North Herts Road Runners overcame arctic snowy weather to host the third race in this year's Three Counties Cross Country Championship.

Held on a 5.3 mile course across hilly fields between Baldock and Weston, it was still well attended though.

Race director Richard Harbon said: "Almost 300 runners competed in snow and sub-zero temperatures, all with beaming smiles."

And it proved a good day for the home club as 44 of their number took part, finishing first in the combined competition after both the ladies and men's teams top their respective rankings.

Men's team captain, John Auld said: "The men's team were amazing. They achieved one of the best scores in recent years.

"The ladies were also fabulous against very tough opposition."

Katie Harbon and Anna Klucnika took first and second in the individual ladies' race while Adam Bowller was second in the men's event.

Rachel Arnott and Hannah Ridley completed the scoring team for the ladies while the other men to bring home points were Ben Hadman, Mike Roberts, Wayne Bell, Nathan Pask, Ben Sewell, Stewart Overton and Vince Wright.  

Overall, the result moves the Letchworth-based running club to top spot of the combined league ahead of rivals Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers.

The men and women are second.

Fairlands Valley Spartans meanwhile were tackling the few parkruns that beat the weather.

Being entirely off road meant Letchworth Parkrun was one of those to survive and it attracted nine Spartans.

Grant Ramsay was second with Nick Gill also in the top 10, finishing eighth. Georgie Hooper was sixth woman.

Stevenage was one of those to be cancelled but runners will get two attempts at the course this weekend.

The regular Saturday event will go ahead on Christmas Eve with a second one taking place the next day, both starting at 9am.