Record Participation and Fundraising Success
The Ware Festival of Running, an annual event organized by Ware Joggers, attracted more than 600 runners this year, successfully raising £12,000 for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. The event comprised a 10-mile race and a 10k race, drawing 297 and 334 participants respectively. Additionally, a children’s race saw 100 young runners take part.
The popularity of the festival was evident as all places were sold out by May, a couple of weeks earlier than the previous year, despite increasing the field capacity by 50 to a total of 700 runners. Organizers noted that the dropout rate was less than 10 percent, unusually low for such events, reflecting the high level of organization and preparation.
Weather and Volunteer Support
After a spell of hot weather, race day provided comfortable conditions with a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a slight breeze. The races were meticulously supported by nearly 160 marshals and volunteers, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. The funds raised will help support the life-saving work of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, which provides critical emergency medical services across the region.
Race director Jill Patel praised the community effort, stating: “The race adjudicator from England Athletics once again praised us on a well organised, enjoyable and inclusive event for the community. The money raised for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance is the icing on the cake! The Ware 10s committee and I would like to thank everyone who ran, spectated, volunteered and supported us. An event like this doesn’t get to be this good without the support of everyone involved.”
Results: 10-Mile Race
In the 10-mile competition, James Ackerman of Edmonton RC improved on his second-place finish from the previous year to win with a time of 1:01:08. He narrowly beat Harry Kutner of Ware Joggers, who won the event in 2025, finishing just seconds later at 1:01:14. Peter Cole, also from Edmonton RC, secured third place with a time of 1:02:37.
On the women’s side, Emma Cowper of Bishops Stortford Running Club successfully defended her title, crossing the finish line first in 1:06:31. Emily Hathaway from Enfield Chasers took second place in 1:09:04, followed by Tabitha Woodhouse of Herts Phoenix AC in third place at 1:12:44.
Results: 10k Race
The 10k race saw all three top male finishers running unaffiliated to a club. Nick Coates led the field with a time of 35:22, followed by Warrick Weiss at 38:21, and Tom Newman coming third at 40:47. In the women’s category, Christina Tungatt of Ware Joggers claimed first place with a time of 45:47. Sophia Gates of Hertford RC was close behind in second at 46:12, while Fleur Harvey-Keenan of St Albans Striders finished third in 47:10.
Team Awards
Team awards were also presented. In the 10-mile event, the women’s team from Bishops Stortford RC (Emma Cowper, Lucy Hutley, Marie Hockley) took the honors, while the men’s team award went to Edmonton RC (James Ackerman, Peter Cole, Ilia Loubenski). For the 10k, Hertford RC dominated, winning both the women’s team (Sophie Gates, Niamh Turnbull, Charlotte Denhard) and men’s team (Ian Hickman, Robert Stuckey, Joe Williams) awards.
The Ware Festival of Running continues to be a highlight on the local sporting calendar, combining competitive racing with meaningful charitable support. The event's growth and early sell-out underscore its reputation as a well-organized and inclusive community occasion.
