By Ian Acreman
Speed, Spirit, and Success for the Gees!
A Season of Standout Performances and Memorable Moments for Guildford & Godalming AC
As spring broke across Surrey’s winding country lanes and leafy parks, anticipation for the 2025 Surrey Road League shimmered in the air. From the raucous buzz at the start of the Sutton 10K to the concluding adrenaline blast finale at the historic Wedding Day 7K, this year’s Surrey Road League circuit delivered its trademark blend of fierce competition, friendly camaraderie, and exciting feats that etched celebration into local running lore.
Among the hundreds of runners who laced up their racing flats, the green and black vests of Guildford & Godalming AC (GGAC) were ever-present. Across the categories club legends and aspiring debutants became synonymous with tenacity, consistency, and class.
The 2025 season will be long remembered for GGAC being front and centre after winning the Women’s Team bronze medal and winning two gold and two silver medals in the individual Women’s and Men’s League competitions. Not to mention the smashing of records with a plethora of GGAC athlete personal best performances, inspiring podium finishes, and race day happenings that have sparked unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a tenacious 10K-er, or someone who just loves to cheer with a cowbell in one hand and a cuppa in the other, read on to hear why the Surrey Road League is where the county’s pavement pounders shine brightest.
What is the Surrey Road League?
The Surrey Road League is a legendary series of races, excellently organised by local running clubs, scattered across Surrey’s scenic towns and villages. Spanning spring to summer it’s much more than just a race series, as it’s a celebration of friendly rivalry, athletic grit, and community spirit where athletes from clubs from all over the county compete for glory in both team and individual standings. The Surrey Road League is as much a test of stamina and strength as it is a grand tour of the county’s most picturesque running venues. The series comprises seven iconic races, each with its quirks and challenges that conjure nothing but moments of excitement and nail-biting drama.
How Team Glory Is Won
For the women’s team competition, the first three finishers from each club make up the scoring squad. For the men, it’s the first four. The sum of the team’s finishing positions forms the overall team score, so every stride and every place can make a difference. League points are awarded based on participation. If 30 clubs take part, the winner of each race claims 30 points, the runner-up 29, and so on down the ranks. It’s all about fielding the strongest team when it matters most. And the season champions? They are crowned based on each club’s four best results from the seven League races.
Individual Bragging Rights
The individual competition is just as simple. Every club athlete earns points in their age group category. The lower your finish position the better, as first in age category gets 1 point, second gets 2, and so on. Just like the team competition, individual athletes are judged on their four best results across the seven League races. And in the spirit of fair play, an athlete’s category is set by their age at the time of their first League race of the season.
The Seven Magnificent Races that Made the 2025 Season
Race 1: Sutton 10K
The League kicked off on a bright Spring morning on Sunday 13th April with the ever-popular Sutton 10K hosted by Sutton Runners who have long provided the curtain opening race of the season. Winding through suburban streets and the leafy Nonsuch and Cheam Parks, the undulating two-lap spectator friendly course attracts athletes with spring in their step to set the tone for the season.
Race 2: Ranelagh Harriers Richmond Half Marathon
With its history dating back to 1980, the second fixture of the season on a warm sunny morning on Sunday 11th May, doubled up as the Surrey Half Marathon Championships. Starting in Ham, the scenic route along the Thames Towpath rewards athletes with vistas of Richmond’s stately waterside architecture, before making the turn across Richmond bridge for the homeward leg through Twickenham’s and Kingston’s suburban streets to the grassy finish back in Ham.
Race 3: Dorking 10 Miles
This classic English countryside challenge is renowned for its undulating, winding, and looping rural course with stunning views of the Surrey Hills that sit prominently above the village of Brockham. Enthusiastically staged by Dorking & Mole Valley AC on a cloudy and breezy morning on Sunday 1st June, the event’s large-scale and family friendly feel is both loved and feared for its energy sapping rolling hills. This season celebrity was in our midst, as journalist, broadcaster, and Fulham Running Club athlete Sophie Raworth fired the starting gun before competing with Surrey’s best.
