Hundreds of runners helped make history on Sunday as Standalone 10k celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The Comet: Standalone 10k: Darth Vader was among those to take part. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: Darth Vader was among those to take part. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

The Letchworth race, first held by North Herts Road Runners in 1987, saw more 1,300 runners complete the 6.2-mile course which starts and finishes at Standalone Farm.

And in a twist of fate, Alexander Lepetre from Barnet & District AC was first to finish with a gun time of 32 minutes and 30 seconds – the same time posted by Roger Wadeley in the inaugural race. The first woman to finish was NHRR’s own Katie Harbon, in a time of 38m 30s.

The Comet: Standalone 10k: There were big crowds encouraging runners home at the finish. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: There were big crowds encouraging runners home at the finish. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

This year’s event – more than four times the size of the 1987 version – also saw 300 youngsters take part in a revamped fun run, some crossing the line to receive their medals with parents who had not long completed the Standalone 10k itself.

Organisers from North Herts Road Runners have hailed the contribution of groups from the Air Cadets to Rotarians for helping to make the race a success, with a tribute to the support from the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation before the start.

The Comet: Standalone 10k: Crowds at the Standalone Farm finish. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: Crowds at the Standalone Farm finish. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

NHRR member and race director Richard Harbon said: “With more than 1,300 runners and miles of roads to close, we depend completely on our own volunteers and those from other groups to ensure we have enough marshals and helpers to put on a safe and enjoyable event.

“I am hugely grateful to everyone who helped us on the day.”

The Comet: Standalone 10k: Runners approach the finish in Letchworth. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: Runners approach the finish in Letchworth. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

Letchworth-based Garden House Hospice Care was chosen by organisers as the beneficiary from this year’s race, with many runners also supporting the cause. NHRR expects to donate a four-figure sum to the hospice once the race accounts have been finalised.

For a link to the full set of results visit www.standalone10k.org.uk.

The Comet: Standalone 10k: Crossing the line at the Standalone Farm finish. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: Crossing the line at the Standalone Farm finish. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Standalone 10k: This year marked 30 years of the race. Picture: Christian TrampenauStandalone 10k: This year marked 30 years of the race. Picture: Christian Trampenau (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Standalone 10k: Garden City Samba performed for runners as they approached the finish in Letchworth. Picture: Nick GillStandalone 10k: Garden City Samba performed for runners as they approached the finish in Letchworth. Picture: Nick Gill (Image: Archant)