THE 10th anniversary of the High Legh 10k takes place early next month.

And organisers have been reflecting on its success.

Six hundred runners are booked in to take part in the sold out run through the Cheshire countryside on March 6.

Nick Cavenagh, who founded the race 10 years ago, will be flying in to take part.

He said: “I can’t tell you how proud I am each year to see how it has grown.

“The idea came to me during an early morning training run in High Legh – it struck me that for such a small village with more than a dozen different routes on beautiful Cheshire lanes with little traffic, it could be perfect for a small 10k.

“The idea was to produce a run that people would want to come back to and the first year, 60 runners took part.

“Now the race has grown tenfold to 600 runners – and a waiting list.”

The race is dedicated to Robert Moffat who lived in High Legh in the 19th century. He was the head gardener for the High Legh Estate before leaving to live and work in South Africa for more than 50 years. He returned to the village before his death in 1878.

Jono Guildford (Manchester Front Runners) and Nicola Gerrard (Lymm Runners) both return this year having run all 10 races.

Jono said: “That first year I remember it was all about the posh portaloos, with the Molton Brown handwash.

“It felt like a special race, although the hill finish up to the field was tough.

“Then the start/finish moved to the school which led to the introduction of coffee and cakes, and even veggie sausage barms for me.”

For Nicola, the story of Moffat is part of her inspiration for competing.

She added: “For me, his story encapsulates three passions of mine: gardening, running and praying.”

This year’s sponsors are: Mere Spa, Abbey Leys Farm, High Legh Garden Centre, High Legh Park Golf Club, Roberts Bakery, Costcutter, RMS Signage, Sheldons Dairy Knutsford, Moto in the Community, The Co-op, Lymm Gin and Champagne, The Bears Paw Country Inn and Restaurant, Room Forty Mobile Afternoon Tea, Samantha Foxall Sports Massage & Therapy

  • For more information visit highlegh10k.org.uk.