IT WAS a record-breaking day in more ways than one for Sunday s Sandy 10-mile road race. A highest-ever 432 competitors took their marks for the event, which was won by Hitchin runner David Wardle, of the London Irish Club, in 50min 29secs, which was one

IT WAS a record-breaking day in more ways than one for Sunday's Sandy 10-mile road race.

A highest-ever 432 competitors took their marks for the event, which was won by Hitchin runner David Wardle, of the London Irish Club, in 50min 29secs, which was one and a half minutes inside the old record set in 2001.

In a high calibre field where 18 runners broke the 60 minute barrier, club mates Michael Aldridge and Phil Melling from Wootton Road Runners filled the second and third places in 54m 24s and 55m 50s, respectively. This helped Wootton claim the men's team trophy.

The ladies also contributed to a thrilling race with the first three ladies finishing within 47 seconds of each other.

First home was Katherine Philp from Garden City Runners in 64m 4s, followed by club mate Lizzie Clifford in 64m 23s, with Deborah Steer from St Albans Striders in third place. Backed up by Suzy Fitt in fourth spot, Garden City Runners easily claimed the ladies team trophy.

Biggleswade AC runners who performed well included Debs Bryant who was third Lady Vet 35 home in a time of 68m 40s, and Stephen Penny who stormed home in 63m 41s in 40th place overall.

Alistair Burt. MP for North East Bedfordshire, a member of Biggleswade AC, finished in a creditable 84m 53s, which means he is well on track to post a good time in the London Marathon in three weeks time.

Other local runners who ran well included Simon Fawcett (Beds Harriers) from Biggleswade, who set a new personal best of 58m 54s to finish in 16th place.

In the veterans' categories, Kevin Russell of EVAC was a comfortable winner of the Male Vet 40 trophy in 56m 26s, two minutes ahead of Dave Randall from Cheltenham & County Harriers, and Alun Sainsbury of Dacorum & Tring AC.

Phil Redden of Riverside Runners claimed the Male Vet 50 prize in 61m 40s, and Bob Wells of Bedford Harriers just held off Stuart Mann of Herts Phoenix AC to claim the Male Vet 60 prize.

Liz Wallis of St Albans Striders was just six seconds ahead of Veronica Singleton from Bedford Harriers to win the Lady Vet 45 trophy, and Ann Storey, who lives in Gamlingay, held off Riverside club mate Norma Leckie to win the Lady Vet 55 prize.

Proving that you are never too old to run, evergreen PJ Hough of Stopsley Striders and Val Stringer of Ware Joggers won the Male Vet 70 and Lady Vet 65 trophies, respectively. The Erlensee Cup, presented to the club which enters most runners, was won by Bedford Harriers with 73 entries, although the 44 runners from Riverside Runners may point to more competition in future years.

The race was also used as the Beds AAA County Championship 10-mile road race, and Debs Bryant was third placed lady in the county.

Alex Belleu from Biggleswade AC won the two-mile fun run in a time of 11m 13s, followed by Alan Runham in second place and Kirk Sanders third.

Melissa Sergent was first female home in 15mins 5secs which meant that Biggleswade AC claimed both top prizes in each category. Second female.was Kristina Prentice and third place went to Jade Nettleton.

Families also joined in the fun and despite being given the race number 13, Stuart Baillie finished in 15th place then cheered home his children Oliver and Alisha. This year also saw a charity fundraising team from Budgens in fancy dress. Spectators saw a parrot and two rabbits crossing the finish line together. Photos are on display in the store.