More than 2,000 runners took part in the Herts 10K in Harpenden on Sunday in support of Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

Herts Advertiser: Herts 10K 2016Herts 10K 2016 (Image: Archant)

St Albans Mayor Cllr Frances Leonard started the 11th annual race from Rothamsted Research and first across the finish line in a time of 33 minutes and 29 seconds was three-time-winner, Michal Glowacki.

Michal said: “It’s a great course with good competition. It is the atmosphere that always makes me want to do it again and the chance to raise money for charity.”

Second place in the men’s race went to Euan MacKenzie with Warwick Raath taking third place.

The fastest woman was Laura Cowley from Hatfield who crossed the line in 40 minutes and 16 seconds. Laura said: “This is the first time I have taken part but it is a good course and it has been great fun with a really good crowd. I will definitely do it again - the all-terrain course makes it much more exciting than a normal 10K road race.”

Herts Advertiser: Herts 10K 2016Herts 10K 2016 (Image: Archant)

She was followed by Rebecca Cackett with third place being taken by Charlene Jacobs-Conradie.

Paralympic and international blind footballer, David Clarke, supported the event by running alongside the race’s founder, Lawrence Levy.

Among the many people taking part in memory of loved ones were a group of 18 family and friends who gathered together to remember Carrie Smale who was cared for at Grove House before she died from leukaemia in June. The group was led by Carrie’s sisters, Gill Forward and Rosie Willett, and has raised nearly £6,000 in Carrie’s memory.

Liz Moyle, Jon Clark, Lisa and Jim Hodgkins and Clare Stanley, all from St Albans, also took part in memory of Sarah Green. Rennie Grove cared for Sarah and are still providing support for her family. Emily Walls from Harpenden was taking part for the second time in memory of close family friend, Alex Demain. The care provided by Rennie Grove’s hospice at home service allowed Alex to have his final wish of spending his final days at home surrounded by his family and friends.

Nigel Crawford and his two sons, Thomas, 13, and Sam, 12, from Harpenden returned to run for the second time: “Taking part this year has a particular significance for us as my mother has just undergone an operation for cancer. It was a hard course but the marshals were fantastic and kept us going. I’ve done many running events and this is one of the best organised events I’ve been to.”

The Herts 10K continued with its tradition of awarding the final participants across the line with bunches of flowers and this year’s honour went to Sheila Riley from Hemel Hempstead with her co-walkers Diane from Harpenden and Caroline from Suffolk.

Race founder Lawrence Levy said: “I’m so proud that even after 11 years the turnout is still immense. Over 2,000 people running for Rennie Grove to raise money for our local charity is a big achievement.”

Jenny Provin, chief executive of Rennie Grove added: “I had a tear in my eye as I watched 2,000 people cross the start line this morning but after that I never stopped smiling until the last three ladies crossed the finish line.

“I would like to thank every one of the very many people who have been involved in today’s event, from our 2,000 runners to our fabulous marshals and many other helpers who volunteered their time to help.

“The money raised from events like the Herts 10K is crucial if we are to continue to care for local patients and families and it was wonderful to see the local community come together to support the work we do. I found the whole event truly inspirational and I fully intend to take part myself next year!”