Alton Runners achieved some impressive results at the Ryde ten-mile race.

The race was the seventh fixture in the 2024-25 Hampshire Road Race League season.

Being on the other side of the Solent meant an early start for Alton Runners as they travelled down together on the Wightlink ferry, FastCat or hovercraft.

The race started on the sea wall by Ryde Harbour and concluded at the harbour slipway.

The course, a single lap, was undulating and scenic, taking runners through Ryde, Puckpool, Seaview, St Helens and Nettlestone before heading back to Ryde.

The course was updated this year, with the final hill making way for a flat coastal finish.

Alton Runner James Kidwell said: “It was tough running up the hills but fun zooming down them.

“The new course was a big hit – I really appreciated the coastline finish.”

The event was a sell-out, with 596 runners completing the course, and 18 runners wore the yellow vests of Alton.

Each finisher received a medal that showcased Ryde’s pier and shoreline, and the weather was perfect, with sunny skies and little wind.

As well as the scenic, challenging course, one of the reasons the race is such a hit with Alton Runners is the promise of fish and chips on the beach before heading home. It’s a real club day out – more than just a race.

Alex Hall was the first Alton male to finish, placing 27th overall.

Rachel Walsh, the women's captain, was the first Alton lady home, finishing as the fourth female overall.

The Alton Runners men's team finished ninth, with Christian Coles and Alistair Smith joining Hall in the scoring positions.

The women's team finished tenth, with notable performances from Samara Kelleher-Jacobs and Diane Byrne.

Kelleher-Jacobs and Andrew Lowton achieved ten-mile personal bests, with Kelleher-Jacobs taking three minutes off her previous best time.

By Lydia Andrews