A RECORD number of runners braved the blustery weather to run the Buntingford Year End 10 Mile race, on Sunday (December 31). A total of 530 entrants completed the course around the streets of Buntingford and the lanes of Aspenden and Westmill. Royston

A RECORD number of runners braved the blustery weather to run the Buntingford Year End 10 Mile race, on Sunday (December 31).

A total of 530 entrants completed the course around the streets of Buntingford and the lanes of Aspenden and Westmill.

Royston Runners race director Richard Dajda said he was relieved.

"Adverse weather is becoming a feature of this race. Freman College, the race headquarters was flooded overnight and Runners had to remove blown-down trees that were blocking country lanes," he said.

"Thanks to the great efforts of the college staff and help from Royston Runners touring the course early on, the race went off without a hitch"

Thomas Burke of Bedford and County AC was first over the line in 54 minutes 31 seconds, followed by John Clarke of Newham & Essex Beagles in 54:37, and Adam Mills of Highgate Harriers in 55:26.

The first woman was Nicki Nealon of Huncote Harriers in 60:44, followed by North Herts Road Runners' Astrid McKeown (62:14) and Lizz Clifford of Garden City Runners, just over two minutes later.

David Randall of Cheltenham & Country Harriers won the vet 40 men's section in 59:02, and finished eighth overall, ahead of Kevin Vaughan (60:58) and Colin Braybrook (61:41).

Christopher Lamoth won the vet 50 men's event in 63:42, with Richard Bloom taking the vet 60 men section in 69:34.

Clare Reed won the vet 35 women's setion in 65:40, two minutes 11 seconds clear of Deborah Steer, and a further 110 seconds ahead of Mandy Livingstone.

The vet 45 women's race was won by Sue Spong of Havering 90 Joggers in 70:34, with Elizabeth Walls (61:51) and Jackie Perry (74:15) following her home. Harlow's Linda Selby won the Vet 55 race in 84:22.

Garden City Runners swept the board in the team sections.

Their men's team of Matt Robin, Graham Robinson, Mark Dickinson and Brad Plummer all finished in the top 20 to lift the trophy, while Lizz Clifford, Mandy Livingston and Martha Hall won the women's equivalent.