HRRL Season Finale at Lordshill 10k
The final fixture of the 2025/26 Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL) season took place on Sunday, 5th July, at the Lordshill 10k. Starting and finishing at the Oasis Academy in Southampton, the route provided a largely flat, out-and-back course with a total elevation gain of just 48 metres across the 10km distance. While the course may not be the most picturesque in the league, it is well-organised and friendly, offering genuine potential for personal bests due to a slight downhill profile on the outward leg. A total of 789 runners gathered at the start line, enjoying favourable weather before the sun emerged to increase the challenge during the latter stages of the race.
Twenty-three Alton Runners participated in the event, delivering several standout performances. Rachel Walsh finished 4th overall in the women’s race, successfully taking 1st in her 20–39 age category. Hugh Bethell claimed a commanding win in the men’s 80+ category, while Dylan Poulton, running for his first-claim club, Aldershot, Farnham & District Athletics Club, secured a win in the 15–19 age group. The Men’s A team consisted of Christian Coles, Steve Drysdale, Nick Pepper, and Jack Shepherd, while the Women’s A team was represented by Rachel Walsh, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Diane Byrne, and Lydia Andrews. Following the race tradition, all finishers received a commemorative latte glass embossed with the event logo.
Nicola Fitzpatrick, reflecting on her debut at the course, noted: "First time at Lordshill and my fastest 10km in 2 years. 2nd in for the ladies A's. All going great until the sun came out at about 5 miles point, then I struggled with the heat. 8th in my age category." There was also a special birthday celebration for Caroline Bartholomew, who completed her first-ever 10k race. Her partner, James Kidwell, who ran alongside her, reflected on the achievement: "Today was all about the birthday girl completing her 1st ever 10k race. Very proud of her pushing herself out of her comfort zone." Caroline added: "I really enjoyed my first 10k, and it feels great competing in it as part of the club too. It was nice support having James running with me, and hearing the other Alton Runners cheering each other on." The club was also thrilled to see the return of women’s captain Miranda Timms and David Dalton, who are both returning to racing after time away due to illness and injury, respectively.
The final race marked the conclusion of a busy season. Runners who completed all 12 fixtures were awarded the coveted "12 out of 12" t-shirt, an honour achieved by Christian Coles, Lydia Andrews, and Kathryn Powell. Those who completed at least seven races were presented with a commemorative mug.
Darren Mansfield shared his experience: "The start was brilliant, with the temperature just about perfect… and then the sun came out! It sapped my energy far quicker than I’d have liked. A fabulous race from start to finish."
The club now awaits the official league results, with Rachel Walsh on track to secure the women’s individual title and the Women’s B team in a strong position to earn promotion to the top B division. In the men’s competition, Alex Hall and Steve Drysdale are both currently sitting in the individual top 10, while the Men’s A team holds 3rd place in the top division.
With little time for rest, members are already looking forward to the new road race season, which begins at the end of August with the Totton 10k.