MORE than 300 runners took to the streets of Abbots Langley to undertake the village's annual charity run, the Tough Ten race.

Grey clouds and the threat of heavy rainfall failed to deter the 330 runners, who gathered at Manor House Grounds in Gallows Hill Lane from 10am on Sunday, October 7, to register their name and position for the event which stretches over 10 km.

The race, the seventh to be held at the grounds, was organised and co-ordinated by the Tough Ten Committee a fundraising organisation made up of members of the local community to raise funds for five worthwhile causes in the area.

This year's charities include: the Abbots Langley Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), The Red Cross, A New Abbots Langley Community Centre Appeal (ANALCCA) and The Breakspeare School.

A large proportion of funds raised this year will go towards purchasing a special bed for nine-year-old Spencer Kelly, of Hare Crescent, who suffers from muscular dystrophy a muscle-wasting disease, which means he can only walk with the aid of callipers.

Due to a chest infection, Spencer was unable to take part in the race as he had originally planned, but positioned himself at the finish line to voice his support for his mother, Ms Sharon Kelly, who participated in the first half of the race, the 5km.

Ms Kelly completed the race alongside friends Ms Julie McNicol, Ms Debbie Parker and Mrs Jan Cunnington, whose husband took part in the 10 km, to raise about £500.

Following the race, she said: "It's a real pity Spencer wasn't well enough for us to push him around the course and I know he is very disappointed he hasn't been able to take part, but he is here cheering everyone on, which is great.

"None of us are trained runners, but we've had great fun participating in the race. It is amazing just how many people have turned up, despite the weather, to raise funds for Spencer and the other causes, for which we are truly grateful."

Following his first place win, 18-year-old, Mr Stephen Murphy, who scooped second place in last year's race, said: "I was pretty pleased with the win and my time, especially as I haven't had much time out on the road or cross country, as I have been training mainly on track. Having taken part before, it is great to claim first place with a reasonably good time."

Mr Murphy was closely followed by Mr James Lawler from Bedford, and Watford Harrier Mr Steve Tooke, who obtained second and third place.

Tough Ten committee member Mrs Alison Warner said: "The Tough Ten was once again a wonderful event with a great deal of community spirit.

Entry numbers increased once again this year and it was great to see so many more people taking part, especially considering the winds and rain.

"At this stage, it is impossible to tell exactly how much was raised, but we hope to have succeeded the £5,700 raised last year."

All runners were presented with medals following completion of the race and will be presented with certificates and prizes at an official presentation evening held at St Saviours Church hall in The Crescent, Abbots Langley, on Friday, December 7.

October 12, 2001 19:45

Victoria Dillingham