The Stevenage 10k dominated the focus for running clubs at the weekend.

Sunday's event was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation by Stevenage Striders.

The day started with a mini mile, with over 100 four to 14-year-olds taking part and earning themselves their own special medal. 

A spokeswoman said: "It was a brilliant way to kick off the event, and a fantastic time was had by all the young sports people of the future."

Striders chairman Marc Hagland said: "With nearly 300 runners crossing the finish line, we are so proud of yet another amazing community event in Stevenage. 

"It was a brilliant club effort, with our members giving up their time to make everything go smoothly, as well baking all the cakes that are given out at the end.

"We also look forward to presenting this year's charities - Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre, Better Beginnings For Babies at the Lister Neonatal Unit and Stevenage Community Trust - with their cheques."

The main 10k race was won by Dominic Howarth of Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets AC in 34:52.

There were a total of 273 finishers and Fairlands Valley Spartans claimed second place overall thanks to the efforts of Simon Jackson.

He finished in a time of 35 minutes 33 seconds.

There were six others involved - Robert Wright (53:53), Kim Jury (54:36), Jim Brown (56:44), Dave Ackery (1:00:57), Vicky Archer (1:04:50) and Roger Briggs (1:38:52).

The Comet: Stevenage Phoenix at the Stevenage 10k. Picture: STEVENAGE PHOENIXStevenage Phoenix at the Stevenage 10k. Picture: STEVENAGE PHOENIX (Image: Stevenage Phoenix)

Seven Phoenicians took on the challenge with the first of them home being Jay Papa in a time of 44:17, a new age category club record.

He was followed in by the club's first lady, Kath Phoenix in 48:25, another category club record, and Kayla Laughton completed the record breakers with 51:48.

Ken Hall had an amazing run to win the male 70 age category trophy in 52:51.

Ian Young (49:07), Conor O’Neill (51:22), Graham Eden (51:57) and Scott Crawford (57:59) were the others.

The Comet: North Herts Road Runners with their individual trophies from Hatfield. Picture: NHRRNorth Herts Road Runners with their individual trophies from Hatfield. Picture: NHRR (Image: North Herts Road Runners)

North Herts Road Runners had four pounding the cycle lanes.

James Dalton was the first Squirrel to cross the finish line in an impressive 41:24.

Dervla Downing was not far behind, finishing in 50:11, and inspired by their enjoyable experience one year previously, Georgia and Richard Barker also signed up to run again.

They finished together in a respectable 1:02:58.

There was a superb end for the club to the Hatfield 5k Series.

They had a total of 35 runners in the third and final race and there were five individual and two series medals.

Rhia Botha won the individual FV35 category, with team-mate Jane Clarke scooping third. Both produced PBs in the final race.

Rachel Arnott was third FV45 and Caroline Thrussell second in the FV55 category. 

Pete Sibbett was thrilled with third in the MV60 category, with a promising return to form after a string of injuries.

The teams also performed strongly in the series with Botha, Sophie Thrussell and Arnott finishing second overall in the ladies' team with the men's team of Tom Doble, Kris Whitmore, Ian Datlen and Mike Over claiming third on the podium.

Spartans had more success at the third and final race too.

Jonathan Parr won overall, his average time for the three races being 16:20.

Nick Gill got another PB, knocking it down to 17:25 which placed him inside the top 20, while Alison Wood was first woman 55 plus with 21:03

Ten Spartans finished the race, the others in the club’s first four being Simon Jackson in 12th and Mike Jeffs in 25th.

Stevenage Phoenix also had Phil Gover at the Spitfire 10k, held at the RAF Museum in Hendon.

Each runner was given an 'in memory of' banner to attach to their shirt to honour one of the many fallen fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain.

He finished in 54:48.