Race 4: Ranelagh Harriers Richmond 10K
Ranelagh Harriers’ second hosting of the season, on a very warm morning on Sunday 22nd June, was a summer solstice flat and fast two-lap 10K in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames, with views of the river around Teddington Lock and along the Thames Towpath. Doubling up as the Surrey 10K Championships and coming after the earlier and more undulating Sutton 10K in April, the Richmond course is definitely one for those looking for a path with ‘PB’ potential.
Race 5: Elmore 7 Miles
Hosted by South London Harriers on a blisteringly sunny and swelteringly hot afternoon on Saturday 12th July, the quirky unique distance of seven miles and the start/finish in the grounds of Elmore provides this race with its distinct character. The picturesque but tough route is notorious for being a potpourri of rollercoaster country lanes with white-knuckle, quad-punishing descents and sneaky inclines, that climax in a flatter pursuit to the finish line at the vibrant, charming, and quintessentially English, Chipstead Village Flower Show and Fair.
Race 6: Elmbridge 10K
A mainstay of the League, the Elmbridge Road Runners’ 10K race on a cool and drizzly morning on Sunday 20th July was popular with club athletes chasing low scoring points at the business end of the season. Starting on the Walton-on-Thames athletics track, the route is a flat and fast riverside dash out and back along the Thames Towpath, that offered the opportunity for an explosive 100m sprint along the home straight of the track for a thrilling stadium finish. This final 10K race of the League season provides one last chance for athletes to shave a few more precious seconds off their 10K PB!
Race 7: Wedding Day 7K
First run in 1981 and set in Bushy Park’s beautiful Royal parkland where herds of red and fallow deer roam freely, the grand finale to the Surrey Road League, hosted by The Stragglers Running Club on a warm summer’s evening on Friday 25th July, was as much a celebration as it was a race. Steeped in tradition and revelry, legend has it whilst running around the park to find an appropriate 10K course, the original officers of the race decided after much pub refreshment that what they had was enough. And so, the adrenaline blast and hang-on for dear life (at 5K pace!) Wedding Day 7K was born.
Surrey Road League 2025 Stats
- 41 running clubs from across the county participated.
- 57 women and 100 men ran four or more races that counted in the final individual League standings.
- 8 women and 8 men ran all seven races.
- The Men’s 45-54 category had the most entrants, with 34 competitors.
- 58 GGAC athletes entered at least one race, with only 2 Gees running all seven events.
- The Wedding Day 7K proved to be the most popular event amongst our Club, with 26 of our athletes enjoying the end of season race finale. Whereas the Elmore 7 was the least popular event of the series as just 5 intrepid Gees ran in the 30oC heatwave conditions!
- The three 10K races on the circuit were also popular choices of our athletes, with an average of 17 GGAC members competing per race.
Meet the Standout Performers for Guildford & Godalming AC
Congratulations to Eleanor Harrison who stormed to victory in the Senior Women’s category, claiming gold for the second time, following her first Surrey Road League title in 2018. Eleanor’s win also ensures the Senior Women’s trophy stays in Guildford after Katie Grinyer’s title win in 2024. On hearing the news about Eleanor’s success, Katie said:
“Another fantastic year of Surrey Road League racing. I was gutted to only make it to one race this season (the Dorking 10 miler) as these events are always a brilliant chance to practice race pacing across a mix of distances. Huge congratulations to Eleanor, who claimed the women’s title this year. Her performances were seriously impressive – balancing long work hours and marathon training. It’s great to see Eleanor keep the trophy in the club too. Now the big question … who’s going to help us retain it next year?”
And what about Laura Hales? She was absolutely thrilled and delightfully surprised to hear she had clinched the silver medalin thehighly contestedWomen’s 55-64 category. A fantastic achievement that is another glistening moment for the Women’s squad to celebrate. Sharing her thoughts about the races, Laura said:
“I love the Surrey Road League, always great club races, reasonably priced! Love being with all the team! I feel really pleased to get silver, although I’m always hard on myself as I get older, and not running so fast it reminds me to keep going! I love running!”
