ATHLETES taking part in this morning's Sudbury Court 10k run were delighted by the sunny conditions.

Bev Thomas, Sudbury Court Running Club's race director said: "It was an excellent race. The weather was beautiful we were really lucky.

"It's about time as it's been wet for the previous two years."

A column of 85 runners set off round the 10km course at Vale Farm Sports Ground in Sudbury Avenue at 11am.

The event, which raised cash for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation for Children with Leukaemia, was won by 33-year-old Eric Vamben, who finished in a time of 35 minutes and 35 seconds.

Eric, of Borehamwood, said: "I'm just back from injury so it's not a bad time.

"The first 3k were great and then my back started to play up.

"Physically I'm not really there at the moment, but the mental strength is.

"But the race was really good and it's been good weather for it."

Winner of the women's race, 38-year-old Sarah Bailey, said: "It was good, but quite windy in places.

Sarah, of Peter Avenue, Willesden, said: "It was my first time doing this race.

"It was well organised and very well marshalled, with someone on every corner.

"It's a good route but the grass sapped my energy."

Sarah finished in a time of 43 minutes and 48 seconds.

The main event was preceded by a children's 1k fun run.

Twins Barry and Christopher Morris, aged 6, of Fairholme Road, Harrow, told the Harrow Times the event was tough but enjoyable.

Christopher said: "The running was tough, it was very hard work.

"I was happy because I had gone in front at the start."

Barry said: "I was very happy to finish."

Ms Thomas said: "I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for more runners to get involved with the club so we can have an even bigger event next time."