More than 700 enthusiastic runners and walkers took part on Sunday 1 October for the ninth annual Willow 10K.
Held in the spacious and stunning grounds of Hatfield House the ever growing popular event has raised more than £350,000 since it began. Funds are still coming in, but it is hoped that the overall total over the years could reach almost £400,000.
Despite a damp start to the day, it was the perfect weather for runners with a cool breeze and almost no rain during the run. There was a fun atmosphere in the popular Runners’ Village area with food, games, balloon modelling and other treats for the runners and their supporters.
Once more, Willow 10K proved to be popular with a wide age range, with the youngest registered runner being only two years old in the Junior 1K and the oldest a grand seventy-four in the main run.
Bob Wilson, Willow’s co-founder and Life President, welcomed the runners and introduced Carolyn Linsell to speak about her experience of a Special Day after her nephew was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Carolyn touched on many other important aspects of Willow too; with her being a Willow volunteer and a runner who’s completed four previous Willow 10K’s and her first marathon in London this year.
A large contingent ran in support of Lisa Langford, a mother of two who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year. Lisa completed the run last year following her Willow Special Day and her husband ran the 10K race this year on his birthday, with their two sons taking part in the Junior 1K. There was a huge crowd of Lisa’s family and friends running with purple balloons in her memory, which they released after the race.
The Willow 10K tenth anniversary race will take place on Sunday 7 October 2018 at Hatfield House. Sign up now at willowfoundation.org.uk/willow10K
Photos from the Willow 10K can be found here and timings here.