NEW Eastleigh runner Stuart Holloway picked up his first Summer Series RR10 win in the series’ fifth race at Alver Valley Country Park.

The howling wind and rain made a mockery of the ‘summer’ in the race series’ title, writes MALCOLM PRICE.

But it did not deter more than 230 runners from toeing the start line in Wednesday night’s five-mile race hosted by Stubbington Green Runners.

Alver Valley Country Park, near Rowner in Gosport, is a former waste ground that Gosport Council has successfully converted into a leisure park.

The newly constructed gravel paths held up well underfoot despite the rain.

And taking full advantage of the conditions was Holloway, who had a clear run at the front of the field to take his first RR10 race win.

Holloway’s club colleague Tom Stevens was second and 2009 champion Matt Hammerton of Romsey Road Runners came home in third place.

No surprise Having the first two home meant it was no surprise that Eastleigh also took the honours in the men’s team event, with a Lordshill squad, who once again turned out in strong numbers, in second.

The women’s race had a one/two/ three from New Forest Runners.

Valerie Sesto, pictured above, made best in the conditions for first place, while Lisa Elmore and Liz Young made sure that they continued their team push at the top with their respective placings in second and third.

Winchester ladies picked off the next team spot on a night for the hardy.

All 13 clubs in the league now optimistically look to Wednesday, June 26, when the sixth race in the series will be held at Manor Farm Country Park just off the M27 at Hedge End. Southampton Running Sisters, Halterworth Harriers and new members Hedge End Running Club are all sharing hosting duties for the evening.

A charge of £2 per car will be collected on the gate to cover parking fees for the evening. l RR10 member club Lordshill Road Runners are on the move again as they stage their annual 10k road race.

However, the race will not be held at Redbridge Recreation Ground as the club has forged a new sponsorship with Ordnance Survey at Adanac Park. The race will now start and finish at this location on Sunday, June 30 (10.30am).