Six intrepid Garden City Runners took part in the challenging North Chilterns 50K looped trail run starting at Putteridge Bury, in Luton.

Nikki Cowen, was “over the moon” with her time of 5:36.07 as she had anticipated completing the course in six hours plus.

She said: “The course was very well signposted and marshalled - extremely hilly but offering stunning views. There were three checkpoints en route with plenty of refreshments and friendly marshals, all willing to fill bottles with water. The trails were perfect and definitely one to do if you like 50k!”

The evergreen Nick Genever finished in 4:55:26; Peter Jasko in 4:59:00; Andrew Ackrill in 5:11:13; Malcolm Baron in 5:50:32, and Stuart Whitford 6:03:04.

Several GCRs ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon including Helen and Daniel Ashcroft. Helen set a PB of 2:08.32 while Daniel completed the course in 1:41.46. He described it as “a great race, and a very well organised event set in the heart of London”.

Lee Wood also took part and reported that despite being incredibly crowded - with parts of the route and infrastructure seemingly unable able to cope with 18,000 runners) it's possibly his favourite ever half marathon.

“I was a bit concerned that the course, with over half being in Hyde Park, would be dull, but the atmosphere was electric,” he said.

Lee ran for “an amazing” suicide prevention charity based in London and said: “Our small team of runners have raised enough for over 50 people to access immediate, ongoing face to face support which I'm really proud to have been a small part of. Any donations would be amazing and thankfully received!”

Ricardo Neto ran for the National Deaf Children Society, finishing in 1:34. He said the best part was having his daughter waiting at the end of the race.