Alresford 10k Brings the Heat
21st June 2026 – It was a scorching Sunday in Hampshire as 425 runners took to the streets and trails for the annual Alresford 10k. With the mercury climbing, the beautiful market town basked in sunshine. This challenging race served as the 11th, and penultimate, fixture in the Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL), making the stakes as high as the temperature.
Starting and finishing in Arlebury Park, the route wound through the town, skipped past the famous watercress beds, and plunged into the rolling local countryside. While the scenery was a treat, the inclusion of several testing hills ensured that no one had a breezy time of it, even if the hot weather made everyone wish for a cool change. The event, organised by the Alresford Rotary, was a massive success, with all profits set to support charitable causes both at home and abroad.
The local contingent from Alton Runners turned out in force, with 25 athletes braving the heat and many more volunteering their time to ensure the event ran like clockwork. From lead cyclists to registration desk staff and course marshals, the club members were an essential part of the day’s success. The race also marked a poignant moment as Jonathan Read served as Race Director for the final time, stepping down after a dedicated tenure.
Jane Law, who was marshalling on the course, praised the participants' tenacity: "You guys were incredible out there. I really don’t know how you coped in the heat – much respect! You were all looking good from our marshal spot." Fellow marshal Steph Erskine added, "All looking so determined and strong getting up that last hill. Well done!"
Despite the sweltering conditions, Alex Hall led the charge for the Alton men, crossing the line in an impressive 8th place overall. Rachel Walsh shone brightly, finishing as the 4th female overall and securing a well-deserved victory in her age category. In the 45–49 age category, Steve Drysdale took a fantastic 2nd place, followed closely by Christian Coles who snapped up 3rd. Andrew Lowton also found his place on the podium, finishing 3rd in the 60–64 category, while Hugh Bethall proved that age is just a number by winning his 80+ age group.
Alton’s A-team efforts were robust. The men’s quartet of Alex Hall, Steve Drysdale, Christian Coles, and Andrew Lowton put in a monumental shift, while the women’s team of Rachel Walsh, Di Byrne, Nicola Fitzpatrick, and Lydia Andrews proved that even in the blistering sun, running is a team sport.
Reflecting on the challenge, Andrew Lowton remarked, "Very hot and hilly but strangely enjoyable... after you finished!" Men’s Captain Steve Drysdale added, "Always a tough one but more so in the heat. It felt like my legs were going to buckle by the end of the last hill. It was a good thing that Christian was there to keep me honest and push me all the way—a fantastic effort for him considering he (and Rachel) were running just a week after a 24-hour endurance race."
A special mention must go to Alton Runner Darren Garfoot, who stopped to help a runner in distress due to the heat - a selfless act that cost him a potential course personal best.
All finishers received a bag of local watercress, now a race tradition for Alresford, along with a cookie and a buff to ensure they didn't leave empty-handed.
It was a day that certainly tested the mettle of every runner, but with spirits high and the community support as warm as the weather, it was an Alresford 10k to remember. Looking ahead, athletes are already preparing for the final hurdle of the season, with the Lordshill 10k in July set to be the concluding fixture of the HRRL calendar. With 25 Alton Runners already signed up, it should be a strong close to the season.