A record number of runners turned out for Letchworth’s Greenway Challenge on Sunday – with almost £5,000 raised for Garden House Hospice Care in the process.

The Comet: Runners at the start of the 2018 Greenway Challenge in Letchworth. Picture: James WalshRunners at the start of the 2018 Greenway Challenge in Letchworth. Picture: James Walsh (Image: Archant)

The annual half marathon event saw 280 runners complete the challenge, which took in a full circuit of the garden city’s Greenway footpath.

Once again organised by North Herts Road Runners, members helped marshal the 13.1-mile course as well as turning their hands to baking homemade cakes to raise £250 for the hospice in Letchworth.

All finishers received a medal provided by Letchworth-based Trisports and further support came from Letchworth-based printers Phillips Digital, who provided the race numbers free of charge.

Race director Lindsay Cook said: “What a great day. We had runners of all abilities tackling the Greenway Challenge – many running their first-ever half marathon. It was fantastic to see everyone finishing happy, if a little tired, and we were delighted to raise so much money for a great local cause.”

The Comet: Cara Sutton, Gladys Cheng, Dervla Downing, Lucy O'Connor, Allison Blunt and Katrina Dixon from North Herts Road Runners before this year's Greenway Challenge. Picture: Courtesy of Lucy O'ConnorCara Sutton, Gladys Cheng, Dervla Downing, Lucy O'Connor, Allison Blunt and Katrina Dixon from North Herts Road Runners before this year's Greenway Challenge. Picture: Courtesy of Lucy O'Connor (Image: Archant)

Next up for NHRR is the return of Run Round the Garden – Letchworth’s only town centre running event.

The races – over distances of 5k, one mile, plus a one-mile fun run for all ages – will be held on Sunday, June 17. Roads including Leys Avenue , Eastcheap and the Broadway will be closed to traffic, providing a unique opportunity for runners of all abilities to race in the heart of the garden city.

The event was first held in 2016 by NHRR and is back by popular demand.

The 5k will start at 10am, followed by the one-mile event at 11am and the fun run closing a great morning of running at 11.3a0am.

The fun run will be free to enter, the 5k will cost £8 and the mile event will be £4. There is a discount price of £10 for those keen enough to enter the 5k and one-mile double challenge.

For full details and to enter online visit www.nhrr.org.uk/run-round-the-garden.html.