Outstanding natural countryside has been cited as the reason for Mole Valley being named the best place for running in the UK.
Runner’s World Magazine readers listed a number of the district’s annual events in the ‘races of the year’ category, including September’s Bacchus Half Marathon, which saw more than 1,000 runners and walkers flock to the area.
Organised by Events to Live in Ashtead, the marathon – which follows a 13-mile loop passing the Denbies vineyard, Ranmore Common and the North Downs Way – was placed second in the ‘best half marathon in the country’ category, contributing to Mole Valley’s overall victory.
Events to Live organises multiple other runs, along with Epsom’s Trionium Events, with the latter gaining top prize in Running World’s ‘scenic’ category for its annual Knacker Cracker 10km race, which sees runners don fancy dress to negotiate four challenging ascents of Box Hill every New Year’s Day.
John Jelly, chairman of Dorking and Mole Valley Athletics Club (DMVAC), said: “The area is special because we are right in the middle of the Surrey Hills.
“The cross country options are endless and there is always a 360-degree route.
“For instance, we go out to Ranmore Common every week and we can go on a different route every time.
“We have got Denbies too which you are free to run in all year round.
“We don’t only attract people from outside the area, I think it makes a difference that there is such a keen running community in the area.”
DMVAC have more than 200 junior members and 400 senior members.
“Our juniors compete in the Surrey League at under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19 events and we enter them in other local leagues like the Ebbisham League, Lily B League and Youth Development League,” said Mr Jelly.
“But the sport is not only for the young. We compete in ladies and mens Surrey League events as well as other local leagues.
“Once a month we meet at a different venue, hosted by each club in turn, and race over a five-mile cross country course – all ages, from 11-year-old juniors to 70-year-old seniors. It is thriving here.”
Councillor Vivienne Michael, responsible for customer services and wellbeing at Mole Valley District Council, said: “These are great running events and, in the setting of Mole Valley’s distinctive and beautiful countryside, they are deservedly amongst the UK’s best.
“These accolades show how highly visitors and the community value our special environment, particularly the Surrey Hills – which is officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and how important it is that we do all we can to protect it.
“The events attract many visitors and help to support our local economy and ensure that Mole Valley is on the map in terms of business and as a tourist destination.”