Road race diverted following crash (From Watford Observer)

Ricky Road Run diverted following crash on Heronsgate Road

5:10pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

A car crash in Chorleywood on the route of a 10 mile run on Sunday had the most unfortunate of consequences for hundreds of runners as they ended up being diverted up one of the area’s steepest hills.

The Ricky Road Run event saw 350 runners raise a total of £30,000 for The Peace Hospice and Water Aid but they were made to work hard for it after having to re-route uphill shortly before the nine mile marker.

But when a crash closed a section of Heronsgate Road, just short of the 9 mile mark, organisers were forced to act quickly to avoid having to cancel the race.

Marshals changed the route, diverting runners along Rendlesham Way and up a steep hill before rejoining the planned route at Stag Way.

Ian Leitch from Phoenix AC won the race, finishing in 51 mins 50 secs while Sian Thomas of Chiltern Harriers became the first female finisher when she crossed the line in one hour and 42 seconds.

Simon Kelly, one of the volunteers who helped organise the race, said a small section of the route had to be cut but said a good time was still had by all.

He added: "I would like to say thank you to all the marshals, we had 40 in total many from the local community and we couldn’t have done it without them."