BUSHY Park near Richmond in London is a mecca for park runners, being the place where it all began, writes DI CROSS.

A minibus full of City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club’s members made the pilgrimage to the park last Saturday – and met double Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes, a parkrun ambassador.

A “jolly” time was had, with some good times achieved, too.

Also in the medals was the club’s Aaron Wilson, who won Lacock 10k in 34:31.

Heading west, Peter Callanan was the club’s best-placed runner in Yeovil marathon, finishing 28th in 3:14:13.

The club’s young athletes were back in action for match three of the Wessex League in Guildford. Despite having an under-strength team, there were some impressive performances.

In the under-13 girls, Neve Cousins recorded a PB of 4:26.60 to take third in the 1,200m with Charlie Coles was second in the A string at 1,500m and Caleb Etheridge won the B race for under-13 Boys.

Lucy Wilkinson continued her success in the under-17 girls javelin while Thomas Holme came second in the under-13B shot and the under-15 boys won both A and B string javelin.

However, the under-15 girls 1,500m was the race of the day with CoSARC’s Alicia Finnis battling all the way with Winchester to win the A string.

At the County Schools competition, the club’s Amelia Watling won the long jump with a new Wiltshire Schools record of 5m 43cm, while Livvy Hewlett was second in the under-15 girls High Jump.

Hitting the trails, James Mills put in a determined performance to complete the South Downs Way 100 Mile in 18:39 to take 19th place.