DON'T MISS - today's Gazette has a six-page souvenir pull-out from the Basingstoke Half Marathon, which includes the race time and position of all the runners taking part, plus lots of pictures from the day. You can also view all the pictures by clicking here.

HE WAS always likely to be one of the front-runners but elite athlete Vincent Boit didn’t disappoint on Sunday when he won the fifth Basingstoke Half Marathon.

The Kenyan athlete, who broke the course record for the Chester half marathon in May this year, was just shy of breaking the Basingstoke Half Marathon record after crossing the finish line in an impressive time of one hour, four minutes and 43 seconds.

Vincent Boit said: "I was really pleased to win the Basingstoke Half (Marathon) on Sunday, it was my first time in that part of the UK and I really enjoyed it.

"Thanks to all the organisers for putting on a great race. I found the course quite tough – the Hampshire hills are quite steep! I hoped I could improve the course record but it was not to be – maybe next year.

"The Basingstoke Half was the second of three races I’m doing in the UK this autumn – my third one is the Oxford Half this weekend. Then I’m off back to Kenya to resume training.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

Alex Milne, of Enfield and Haringey Athletic Club, was second, finishing the gruelling course in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and one second, and David Meacock, of Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club, finished third with a time of one hour, 13 minutes and 36 seconds.

The first female across the line was Kate Towerton, of Winchester and District Athletic Club, who completed the course in one hour, 25 minutes and two seconds.

Enthusiastic crowds lined the 13.1-mile route which saw almost 1,300 runners set off from Hackwood Road, in the centre of Basingstoke, before taking in the scenic views of Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop, before looping back to the finish line at Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The sunny but cool conditions provided a welcome relief for runners who raised thousands for local causes such as the Ark Cancer Centre Charity, St Michael’s Hospice and Anna’s Challenges as well as national charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support.

Runners were also entertained by an army of interesting scarecrows designed by the Ellisfield Ladies Club to amuse those taking part and to spur them on as they went round the gruelling and hilly course.

Basingstoke Gazette:

On completing the course, runners were presented with a special medal designed to mark the fifth year of the event.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without a massive volunteer effort, with 100 people, including brownie and guide groups, donating their time to help as race marshals or providing support on the site.

Water stations were manned and supplied by Basingstoke Wolverines, Anytime Fitness, The Apollo Hotel and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, which puts on the event, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from the runners – they were impressed with the organisation, the race course, but most importantly the wonderful atmosphere and encouragement they received from residents and marshals.

“With great weather and such support It was a great celebration of our fifth year – we are so proud that our event has become such an important part of our community. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

Entry is now open for the 2016 Basingstoke half marathon, with an early bird offer available until the end of October.

For more information, visit the website at basingstoke halfmarathon.com.

  • Pick up a copy of today's Gazette for your six-page souvenir pull-out of the Basingstoke Half Marathon, which includes the race time and position of all the runners taking part, plus lots of pictures from the day.