Months of resistance training and running up hills has paid off for runners in the ninth annual Moor Park 10k run.

More than 750 participants crossed the finish line on Sunday, with times ranging between a stellar 33 minutes 45 seconds, and a valiant 1 hour 40 minutes.

The pick of the crop was Newcastle banker Andrew Lawrence, who has won the event for the second year in a row.

He said: “I had a really good run for my money this time and I really enjoyed the event. It’s a great course and the support I got was great. People came out of their houses to cheer us on, which doesn’t happen in many other events.”

Clipping his heels, just seconds behind was Nigel Rackham, who finished in 33.52, and Matthew Woodham who took bronze in 35.01.

The main event started and finished with a lap of Merchant Taylors’ School playing field, with an undulating route through the Moor Park estate inbetween, including the infamous golf course hill.

Most of the runners were simply happy to complete the course. Reverend Richard Bartlett, vicar at Holy Trinity Church, Northwood, was taking part in a 10 kilometre run for the first time.

He said: “It was really tough, especially the big hill through the golf course, but I really enjoyed it. The support on the way around was brilliant.”

A team of police officers, including Sara Sawyer from Rickmansworth intervention team, sergeant for South Oxhey, Luke Mitchell, ward constable for Northwick, Martin Fish, special constable South Oxhey, Mark Brennan, and ward constable for Moor Park Eastbury, Sharon Hill also took part.

Mikey Robinson, schools PCSO for South Oxhey, set the team's record with an admirable time of 47 minutes.

Sergeant Mitchell said: “The team have been working hard for the past few months and we've all been keen to get the best time possible, we're all certainly a lot fitter then we were a few months ago.

“The team have raised £1140 and money is still coming in, the team's Moor Park South Oxhey Police record is now held by PCSO Mikey Robinson, and we're all looking to beat that time in next years run”.

Organisers confirmed that the number of runners was slightly down on last year because fewer people had opted to take part on the day as a result of the weather.

Sponsored by Stewarts Law, the race raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital, a large portion of which has been collected already.

Buzz Coster, marketing manager, said: “Taking into account the corporate sponsorship, entry fees and sponsorship money we've had or have had pledged, we have already raised about £35,000.”

Despite the inclement weather the course was once again lined with enthusiastic supporters and estate residents, many of whom handed out food and drink as the runners passed by.

Race director John Hambleton said it was the first time rain had made an appearance at the event but expressed delight at the number of people who once again turned out.

He said: “It’s been fantastic again. There is always very good support here and I know the runners really appreciate it.”

Mr Hambleton also praised the more than 70 volunteers who made the event possible.

Also taking place on the day were a series of junior runs in different age categories.

Under 15s Boys and Girls:

  • Kai Hammond Briton, 1st place
  • Marcus Godfrey, 2nd place
  • Andrew Maclean, 3rd place

Under 12s Girls:

  • Emily Russel, 1st place
  • Rhiannon Ward, 2nd place
  • Mimi Houlihan-Byrne, 3rd place

Under 12s Boys:

  • Dilan Radia, 1st place
  • Brandon Filby, 2nd place
  • Alex Harris, 3rd place

Under 10s Girls:

  • Sandie Pohlman, 1st place
  • Eva-Joy Harrington, 2nd place
  • Caitlin Johal, 3rd place