Ranelagh Harriers started their 129th season on Saturday with their traditional Thomas Cup 6km handicap race in Richmond Park.

More than 70 members of all ages competed for the historic trophy, which was first presented to the club back in 1890.

It was donated by Sid Thomas, a multiple world-record holder in the 1880s, who recorded times from three to 15 miles that would still win most open races today.

First starter was Beverley Ali, who began nearly 25 minutes before the day’s scratch runner Peter Haarer.

Bev’s lead was short-lived as first Annemarie Goodridge and then Marina Quayle moved ahead.

Marina was still making the pace as they entered the final uphill mile, but could not hold off Danny Hobbs, who surged past to win by more than a minute.

Hobbs, who has been running for less than two years, said: “I started when I found I used to get out of breath just running for a bus.

“Thanks to the coaching at Ranelagh I have improved my 5km time from 34 minutes when I Started to 26 minutes now.”

Handicap race: 1 Danny Hobbs 34.35, 2 Marina Quayle 38.09, 3 Simon Collingridge 25.31.

Fastest times (men): 1 Peter Haarer 21.17, 2 Trevor Maguire 23.28, 3 Jonathan Robinson 23.57.

Fastest times (women): 1 Marie Synnott-Wells 25.32, 2 Rachael Holmes 27.46, 3 Sandra Prosser 28.45.

Leading boy: 1 Sam Hutton 25.11.

Leading girl: Amelie Hutton 29.37.