Watford Harriers veteran men’s team defended their county title at the Herts county veterans’ five-mile road race at Pednor.

First home for the side was Matt Adcock. He finished fourth overall but his time of 29.23 put him first in the over-40 county race.

Paul Ruttley (31.21) was second in the over-40 category while Graham Mayoh (34.32) and Ciaran Weldon (35.34) completed the team who retained their title and claimed top spot in the open county race.

In the ladies race, Angie Halford (33.45) won the veterans’ over-35 title while Jill Owen (41.45) ended with a bronze medal in the over-45 race.

Watford Joggers took a squad of 23 members to the event. Their stand-out performers were Jess Gray (32.46) who was first in the Herts senior ladies race.

Dave Dixon (31.50) was third in the MV40 category while Brian James (33.11) came home third in the MV60 competition.

Harriers’ Andrew Heyden made his international debut for England at the Anglo-Celtic 100k event at Gravesend.

The energy-sapping race, held over 48 laps, requires strong concentration and Heyden crossed the line in ninth place in a time of 7.07.27. He was the fifth English competitor across the line.