On Sunday the sunshine and crowds came out in Letchworth Garden City to celebrate the running of the Letchworth 5k and 1mile/fun run races. Now in its tenth year, this extremely popular community event attracts runners of all abilities, ages and backgrounds. This year was no different with some fantastic performances at the front end of both races. However, there were so many other great stories from runners throughout the fields.
Many runners were taking part in a race for the first time and by the look on their faces, they loved it. What was also brilliant was the number of younger generations taking part in both races.
Starting and finishing in Leys Square, the races are on closed roads throughout the beautiful town centre and Broadway. Volunteer marshals from the great community of Letchworth Garden City were also in attendance to make sure all runners made their safe way to the finish.
Race Director and Letchworth BID Manager, Richard Harbon said. ‘Another brilliant day for Letchworth Garden City town centre. So many people wanted to enter that we had to close entries 2 weeks ago. So many great performances. A big thank you to all our business partners who supported this event and a big thank you to Albon Finance, Sigma Sports and John O’Conner for sponsoring the event’.
The winner of the women’s 5k race was Kirstie Sharman from Higham Harriers in 19.24. She was closely followed by Rhia Botha, 19.35, and Tracy Pitcairn, 19.47, from North Herts Road Runners. The men’s race was again won by Callum Webb from Higham Harriers in a fabulous 16.24. He was followed in by Murray Heal, 17.04, and Joseph Read, 17.54.
The 1 mile event was equally as close with the women’s winner, Lauren Bone coming home in a brilliant 5.42. She was followed home by Tracy Pitcairn, 5.55, and Rhia Botha, 5.55. Callum Webb swept up the winners prizes by again winning the 1 mile race in 4.52, just missing his personal best. Jake Grant, 5.13, and George Hardy, 5.15, both from Biggleswade Athletic Club completed the places.
Love Letchworth are now looking forward to their Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up during the October half term. A free event in the Wynd.
