For Race results go to www.chiptiming.co.uk

For race photographs go to www.funrunpictures.co.uk

17th May 2009 - Race Day Report

Heavy rain during the 10k race did not dampen the spirits of those competing, and over 1,000 adults had crossed the finish line by the end of the 2009 event. Despite the monsoon-like conditions, spectators lined the local streets to cheer people on and the marshals, all volunteers, provided much needed encouragement.

The day began officially at 9.30am with an opening speech from the Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Alan Dobbie. Hornsey YMCA Fitness Centre Manager, Paul Mynott, led what seemed like the entire race field in an aerobic warm up, which also had the added benefit of getting everyone smiling and into the spirit of things.

10am saw Eastenders actor Jake Wood (Max Branning) wishing the assembled runners good luck, before starting the adult race and then crossing the start line to complete in the race himself! Almost instantly the gun went off, the heavens opened and the wind whipped up, making conditions difficult for some, but seemingly inspiring others, as many runners reported personal best times. Honours went to the London Heathside team, with both the women and men's teams victorious, and London Heathside members placing first in the individual races: George Stewart led home the men in a time of 33.54, and 2008 winner Sarah Swinhoe was the first women over the line in 37.49. A team from our event sponsors, Thornton's Budgens of Crouch End, were the first placed 'unaffiliated team', which included the owner Andrew Thornton who finished in a personal best time of 43.47. (Thornton's Budgens made an excellent promotional film of the day, which you can download and view by going to https://musgrave.sharefile.com/d-sf2fb47f719c42b78)

By the time Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, presented the prizes to the adult winners, the sun had broken through the clouds and was drying off the runners who were eating their doughnuts from Dunn's the bakery, and wearing their t-shirts designed by Them® (www.them.co.uk).

Quotes about the 10k race on the Runners World website showed that people really enjoyed themselves:

"Excellent support even in the rain. Great local race."

"Local event with great atmosphere and good standard of runners"

"I would recommend this race to anyone. The t-shirt is lovely too. I will be back next year."

"The run was well organised and the atmosphere celebratory."

"Brilliant run, my first one and I absolutely loved it!"

Actor Ian Hart, who is also a local resident, started the children's races at 12.10, which were luckily bathed in sunshine. The park filled up with families and supporters, who had plenty to do between races visiting the many attractions, which included face painting, beat the goalie, an assault course, fun fair, tombola, music stage and boxing exhibition, as well as stalls from the nominated charities. All were raising money to go towards the sponsorship totals, and over a £1,000 was collected in the Park.

Nine children's races later and it was all over ...until next year! Our thanks go to the 150 plus volunteers who made the day possible, some of whom were there from 5am in the morning!

The 2010 race will be the 20th Anniversary of the Hornsey YMCA Crouch End 10k and Children's Fun Run, and we are hoping it will be bigger and better than ever. Watch this space for confirmation of the date which will be sometime in May

Fundraising

To qualify for entry to our top fundraiser competition, please pay in your sponsorship by 24th July 2009.

Adult Prize: pamper/fitness package including one months Gold Membership, two personal training sessions, an Indian Head Massage and voucher from Organics in Crouch End.

Children's Prize: a day out with nine of their friends at Lambourne End Outdoor Centre.