A record number of people runners took part in an annual charity race’s 5th anniversary to raise money for a hospice

St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, had 398 people from across the country turnout for their 10k race on Sunday, April 7.

Participants, including seven wheelchair athletes, set off from the hospice at 10.30am, tackling a route through the Essex countryside.

This year’s event is expected to raise £15,000, about £2,000 more than last year, which will provide vital funding to care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

St Clare’s challenges and events fundraiser, Emma Broadbent, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved record-breaking numbers at our St Clare 10k of 2019.

“It is amazing to look back at how the race has grown over its 25 years, playing a vital role in raising the funds we need to be able to care for local people and their families.”

T54 GB Paralympian and Harlow Athletics Club coach, Richard Chiassaro, was the first wheelchair competitor across the finish line in a time of 25 mins 2 secs.

The first man back was Martin Westley from Harlow Running Club, in a time of 35 mins 49 secs.

He was closely followed by Greg Tye of Braintree & District Athletic Club at 35:49 secs, and Steven Prosser of Bishop’s Stortford Running Club finishing 36:00 secs.

Victoria Stacey took first place in the women’s category in a time of 39 mins 53 secs.

Second place went to Vicky Simpson from Bishop’s Stortford Running Club with 43:41 secs and Georgina Warren from Woodford Green Athletics Club finished third with 44:54 secs.

Ms Broadbent added: “Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this wonderful local event such a success.”

The full St Clare 10k results are available online at: stclarehospice.org.uk/news_posts/st-clare-10k-2019-results