The Kenilworth Runners have taken on Larkstoke Hill in the climax of this year's Tempo Winter Series.

This perennial favourite consists of five races from October through to February on the same 10km course which takes in Ilmington village and Larkstoke hill, which is the highest point in Warwickshire.

The event is famous for giving out a pack of local sausages to runners in the place of a medal which is a welcome treat after all the hill climbing!

Race Five of the Series began at Ilmington on Sunday (23 May).

For the final time this elongated "Winter" series, runners converged to try themselves against Larkstoke hill.

With the first race in October followed by a five month delay before culminating in four races during April and May, many were glad to finally get to the end of the series.

Most runners were thankful, though, that they had the opportunity to race when so many other events were cancelled.

After his worst time of the series in Race Four, Olly Flippance put on an improved showing to come home third in 40:28. This was enough for him to secure third place overall in the series; seeing off his fourth placed rival by 85 seconds.

Jane Kidd, quite firmly cemented in third ladies' position in the series before the race, still turned up with a good finishing performance of 47:58 for 31st position in the race leaving her over seven minutes ahead of the fourth fastest lady in the series.

In other noteworthy performances Chris Lyons finished in 47:15 for his highest series position of 28th, though missing his series best time by a few seconds.

Richard Clarke shaved further time off his course personal best to finish 53rd in 52:47.

The race was won by Matt Burdus-Cook in 0:37:25 from Stratford Upon Avon AC and there were 134 finishers.

The series was also won by Matt Burdus-Cook from Stratford Upon Avon AC with his best four races taking 2:26:50. Natasha White from Northbrook AC was first female in 2:51:10. There were 122 ever present finishers.

Leicestershire Chase the Sun, Prestwold Hall also took place on Thursday 20 May, although the organisers may wish to rethink their event name after an abominable day's weather for late May featuring strong wind and horizontal rain.

Four options were on the table for those four Kenilworth Runners braving the elements who could opt to run either 5k, 10k, 10 miles or one Mile around the flat and fast airfield at Prestwold Hall.

Strong performances were delivered by all four of the runners, Louise Andrews most notably finishing second female in the 10 mile race with 1:14:21.

The 5k race was won by Matthew Bowser in 15:33 and there were 160 finishers.

The 10k race was won by Lewis Budgen from Lincoln Wellington in 33:39 and there were 285 finishers.

The 10 mile race was won by Namir Batavia of Coventry Godiva Harriers in 58:01 and there were 67 finishers.

Dorney Lake Half Marathon took place on Saturday 22 May near Windsor.

This half marathon course takes runners around the perimeter of the water. The location was used in the London 2012 Olympics for a number of events and is nestled amongst 450 acres of glorious parkland which includes an Arboretum and Nature Conservation area.

Dave Lowe from Kenilworth Runners marked the occasion with a half marathon personal best time of 1:24:06 to win himself 43rd place. The race was won by Ben Cruze of Stratford Upon Avon AC in 1:11:06 and there were 341 finishers.

Finally, the Ultra X Spring Trail Series, South Downs also occurred on Saturday 22 May.

The Spring Trail Series by Ultra X takes place on the Serpent Trail, a stunning route that weaves through the greensand hills, river, woodland, and lowland heath of the South Downs National Park.

The event offered a 10k, half marathon, 50k and 100k option.

Dominic Shepherd from Kenilworth Runners ran his debut 50k ultramarathon in a very respectable 5:16:36 landing him in 44th place. The 50k race was won by Domingo Etcheverria in 4:12:47 and there were 219 finishers.