The 2024/25 Southern Cross Country League season kicked off on Sunday 3^rd November, at Benyon’s Enclosure near Silchester. Hosted by Basingstoke & Mid Hants Athletic Club, the race saw 22 local running clubs (including Alton Runners) tackle the five-mile course, which ended with a splash through a ford just half a mile from the finish.

The league brings together clubs from across Hampshire and the South, with fixtures from November to March. Alton Runners put forward a strong team of 32 athletes, showing great form and team spirit.

Men’s Team Captain, Christian Coles, was chuffed with the turnout, saying, “Nothing like a cross country race to bring the Alton Runners team together—amazing turnout.”

The weather was spot on, dry and mild (for November), with the course featuring some muddy patches and puddles. Alton Runners had a cracking start to the cross country season, with the men’s team finishing 5^th, the women’s team 4^th, and the club overall in 3^rd place in the league standings. A special shoutout to Alton’s Dylan Poulton, who won the race, setting a strong tone for the club this season. The full results can be viewed on the Southern Cross Country League’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SCCLUK.

The next fixture is on Sunday 24^th November at Alice Holt Forest, giving Alton Runners a more local challenge. Later in the season, the club will host its own event on Sunday 19^th January 2025, at the historic and picturesque grounds of Chawton House.

With the season opener done and dusted, Alton Runners are looking forward to months of mud, camaraderie, and competitive spirit across a number of different scenic cross country courses.

Article by Lydia Andrews
06/11/2024