Harpenden Arrows Running Club have taken another major step forward in their development after hosting their first major race event.

The opening round for clubs in Divisions Two and Three of the Midweek Road Race League took athletes to Harpenden Rugby Club

And considering this was the first time the 10-year-old club has ever attempted something of this size, the feedback was warm and positive.

Race Director and men's captain of the Arrows Simon Speirs said: "I am immensely proud and humbled by the support of so many club members and friends of the club in making the race a huge success, especially from Stewart and Emma at Hammonds End Farm and Harpenden Rugby Club.

"We've had some great feedback, and it is great experience for us for the future."

Starting and finishing at the rugby club on Redbourn Lane, the largely rural 10km course skirted Harpenden Golf Club and went through West Common before going down Beesonend Lane before heading back to the finish via Hammondsend Wood.

In total 440 runners from 14 clubs across Hertfordshire took part while 80 of the Harpenden club's members were involved in supporting the event in roles ranging from organising and signposting the route, managing car parking, marshalling the event and catering for all the runners afterwards.

There were also 26 Arrows taking part, including Hannah Turner, Laura Hicks and Karen Wilkins who were the first three women finishers in Division Three in times of 40 minutes 43 seconds, 42:35 and 44:02 respectively.

This helped Arrows to win and take an early lead in the series in both the women's overall and veteran categories.

The Arrows' men were led home by Giles Horridge, fourth in Division Three in 36:33, a result that aided their way to second overall and the win in the veteran category.

The overall race winner was Michael Waddington from Ware Joggers in a time of 33:33, with his club taking the overall win the men's Division Three race.

Watford Joggers won both the men's and women's overall categories in Division Two where Hitchin Hares and Bishop's Stortford took the men's and women's veteran categories.

Harpenden Arrows meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30pm in the Sports Hall at St George's School on Sun Lane.