5 out of 5 for Alton Runners’ Dylan in SCCL
On Sunday, 2nd March, Bourne Woods in Farnham provided a picturesque backdrop for the fifth and final Southern Cross-Country League fixture of the 2024/25 season. Hosted by Farnham Runners, the event featured a challenging 5-mile course with various tracks and trails, concluding at the side of the Rural Life Museum. Twenty-seven Alton Runners proudly donned their yellow club vests to represent the club at the event. The weather was sunny and crisp, perfect running conditions.
Dylan Poulton from Alton Runners delivered an outstanding performance, crossing the finish line first and making it five wins out of five in this season’s cross-country events. His consistent excellence has been a significant highlight for the club throughout the cross-country season.
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Dylan said, “The course was fantastic, and the competition was tough. I made my move to the front at around 3.5 miles to create a bit of a gap, but it remained very close. Securing 5 wins out of 5 is a brilliant way to finish the season.”
Darren Mansfield shared his thoughts on the race: “A beautiful scenic route with plenty of undulations.”
Ian Urquhart also commented: “Well done to all those who ran or came to support at the Bourne Woods cross-country. A few changes on the course, so not as many hills. The weather was great, ideal conditions for running and not as muddy.”
Provisional results placed Alton Runners eighth in the final fixture, with their overall season standing yet to be confirmed. Congratulations to the team from Liss Runners, who clinched the league title this season.
In addition to Dylan’s stellar performance, the other male scoring positions were filled by Steve Drysdale, Andrew Lowton, and Benny Roddis – together they finished seventh as a team. The women’s scorers (who as a team finished eleventh) for Alton Runners were Di Bryne, Lola Powell, Katie Bonham, and Clare Read.
The 2nd of March was a busy day for Alton Runners. In addition to the members who participated in the cross-country fixture, five club members took part in the Brighton Half Marathon. Christopher Colley travelled to Chichester for the 10k, and Rachel Walsh and Christian Coles competed in the RomaOstia Half Marathon in Rome, where Rachel was the first British female to cross the line.
Article by Lydia Andrews
05/03/2025