Hitchin town centre 5km contested by almost 300 runners

Hitchin's Jack Gower, who started the town centre 5km race with his racing wheelchair. Picture: Peter Furmston (Image: Archant)

The event was started by 12-year-old Jack Gower, the proud owner of a racing wheelchair thanks to £3,400 of fundraising by family, friends and runners. Accompanied by his dad and brother, he received a huge round of applause from the runners and spectators.

The 2018 Hitchin Town Centre 5km race first three men - Andrew Patterson, Mark Vaughan and James Huish. Picture: Burnt Hare Events (Image: Archant)

The race was hotly contested at the front right up until the final straight, where Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Andrew Patterson won with a time of 16 minutes and 54 seconds. Mark Vaughan of North Herts Road Runners came second, in 17:01, with Garden City Runners’ James Huish in third with 17:29.

The 2018 Hitchin Town Centre 5km race first three women - Emily Hutchinson, Paula Holm and Gemma Ward. Picture: Burnt Hare Events (Image: Archant)

The first woman across the line was Emily Hutchinson in 18:59. Second was Paula Holm in 20:52, and Gemma Ward came third in 21:26.

2018 Hitchin Town Centre 5km race team award winners Hitchin Running Club, who were followed by Garden City Runners in second and North Herts Road Runners in third. Picture: Burnt Hare Events (Image: Archant)

The overall club or team award went to Hitchin Running Club, with a combined time of 54:57. Garden City Runners came second with 57:16, with North Herts Road Runners in third with 57:24.