Hogmoor Inclosure at Bordon was the venue for a great event on the spookiest night of the year. Brutal Halloween at Hogmoor saw 233 ghoulish runners, many of whom appeared to be dressed as a mythological undead corporeal revenant created through the reanimation of a corpse – a zombie to you and me!

Brutal was created in 2009 by three ex-military men who wanted to offer a rather different trail running experience. A tough, off-road run using natural challenges and making the most of the terrain available. No built obstacles, flames, or gimmicks – just brutal running!

There are around eight events each year, often utilising military training areas, and all feature the three key elements of a Brutal run – water, mud, and hills. Most events also include a free kid's course for a taste of the Brutal experience.

That was the case at Brutal Halloween on Saturday (30 October) with 60 running over a tough 3.3K course and first place going to Fergus Meenehan (16:53) and joint first in the girls' race for Naomi and Lily Huntley in 22:17.

As the light faded the head torches came out for the adult events over 6.6K or the full 10K. In the shorter of the senior races, Barry Samler (36:55) and Emilia Morley (37:14) led the way for 82 finishers.

Finally, the Brutal conclusion to the evening came in the ultimate challenge of the 10K race, won by Dave McDonald in a truly spooky 40:00, from Chris Birch (40:43) and Matt Draper (45:22).

The top three in the women's race were Laura Larner (50:11), Lorna Melton-Scott (57:55), and Katie Blackford (1:01:06). There were 91 finishers in 1:37:02.

Visit the Brutal Facebook page for details of free training sessions throughout the year.

Results of Brutal Halloween via runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Brutal on Facebook