Runners attending the remembrance service

THE congregation at the remembrance service in Stebbing was boosted by 400 runners preparing to take part in Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners’ (GFDR) 10-mile road race.

Mark Newton (64) leading from the start

The race began at the war memorial and took runners through the village before heading out along quiet, country lanes and returning to finish at Stebbing Primary School.

Perfect weather conditions helped runners achieve impressive times. Fastest was Mark Newton of Springfield Striders in 55min 14sec, followed by Tom Cammack in 58min 6ses and Steven Groom of Larkfield Athletic Club in 59min 34sec.

First for the women was Jane Fanning of Serpentine Running Club in 1hr 5min 29sec, with Kathryn Chapman of Bishop’s Stortford Running Club 2nd in 1hr 7min 24sec and Jennifer Bradley of Serpentine Running Club 3rd in 1hr 8min.

The male age category winners were: MV40 Richard Fanning (Serpentine RC) 59min 48sec, MV50 Tony Pecoraro (Havering 90 Joggers) 1hr 0min 22sec and MV60 John Tennant (Harlow RC) 1hr 10min 25sec.

The female category winners were: FV35 Fiona Halls (Saffron Striders) 1hr 9min 22sec, FV45 Annette Dix 1hr 11min 4sec and FV55 Karen Hancock (Serpentine RC) 1hr 20min.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Royal British Legion and GFDR’s charity of the year, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. Over the past 12 months the club has raised £1,632 for Essex Air Ambulance, its chosen charity last year.