Andover Half Marathon and 12K draws hundreds of runners

A total of 478 people ran the two races on Sunday, October 25, which started at 8am and 9am.

The event, organised by Seasons Run Club founder Jamie Batchelor, 27, has run since 2023 and raises money for Community Engage Andover, with £5 from every 12K entry donated.

(L-R) Jamie Batchelor, Sarah Haslam and Ollie Blowes. (Image: Eve Thompson)

Mr Batchelor said: “Not every town has the opportunity to put something like this on, so it's great to see so many people entering every year.

“I like seeing the friendly faces but also knowing that you are doing a good thing for the community.”

The half marathon was won by 19-year-old Henry Haslam, from Ludgershall, who crossed the finish line in one hour, 19 minutes and 29 seconds.

It was his third victory at the event.

He said: “It's nice to come back and to have won the race that I've won before. It feels good to come back and retain it.”

Henry Haslam from Ludgershall was the first over the finish line for the half marathon with a time of 1:19:29. (Image: Eve Thompson)

“I’ve not been training specifically for a half, so it was nice to come out. I think that if I can run 79 on tired legs, what can I run on fresh legs? I'm happy with it.”

Ben Kemplen, 32, from Southampton, finished in one hour, 23 minutes and 25 seconds.

He said: “I’ve always run, but I saw it online and thought I'd go for it. It was enjoyable and a really decent day.”

Ben Kemplen from Southampton was second to finish the half marathon, with a time of 1:23:25. (Image: Eve Thompson)

“I went out and thought I'd run with the pack, but then one thing led to another and I ended up in second place. It was good fun.”

Myles Preston, 40, from Winchester and representing Lift Winton, finished third in 1:25:17 and hailed Andover as his favourite half marathon for its course and atmosphere.

First-timers Harrison Hale, 29, from Newbury, and Patrick Downham, 29, from Tidworth, finished in about 1:35 and said the hilly, windy course had not put them off returning.

(L-R) First time runners of the Andover half marathon, Harrison Hale and Patrick Downham. (Image: Eve Thompson)

An impressive Andover runner, Jack Chafer, 14, won the 12K in 47 minutes and 28 seconds.

Jack, the youngest member of Seasons Run Club, said: “I’m very happy to have won today. I feel good. I also got a good time which I’m pleased about, I hoped I would.”

“In the future I hope to get my times down a bit by getting faster.”

Winner of the 12K race was 14 year old Jack Chafer from Andover, who finished in 47 minutes and 28 seconds. (Image: Eve Thompson)

Alice Burnfield, 41, from Longstock, was the first woman home in the half marathon, finishing in one hour, 46 minutes and 38 seconds in her second year competing at Andover.

Katey Cuthbertson was second in one hour, 48 minutes and nine seconds, followed by Jo Payze in one hour, 49 minutes and 54 seconds.

Both races started and finished on Andover High Street.

See the full list of finishers and times at https://www.seasonsrunclub.co.uk/