Course Records:

Male: David Symons of Thames Harriers in 39:31 (2006)

Female: Emily Nelson of Epsom in 43.21 (2007)

Bookham 10k 2009

The 4th Bookham 10k took place on Sunday 8 February 2008, when 277 brave souls ventured out onto the frozen North Downs for this tough run. Due to black ice on the usual route, organiser Andy Fay decided to re-route the course so that the first 1km was on roads, which then led runners down the well-named Admiral's Way. This rustic track had the added bonus of being covered in several places by hedge-to-hedge icy puddles (I thought I saw an iceberg in one of them), through which one was obliged to run and fill one's shoes with icy water. How we laughed.

The rest of the course was a variation on mud, ice, slush and puddles, and - as ever - included some thigh-busting descents and lung-bursting ascents. The scene that greeted runners as they emerged from the woods at Ranmoor, and took in the splendid viewof St Barnabas-in-Ranmoor church, wreathed in snow, was particularly impressive. Not that most runners had the chance to see it - mostly they were concentrating on the icy 3m in front of them.

At the front end of the field, local youngster Alex Ward of Dorking and Mole Valley AC became the first person from the club to win this local race. His time, of 46:07, was over six minutes slower than the course record, and is a reflection of the very tough conditions. Second home, only 40 seconds behind the leader, was Tim Weeks of Belgrave Harriers, while third home was Alan Tilling (an impressive first veteran M40 as well).

First lady home was Ruth Hutton of South London Harriers (F35) in 55:24 (23rd overall), second lady was Wendy Mountford of Dorking and Mole Valley AC (F35, 57:24, 43rd) and third lady was Paula Redmond (Serpentine Running Club, 58:07, 48th). The last finishers came in in 101:58.

A small number of children came out to try their hand at the fun run, which had transmogrified into a fun walk, due to the icy conditions - although some of the keener children did manage to run it , all the same.

As ever, the race raised several thousand pounds for the Downs Syndrome Association. Thanks to all marshals (many of whom were from Dorking and Mole Valley Athletics Club) and the many helpers back at HQ.

Bookham 10k - 2008

The Bookham 10 was voted into the top 100 races in Britain, and it is easy to see its appeal – faultless organisation, a challenging course and a friendly atmosphere. This year’s Bookham 10k running race attracted around 400 runners both near and far – including 29 female officer candidates from Sandhurst – for the event based at South Bookham School. Race organiser Andy Fay found that the -6 degree frost of the night before the race had made the ground so hard that it was impossible to hammer his first course marker into the ground (at 4:45am – he says that he couldn’t sleep, and decided to get out and ‘do something useful’). The freezing temperatures also led to some plumbing problems, when the portaloos hired for the race froze up and wouldn’t flush. However, enough of them worked to allow the runners to make the race start in time. Phew!

With some lusty singing, the assembled runners gave a rousing rendition of the national anthem to get their juices going just prior to the race start. Local estate agent and race sponsor Patrick Gardner was present and started the race by waving an enormous Union Jack flag. Marshals were positioned around the course to help the runners with lots of encouragement – many marshals were provided by the local Dorking and Mole Valley Athletics Club.

Although the ground underfoot was still frozen hard, the air temperature had risen in the beautiful clear sunlight of the North Downs, allowing the runners to enjoy the tough and hilly course over Ranmore Common and past Polesden Lacey.

While the 10k runners were sweating over the hills, around 100 children took part in a very enjoyable 3km fun-run, and were awarded special medals at the end.

First man home in the main 10k race was Epsom’s Alex Hawkins in 40:25, who commented “I’d forgotten how tough it was.” Second was Chris Green, hot on Alex’s heels in a finishing time of 40:49, while third was Charles Pedlar in 42:10. Dorking and Mole Valley AC’s Steve Bush was fourth in 42:50 (also winning the over 40 male veteran category), while team-mate Howard Jones was fifth in 43:26.

Army runner Ms. Hutter was third lady home in 48:15, female veteran (45 and over) Phyllis Flynn was second in 47:32, while Rachel Rowan (a veteran in the F35 class) was first lady home in 46:50.

In all the race is estimated to have raised over £4000 for the Downs Syndrome Association.

2008 Results now available

See professional photographs of 2008 race

Race report 2007

Results

Vote for the race at Runners' World

Amazing Professional Photos

Our photos

What the runners said about this race

Runner's World Discussion forum on this event

SEAA permit 7054 (2007)

Under gray skies - but no rain - the 2nd Bookham 10k was successfully staged on Sunday 18th February 2007, once again organised by local main Andy Fay, and assisted by a large team of volunteer marshals and helpers. 300 runners took part. The event raised around £2000 for the Down's Syndrome Association.

The race was won by 17-year old Alex Hawkins of Epsom, interestingly wearing a pair of Nike Frees - a special type of trainer that allows the foot to feel as though it is not actually wearing trainers at all. Alex ran the previous week's Chessington 10k in around 35 minutes - and completed the Bookham 10 in 40:23 9which gives you an idea of the toughness of the course).

Second in was David Rollins in 41:24 - apparently Alex was able to push ahead on the downhills, while David was able to gain ground on the uphills, partly due to his Inov-8 Mud Claw shoes. He had to collect his prize early, because his wife is pregnant, and was getting sore feet standing around. Good luck with the baby, David (and wife!). Let's see how fast you run it next year!

In third place (first lady by five minutes) was local running sensation Emily Nelson of Epsom, who is only 26, who finished in 43.21, chased (but not caught) by Dorking and Mole Valley's Howard Jones (43.43). Emily's was a stand-out performance - nice one!

In fifth place was Olly Wesbury, and sixth was Sam Munnery.

There must have been a battle royal for the second and third placed ladies. Elizabeth Day was 21st overall, in 48.11, but only 12 second behind her, in 48:23 was Hannah Cunningham. In any case, they both ran brilliantly.

Last person home this year will go un-named, since they decided to walk the entire course. It was a pleasant day, and they took their time. They ambled in just as the last marshals were about to go home. Bless!

The race was nearly at capacity in 2007, and a cap on running numbers will be in place for the next running of the race, likely to be on 17 February 2008. If you liked the race, tell your friends. If there was something you thought we could have done better, tell us!

The Fun Run also attracted around 60 frunners aged from 3 to 99 and everyone seemed to have a great time. Thanks for taking part!

The race organisers would like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm, would particularly like to thank ALL helpers and marshals for their invaluable contributions. We couldn't do it without you!

Pats on the back all round!