Course Records:

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

Female: Emily Nelson of Epsom in 43.21 (2007)

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 Booham 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.

Race Instructions 2008

These are the race instructions for the Bookham 10k on Sunday 17 February.

The race takes place starting from South Bookham School, Oakdene Close, Off Howard Road, Bookham, KT23 4PT, (location map)

The 2km Fun Run starts at 10.10: entries are on the day at the school.

We are always thankful for extra help with marshaling - if you can't run, or have 'hangers-on' that want something to do, please come to the school by 9.30, and we will greatly appreciate your help.

The school hall will be open from 8.30am, selling hot and cold drinks and snacks. If you have entered on-line, you need to arrive by 9.15 at the latest to collect your running number.

The race starts at 10am sharp!

Although there are no changing facilities at the hall, baggage can be left at the school hall (come ready-changed). If you can possibly use the toilets at home, you're advised to do so! Entries (cash only, no cheques) on the day will be at the school hall.

A limited number (100 only - and there are around 400 runners) of specially-created fluorescent t-shirts (including the name of all registered runners on the back) will be available for sale in the hall for £7 each - please bring correct money. ALL proceeds from the sale of these t-shirts goes to the Down's Syndrome Association. Wear them with pride!

Parking will be on the road in residential streets: don't block drives. The roads around here are very wide, so you do not need to pull up on the verge: however, make sure you leave enough room for vehicles to pass easily.

The start is just outside the school, and will finish in the grounds of the school. Marshals will be posted around the route at all junctions, and the route will be fully signposted and taped. There will be a water station at the 5km half way point.

The course is mainly off-road, apart from the start and finish. The winners wore studs in 2006 and trail shoes in 2007. Trainers or trail shoes would also suffice.

St John Ambulance will be in attendance. If there are any problems, please report to the nearest marshal, and they will organise a response.

Prize-giving will take place in the hall at around 11.30. ALL WELCOME!

The race is organised by Andy Fay. It is being organised to benefit the Downs' Syndrome Association.

Thank you for participating, and for your contributions towards the race charity.

Results and photos will be available on the event web site (www.trionium.com) as soon as possible after the race.

We hope that you will have a great run!

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!