A true stalwart of the Club, Terry Booth delivered standout performances with his trademark craft and unwavering reliability. Whether powering up the punishing hills of Dorking and Elmore or gliding through the buzzing crowds along the Thames Towpath, Terry’s efforts culminated in a remarkable fourth Surrey Road League title, earning him gold in theMen’s 55-64 category. But Terry didn’t stop there as he has now claimed nine M55 wins out of the last ten League races! An extraordinary run that cements his legacy as one of GGAC’s most consistent and inspiring athletes. When asked for his reaction to this fantastic achievement, Terry said:
“I had hoped to win all seven races this year, but the Ranelagh Half was too soon after the [Manchester] marathon”.
In his debut season, Gavin Everson made a strong impression, finishing 4th in theMen’s 55-64 category, behind club legend Terry Booth. Reflecting on his experience, Gavin enthusiastically shared:
“If you’re looking for competitive racing off the track, and if mud isn’t your thing (it certainly isn’t mine!), the Surrey Road League is for you. I found every one of the races tough, but I will be back!”
Meanwhile, huge congratulations to another debutant,Ian Acreman who was delighted to win silver in the fiercely competitive M45-54 category. Ian’s season was marked by several personal bests, including 🏃♂️Sutton 10K (37:01), 🏃♂️Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon (1:20:34), 🏃♂️ Ranelagh Richmond 10K (36:39), and 🏃♂️Elmbridge 10K (36:10). Reflecting on Ian’s standout season, Men’s team captain Terry Booth said:
“Impressive Surrey Road League debut from Ian with a 2nd place finish in a very competitive category together with a string of PBs … just goes to prove the benefits of sensible training and regular racing.”
Personal best performances were also recorded across the seven-race series by 🏃♂️Kay Davies (Sutton 10K – 33:45), 🏃♂️Jackie White (Sutton 10K – 41:24), 🏃♂️Katie Grinyer (Dorking 10 miles – 60:18), 🏃♂️Alex Ford (Elmbridge 10K – 36:23), and 🏃♂️Violet Isaacs (Elmbridge 10K – 38:19).
More GGAC highlights from a thrilling season included Nick Tearle blazing his way to gold at the Surrey Half Marathon Championship, while Alice Crane powered through the field to take gold in the Surrey Dorking 10 Mile Championship. And in a jaw-dropping finale to the season, Adrien Royer and Marcus Etheridge delivered a true spectacle by crossing the Wedding Day 7K finish line side-by-side with an electrifying 22-minute time to secure 1st and 2nd at the curtain-closing race that put GGAC in the spotlight for one final time!
Congratulations to all who raced, and to all who supported!
What a season it’s been! Here’s the final Surrey Road League tables and a run-down of everyone’s incredible race achievements that showcase dedication, speed, and team spirit we can all be proud of.
