A GROUP of workers at a garage chain have collected the thousands of pounds they raised by running the New York marathon. Ten members of staff from the Formula One Autocentres head office in Boulton Road, Stevenage, flew out to New York in November for th

A GROUP of workers at a garage chain have collected the thousands of pounds they raised by running the New York marathon.

Ten members of staff from the Formula One Autocentres head office in Boulton Road, Stevenage, flew out to New York in November for the run.

Formula One chairman Phil Glencross, who was among the runners, said: "There were a number of us at head office who wanted to improve our fitness or raise money for charity and a visit to New York is certainly a big incentive, so we decided we'd go for it and started training last January."

As well as raising money for a number of charities, the challenge helped the workers get fit, with area manager Nick Green managing to shed five stone during his training.

Phil's son Leon, sales director, who also ran, said: "We all thoroughly enjoyed running this marathon, even though it was hard work. "We have each vowed to stick to our new, healthier lifestyles so perhaps we can persuade even more recruits to run another marathon later this year."

* Pictured, back row, left to right, are Mel Ransome, Nick Green, Tom Crutchley, Phil Glencross, Steve Lant and Leon Glencross. Front row, left to right, are Paul Noel, Jon Butcher, Darryl McMullan, Paul Wilde.