyes—I forgot my sunglasses—but I felt quite emotional to hear the cheers on my way to the finish line.”
Despite the success, the event wasn’t without hiccups. A signage error near the river crossing led approximately 20 front-runners off course, affecting the final placements of several competitors, including some from Alton Runners.
Post-race hospitality included tea, cakes, and sausage rolls, with all proceeds going to the BMHAC Fire Restoration Fund, supporting the replacement of club assets lost in a recent fire.
The next fixture in the league will be hosted by Farnham Runners on Sunday, 23rd November at The Bourne Woods in Tilford.