Hundreds raced to the finish line of the first ever Spire Hospital Bushey 10k on Sunday, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The sold-out run took over from the Bushey Quarter Marathon, which was a fixture in the Bushey Festival for 26 years.

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This year’s new route began at Queens’ School, in Aldenham Road, and took runners through King George Recreation Ground.

Organisers from the David Lloyd Pacers said they were delighted with the £7,000 raised for The Prince’s Trust.

David Lloyd Pacers club coach, Celia Findlay, said: "We had a great turnout, despite the hot weather more than 300 adults ran and 270 children took part.

"I think most people had a really good day and we’ve had positive feedback from lots of runners."

Ms Findlay says that, despite there being some confusion with the marshalling on the day, they would really like to run the event next year and hopefully make it a regular in the Bushey calendar.

She added: "I’m up for a challenge. It was a lot of work but we learn from our mistakes and we’ve been really encouraged by the positive comments from people."

Other activities aside from running were available for those who attended the event, which kicked off at 11am.

Visitors could take part in a penalty shoot-out with Watford FC coaches.

There was also a bouncy castle for youngsters, as well as face painting and dance classes.

Spire Hospital Bushey also had their physiotherapists to hand to help with people’s aches and pains after the gruelling workout.

Aside from the 10k run for adults, which introduced chip timing for all participants, there was also a series of runs for youngsters to participate in.

With boys and girls races split into groups of reception to year two, year three to year six and year seven to year 10, winners came from Bournehall Primary School, Ashfield Junior School and Bushey Meads School.

As race director, Ms Findlay said she would like to thank all those involved who helped make this new addition to the Bushey calendar such a success.

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She would especially like to thank her fellow seven runners from David Lloyd Pacers who helped put the event on.

They are Jane Jaffe, Mel Angel, Bente Norlyk, Jan Williams, Jeanine Ottman, Michelle Trigg and Nicole Leviton.

Ms Findlay said she was also very grateful for the support of the main sponsor of the event, Spire Hospital Bushey.