Chessington, Sunday 12th February saw the annual running of the Valentine's 10k road race, organised by 26.2 Road Runners, Surbiton. The race attracted over 400 local runners of all standards, with the race being won by Scott Overall (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC and Team GB Olympian) and Sophie Cowper (Rotherham Harriers & AC).

This is not the first time Scott Overall has run the Valentine's 10k having also won the 2015 edition. Scott represented Team GB in the Olympic marathon at London 2012, finishing a very respectable 61st position.

Other participants in the Valentine’s 10k ranged from regular club runners to new runners hard at work training for the London Marathon in April. Showing the younger runners how it was done, we once again saw Michael Middleton of Wadhurst Runners completing the race. At age 83 it was undoubtedly one of the most impressive performances of the day.

Starting opposite Chessington World of Adventures, the race follows roads through Malden Rushett and around the edge of Horton Country Park before finishing at Chessington Community College. It is one of two races that 26.2 Road Runners organise annually in the area; the other being the Horton Park Relays, which after a one year absence we are hopeful of making a comeback later in the summer.

26.2 Road Runners (www.26point2.co.uk) are an all inclusive running club based at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club. We were not short of marshals at the race this year due to record membership following the success of our recent Zero2Hero training program. This program organised by club captain Kevin Stone has attracted over 150 new runners to take on a run/walk training program to eventually reach their 5k running goals.

The provisional date for the 2018 edition of the race is 11th February 2018. You can pre-register your interest at www.26point2.co.uk/valentines10k.

Photos: Start line taken by Richard Kirk Runner 1:men’s winner Scott Overall, Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC Runner 485: ladies winner Sophie Cowper, Rotherham Harriers & AC Scott Overall shortly after 5k water station taken by Simon Norman

Article supplied by Richard Kirk