THE sun shone on Stevenage on Bank Holiday Monday as runners of all ages and abilities took their marks for a charity event. The annual community fun run in aid of Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC was a resounding success with nearly 200 runners in t

THE sun shone on Stevenage on Bank Holiday Monday as runners of all ages and abilities took their marks for a charity event.

The annual community fun run in aid of Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC was a resounding success with nearly 200 runners in total.

The rain held off at Fairlands Valley Park to allow individual, team, and children's races to take place and the day was rounded off with a family mass jog.

Runners from Odyssey Health Club in Knebworth took first place in the team event, followed by The Comet and then the Mayor of Stevenage's team.

In the individual category Simon Franklin was first across the line, taking just 11:48 to complete the 3km course.

Ben Crocker came in second, followed by Nik Taylor.

Nicholas Crowley came first in the boys and girls competition, completing the 1.5km course in 5:02.

Following him across the line were Liam Mannion, George Burkett, Josh Bolderson, Robbie Kearney, Peter Humphrey, Dominic Radford-Sims and Reece McCullagh.

Pat Henry from the Stevenage Community Trust, which organised the event, said: "It was a real team effort both for all the runners who took part and everyone who helped on the day to make this another successful fun run at Fairlands Valley Park.

"We raised £1,092.23 for charity, some of which will be used by Garden House Hospice to help with their new extension.

"The remaining money will be used by the Stevenage Community Trust and the Rotary Clubs of Stevenage to award grants to the local community.

"Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters and we look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's fun run.