Hills, hills, hills......and ice cream!

Yesterday Sunday 6th September saw the annual Overton 5 mile road race. A local race organised by Overton Harriers & AC - this traditional athletics club organised event is one which gets the legs working hard. A group from the club went to test out their legs over the hills.

Overton is not flat - the route takes in some of the downs around the village and has beautiful views of the rolling countryside. But you feel the ups and downs! The start is a fast downhill but don't think this is how the whole of the route is - the second mile is a long gradient up and then a mid section of up and down before returning on the flatter ground with a sneaky little off-road trail path, then a small climb kicks in at the church before the final turn into the finish straight on the recreation field.

It is a tough run but one you feel like you have had a real workout by the end. The race is really well supported by local clubs as it is part of the Hampshire Road Race League and the village of Overton are supporting on the day. The local guide and scout groups do a brilliant job of organising the car park and the refreshments - loads of cakes, bacon rolls and drinks to buy at the end and on what was a warm day, an ice cream at the end was well worth the effort.

Put this one in your race calendar in 2027 - it will give you confidence for the hills in the cross country season to follow.