Records smashed by 2500 sprinters at Crouch End Fun Run
YMCA Fun Run at Priory Park. Photo: John Macdonald-Fulton - Credit: John M Fulton
Eastenders actress Diane Parish joined 5,000 spectators at the YMCA North London event.
Talented runners were supported by friends. Photo: John Macdonald-Fulton - Credit: John M Fulton
Runners raised more than £23,000, with more sponsorship money still to come.
Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox in Eastenders, fired the starting gun for the adults 10k event, following a two lap route around the lower areas of Alexandra Palace Park.
She said: “The YMCA does a great job working with young homeless people at their hostel. I wish the YMCA every success at today’s event.”
First to cross the line was 23 year old Andrew Brooker, from London Heathside Athletics Club, in 33 minutes 46 seconds – nearly one minute faster than last year’s winner.
Actor Diane Parish joined in the fun. Photo: John Macdonald-Fulton - Credit: John M Fulton
In close pursuit was Martin O’Connell, from Central London’s Serpentine Running Club, who finished just four seconds later in 33 minutes 51 seconds.
In the female 10k event, London Heathside Athletics Club ruled the podium roost again - taking first and second places - won by 33 year-old Celine Murray in 39 minutes two seconds, nearly three minutes faster than competitor Alice Hoskings.
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A total of 1073 men and women completed the 10k event.
The oldest finisher was 78-year-old Chris Begg, from Warwickshire, who runs every year.
More than 1500 children ran in the nine one mile children’s races.
There were some close “photo finishes” in the under six boys event, with Ashton Joseph, Zach Josephs and Luke rumble finishing in six minutes 56 seconds, six minutes 59 seconds, and six minutes 59.1 seconds, respectively.
In the under eights girl’s race, Anouska O’Neill, Ruby Oliver and Elsa Duke finished in six mins 42 seconds, six minutes and 44 seconds, and eight minutes 44.1 seconds.
In the under 16s race, Roland Somogyi finished in four minutes 47 seconds, more than one minute before the 2nd place finishers, friends Rory MrGreary and Finley Reed.
Dunn’s Bakery baked 3000 delicious fresh doughnuts for all race finishers.
Haringey Council leader Claire Kober said: “It was great to see Priory Park packed full of families enjoying the festival and the fun runs in the sun.”
The YMCA Crouch End Fun Run and Festival is a charity event to raise funds for vulnerable young homeless people at the North London YMCA hostel.
- See ymcanorthlondon.org.uk and go the Crouch End Fun Run and festival pages.