Women’s Team
| Position | Team | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | The Stragglers | 160 | 34 | 40 | 18 | 40 | 35 | 40 | 40 | |
| 🥈 | Woking AC | 157 | 38 | 39 | 37 | 39 | 40 | 39 | 39 | |
| 🥉 | Guildford & Godalming AC | 155 | 39 | 36 | 40 | 35 | 26 | 38 | 38 |
Senior Women
| Position | Athlete | Club | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Eleanor Harrison | Guildford & Godalming AC | 10 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | ||||
| 🥈 | Sophie Glencross | Epsom & Ewell Harriers | 19 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 5 | |||
| 🥉 | Amy Johnson | Woking AC | 22 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 6 |
| 8th | Rosie Murfitt | Guildford & Godalming AC | 97 | 23 | 32 | 24 | 18 |
Women 55-64
| Position | Athlete | Club | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Ruth Hutton | South London Harriers | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |||
| 🥈 | Laura Hales | Guildford & Godalming AC | 10 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | ||||
| 🥉 | Shun-Lai Chan | South London Harriers | 12 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Men’s Team
| Position | Team | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Woking AC | 159 | 39 | 37 | 40 | 39 | 39 | 40 | 40 | |
| 🥈 | Ranelagh Harriers | 157 | 40 | 40 | 36 | 38 | 37 | 39 | 38 | |
| 🥉 | Reigate Priory AC | 151 | 24 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 38 | 38 | 37 |
| 4th | South London Harriers | 151 | 38 | 32 | 38 | 35 | 40 | 35 | 34 | |
| 5th | Guildford & Godalming AC | 149 | 37 | 36 | 34 | 37 | 35 | 36 | 39 |
Senior Men
| Position | Athlete | Club | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Paul Bailey | South London Harriers | 16 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 | ||||
| 🥈 | Thomas Almond | Reigate Priory AC | 21 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 5 | ||
| 🥉 | Harry Mullard | Reigate Priory AC | 28 | 6 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 15 |
| 6th | Alex Ford | Guildford & Godalming AC | 61 | 10 | 22 | 16 | 13 |
Men 45-54
| Position | Athlete | Club | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Andy Ward | Tadworth AC | 8 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||
| 🥈 | Ian Acreman | Guildford & Godalming AC | 15 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 6 | |
| 🥉 | Bruce Harrold | South London Harriers | 16 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| 24th | Chris Coles | Guildford & Godalming AC | 170 | 45 | 44 | 49 | 32 |
Men 55-64
| Position | Athlete | Club | Best 4 Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | |
| 🥇 | Terry Booth | Guildford & Godalming AC | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 🥈 | Michael Morris | Ranelagh Harriers | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| 🥉 | Steve Corfield | Striders of Croydon | 18 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| 4th | Gavin Everson | Guildford & Godalming AC | 25 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 7 | |||
| 11th | Rob Harrison | Guildford & Godalming AC | 74 | 20 | 18 | 20 | 16 |
Sutton 10K
Kay Davies led the way in 4th place, in a PB of 33:45. He was followed by Callum Job (35:26), TerryBooth (1st M55 in 35:45), Ian Acreman (2nd M45+ in a PB of 37:01), Eleanor Harrison (3rd lady in 38:09), Lee Lintern (39:57), Gavin Everson (40:00), Jackie White (3rd F35+ in a PB of 41:24), Ian Davies (41:34), Nici Cahusac (41:51), Jamie Rushworth (41:56), Andrew Flanagan (45:34), Isabel Wolfenden (45:48), Dan Milton (46:06), Laura Hales (3rd F55 in 46:23) and Kate Ayling (50:37).
Ranelagh Harriers Richmond Half Marathon
Nick Teale led the way in 12th place in 1:17:29 and picked up the Surrey M45+ Gold medal in the process. Nick was followed by Ian Acreman in a PB of 1:20:34, Terry Booth (Surrey M55 silver in 1:21:31), Alex Ford (1:22:06), Eleanor Harrison (3rd lady & Surrey silver in 1:24:17), Ian Durrant (1:27:32), Robin Boon (1:29:17), Jamie Rushworth (1:32:49), Rob Harrison (1:38:30), Alicia Nizet (1:38:39), Michael Mayers (1:40:06), Rob Bate (1:42:30) and Rebecca Brennan (1:49:39).
Dorking 10 Miles
Guildford’s women finished 1st, 3rd, and 4th to dominate the Dorking 10 (incorporating the Surrey 10-mile Championships). Alice Crane led the way in 58:51 to pick up the Surrey title in her debut over this distance. Katie Grinyer finished 3rd in a PB of 60:18, with Eleanor Harrison one place behind in a 62:44 debut. The women’s team was completed by Nicole Brown (77:05), Emily Ealham (79:17), Krisz Koch (88:41) and Rosie Murfitt (95:15).
