Alton Runners hosted the fourth fixture in the 2024-25 Southern Cross Country League at the picturesque Chawton House.

This year marked the sixth time Alton Runners have hosted the event.

The five-mile Chawton House course, set in the grounds of the Elizabethan manor house that once belonged to Jane Austen's brother, Edward, followed a variety of undulating tracks, paths and trails.

Although the event missed its usual sheep spectators and the mud wasn't as thick as it sometimes is, the marshals and cake at the end more than made up for it.

The weather was chilly, but course conditions were perfect.

There was an impressive turnout, with 436 runners from 21 local running clubs taking part.

Among them were 38 participants from Alton Runners, all giving their best on the course.

Alton Runner Dylan Poulton was the first male finisher and has won all four fixtures this season.

Samara Kelleher-Jacobs was Alton’s first female finisher in 26th place.

Not only was the Chawton House event the first cross-country fixture of 2025, it was also Darren Mansfield’s first outing as race director.

The event went off without a hitch thanks to Mansfield’s hard work and dedication and all of Alton Runners’ volunteers.

Mansfield said: “While everything went smoothly, my nerves didn’t truly settle until the tail runners crossed the finish line.

“Although this was my first race as race director, I was not alone.

“Special thanks go to Philip Scrase and Richard Taylor, who were by my side throughout.

“An event like this is never about one person, it’s about the fantastic team of volunteers who came out to support me, for which I am incredibly grateful.

“The pint of beer at the pub afterwards was certainly well received.”

In addition to thanking the volunteers, Alton Runners thanked the team at Chawton House for hosting.

By Lydia Andrews