Ware Joggers are based at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware, Herts at the top of the Lee Valley. The club, founded in 1987, has grown to around 400 members and is the inspiration and driving force behind the Ware Festival of Running.

This year's Ware Festival of Running took place on Sunday (3 July) with the usual two-race format (10 miles and 10K) and 440 runners enjoyed a well-marshaled, multi-terrain event in the sunshine judging by the many positive comments posted on Facebook.

Here is one completely unbiased tribute from Neil Merritt: "As the Race Director’s partner, I can completely and unbiasedly confirm that this was the best running event I have ever participated in. Many thanks to all the amazing marshals who did an absolutely superb job making sure that everything went as safely and smoothly as possible. Can’t wait for next year!"

Neil finished 71st in the 10-miler (1:20:42) and his reaction was typical of the plethora of favourable comments left.

The 10-mile race started 15 minutes ahead of the 10K race at 9:30am and the top three men finished inside 60 minutes – David Craddock (Hoddesdon Tri Club, 58:02); M40 Peter Cole (Edmonton Running Club, 59:55) and Alex Hardy (Orion Harriers, 59:56).

W45 Helen Mussen (Watford Joggers, 1:05:00) led the way in the women's race from fellow master W55 Jo Kent (Barnet & District, 1:09:55) and Chloe Thomas (Edmonton RC, 1:13:55).

Our image, courtesy of official photographer India-Mae Doe, shows the scramble at the start of the 10K race, with Ware Joggers' race winners Vincent Riviere wearing #534 and Katy Woodward wearing #142.

Eagle-eyed runABC South readers will spot that Katy is wearing a 10-mile race number and she obviously made a late decision to opt for the shorter distance. The 10K was won by the host club's M40 Vincent Riviere in 35:32 from clubmate Iain McMurray (36:01) and Declan Evans (Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners, 37:34).

W35 Katy Woodward (38:24) finished fourth overall to take the top spot in the women's race from W45 Sarah Wild (44:05) and W45 Fleur Harvey-Keenan (St Albans Striders, 44:47).     

Full results via the runABC South race listing here

Race details at the Ware Joggers Festival of Running website here

Image courtesy I Doe Photography/Ware Festival of Running