Race 5 and our first of 2026 and we had some unseasonably mild weather on the day. Lots of rain in the run up to the event meant the ground was slippery and boggy in places – by all accounts a ‘proper’ cross-country race this one!
281 runners turned out to represent their clubs and compete over this 7.4k, 3 lap course on a mixture of gravel, woodland paths and grass.
Leading the men home was Max Costley of Southampton AC, with Jack England of Winchester Fit Club in 2nd and his teammate Ross Durston in 3rd. Caitlin Peers lead the ladies home for Southampton Triathlon Club, Followed by Caitlin Hooton from Lordshill Road Runners and Eleanor Swire of Winchester RC. Clearly, there are some fast Caitlin’s about!
The top scoring teams were Winchester Fit Club’s men, making it five-from-five and Lordshill Road Runners ladies with their first win of the season.
Huge thanks to all those Volunteers from Stubbington, Hamwic and Netley Abbey who turned out early this morning to make the event so successful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Also, to those who so generously provided cakes for runners at the finish line.
Looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks’ time at Race 6: Badger Farm!