A QUIET field on the edge of Harpenden will once again turn into the venue for one of Herts’ best-loved races in October.

And by a strange coincidence this year, the Herts 10K this year is being run at 10am on 10/10/10 – October (the 10th month) 10, 2010 – at Rothamsted Research.

As many as 3,000 pairs of feet in their running shoes will set off on the Herts 10K – an event that was set up just five years ago by local business Levy Associates and attracts runners from far and wide, receiving excellent reviews from participants and more importantly, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Grove House in St Albans.

The fifth annual Herts 10K is expected to be the biggest ever with registrations for the event already coming in. It is an event which welcomes runners of all abilities, from the elite who complete the cross-country course in less than 30 minutes to first-time runners for whom time doesn’t matter and simply crossing the finish line is more than enough. Even those who prefer to walk can take part with the event open to non runners.

Paul Parrish, fundraising director for Grove House and part of the organising team, said: “One of the things that makes the Herts 10K so special is that it is an event that welcomes everyone from the fastest runner to the slowest walker. For many people taking part their motivation is not getting across the finishing line in the fastest time, they are motivated by their aim to help raise money for their local hospice.”

Tanya West, who took part in her first 10k event last year, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed completing the Herts 10K in 2009. It gave me such an enormous yet humbling sense of achievement.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day thanks to the other runners and all the supporters – I honestly never thought running 10km would be such fun! I raised �126 for Grove House in 2009, I hope to improve on this in 2010.”

Lawrence Levy, founder of the Herts 10K said: “I look upon the Herts 10K with a great sense of pride and achievement. When we started planning the first Herts 10K five years ago our aim was to provide an event that would generate much-needed funds for Grove House. It is amazing that the event has now raised nearly �450,000 for the hospice and has led to the creation of the Hospice at Home service.”

Lawrence added: “The work of the Herts 10K is far from over with the hospice needing to raise �1.5m each year. The goal this year is to raise �150,000 for the hospice which will enable them to roll out their Hospice at Home Service to all areas of the district.”

Conscious of the economic pressures that continue to be felt, the organisers have once again held the registration fee for the event to just �15 and that includes a T-shirt and medal. The �15 fee goes directly to Grove House Hospice to help fund their vital work supporting people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

To be part of the Herts 10K simply register today at www.herts10k.com and put 10am 10.10.10 in your diary – how easy could it be.