A total of 329 athletes laced up their trainers for St Clare Hospice’s 10k race on Sunday (8th April). The annual charity 10k race, which has been taking place for over 20 years, is a permanent fixture in Essex running club calendars and attracts competitors from across the county.

This year’s event is expected to raise more than £8,000 in vital funding for the Hospice.

The participants, including 4 wheelchair athletes, set off from the Hastingwood-based hospice at 10.30am, tackling a route along roads through the beautiful Essex countryside.

Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad member, Andrew Bracey, was the first wheelchair competitor across the finish line in a time of 35 mins 55 secs.

Andrew Bracey completed the St Clare 10k with 3 other wheelchair athletes: Adam Goldspink-Burgess (38:32), Martin Pistorius (39:09) and Claire Connon (45:39).

The first man back was Robert Windard from Lincoln and District Runners, in a time of 34 mins 10 secs. He was closely followed by Andrew Mynott (35:00) of Saffron Striders, and Matthew Woodman (35:22) of Orion Harriers.

Alison Beeton of Harlow Running Club took first place in the female category in a time of 43 mins 27 secs. Second place went to Katherine Kimber (44:04), with Rebecca Wilby (44:12) from Dartford Harriers in third.

Emma Broadbent, St Clare’s Challenges and Events Fundraiser, said, “It was a brilliant day and it was so amazing to witness the support shown by the hundreds of people who took part and volunteered. A huge congratulations is in order for our runners and a massive thank you to them for contributing to an incredible amount raised for the Hospice.”

“It is events like this that help to make St Clare the wonderful place that it is - and mean we can continue to care for local people and their families.”

Special thanks go to all the volunteers who marshaled the route and helped on site.

The full St Clare 10k results are available online at: www.racesonline.uk/results/2018-results/st-clares-10k-2018 or on the St Clare website: www.stclarehospice.org.uk/news