MORE than 400 runners took part in the 16th annual Alresford Rotary 10k.

Before the main road race, on Sunday, June 16, Sun Hill School organised three races for younger people around the field at Alrebury Park where the first three boys and girls in each race were awarded specially made chocolates medals from Chocolate Craft. 

All of the other runners received less edible medals.

Originally conceived in 2007 as a community running event, the race has grown over the years and was, once again, part of the Hampshire Road Race League series of races that take place throughout the year. The race numbers and UK Athletics licenses were sponsored by Prospect Fencing who have supported the event since it started.

Alresford Rotary 10k (Image: Rob Wesley)

The 10k runners followed the usual route through the town, past the watercress beds and out into the countryside.

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The water point on the race route was managed by the local Brownies, Guides and Explorer Scouts who did a fantastic job organising, handing out and clearing up nearly 1,000 cups of water for the thirsty runners.

The men’s race was won by Fred Slemeck in 32.21 and the women’s race by Katie Gunn in 39.41. All the results are on the EventChipTiming website.

Alresford Rotary 10k (Image: Rob Wesley)

At the finish line runners were treated to watercress from The Watercress Company, bananas provided by Tesco in Winnall, cookies from the Arlebury Cafe and a souvenir buff, all handed out by pupils from Perins School who provided support throughout the day. 

The winners of each age category received a commemorative trophy and a hamper of local goodies put together by the Arlebury Cafe, and the runners up got a box of Chocolate Craft chocolates specially labelled with this year's date.

The race is organised and marshalled by Alresford Rotary and all of the surplus from this year's race will go to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.