RUNNERS across the district are putting the finishing touches to their race technique ready for the Standalone 10k this weekend. The race, which is sponsored by The Comet and other local businesses, will take place on Sunday at Standalone Farm in Wilbury

RUNNERS across the district are putting the finishing touches to their race technique ready for the Standalone 10k this weekend.

The race, which is sponsored by The Comet and other local businesses, will take place on Sunday at Standalone Farm in Wilbury Road, Letchworth GC.

Up to 1,200 runners will make their way around the farm grounds and through nearby roads.

Last year the race was won by Neil Miller of Bedford and County Athletic Club in 31m 51s and the winning lady was Elizabeth Hall of Herts Phoenix AC in 36m 31s.

Richard Harbon, race director, said: "We've built the 10k from being a local fun run to being one of the primary road races not only in Hertfordshire but also in the country.

"But it's also a fun run as well so we get a lot of local people taking part.

"People see it as a very social, friendly event to take part in, but we also get a lot of runners from the across the South East taking part as it's a very competitive course."

On the day, there will be free entry to the farm, and a free, enter-on-the-day children's race after the main competition, as well as a jazz band to entertain spectators.

Money raised by the event will go to British Blind Sport, in memory of North Herts Road Runner Paul Pearce.

The starters' orders will sound at 10am but the roads to the farm will be closed from 9.30am so the advice is to arrive early.

Entry has now closed but spectators are still welcome.

Organisers North Hertford-shire Road Runners would like to thank Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foun-dation, North Hertfordshire District Council and Hert-fordshire and Bedfordshire Police for their help.