BUILDING on the success of the Abominable Snowman extreme crosscountry run held in December each year, GP Sport hosted its first ever Summer Snowman ­— at Cheverton Farm in Shorwell.

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Inclement weather tested the runners, who each had a choice between a 5km or 10km lap, but 120 brave souls still rose to the challenge.

They arrived to the soundtrack of DJ James Locke, with food and refreshments being served by the IW BBQ Co.

As the 5km and 10km runners warmed up, a group of children took on the free-to-enter Mini Snowman ­— a short course complete with mud and hills ­— and earned themselves a bespoke finishers medal and sweets.

At 7pm the whistle blew, and runners took on a series of hills, including a climb up Limerstone Down, nicknamed ‘The Eliminator’ by past competitors.

First to emerge at the top of the down was Jack Hodgson, who grew up on the farm, followed closely by Callum Tanner.

At 3km the course split, with 5km runners staying on the ridge line, and the 10km course descending down into the second of three valleys spanning the venue.

First home in the 5km was Simon Riley, followed in by Adam Hall and Dominic Clements.

The first female was junior runner, Lottie-Rose Van Der Helstraete, with Jodie Lacey in second and another junior ­— Beaux Harwood ­— in third.

In the 10km, Callum Tanner was first to cross the line, with Jack Hodgson just over a minute behind. Immanual Skeet secured third place.

Holly Newton was first female home, with Sarah Smith in second and Jess Olden in third.

Event organisers GP Sport said: “After a tough time, it’s great to be back racing again.

“The course was the toughest in the history of the Abominable Snowman races. Given the success of this event, we plan to make the Summer Snowman an annual race.”

Each runner received a medal, and trophies were awarded to the podium positions, with additional spot prizes going to the first dog and the best dressed.

First dog was Zoomer, a black Labrador running with Lucy Doorly, and the best dressed ladies were Sophie Morgan and Kelly Snow, running together.

The best dressed male prize went to Bryan Jones.