BASINGSTOKE and Mid Hants Athletic Club (BMHAC) kicked off the new year in style, ringing in 2024 with their annual Keough Club relay race and impressive performances at national championship events.

The 40th edition of the Keough Club relay race, held on New Year’s Eve in War Memorial Park, saw 24 teams and 96 participants brave the wet and windy conditions for a fun-filled event open to all club members and their families.

Team spirit reigned supreme as Caiden Griffin, Jannita Jinks, Nick Pye, and Cameron Furness stormed to victory.

Noteworthy achievements were also celebrated among individual participants, with Alex Bigg securing the coveted Christmas pudding for the fastest laps among men, completing the 2k course in an impressive 6.05 minutes.

Daisy Allford claimed the same honor for women, clocking in at seven minutes.

As the new year unfolded, the club continued to make waves, participating in events across the country.

While New Year’s celebrations continued, January brought more success for BMHAC athletes on national soil.

The first weekend of the year saw 66 club runners tackle the challenging Hampshire County Cross Country at Fairthorne Manor.

Despite the heavy rain turning the course into a mudfest, BMHAC athletes rose to the occasion, claiming an impressive tally of medals.

The U11 girls team secured silver thanks to Lara Cawley’s fifth-place finish alongside Emily Battershall, Isla Clarke, and Daisy Renard.

Archie Burnison led the U13 boys to gold with individual silver, while Cristo Porter, Oliver Hall, and Ian Bahia joined him on the podium.

U15 girls earned team silver, led by Uma Doublet, while U17 ladies claimed bronze, with Immi Edwards, Emily Marshall, and Charlotte Vickers.

The U20 Men’s race brought more success as Jack Hedderly, Tom Yates, and Boyd Jno-Lewis secured silver.

Beyond the cross-country terrain, BMH athletes showcased their prowess at the English Athletics Combined Events Championships in Sheffield.

Jordanna Morrish set a new PB points score of 4025 for the Pentathlon, finishing fourth overall and second in the English Championship.

In the men's category, Cal Mclennan secured ninth place, scoring 4025 points, while U20 athlete Charlie Arnold finished 17th with 3855 points.

All four athletes are coached by Rafer Joseph who is pleased his athletes have got off to such a good start for 2024.

Stefan O’Loughnane, competing in the British Milers Club 800M, finished fourth in Sheffield with a time of 1.53.51.