The scenic surroundings of Larmer Tree Gardens provided the backdrop for a full day of trail racing recently, with distances ranging from 10km through to the marathon. All races were staged within the Rushmore Estate, set in the heart of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an area famed for its rolling chalk valleys, ancient woodland and history as a royal hunting ground dating back more than 800 years. Peacocks roaming freely across the estate added an extra touch of character to an already memorable venue.

Strong field and testing terrain

The undulating nature of the estate ensured that none of the races were straightforward. The 10km in particular began with a descent lasting more than half a mile before runners were faced with a sharp incline, followed by another drop heading towards the end of the second mile. With almost 600 feet of elevation packed into the route, it was a course that rewarded strength and pacing rather than outright speed.

Mearns continues upward trajectory

In the 10km race, Bournemouth AC’s Nathan Mearns produced another assured performance to take victory in 44:38, finishing more than a minute clear of second-placed Daniel Fielding (45:43). Kate Charlick was first female and sixth overall in 48:31, while 161 athletes completed the event.

Nathan has been steadily building momentum over the past year. Having lowered his 10km personal best to 40:38 at Lordshill in July after running 41:24 at the Bournemouth Bay Run in March, he has since continued to show both consistency and versatility across the road and trail scene. A second place at the Bluebell Bash in his first ever trail half marathon was followed by victory at the after-dark Starburster 10, where he clocked 1:13:45 for the 10-mile distance. His half marathon best currently stands at 1:29:48 from Run Bournemouth.

Mile-by-mile to the win

Nathan went through the opening mile in 6:57 and followed that with 7:09 for the second, settling quickly into the rhythm of the course. The next mile and a half was entirely uphill, and the effort showed in splits of 7:28 and 7:54 for miles three and four.

The second half of the fourth mile offered welcome respite as the route tipped downhill, a descent that continued into mile five. Taking full advantage, Mearns recorded his quickest mile of the race with a 6:32 split. One final climb in mile six, covered in 7:35, was negotiated strongly before he powered through the closing section to secure a clear-cut win.

Newton still setting the standard in the masters ranks

Also in action on the day was Geoff Newton, competing in the Half Marathon. Newton, who has long been a dominant force in the M80 age group both nationally and internationally, finished 40th overall in 2:21:43 and was first runner over 70, beating the next athlete in that category by 13 minutes.

Newton’s performance is another example of the remarkable longevity he continues to display. Last October he collected five medals at the European Masters Championships in Madeira and is currently ranked seventh in the UK in the V80 category. In November he finished second M80+ at the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International, pushing category rival Peter Giles all the way in a memorable race. Earlier in the season he also made history by becoming the first ever M80 athlete to complete all three races in the SEAA Fell Running Championships, securing the inaugural M80 title in the process.

Winners across the distances

The Half Marathon itself was won by Ben Roscoe in 1:37:20, with Rob Evans second in 1:41:13. Tamara Lake of City of Salisbury led the women home in 1:56:19.

In the 20-Mile race, Stephen Williams of Littledown Harriers took the honours in 2:31:09 ahead of Jim Campbell (2:38:25), while Tegan Rowlands was first female and fourth overall in 2:52:23.

The marathon saw Lucy Richens claim victory in 3:46:45, with Martin Webb finishing second in 3:53:36. Adam Jones was third in 3:57, with Becca Whey taking fourth and second female in 4:10.

A fitting setting for trail running

With all routes starting and finishing in the ornamental gardens before heading out into the estate’s network of tracks and woodland paths, the Larmer Tree races once again combined history, scenery and challenging terrain in equal measure. For Bournemouth AC, it proved to be a day highlighted by a commanding win for Nathan and another exemplary masters performance from Geoff – two athletes at very different stages of their careers, both continuing to set high standards in their respective fields.