The 19th running of the annual Trionium Knacker Cracker attracted just under 200 mainly fancy dressed competitors to Surrey’s famous Box Hill on the warmest New Year's Day on record, with bright sunshine and around 16°C.

Changes for 2022 included a new course, now accurately measured at 10K, starting in Burford Meadow at the foot of Box Hill, just a few minutes jog from the race HQ at Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking. The route is still exceptionally challenging, with hundreds of steps, tree roots, rutted and slippery tracks and includes ascent of 473m and descent of 335m.

Despite the sizzling conditions, 24 runners beat the hour, including all three fastest ladies. As it was a new course, the winners set inaugural records and Katie Lysons (Clapham Chasers, 56:00) took that accolade, dressed as a bee! The female runners-up were Kate Stillwell (Phoenix OCT, 57:58) and Lindsay Browning (Newport District, 60:00).

Regular winner, M50 Steve Winder (Epsom and Ewell Harriers, 49:15) took the overall victory clad head-to-toe in a red, figure-hugging onesie! Ross MacDonald (Ranelagh Harriers, 50:02) and local runner Daniel Evans (Dorking and Mole Valley AC, 50:47) completed the podium.

Winners of the tough to judge fancy dress awards included the 'NHS Medics' and a lady dressed as a bone being followed by a pack of inflatable hounds!

Social media was full of praise and the organisers have selected this post from Christine Ford (1:19:05) as typical: “It was a truly awesome event. Please give yourself and your team and the amazing marshals a huge pat on the back. I loved the event and the camaraderie and the atmosphere was just brilliant. I’ve never seen anything else like it elsewhere. You should be so proud to recreate this every year! Looking forward to next year already. Can you make it warm again?”

This short video gives an insight into this unique event...

Results and previous news items at runABC South race listing here

Image of the start courtesy Knacker Cracker on Flickr.