A record number of people braved the wind and rain to take part in a charity run yesterday (Sunday) raising money for the fight against heart disease.

The Comet: Rachel Croker and Cleo Sullivan before the raceRachel Croker and Cleo Sullivan before the race (Image: Archant)

This year’s Knebworth Park Run in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) saw the largest attendance in the event’s nine-year history with 1,040 participants walking, jogging or running the 5km or 10km course.

The Comet: The Comet Team, Harry Hubbard, Nick Gill, Martin Dunne, Sniffer, Oliver Pritchard, James Scott and Darren IstedThe Comet Team, Harry Hubbard, Nick Gill, Martin Dunne, Sniffer, Oliver Pritchard, James Scott and Darren Isted (Image: Archant)

Muddy conditions meant the cross-country route required careful navigation but it didn’t deter competitors on the day, including a six-strong team from event sponsors the Comet.

The Comet: Competitor Ross Turner, from Hitchin, completed the British Heart Foundation 5km jogCompetitor Ross Turner, from Hitchin, completed the British Heart Foundation 5km jog (Image: Archant)

Hayley Reynolds, regional event organiser for BHF, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Knebworth Park Run, in the nine years that the event has been taken part this year showed the largest number of participants. I am so grateful for the support that we have been shown in our fight for heart disease. It was a wonderful day and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

The Comet: Knebworth 5km winner John Lester (far left), family and friendsKnebworth 5km winner John Lester (far left), family and friends (Image: Archant)

Julie Loughlin, Knebworth Park’s marketing and groups co-ordinator, added: “We are delighted to once again donate the use of the park to the British Heart Foundation for their charity run. It’s a wonderful sight to see so many participating.

“We had staff and residents running and stewarding to raise money for such a worthwhile charity and one which affects so many. It was a great experience despite the drizzly weather and mud!”

John Lester, 54, ran the 5km race fastest in 23 minutes 13 seconds. His wife Deb Lester said: “Not bad for a 54 year old! We were running on behalf of my brother Steve who has recently undergone life-saving open heart surgery, and we raised in excess of 1200 pounds for the BHF! Please visit http://www.justgiving.com/teamsteven to donate.”

If you want to know your finishing time or donate to the BHF visit www.bhf.org.uk

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