Sub-zero temperatures swept across the country last weekend but the stubborn 'Stubbies' braved the cold to press on with their 39th Stubbington 10K on Sunday 12 January 2025.

Stubbington 10K is known for its picturesque landscape and fast course and is one of the South Coast's biggest and best races at this popular distance. The run begins in the heart of Stubbington village with a new route introduced in 2023 following the opening of a new bypass. The course remains predominantly flat with some very gentle inclines, consistently producing a plethora of PBs.

Free parking is available at five local schools within a 10-minute walk of the start near the Race HQ at Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington.  The race was again fully sold out with 1,813 finishers – 34 more than last year.

The race route passes Lee-On-The-Solent Golf Club and Alver Valley Country Park before traversing the coast road to Hill Head Beach and back, passing the Hovercraft Museum at halfway.

A cracking pace was set by Bournemouth AC's Bahranian star athlete Abdinasir Mohamoud Elmi who powered clear to win by 65 seconds in 29 minutes precisely, smashing his previous best of 30:31, set when winning the Boscombe 10K last November.

The nearest opposition was provided by M35 Matt Sharp (Ryde Harriers, 30:05) who has not raced this distance since 2019. Fellow Ryde Harrier Chris Newnham (31:20 PB) was third.

The top three in the women's race were Kate Natkiel (Brighton Phoenix, 35:36), Rebecca Lord (Stubbington Green Runners, 36:06) and Erin Willmers (Winchester Running Club, 37:11).

Nearly 250 runners beat 40 minutes, including W50 Sarah Gurney (Winchester Running Club, 38:57) and M65 Stephen Dunlop (Stubbington Green Runners, 38:51) among the many superb performances by the higher age group competitors.

Full results are available via runABC South's race listing here.

Photo from the 2024 race courtesy of Out To Grass Photography on Facebook