An Egg-cellent Easter Sunday
While many were settling in for a quiet Easter Sunday and cracking into a chocolate egg or two, 15 dedicated members of Alton Runners decided to hop to it, heading to the coast for the final fixture of the Southern Cross Country League 2025/26 season. Hosted by Fareham Running Club, the event marked an egg-citing first as the league descended upon the Alver Valley Country Park in Gosport.
Nestled between Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, the Alver Valley provided a stunning backdrop for the season finale. The two-hundred-hectare green space, known for its rich mosaic of habitats, offered an ear-resistible challenge for the field of over 220 runners representing 21 clubs from across Hampshire and the South-Central region.
The path to this final fixture was anything but smooth. Originally scheduled for 15th February, the event was postponed due to significant flooding - which was certainly no yolk for the organisers. The rescheduled date fell on Easter Sunday, which meant a bit of a scramble for numbers, with many clubs fielding smaller teams. Alton Runners were no exception, but while the squad was leaner than usual, they still had plenty of spring in their step.
The conditions were a departure from the typical cross-country experience; it was later in the year, windier than usual, but notably drier and warmer. The debut venue did not disappoint, providing an interesting course supported by superb marshals and egg-emplary organisation.
In the men’s section, Alistair Smith was the first to scramble home for Alton, putting in a gritty performance to finish 31st. Reflecting on the new venue and the holiday turnout, Ali said: “I really enjoyed the new course and very happy to be first Alton runner back albeit a rather modest but friendly turnout. Looking forward to next season and hopefully some better weather!”
Ali was closely followed by the rest of the men’s scoring team: Darren Burgess, Jack Shepherd, and Gary Caswell, all of whom navigated the windy coastal paths to secure vital points for the club.
The women’s race saw Wendy Hall lead the way for the Alton contingent, crossing the line as the first club finisher and 34th overall in the women’s field. Reflecting on the day, Wendy said: “I loved it – a lovely undulating course in the sunshine earning our Easter chocolate. No Easter chicks but if you were lucky, you went home with a souvenir rubber duck!”
Completing the scoring positions for the women were Lydia Andrews, Sarah Hart, and Lisa Caswell, ensuring a solid finish to the season for the ladies' squad.
As the dust (rather than the usual mud) settles on the 25/26 season, Alton Runners are now awaiting the publication of the final results to confirm their standing in the league. Although the winners, Fleet & Crookham AC, have already been confirmed.
With the trail shoes being tucked away for another season, Alton Runners can look back on a good year of cross-country running. It’s fair to say they really cracked on this year!