Caped crusaders, dynamic duos and assorted Avengers assembled to help raise more than £20,000 for Keech Hospice at the 2014 Super Hero 5K Run last Sunday.

The event saw over 240 participants donning their finest costumes to run around Rothampsted Park in Harpenden.

Keech Hospice Care events fundraiser Martina Haugh said: “It was a fantastic day and great to see so many heroes out and about.

“The atmosphere was buzzing and everyone seemed to be having a great time doing something fun to raise the much needed cash.

“Hundreds of heroes from Batman and Spider-Man to the Super Mario Brothers and Wonder Woman turned up to run in memory of a loved one.”

Just some of those families running included Maria and Owen and son Jack Vassiliou Varney, who ran in memory of their son and brother Ben who passed away at the children’s hospice two years ago just days before his first birthday.

The Green Team, which consisted of over 20 family members, also took part in the Super Hero Run for the second year in a row in memory of Jim Green who spent his final days at the hospice last year.

Jim’s daughter Michelle Riches said: “Our family wanted to give something back to the wonderful staff at Keech who cared for my beloved dad. They are truly remarkable. Love, care and compassion oozes from each member of staff.

“Thanks to Keech, his end was dignified, pain free and peaceful. Taking part in the superhero run was our way of saying thank you. It was a great way to do something in memory of him and think about him on Father’s Day while having fun as a family.”

Lots of heroes turned up to the event to celebrate with their dads. Dad Robert and three year old son Jack Johnston took part in the event as they thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Father’s Day.

Meanwhile, dad Dan and son Sam Blower said they were taking part as it gave them an excuse to dress up and do something a bit different as father and son while raising vital funds for the local charity.

Martina added: “Please don’t forget to send you sponsorship money in as every little bit really does help. We are already making plans to make the event bigger and better next year so keep your eyes peeled.”

For more photos from this year’s event, check out the galleries on our website at hertsad.co.uk