Blue skies, bright sushine and a large crowd set the scene for the 3rd Walford Timber Ross 10k and Fun Run held in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice.Ross Mayor, Councillor Chris Bartrum, accompanied by the Mayoress Jane Roberts, was on hand to start both runs and hand out medals to the finishers.The Fun Run, a 1K course around the Rowing Club field, was won by 14 year old Joseph Gilkes. The 10K was won by Thomas Symonds in 34 minutes, 02 seconds; 2nd and 3rd were, respectively, local boys Gavin Jones and Barry Davies, and in 4th position was main sponsor George Smith of Walford Timber.The first lady home was Sarah Hassall in 9th position in 42 minutes 28 seconds, and in 10th place was another local lad, Dave Knapper. General Sherman, who was the initial canine winner in 2011, regained his title after losing out last year to the dog who accompanied his runner, Kim Mazzuka to first place, and, despite an injured ankle, dragged his runner, Jon Goulding, round to finish in 40th place.

The climax of the afternoon, however, came nearly an hour and a half after the start of the 10K when 82 year old George Horder crossed the finish line to cheers and a great round of applause from the large crowd that had stayed on to welcome him home.Many of the new 10K runners expressed delight at the beauty of the course, and there were at least three requests that Ross hosts a half marathon.

Preparations now begin for the 2014 runs. Details of Sunday's runs can be obtained by visiting http://www.rossonwye4acorns.co.uk">www.rossonwye4acorns.co.uk

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.