MORE than 2,000 runners and walkers came together on Sunday for the annual Herts 10K.

Raising cash for Grove House, first time runners joined returners looking to shave minutes off their previous performances and more seasoned club runners.

Winding their way through Harpenden’s countryside in unusually mild temperatures, the runners were cheered by supportive spectators lining the route.

Former Saracens player and now coach, Andy Farrell, started the race at 10am and Michal Glowacki of Hillingdon AC was first back across the finish line after 33m 26s. Julian Lings was second in 34m 3s and Thomas Crouch of St Albans Striders was third in 34m 37s.

Georgia Dench was the first woman to cross the line in 40m 54s, Penny Habbick was second in 42m 1s and Helen Cartlidge, also of St Albans Striders, in 42m 48s.

Lawrence Levy, founder of the Herts 10K and main sponsor, said the day had been fantastic. “I’m very proud when I think that the monies raised have enabled the hospice to achieve so much in this local area.

“Without the generosity of the people taking part, the lives of people suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses would be immeasurably poorer.”

The Herts Advertiser’s editor Matt Adams completed his first ever 10K in 1hr 3m and reporter Laura Roberts returned to take part in the event for the second time, completing it in 51m 55s.

Not everyone chose to run with many walking the 6.2 mile distance. One plucky competitor completed the route on crutches after breaking his leg in August. Rory Laughton-Scott is in training for the Great South Run at the end of this month and while his cast could be removed before that, he is determined to do the 10 miles on crutches to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

To sponsor his achievements on Sunday or his forthcoming challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/Rory-Laughton-Scott.