Adrien Royer led the men’s team home in 5th place in 53:35 in his 10 mile debut, followed by Terry Booth (1st M55 in 59:30), Alex Ford (59:44), Ian Acreman (60:17), James Adams (62:33), Robin Boon (67:25), Gavin Everson (67:42), Phil Pryke (68:20), Jamie Rushworth (69:42), Rob Harrison (74:29), Rob Bate (74:53) and Andrew Baker (84:39). In the 10K event, Isabel Wolfenden finished 7th in 46:29.
Ranelagh Harriers Richmond 10K
Adrien Royer had another storming run to finish 2nd overall in 32:06, followed by Terry Booth (1st M55 in 35:46), Nick Tearle (35:57), Ian Acreman (36:39 PB), Alex Ford (36:55), Eleanor Harrison (6th woman in 37:42), James Adams (38:27), Mark Tennyson (39:23), Gavin Everson (40:10), David Renshaw (40:44), Ian Durrant (41:30), Ben Jacklin (42:04), Violet Isaacs (43:03 debut), Michael Mayers (44:55), Susanna Harrison (1st F55 in 46:51), Laura Hales (2nd F55 in 47:06) Stuart Murdoch (49:12), Adam Poole (54:28) and Rosie Murfitt (55:44).
Elmore 7 Miles
Terry Booth finished 12th (and 1st M55) in 41:49, followed by Ian Acreman (43:07), Jilly Raw (4th woman & 1st F35 in 47:36), Robin Boon (49:05) and Lee Lintern (51:55).
Elmbridge 10K
Terry Booth finished 15th (1st M55) in 35:15, followed by Ian Acreman (36:10 PB), Alex Ford (36:23 PB), Violet Isaacs (38:19 PB), Stefan Webster (39:23 debut), Gavin Everson (40:02), Cecilia Siruffo (40:03), David Renshaw (40:57), Alice Batchelor (41:06), Lee Lintern (41:15), Ben Jacklin (41:34), Andrew Flanagan (44:46), Rob Harrison (45:39), Michael Mayers (46:00), Laura Hales (3rd F55 in 46:31) and Rosie Murfitt (51:32).
Wedding Day 7K
Adrien Royer and Marcus Etheridge finished 1st and 2nd, with both given the same time of 22 minutes exactly. They were followed by Will Ford (23:20), Terry Booth (1st M50 in 23:34), Alex Wright (23:35), Alexie Calvert-Ansari (24:18), Ian Acreman (24:56), Luke Bishop (25:20), James Adams (25:36), Mark Tennyson (1st M60 in 26:10), Ben Gilmore (26:50), Simon Elsbury (27:02), Jilly Raw (27:28), Alice Batchelor (27:43), Holly Shaw (28:02), Gavin Everson (28:06), Phil Pryke (28:09), Nick Groom (28:09), Ali Wilkie (28:27), Christine Robinson (29:34), Cecilia Siruffo (29:56), Rob Harrison (30:02), Laura Hales (32:10), Paul Sanderson (1st M70 in 32:10), Nicole Brown (32:16) and Rosie Murfitt (34:25).
Surrey Road League Legacy
The 2025 Surrey Road League will be long remembered not just for blistering times and hard-fought podiums, but for the camaraderie at the start lines, the good-natured rivalry between clubs, and the unforgettable moments that unfolded across Surrey’s roads, lanes, and riverside paths.
For every athlete who laced up their shoes, the League became a stage to showcase resilience, endurance, and the pure joy of running shoulder to shoulder with friends. And for our Club, this season was a shining example of how individual brilliance, team spirit, and a healthy dose of fun remain at the very heart of our sport.
Closing thoughts from Terry Booth:
“Another solid year for our men and women. A brilliantly organised set of races and it is good to have a competitive focus for the summer rather than just chasing times on the track. Loved seeing our women dominate the race at Dorking and the huge turnout at the Wedding Day 7K.”
So, if you’re thinking about joining the Surrey Road League next year, don’t hesitate. There’s always room for one more runner, one more cheer, and one more story to be written on the roads and pavements of the county.
See you on the start line in 2026!