The annual Tough Ten was back for its 42nd year and once again showed off the very best of Abbots Langley.
This year’s winner of the 10k race was Matt Robins who finished in a staggering 35.01 minutes.
Matt did the 5k race at the Tough Ten about 10 years ago when he was a child so to come back now all these years later and win was a real full-circle moment for him.
Speaking to ABBOTSnews, he said: “The hill was horrible, I kept looking over my shoulder expecting someone to come and overtake me.”
“I am going to feel it tomorrow.”
Matt said he will celebrate with a nice meal and “maybe a beer or two”.
The ‘Nice Work’ team who managed the race timers confirmed that there were 607 starters in the race this year.
Some highlights of the day include, the runner who completed the 10K dressed as a turtle, the couple who finished the 10K race hand-in-hand, and the bacon sandwiches.
The Tough Ten was founded in 1982 after police officer Reg Hunt and George Harrison wanted to think of a way to raise money for the police charity Mencop.
They settled on a 10-mile race which has evolved into the Tough Ten that we see today – a 3K, 5K and 10K race, the latter being famed for its gruelling hill.
George sadly passed away last year but his legacy lives on through the fantastic event.
Reg was in attendance acting as the race compare where he delighted everyone with his charming remarks and words of encouragement.
Speaking to ABBOTSnews he said: “It’s Abbots Langley at its finest, it’s absolutely tremendous.”
Reg’s grandson was even running the race!
The day was a glorious community-centred day with people of all ages in attendance smiling and laughing.
Jane Lay, chairman of the Abbots Langley parish council said to ABBOTSnews: “I was here when they started it.
“It’s been such a wonderful day and it hasn’t rained.”
Councillor Stephen Giles Medhurst said to ABBOTSnews: “It is a fantastic charitable event which raises a huge amount of money for local groups.
“It really is one of the highlights that we have here in Abbots Langley.”
The months of hard work and preparation from the Tough Ten team was certainly worth it.
ExPc Reg Hunt ((Abbots Langley’s local Bobby)
What a fantastic day at the ALTT on Sunday.
Nice to see families, friends, and relations,some I New who attended the local schools when they were children,and now have Children of their own.
Thank you to you reporters who did a tremendous job of
Bring he work of the ALTT committee, and the races to the Media’s atttention.
I had the great honour to be presented with a Bench my name engraved alongside the late George Harrison on a plaque on the rear of the bench ,which is situated
In Manor House Gardens , facing the cricket pitch.
The ALTT have chosen their name for this years charity as the SAVI SCOUT machine for the west hearts hospital
to help everyone who is diagnosed with Breast Cancer
My wife who attended today has Breast Cancer is undergoing treatment.
I look forward to the presentation evening ,and Continuing to assist at the next ALTT race in Oct 2025
Reg.