THOUSANDS of runners helped raise much-needed funds for Grove House Hospice in the fourth Herts 10K Challenge. Sunday s cross-country event, which started off at Rothampsted Research in Harpenden, saw a record number of entrants with 2,256 runners taking

THOUSANDS of runners helped raise much-needed funds for Grove House Hospice in the fourth Herts 10K Challenge.

Sunday's cross-country event, which started off at Rothampsted Research in Harpenden, saw a record number of entrants with 2,256 runners taking part.

The race was officially started by ex-Saracens and England rugby World Cup winner Richard Hill, alongside Saracens coach Andy Farrell, following a warm-up by Nuffield Health St Albans.

First place in the men's race went to Christopher Dettmar, winning for the second year in a row with a time of 33 minutes, 29 seconds. He was followed by Andrew Cracknell and Rob Palmer.

Coming in first for the women was Hannah Walker winning for the third time in a row at 35 minutes, 41 seconds - a full two minutes quicker than her time last year.

In second and third places were Claire Miles and Marsaili Scott.

Community

Grove House fundraising director Paul Parrish said: "This year's Herts 10K Challenge was a proud moment for Grove House. To see so many local people turning out to support us shows the strength of feeling and belief that people have for their hospice.

"It was wonderful to see so many people wearing their Herts 10K T-shirts at the start line, all running together to create a fantastic community event. We are now waiting to see how much money will come in sponsorship to consolidate on this fantastic day."

Matthew Moffat, who took part in the race, described it as: "The best race in Hertfordshire without a doubt."

Fellow runner Amy Burgess said: "It's my first 10k so it will stick with me forever. Great organisation, great people, great time. Highly recommended for next year."

This year's Challenge was sponsored by TUI & Thomson Holidays, M25Audi, Nuffield Health, Simmons Bakers, Aro Sports, Frameworks and media partners the Herts Advertiser and Hertfordshire Life.