Tackling the Hills of Bourne Wood
Alton Runners turned out in force on Sunday, 1st March, for the fourth fixture of the Southern Cross Country League 2025/26 season, braving a damp and demanding five-mile course at Bourne Wood.
Located near Farnham, Bourne Wood provided a spectacular, if hilly, backdrop for the event. Set above a vast heathland clearing with panoramic views across the surrounding pine forests, the area is renowned for its natural beauty—though the 300-strong field of runners had little time to admire the scenery once the race started.
Starting from the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford, the course lived up to its reputation for being one of the tougher tests on the circuit. The sandy soil, while stable for spectators, offered an energy-sapping resistance for those running. Combined with persistent drizzle and a fine mist that hung over the hills, the terrain tested the grit of every participant.
As the penultimate race of the season, the stakes were high for the 20-plus clubs from across Hampshire and the South Central region that make up the league.
Alton Runners were well-represented by a determined contingent of 24 club members. Under the league’s scoring system, the first four women and first four men from each club contribute to the overall team points. The club was also bolstered by a dedicated group of supporters who braved the damp weather to cheer the team on and manage the results.
The women’s scoring team was led by a fantastic performance from Samara Kelleher-Jacobs, followed closely by Sarah Lewington, Debbie Rhodes, and Carly Kelly. Reflecting on her run, Sarah Lewington said: "I loved that route—it was my first time running this particular course."
On the men’s side, the points were secured by James Perrett, who delivered a standout performance to finish 11th overall, followed by Steve Drysdale, Christian Coles, and Will Forbes. Their collective efforts ensured Alton remains a formidable presence in the league standings.
Beyond the scorers, there were plenty of individual triumphs. Andrew Lowton, who finished 5th for the club and 46th overall, was pleased with his progress. “I enjoyed the course—though perhaps not the hills so much—and somehow came in 20 seconds quicker than last year," he noted. "It was a great turnout on what could have been a foul day, but the rain stayed light enough.”
The event also marked a significant milestone for Emma Coles, who made her cross-country debut for the club following her first road race in December.
All eyes now turn to the fifth and final fixture of the season. Alton Runners will head to Alver Valley at Easter for the league finale, where they hope to conclude the 2025/26 cross-country campaign on a high note.