The Welwyn 10k 2023 was organised by the Welwyn Garden City Runners (GCR) in partnership with Welwyn Festival Week and HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors, Tarmac and Croudace Homes.

29 Jun Proud supporters of The Welwyn 10K 2023

Posted at 00:00h in Community News by

On 26 June, nearly 500 runners braved the heat to take on the scenic course

The Welwyn 10k 2023 was organised by the Garden City Runners (GCR) in partnership with Welwyn Festival Week and HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors, Tarmac and Croudace Homes.  This year it moved from the roads around Welwyn to Panshanger Park and the change was voted a huge success. Runners were hardly put off either by the challenging course, the swarm of bees that had to be cleared at the start or the oppressive heat—around 25°—as nearly 500 runners assembled.

The race was started by Annie Brewster, current Board Member of Herts Sports Partnership. She is also the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in Nomination 2024-25, and the theme for her year in office will be Sport for Good.

But there was only one name on everyone’s lips by the end—and that was of GCR club runner Dan Pudner, who finished in a flat 37 minutes, beating club colleague Chris Baylis by more than two minutes, while in fifth place the popular Peter Harvey was the first in his age category (MV50). First lady home was Wendy Walsh from St. Albans Striders, while Helen Stafford and Sophie Packman were the first two GCR ladies across the line. This helped Garden City Runners to win both the Men’s Ladies’ Team events.

For others it was more of a social occasion, and an opportunity to take in the spectacular views at a leisurely pace along the scenic trail, including the 500-year-old oak tree, the newly planted 17,000 tree Queen’s wood, and the original Orangery—all on either side of the River Mimram.

The event was also family inclusive, as children aged 4 to 14 were able to take part in a 2K fun run.

As ever, there was an impressive festival atmosphere. All finishers received a unique sustainable medal and a digital finishers certificate, handed out by Janice O’Donnell, from long-standing event sponsor HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors. Many then headed off to the cake stall, excellently organised by Åsa Moberg Grout, or cooled down with ice cream from Frank’s Ices and drinks from the Planted Coffee Co, while Herts Wildlife Trust provided an intriguing nature table.  As usual, the Osteopathic Centre were on hand to offer free sports massages for the weary limbs after the race.

Others wanting to get off site took the opportunity for a post-race brunch at Postino in the town centre, organised by Sophie Packman.

It all added up to a magical few hours, which raised a large amount of money for local charities, to kick start Welwyn Festival Week. These include (among others)

Codicote Foodbank; Herts Young Homeless; Mind Hertfordshire; Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled; Defibrillators in Public Places and Digswell Dementia Friendly Community Café.

Summing up the success of an event, which she described as “amazing”, Race Director, Barbara Kubis-Labiak said, “The club is fortunate to have had so many volunteers, runners and walkers turn out to support the event, with friends and families. I hope this becomes an annual event at Panshanger Park and am already looking forward to next year.”

GCR chair, Jane Molloy added her own tribute. “I could not have been any prouder of GCR today and the teamwork that made our Welwyn 10k such a successful and joyful event. The Club is very grateful to our new hosts, Tarmac, who were fantastic partners from the outset—in particular for granting permission to use the park and their sponsorship of the wooden medals. They, along with HRJ Foreman Laws and Croudace Homes, were generous and supportive sponsors.

“We had 80 GCR runners, undeterred by the heat, and some magnificent race achievements.  I was delighted that so many recent graduates of our Couch-to-5K programmes took part, and loved seeing the smiling faces of all our volunteers.

“The organising committee worked tirelessly over the last few months to pull it all together, and particular thanks go to Race Director, Barbara Kubis-Labiak, who steered the team with such enthusiasm. It has been lovely to hear so many positive feedback comments about how much people enjoyed the day.”

Full race results are here: https://my.raceresult.com/235110/results

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