Stubbington Green Runners

STUBBINGTON Green Runners’ Michael Aimable celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend. But while most retired folk would opt for a gentle glass of sherry, some birthday cake and a party surrounded by family, Fareham-based Michael will be running up one of the steepest hills in Hampshire.

Michael celebrates his 80th birthday this Sunday by competing in the Butser Hill Challenge at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield. Also competing in the race on Sunday and celebrating his 12th birthday will be Jack Alcock from Churcher’s College in Petersfield.

The veteran runner has competed in a number of marathons, and shows no sign of slowing down by taking on one of the toughest races in the calendar, which includes the steepest of hill climbs up Butser Hill. It is a four-and-a-half mile race, and such is the steepness of Butser Hill that the event is counted as a Grade A fell race.

More than 200 runners have entered the race which is jointly organised by Portsmouth Joggers, Stubbington Green Runners and Victory AC.

Entries are still being received, and you can enter by logging onto www.butserchallenge.com for more details.

Money from the raise will be going towards Portsmouth Hospital’s Rocky Appeal Fund. The race starts at midday.